Sakura puts forward a plan with Iason, hoping to help Gon regain his Nen; as Vastorie gets a surprise visit from Kurapika.
Prompt
With or without you
With time to spare, Iason was left to his own devices, Gon and Sakura enjoying a day out. He really wanted to be left alone to his own devices; the last couple of days have been doing a number on his mentality.
Even as he reads, the words came off as gibberish, his mind unable to focus, instead, entering La-La land with the fairies. Even then, nothing still made sense…
He was getting close to the two of them, but something felt a little off with the situation. He felt comfortable, even wanting to stay with them, but with everything his hiding it still didn't feel right to reveal his past. He felt like it would take years before he could say anything he has held onto for so long…
But at the same time, being around those two, just made him want to trust them; he just didn't know to what extent he should trust them with his past. It was like an unending conundrum.
A door closing signalled that the two were back, Iason shifting in his seat to look behind him, bringing in shopping. The two stumbled around, sorting through the bags as the boy turned to look behind him, dropping the book he had so adequately forgot he was reading, instead opting to help sort out the bags.
Iason's expression warmed once took notice of a small glass container with the label 'Paprika' they didn't have to do it, but they got it anyway. He was more floating the idea. It not like he was expecting them to go ahead with, but they did it anyway. He continued to help them unpack the bags, feeling a slight skip of a heartbeat.
He didn't know if they got anything else, but seeing that, whether intentional or not meant something to him. He just buried the feeling within himself, hoping none of them caught onto his descent into madness, falling for a 'goofball' and Botanist.
He doesn't mean that in a bad way though, it's just who they are, what makes them special and not a cut and paste, carbon copy of everyone else.
Every little thing started to matter to him. The way Gon would rub his nose if he accidentally walked into a door while he was spaced out, a flashbang smile, following suit.
He should really patent that idea, and then sell it to companies. Who needs electricity, when you got someone whose smile could light the world? As cheesy as the idea is, he feels like it would be wrong…
Sakura had been receiving it for months before he even met Gon…
A cheeky smile graced the boy's lips. Sakura should get a cut too… Oh, wait, that wouldn't work… there's also Killua, Daniel… Mito-San… by the time his narrowed down whom else has been memorised by that smile, he'll be lucky if he got a few measly Jenny, like less than ten…
Iason scrunched his hair, diverting his mind from the smile. His heart fluttered whenever he saw it, and thinking too much about tended to leave him in a daze.
Shifting his attention, the boy focused his mind on Sakura. The best way to summarise the boy was that he enjoyed nature to the fullest. But that wouldn't be the whole of it. How he treated Gon, was how one would treat a frail flower. Yes, he chastised him, but that was when he was being teased… or when Gon tended to show his affections so easily.
It was always a soft touch, followed by kind words. His smile wasn't like Gon's, but it tended to leave one speechless in a different kind of way. Each word was like a step in a field, placed perfectly to avoid hurting anything in its path. Maybe it was developed while he was with Gon, but the genuine care he showed while avoiding delicate topics, showed in his kindness.
Gon wasn't chipping away he his defences, it was Sakura…
Gon just tended to come in like a bulldozer, which usually made Iason want to protect himself, to rebuild his walls from Gon's disaster. Over time, he knew if the three of them were to continue like this, sooner or later… they were going to find out about his past.
The question is… would they still want to stay with him after having learned his secret?
It wasn't like he wanted to hide his past. It's not like he's some A-Class criminal; he's just an escapee, someone who was liberated from the rules of East Gorteau. He did it with someone else, but it just hurt so much to relive it, and so he locked away the memories… hidden deep within his heart.
"Shoot…" Sakura groaned as he emptied the last bag. They remembered everything, but the milk, "we forgot something… the milk."
Gun hummed, apologetic gaze looking over his partner "I guess we did… I'm just surprised we didn't notice until now."
"How about I go get it…" Iason offered; considering they got him Paprika and at least another four other seasons by the looks of it. It's the least he could do. Plus, he is in dire need of some fresh air.
Sakura, on the other hand, had a different idea. Now was an opportune time to have some alone time with Iason. There was something he needs to know if it's possible to help Gon regain his Nen. Iason knows about Nen, so he might know of a way to help him get Gon's back.
