Scarlet hadn't expected the turn of event, her brother alive… However, it comes with a consequence. How does she save both her child, and her brother…?

Scarlet's mouth gaped, her desire to kill the man that captured her child now dispersed. How does one kill the member they wished they could've saved in the past? Was this some cruel joke set up, her brother announcing his revival with the capture of her son's capture?

No, she highly doubted that. Stefan was still sobbing, scared of the person standing before them. Was it because of Adam's scar? How he was treating him earlier? Or was it due to the obvious fear in her eyes?

No, she can't be afraid. She has to talk to her brother, to get him to walk away. Killua was still in the area, unable to use his ability anymore. Now that Adam was holding Stefan once more, the sounds of her child's crying increasing in volume.

She wasted the best chance of her life, a perfect opportunity to save her child.

Killua now had perfectly hidden his presence with Zetsu, hiding from prying eyes. She was scared that the boy was going to attack her brother, which gave Adam an advantage over the situation, "Who did you hire, hmm? An assassin to kill your little brother…?"

"No, it wasn't like that… I thought you were dead!"

"And replaced, apparently…"

"I didn't replace you!"

Adam grits his teeth, pulling Stefan closer. He didn't believe her for a second, not after what his master told him. Without him, he would've been nothing more than ash, "Prove it! Get your little assassin to reveal themself…"

Killua held his breath, eyes widening at the comment. If she does so, she'll lose all hopes of getting a surprise attack in. Sure, he can't lose any of his Nen abilities right now… but he still can deter the man's attention.

"Do it!" Adam demanded once more, his hand being consumed by fire, "Do it, or I'll burn the kids face off…"

"Killua, show yourself! Please!"

Killua held still, closing his eyes from the betrayal. He respects the fact that Scarlet wishes to save her child's life, but without his help from the shadows, she's stifled the help she needs.

Taking a deep breath, Killua jumped over the railing, his feet landing on the lower floor without a sound, "What happened to the deal?"

His words caused Scarlet and Adam's head to snapped in the boy's directions, Killua arms crossed along his chest. Yes, Adam is clearly agitated, but talking isn't going to solve the situation at all.

Just by looking into the man's eyes, nothing will get through to him now. He is under the belief that she hired an assassin to kill him.

"You hired a kid to kill me…?"

"I'm not a kid… I'm thirteen."

"A teen isn't an improvement…" Adam smirked for a moment, his mood souring soon after. "I should have listened to him… have you truly replaced me with someone else…?"

"I didn't replace you…" Wait, who is he…? She wanted to ask the question, but she relented from her thoughts, instead opting to divert his feelings. He's being manipulated by someone powerful, "I don't even want to kill you! You've suffered enough… WE'VE suffered enough."

"So, if you didn't figure out who I was, you would've killed me?!"

"YOU'RE NOT LISTENING! We've lived in Hell… You've got the scars to prove it, now it's time to look forward, to make sure we don't repeat the cycle…"

"AND WHO exactly told you that now…? Hmm, Vastorie…?"

Scarlet's eyes widened, the disgust in her own brother's voice said all she needed to hear. Her brother doesn't trust that man at all, "What's he got to do with this…?"

"Everything! He worked with our father…" Adam took a step forward on every pause; Stefan was forced to match the pace, afraid to let the burning hand touch his skin, "He burned down our manor… He was the one that took you away… HE WAS THE ONE WHO LEFT ME FOR DEAD! And you think for a second, he's willing to help you?!"

"That's all lies! He would never work with that man! He is a kind, just man who-"

"Is an assassin by trade…?"

Scarlet kept her mouth shut, she knew about the man's past, but she didn't question it. The people he killed… they were monsters in their own right, much like her father. He has never raised a hand to an innocent soul, working alongside even a man like Nathaniel to better the lives of others.

That man was here to help… not destroy…

"The fact you failed to respond tells me you already know about his shady past." Adam clicked his tongue at the news; of course, his sister would continue to work with the man whom obviously had already corrupted her mindset.

Killua, on the other hand, could see through the obvious façade. The only one, whose mindset was screwed in this situation, was Adam. He is the one being manipulated, not Scarlet. "So what he's an Assassin…" He couldn't believe he was about to defend the person who hurt Daniel, but here he is… defending what he perceived in his eyes was an asshole, "You profession doesn't make you a monster, it's how you treat others. Sure, he's an asshole, but the contacts we received through his knowledge… the people his made connections with have not only helped you but for me as well…"

Scarlet's eyes widened, Adam turning around to glare at the boy in question, "you're just a kid-"

"A kid, who just happened, to also be raised in hell; my parents are assassins… my siblings are assassins… except for my cute little sister! I know a little about Hellish parents… but two people apart of my lives… ONE who happens to be the child of Vastorie was able to fucken reach out, and he showed me a completely different world! He can laugh, cry, gets angry… although, rarely; SMILE for god sake, even when he's in absolute pain! He was even able to make me smile… a stone cold monster. I ripped hearts out for a living, and he still holds my hand like an idiot… HE doesn't care what my past was like… Well, sort of. Sure, he wants to change it… BUT what he truly cares about is what I do now with my knowledge… does that sound to you like the child of a monster…?"

It looked like Adam want to say something, but he held back his tongue in disgust.

Killua didn't stop, reaching a hand out to Scarlet, "Without Vastorie's intervention, I would've never met you… I would have never gotten your help to save Daniel! You'll be under your father's grasp… And I would've been called to help murder in your father's name."

"You're just a weak kid! There's no way anyone would hire you-"

"Didn't you hear… my full name is Killua Zoldyck!" When Adam froze at the news, it gave Killua enough time to make his move. Diving forward, the boy grabbed the nearest rock, filling it with aura before throwing it at the man's face.

He pulled back, avoiding the rock that would have smashed into his face. It grazed the skin, a tip barely slicing through his numbed skin. He reached out once more, making an attempt to grab Stefan to use as a shield; instead, they were unable to graze the shirt, another entity joining the fight.

He smiled from above, cradling Stefan close.

"Who the hell are you?! Another assassin who has come to claim my life…?"

"Daniel, Daniel Darkscryer…"

"~"

Daniel shifted slightly, stirring from his tired state. He felt like his limbs were numb, but the once crushing state that reverberated from within his chest was no longer there. Either he was dead, or Killua had proved the impossible…

Considering he was in pain right now, his bets were leaning more on the latter, rather than the former. He felt himself smile, happy from the change. He wanted to sit upright, but a hand pressing down on his chest told him to stay put.

"Stay still…"

"Alluka…?"

Alluka smiled, Daniel didn't sound like he was in serious pain, which is a good sign for her brother once he returns. However, the confusion did make her a little concerned. Then again, it could be because the boy had just woken up, unable to grasp everything yet.

"Where's Killua…?"

"He's just helping Scarlet with a sudden issue..."

Daniel smiled slightly at the news, but the lack of Killua's existence did throw a wrench in his complete happiness. Then again, it was good to hear Killua was helping someone. The same person who just saved his life… "So he found Scarlet…"

"Yup," Alluka chimed in, her smile giving even Gon's a run of his money, "He would have stayed by your side, but Scarlet's child got kidnapped while trying to save you…"

"I should help it was-" As Daniel tried to get up, Alluka stopped him once more, "No, big brother told me to look after you. You should rest after what you two went through…"

"Wait, what did Killua go through?"

"He'll explain it better. You should rest…" When Daniel laid back down, Alluka continued, "I wanted to say something… being on this trip, even with the constant threats, I wanted to say… I'm glad to see that you're ok. My brother was relieved to hear you were going to be ok… he has been smiling a lot thanks to you. Also, he now lets himself freely show his emotions. He kissed me on the forehead while Scarlet was in the room…"

"Daww…" Daniel's smile widened, that was good news. His partner was opening up a lot more, even when he would complain about the embarrassing situation. The fact that Alluka was benefiting from these changes as well, made the scene extra special, "I'm glad…" The boy sat up, and even though Alluka was protesting, he still wanted to sit upright, to at least be somewhat comfortable with what he was about to do.

Daniel hugged Alluka, his fingers roping around the girl's hair, holding her as close as he could without triggering the numb muscle still locked up after falling into a deep slumber. He cherished the moment, and Killua's sister had done so too. She squirmed in his arms with love and affection, really happy to see him awake.