"How about I help Iason, and Gon helps start marinating the pork?"
Gon frowned, wouldn't it have been better if Iason marinated the pork, and it was them who went back out?
Iason seemed to read the boy's thoughts "I should be the one to do the marinating… I have a little experience with it."
"Nu, you've been cooped up. Plus, we don't want you to do all the work…"
"Ok…" Iason held a finger up to the kitchen "There's a little bag filled with some seasoning already. Just add a tablespoon of soy sauce, teaspoon of mustard, half a teaspoon, of thyme and onion powder, as well as a bit of parsley, to a bowl along with the ingredients in the bag, and then bath the pork in the mixture. If you don't have any of the ingredients I mentioned above, don't worry too much about it."
"Ok…" Gon whine at the request, grumbling as he went to work on Iason's request.
The two then left the hotel, joining the crowd of late workers shuffling back home. Both were quiet, neither one wanting to speak first. Once they reached the nearest convince store, Sakura grasped Iason's hand, pulling him further in, towards the milk "I really wanted to ask you for something I need help with…"
"Uhh…" Iason was caught off, unsure why now Sakura was making a request of him. It seems like the boy might have been pondering it for a while, and was the reason as to why Sakura wanted to join him, without Gon's presence.
The boy pulled the other to the side, waiting until the coast was clear, "Can you tell me how you learned to use Nen."
"Huh, why…? Couldn't you ask Gon? I'm sure he'll know more than me…"
Sakura shook his head, drawing the boy further into the store once he noticed the random straggler idly walking by. Once clear, the boy spoke again "Gon is the reason why I'm asking you… Anything would help… anything at all… I…" The boy paused, eyes closing as he sighed, "You know Gon lost his Nen, right?"
"Yeah, Leorio mentioned it… before he left to… to help Gon."
The boy nodded, carefully checking to see if there was anyone else nearby. Gon might not care, but he was worried that someone else might overhear something that should be kept a secret, "I want to help him get it back; so, anything that you say to help me learn to wield Nen, will benefit me in the future. I know roughly how abilities work, so I want to somehow develop one, which makes it possible for me to unlock Gon's."
"I…" Iason remembered the brilliant glow, the vibrant orange hue swirling around the boy. Looking back on it, it kinda scares him. That something so strong, massive can be hidden in the blink of an eye. Well, not so much hidden, more like inaccessible.
Just from seeing it alone, he could tell it had been amassing ever since the boy was unable to access it. By the time they unlock it, it could be a giant storm of aura barely brewing. If Gon were to release that kind of power, it could end up hurting him physically, if not prepared properly.
He didn't want to hurt Gon; it was his brother's friend… Sakura's boyfriend… His… "I can't…" Wouldn't it be better if it remains hidden? Gon surely hasn't talked about wanting to access it again anyways.
"Please…? Anything will do…" Sakura gripped the boy's shoulder, pleading for the boy to say anything related to the topic.
Iason bit his lip, he didn't feel comfortable. He felt like he was being pressed too hard. Sakura was demanding him to tell pieces of his past relating to how he learned how to use Nen.
"Pl-" Sakura stopped, ceasing all pleading.
When Iason looked back at Sakura, he noticed the boy was trembling. Had he done something by accident? Just as he was about to say something, Sakura relaxed his figure, hands dropping to the boy's sides "I'm sorry…" His fingers came up to his eyes rubbing them. Everything hurt, he made a mistake. He was acting unlike himself, becoming too selfish in his desire to help Gon.
No, he knew why… he felt with Iason's help, he could somehow cure Gon, revive the boy's aura. He was scared, that Iason would somehow do it… and he'll be left behind again, forced to be in the same stance as he was when Killua helped save Gon.
Nothing he did… Killua was the one that helped Gon in the end…
And if it happened again, he wasn't sure how he'll feel this time…
Maybe, shattered…?
"I… I'm sorry for not thinking about you. I'm pushing you to help me. I just feel…" Not waiting for a second longer, Sakura twisted his head in the opposite direction, "Gon's waiting… we should find the milk."
Not even thinking, Iason grabbed Sakura's hand. The boy turned back towards him, Iason frozen from his own action. Huh? He just grabbed Sakura's hand without even thinking about his own thoughts, or what he wanted to say. Leorio taught him: if you have the power to do so, you should help, especially those closest to you…
He wasn't close to Sakura; at least, he didn't think so. But a part of him must have wanted to help in some way…
Would telling Sakura what he witnessed less than a week ago, be the right thing to do in this situation? No… he was sure it wouldn't be right… It would probably hurt Sakura in the end. Yet, he couldn't stop his mouth from blabbering it out "I saw Gon's aura… it… it came back for a few seconds…"
Sakura's lips twitched upward, full of sadness and joy "I'm… I'm happy…" He wanted to cry so badly, but he held it in, sedating his own emotions. It was happening again… he'll be in a position where he'll be of no help to Gon, while he watches someone else fix him.
Something was wrong with Iason. Why could he see through it? Why could he tell, that Sakura was lying to save himself from the pain?
I kind of understand now… you remind me of someone I know. Two people actually, and why you don't want to be hugged by Sakura or myself, but that doesn't mean I'll be upset, so you should hug Leorio now while you have the chance…
Yes, the context was different back then, but those words, they meant something right now. He could sort of understand Sakura's feelings. Sakura felt useless… powerless to save the one he cares about…
"I'll help you…"
"Wh- WHAT…?" Sakura gasped at the words, unsure of what Iason meant within the moment. Was he trying to comfort him, or was this about his request…?
If they were going to do this, it needed to be done slowly, in a controlled environment. Iason's ability might be able to bring back the boy's aura, but he still needed help…
Specifically, an ability to stunt the growth of someone's aura; it needed to be controlled, stopped from getting out of hand. Sakura might not have that means now, but over time, he could have it.
But that also means, if his ability is able to revive Gon's Nen, it means he'll have to cuddle up with Sakura instead, which is something he doesn't want to put himself in the position of… Hmm…
The boy continued to think about it, wondering what would be the best course of action. Gon might get jealous or upset at Iason for taking Sakura away from him. This needed to be done in secret… "But you have to promise me something in return…"
"Anything!"
"If it becomes too risky, we have to give up…"
Sakura nodded adamantly, pulling the boy into a tight hug as he repeatedly kissed the boy's cheeks "Thank you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" After a few seconds he ceased all actions, pulling back to apologise "Oh, I'm SO sorry…" AH, I'm becoming as bad as Gon now! He's going to tease me for days as soon as he finds out!
Iason's cheeks were burning where Sakura had kissed him, heart fluttering in confusion. He wasn't prepared for the onslaught of kisses, but even still, he had no idea what to say right now. His mind was drawing blanks, so it drew back to the original reason as to why they were at the convenience store "Th- The milk…"
"Oh, right…" Taking Iason by the wrist, he led the boy to the aisle. The hand would be too comfortable, wrong to do after what had happened. But he was happy. He now has a chance to save Gon, and Iason is going to be the one to help him do it…
Iason, on the other hand, felt a sense of dread. This is going to be a long adventure, one full of a rollercoaster of emotions for him.
"~"
There was a knock, followed by the door unlocking "Vastorie…" It was eerily quiet, only the sounds of writing heard from within. The man never once looked up. He knows who he is about to talk to, but what really matters, is to not only find his dad but to convince Cheadle that going after him IS a suicidal mission.
After going through the journal and putting all the pieces together, that man isn't normal. He's become something else…
At this very moment, he is the only one hyper-aware of all the man's Nen weaknesses, only him…
No one else…
Kurapika looked over the man, noticing the stray papers, notes he won't be able to divulge in, unless he is able to get closer to Vastorie, "I have some questions for you…" the young man spoke as he tucked a stray hair behind his ears, his words coming off as dry, hiding his very intent from the man.
Just from how much Leorio was yelling, he got several clues on how to deal with the man: Pique his interest, avoid all topics related to family, avoid all emotions around him, stroke his ego, and most of all… keep him in place as the sole leader of the conversation.
Vastorie sighed, flicking the pencil back onto the table as he leaned back into his chair "What can I do for you? If it's the same as Leorio's request, forget about it…"
"Actually…" Kurapika shifted his weight, crossing his arms at the accusation, "It's something different. It's about Cheadle's request."
"Oh…?" Vastorie leaned forward, lips curled upward into a smirk, "do tell…"
"She's making a mistake…"
"In what way exactly…?"