Those feelings bubbling in his chest, really made him want to pick up Alluka and swing her around in the air. But now was not the time, not while he has worrying thoughts still lingering on his mind.

All he could remember was the call; his body rejecting his desire to stay awake the moment Killua had left the room. However, the voice that once demanded him to sleep was now silent, not even a whisper in his ears.

What exactly went on while Scarlet was exorcising Victor's Nen? Why when he tugged on his string of aura linking the two, could he barely feel Killua's aura? Was it because the boy was so far away from him, or was it more sinister? His boyfriend was so weak; he was barely able to detect the flow of aura…

Alluka wouldn't say; she has already dismissed the topic. He knows that Killua has gone along with Scarlet to save her child, but if his partner was weak and not far away, he'd rather he was helping out, and not lying down.

He could try again, asking Alluka to at least give away some details. To help him ease his mind "Is everything with Killua ok?"

"Yeah, his fine…"

"I'm unable to feel the connection between us… it was an unconscious decision made by me. It made for some very awkward situations during our travel… However, I'm mainly worried about Killua. He's not weak because of me… is he?"

"Ahh…"

"Alluka…?"

The girl frowned as she looked away, contemplating on whether or not to tell Daniel. She knows he deeply cares about her brother, but Killua did say to make sure Daniel was looked after. If she tells him that Killua had looked a little tired after the whole ordeal, he may go after him. Letting out a sigh, against her better judgement she said something that would hopefully ease Daniel's troubling thoughts "Big brother was a little tired after saving you, but his ok. They don't plan on doing anything dangerous. They are going to save Stefan from a kidnapping…"

"Totally not dangerous…" Daniel winced from his own sarcastic voice. That sounded a little too close to how Killua would've reacted. He could see that boy responding with snarky sarcasm, especially after hearing someone he cares about was putting themselves in danger "How about Scarlet, is she strong…?"

"She is, so big brother is safe…" Alluka pressed her hand against Daniel, hoping that the boy will relax. He didn't, but on the other hand, he hadn't moved either.

He offered a weak smile, a hand being placed on her forehead, "Can I trouble you for some water…"

"Alright, but don't move. I promised I would look after you while he is away."

Daniel nod, the pang in his chest conflicting with his true goal. He just wants to make sure Killua is safe. That's all… If he loses track of Killua or their connection gets stronger, he'll come right back, apologise and make it up to Alluka once he gets better.

As soon as the girl left, Daniel threw off the covers, jumping out the window as soon as he opened it. He'll definitely make it up to Alluka.

When Alluka came back with a cup of water, her mouth dropped in mortification, "He's going to kill me…"

"~"

Killua's eyes narrowed at his boyfriend standing just above them, holding onto a scared Stefan who was clinging onto the boy. Even though Daniel was in serious danger, the way he held onto Stefan, helped ease his fears.

Although, it brought more worrying news:
First, why didn't Adam detect his presence…?
Second, why couldn't he feel Daniel coming a mile away…?

As much as he wanted to ponder the situation, the fact that Adam was already making his move worried him more.

"Give me back the kid, kid!"

Daniel quickly backed out the room, trusting Killua more than himself right now. He may be weak, but now that the hostage situation has changed into a two-on-one fight, he was less worried. It was a good thing he escaped.

Killua quickly adjusted to the man's movements, blocking the man from continuing any further. As much as Daniel was helping them right now, it's still not going to stop him from chastising the boy for putting himself in danger "What are you doing here?!"

"Helping you…?"

"You should be back at the house, and resting!" Killua took a swipe at Adam, making him distance himself further from his partner. He can sort of gauge Adam's En field. The man briefly mentioned he could sense them the moment they were in his line of sight. That means, he has roughly a range of up to forty-meters, and as long as he can't learn where Daniel is from his voice, his boyfriend should still be safe… as long as he gets out of here.

However, by gauging the prior situation to this scenario… Daniel won't last that long. He is weak… there was no doubt in his mind that by forcing a clash of aura between Victor and Daniel, he was utterly drained of all strength…

He'll have to make it quick, and Scarlet needs to be the one to help him do so. Yes, Adam is her brother. But that went out the window the moment he threatened Stefan's life. She needs to make a decision now… or possibly lose both.