"I took it upon myself to delve a little deeper into your past, you have quite the background." There was an uncomfortable shift of weight, which was good in a way. Let's see how much it takes to chip away at his defences… "You're a Three-Star-Hunter, with an extensive background. Wars, murder, infiltration, Nen cultivation… just to name a few."
"Public knowledge I'm afraid; you're going to need to dig a little deeper…"
"Baron Hinrick Von Delkofer…"
"I'm impressed, let's see how much you really know."
"Hinrick, was a high ranking official, with an… undesired background. He contributed billions of Jennys towards multiple companies as well as politicians. He had his hands in everyone's pockets, including the Hunter's Association."
"One golden star for you…"
"I'm… NOT… done… He had multiple orgies performed, with the guest star of the shows, being kids whose families had been killed. The honoured guests, the politicians. Anyone who defied him was taken down… everyone, except you. You killed him, freed the kids, including one by the name of Scarlet Sutton, firmly known as Scarlet Von Delkofer…"
A slow continuous clap followed voice dark and full of malicious intent "Good job, Kurapika, the current head of the Nostrade family…" Kurapika's eyes narrowed, the man continuing without a second thought, stopping the clapping for now, "A chain user with a vengeance for the ones who killed the last members of his tribe, the Phantom Troupe. I had to dig a little deeper for that information, Kurapika Kurta. You're not the only one with contacts all over the world… I've just been in this game longer than you."
"I would advise-"
"You're looking for the Scarlet eyes, correct? Not only do I know where they can be found… I know who, exactly is holding onto them."
"Who…?"
"Tsk, tsk…" The man wiggled his finger, acting eerily close to Hisoka. "A story for a story…" The man's eyes narrowed, "choose your words wisely. What is it about Cheadle's request do you not like?"
His defences are up now… Plan B, "I know that you consider family first-"
"CHOOSE… your words wisely…"
"I have no intention of telling you are wrong with how you acted. However, I have some troubling news. I have a man by the name of Nicola-"
"Theismann, a scout with the ability to blend in the shadows; his Zetsu on a scale out of ten, would be a nine. Ex-Marine; worked for the navy seal, later dismissed for revealing private documentation to a certain individual. Cast aside from the public sector for blowing the whistle, he now works for the Mafia, away from prying eyes along with his wife and two kids. He's a part of the Nostrade family… which is now under your control. Yes, I am well aware of him. He was the one who stole the information about Baron Hinrick Von Delkofer …"
"Well, he's dead now…" Kurapika saw it, the visible pain along his features, highlighting the fact that under his hard exterior, he is still human.
"His family has my condolences…"
Whether that was on purpose or not, only time could tell him, as long as he continues to probe for more details, he'll get through that man's impervious defence, "I will be the one to tell his family that my actions, cost him his life. His family will continue to be under my protection. However…" Kurapika flicked a photo onto the desk, a picture highlighting Victor "He's in The United States of Saherta, along with your daughter…"
Vastorie's eyes widened, noticing his daughter looking in the other direction, unaware of the eyes of his father on her, observing from a distance, "That idiot! What is she thinking…"
"She's not the only one…" Kurapika threw the second photo onto the table.
The photo showed Killua and Daniel dancing, his son contorting his boy to pull off overemphasized movements. He was smiling, looking as though he was enjoying the moment alongside Killua. He was proud of his son, and if it weren't for his father's existence, let alone his own mistakes, he'd crack a smile at just the imagery alone…
Daniel might have even called him or Nathanial to tell them how much fun he was having. He could've still been a part of their life, his family's lives…
"Look at the top right…"
If it weren't for the fact that he had been controlling his features, his reaction would have said a hundred words. There was his father, watching his son from the crowd. This was a message, not just to him… but others as well. Fuck… He could feel all his worries boiling to the surface, threatening to spill over. He has to be careful, to watch his every move from now on…
At any moment, he could kill his children, and there nothing he can do about it. Not while Cheadle is watching him… He hid his features from the photos, hiding what he was truly feeling… fear.
If it weren't for the graveness of the situation, Kurapika would've left it at that, however, he couldn't exactly leave just yet, "If Cheadle continues to go after that man, he will go after your family. He believes you are making these moves right now. My actions may have not only cost Nicola's life, but may have even put your daughter, and son, my friend in danger…"
"And what do you propose, hmm?"
"We get Leorio's help…"
"He doesn't exactly like me…"
"But, he sees Daniel and Killua like a son to him. Once he sees that they are in danger, Cheadle won't have a chance to keep this charade going. She has to pull back because Leorio is her Trump card: In order for Dark Continent mission to succeed and gain influence over the fate of the organisation, his inclusion is needed. She will not lose that for anything…"
The man nodded, looking over the photos once more, "Thank you, for your input…"
Kurapika nodded, heading back to the door to find Leorio, as he was about to open the door, Vastorie stopped him briefly, "Tserriednich, that's the name of the man you're looking for. Mizaistom has information to back up my claim…"
"My advice is simple, take it or leave it. Apologise to your son, for his sake… when he regains his memories of Killua, as it's inevitable, he'll try to reach out to you. Even if I haven't got any claims to back up my words, friends and family means a lot to him… Victor will try to use that against you once he realises Daniel's gotten his memories back…"
"Noted…"
As soon as Kurapiak left, he scrambled for his phone, scrolling through all his contacts. He stopped at Zaikaria, hands shaking as he sent her a warning message only his family would understand. It needed to be sent to her because she'll understand the graveness of the situation the most.
The shadows are watching the descendants, don't… HIDE!
The moment he hit send, he slammed the table in desperation. GOD FUCKEN DAMN IT… He's trying to prove a point! As long as I don't make a move, and keeps pretending like I don't care about my family, he won't attack…
Even if I have to do this for years, I rather they hate me, than risk their lives…
Fake it… The man's eyes narrowed slightly, glaring at his father in the picture, til I can make it…
"~"
There was a small chime, followed by Zaikaria stumbling for her phone, pulling the screen up to her face. Tired eyes tried to read the context, unable to grasp anything at the moment. After the discussion they had, she wasn't too sure if anything could get worse.
But it had, her face morphing into absolute terror.
The shadows are watching the descendants, don't… HIDE!
NO! NO! NO! NO! How did he find us…? Wait, descendants …? Oh, no… He can't be…
It was a warning, she along with her brother were being followed. And she knew who exactly, was following them without the need for his name to be uttered.
"Zaikaria…?" The snake slurred beside her, face buried in the pillow, "What'sss wrong…?"
"Nothing…" The woman quickly deleted the message. Killua needed to know, now more than ever, that Victor might be after Daniel too… He could even be watching them right now. He would be the only one able to keep it a secret; at least, until both of them are out of danger… she's sure of it…
If not… time for Plan B. Hopefully, her parents could forgive her because nothing is more important than making sure her brother escapes the danger his in.
Zaikaria shifted her attention to Akshasamat, the snake now worried for her. She bit her lip at the thought. No, she can't go self-sacrificing…
She has to think about the Chimera Ant, her companion…
His feelings for her…
The woman drew her hand to the Chimera Ant, fingers barely touching the creatures head, his eyes closed at the touch, her fingers now being drawn away, now being placed on her shoulder.
He had shuttered at the touch, unable to blush, let alone cry due to the creature's formation. Yet, she cannot pinpoint why she can't read his thoughts, what's so special about him, that makes it impossible to understand his affections?
It couldn't be because he's a Chimera Ant; if one was to remove the tail and scales, he is deep down, in all senses of the word, a human…
She should be able to read his mind…
Yet, she can't…
"Go to sleep, I can't say anything right now… But I promise to tell you in the morning, alongside Killua."
The creature's tongue slithered out of his mouth, a frown forming, slightly from his lack of understanding. He had no clue why she touched him prior to her words, nor why she bit her lip, face scrunched up in evident fear.
She's not telling him something important, something, which is affecting their lives in a rather disastrous way. As long as she doesn't go back on her word, and nothing happens to them tonight, he'll find out in a couple of hours.
Shifting his body, he allowed himself to sleep, barely noticing the cracking smile forming along Zaikaria's lips.
"~"
Killua placed his hands along Alluka's side, helping her put on his own jumper he was wearing last night. It was a little chilly in the morning, bound to warm up by the time they hit the city.