And considering his boyfriend's life is on the line, he will not lose Daniel either "Make a choice, your son or your brother's!" Killua grit his teeth, hoping that she will not choose her brother's life over her own son's… not just because the boy would be able to hear in this echoic chamber, but Daniel's life was on the line to…

He didn't want to fight her, not just because of what she did for Daniel… but she was one of Daniel's chances to discover more about his father… to possibly save him from this road of loneliness… At least, that what he believes Vastorie intends to do.

He hoped that his words would get through to her, but Daniel instead spoke up, "I don't know about everything that's going on… but your son is scared. Your brother intended to hurt your son… possibly. Nope, I was right. He reacted. I can understand your fear… the fear of losing those you care about. Your brother is here, alive… and you want to save him. I want to tell you to save him… but, your son is here in my arms right now… crying. He's scared he'll lose his mother…" His approach seemed to rebuff Killua's stance, but also humanise him as well.

Scarlet's eyes widened, this whole time she wanted to save both. She wants to save Adam… she really does, but the way Daniel spoke… it reminded her of Nathaniel; The man's soft words being played back in her head.

Scarlet… I wish we could have done more for you. I wish we could go back in that home, to pull your brother out of that fire… but I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't find him. I can't say everything is going to be all right. It's not…

I'm going to be here for you now; Vastorie and I are both going to be here for you. If you need anything, we'll try our best to ease your loss… To give you a home… a family, which we hope one day, you'll be able to call them your family…

Tears spilled from her eyes, the words that now ran loud and clear in her head, forced her to rationalise her greatest fear. The past was long gone… the brother that she loved and adored, was no longer here. He was nothing more than a shadowy presence, of the brother she once loved, a figure she can't save "I choose…"

Scarlet took a step forward towards Killua, the boy bringing up his guard, prepared to take her on. Instead, she slid her foot around and forced herself to aim for Adam, slamming her elbow into her brother's face before he knew what was going on.

The attack caused Adam's eyes to widen upon contact. Rage filled his eyes as he impacted the wall, blood expelling from his throat. He has been betrayed by everyone he's ever loved… except for the man that saved him that night. You were right Victor Tempest… I will have to kill my sister…

She put all her strength into the attack, hoping that she'll kill her brother in a single strike. She didn't want to draw out this fight, forcing the situation to extend longer than her heart could handle. If she didn't kill him then, Killua was her only chance now.

The fire consumed the dust, a gargling, mangled scream echoing along the building walls.

Daniel held Stefan close, his fingers covering the boy's ears. He didn't want him to suffer anymore; he wanted to see the boy live to see the next day along with his mother. He'll protect him, even if he has to throw his body in the line of fire.

Killua and Scarlet were forced to turn in the direction of the sound, Adam clutching his throat with one hand, while the other burned. Everywhere the fire touched, it consumed the area on contact, his clothes being burned away, along with the skin that was charred earlier.

If anything, it now ate at the man's skin, adding new fresh wounds. The smell of burning flesh filled Killua's nostrils. Adam's ability isn't tailored for him. It may have been brought about by his circumstances, but he isn't immune to its destructive force…

He's only ignoring the pain…

Adam slammed his hand into the floor before either of his attackers could move, the fire's consuming tendencies licking at the rotten wood littering the area, joining it's master's desire to take everyone down with him.

Scarlet grabbed Killua's hand, stopping him from charging in there to take out the man, "Please, kill my brother for me…" His mind could believe what she said before she charged in there to take on her brother alone. He wanted to rationalise the situation, but all he heard was the lingering fear and sadness being expressed in her words.

She still didn't want to do it, but she gave him permission to take her brother's life. Gritting his teeth, Killua pulled up his shirt to cover his mouth. It was a precaution, just in case the fumes from smoke from Adam's malicious fire now consuming the man's body.

The boy took a deep breath, his assassin mode taking over. With his senses heightened along with his eyes darkening, the killer instinct had taken over. Yet, deep from within him, he could sort of feel a calling. It was as if the humanistic side of him that was awakening due to the time spent with Alluka, Daniel and Nathaniel; it has been slowly cutting away at the darkness.