His act now may not help them in the long run, but at least now, Alluka won't be as cold. Killua can handle the chill. They needed to get a move on, to head to the Kakin Kingdom to find Scarlet Sutton. As he zipped up her jacket, he helps her flick her hair out, a smile gracing his lips.
Alluka's smile will always light a path for him. Her happiness transcended even his own at times, and now, he has Daniel back too he'll have two sets of lights guiding his path. He just needs to make sure the second doesn't relapse; Daniel wasn't exactly out of the waters yet.
Zaikaria watched Killua look after his sister, arms crossed without a single expression to give away her growing fear. Victor was onto them…
Killua stood up, patting his sister's head, flicking strands of hair in every direction "Alright, let's get a move on. Zai…" Killua bid the woman a farewell, happy that he no longer needs to deal with her. True to her word, she let them go without a complaint.
Although, some free breakfast would've have been nice.
Daniel nodded, walking up to his sister to give her a goodbye hug "Goodbye, sis…" Even though she removed his memories, he still loved her… he can't exactly fault her as she didn't have the full picture at the time. She assumed the worst, his bloody figure that night possibly giving her nightmares for days…
She accepted the gesture, running her fingers along the boy's back, careful to avoid any strands of hair. She knows he never liked it, allowing no one to touch him there.
But as soon as her brother walked up to Killua, the boy's hand found their way into her brother's hair, the boy uncaring about the fingers being drawn through his hair.
As the two were about to walk off, Zaikaria stopped them, "Wait, Killua…"
Killua stopped, both boys turning around from the boy's name being called. She had something she needed to say, to Killua along with her companion. But first, she needed to somehow get Daniel and Alluka to leave.
"I need a moment to speak to you…"
Killua raised an eyebrow, only to look at his partner for guidance. Daniel shrugged, the boy only becoming more concerned about her lack of words. It wasn't like she could remove his memories right now. She was still weak from the night before. It might take a couple of days for her to recuperate.
It was something else… her lack of reaction. She wanted to say something. Hopefully, it's not something to piss him off.
"Alone, Daniel…"
Killua eyes narrowed, only to turn to his sister and partner "You to go ahead, I'll follow your string of aura once I'm done."
Daniel nodded before holding Alluka's hand, walking with her off into the forest.
Killua turned to Zaikaria, arms crossed "So what do you want to say?"
Zaikaria dropped before the boy, looking him dead in the face, an arm holding his shoulder, "Listen to me very carefully… do not, react. Victor is following us…"
Killua's eyes widened slightly before he controlled his tone and expression "And you let me send Daniel and Alluka into the forest without telling me."
Akshasamat's eyes barely reacted to the news, but he felt his body shaking on the inside. The man had followed them, without either of them noticing him, while he had his snakes out. He was a freak of nature, and he was right to tell Zaikaria to stop following him. The only problem is what does she plan to do with that news now?
Hopefully nothing dangerous…
He didn't want to lose her…
"Yes, I don't know if his following us right now, but we need to be careful. Do not tell Daniel or Alluka… whatever the cost. Wait until you're out of the United States of Saherta. Don't run, don't hide… just act normally. Can you do that?"
Killua nodded through gritted teeth.
Taking her hand off the boy's shoulder, the woman frowned. She caught an accidental memory, a thought swirling around the boy's head. Voice controlled, she spoke slowly "Don't even think about trying that…"
Killua's cheeks warmed up slightly, turning around to run away from that freak of nature "Sh-Shut up idiot! You shouldn't even be reading my memories, freak!"
The woman crossed her arms at the words, happy to see him use that as a reason to get away from her. At least it was a legitimate reason to get away from her. Although, knowing that Killua wanted to plough her brother wasn't something she wanted to remember…
So she let it fade away as Killua got out of distance from her ability, attention now was drawn to Akshasamat, "We're leaving. Turns out that Victor is in the Kukan'yu Kingdom…" She said it loud enough for her partner to hear, hoping that if Victor is nearby, he'll take that as a message they're leaving him alone.
Daniel's life is more important than some information…
Hopefully, his just dumb enough to take that as bait, to either remain here or go to Kukan'yu, they were going somewhere else. Maybe back to Alair taus to help Nathaniel out, to tell him what Vastorie just messaged her.
Even, if he can't say it, or refuses to say it…
He still cares about his family's lives…