It was so strange feeling the contradiction starting the bubble to the surface, but at least for the moment, he won't have to worry about it affecting his current job. He ran toward the smoke, leaping in the cloudy density which would help him hide his presence. The moment Adam lets down his guard; it'll finally be over…

"~"

Scarlet held up her guard, prepared to draw out the battle for as long as Killua needed. What she witnessed broke her heart into tiny pieces. Her brother standing before him, even though the left side of his body was already burned away, his hand was still consumed by the burning rage, and she had given him the first target.

He saw nothing but enemies at this point, his hand being raised towards his sister. With a flick of his hand fire billowed out of his fingertips like a tidal wave, Scarlet forced to dodge out of the way. She barely made it in time, fire barely singeing the tips of her hair.

Adam could no longer speak, his wild eyes staring directly into hers. He has lost the ability to rationalise his emotions, along with his ability to control the fire. She can't let Daniel and Stefan stay any longer, "Daniel, take Stefan and get out of here…"

"I would… if I could move…"

"Are you pinned down?" Killua asked, Adam's eyes snapping in the direction of the voice. When the man took a step forward, Scarlet charged towards the man, using her body as a battering ram.

She managed to knock him down, but he got up again like a zombie. She was his target now, which was good. She just needed to keep his attention on him.

It seems like the man is reacting on instinct, ignoring those around him. If it weren't for Scarlet slamming into him, he would've had to deal with Adam. He'll have to remain quiet for the remainder of this fight.

"No… just drained."

Killua groaned in annoyance, his eyes trained on Adam "Damn it, Daniel!" Adam reacted to his voice again, although he turned once more in the direction of Scarlet, blocking her incoming attack. Even though her punch knocked off-guard, he swiped at her, intending to grab her sister's arm. However, he completely missed, the fires burning the air instead.

Killua moved just in case, crouching down behind a burning wood, the fire swaying in the air around them, trying to find new sustenance to consume.

The woman grabbed the hand that wasn't burning, bringing her elbow up. She connected the strike, intending to get a second strike in. Instead, the man reached out, the woman forced to grab the man's wrist before it could connect. She let out a howl of pain, the man's ability flaying the skin along her palm.

She let go at the worst time, Killua revealing himself as the smoke parted, his claws extending, intending to kill. But due to her lack of grapple, Adam turned stretching his hand out to grab Killua.

Killua ducked, the attack barely missing, but due to Scarlet's interference, he was able to complete his task, although, not in the way he intended. Scarlet slammed one of her feet down on Adam's pinning his body as she grabbed his arm once more, bitting back the screams of agony.

Adam swayed his body slightly, Killua's hand piercing the man's chest, rupturing a lung instead of the heart. Blood pooled from the fresh wounds, tears falling from Scarlet's eyes. She momentarily let go once more.

Adam ripped his hand free, intending to grab the boy's hand while it was piercing his chest. His mind focused on burning the teen alive. But Scarlet grabbed his hand once more, slamming it into his own face.

He didn't even scream as his face was being burned, Killua forcing his arm out to make a second attempt. This time he didn't miss. His claw ripped through the man's chest, pulling his heart out through his back.

All movement ceased, his body falling limp.

Scarlet and Killua stepped back, the man's crumpled body hitting the floor with a thud. She fell down onto her knees, crumbling before her brother's dead body, letting her tears fall freely. Even though she knew it had to be done, it still killed her on the inside. She helped someone kill her brother…

And she was going to live the rest of her life knowing that.

Adam's ability, however, hadn't stopped, consuming the rest of his body as well as the surrounding concrete.

He's going to take the rest of the building with him! "Scarlet, we need to move! We can't stay here…"

The woman nodded at the words, taking one last look at her brother's bloody body. Killua took hold of her hand that hadn't been burned during the battle, guiding her further into the building.

She took one last look over her shoulder as they disappeared around a corner, "I'm sorry, I didn't want it to be this way…" She closed her eyes one final time, wiping the stray tears away. Taking a deep breath, she looked towards Killua, "We need to get out of here, why are you taking us further in?!"

"Let's just say, Daniel's bad habit is leading the direction…"

Scarlet closed her eyes again. Goodbye, Adam…