The group is now on their way to escaping the Kakin Kingdom, hoping to lose Victor's trail.
Killua winded around one final corner before spotting the boys, Daniel resting his back against the wall. Stefan was being held close to him, sobbing into the shoulder of a stranger he just met.
The boy couldn't help but smile at the scene before him, not because the boy was crying, it was Daniel's humanism that was causing the kid to trust him. Although, the constant curling of his fingers along Stefan's back did for some reason made him feel somewhat jealous…
"Stefan…?"
Her voice startled her son, his eyes widening as Daniel's actions ceased. When the boy turned, so did Daniel.
When Daniel noticed them, a smile widened along the boy's face, giving away his own excitement; he wasn't just happy to see Killua, with all the news he learned so far, he wanted to see him in person. He wanted to thank him in person…
Without Killua's interference, his mind would still have been locked away, unable to wake from the slumber that had taken away his consciousness. He'll forever owe Killua for saving his life…
"I'm back, Killua…"
"Mommy!" Stefan ran towards his mother without a second thought, wrapping his arms around her waist. He was happy to see her alive and well. In the end, his mother chose him, over her brother. And while a part of that saddened him, that his uncle turned out to be evil…
All that mattered was that he and his mother was safe, and Killua and Daniel were there to protect them.
Killua closed the distance between himself and his partner, pulling the boy in for a hug. His fingers lingered along the boy's back, dipping down to settle just above the waist. When his arms tightened a little, Killua tilted his head into small of Daniel's neck, planting a small kiss hidden from the world.
The boy mumbled into Daniel's neck, the words tickling the boy's skin, "Welcome back…" The moment was definitely embarrassing; so, he tried to hide as much as he could. Daniel accepted everything about him, and he wasn't about to lose one of the very few special connections he has.
Tears fell from Scarlet's eyes as she held her son close. As much as she wanted to prolong the situation, the smoke was starting to thicken, and the fire has possibly spread after Adam's demise.
"Killua, we need to go… we can cry later…"
"I wasn't crying!" Killua quickly pulled away, his cheeks an obvious red. He was just happy to be able to not only hold Daniel but also have the boy hold him as well. But she was also right, although, the fire was the least of their concerns…
Victor was coming for them, and they had no idea when he'll attack.
"Can you stand?"
"No…" Daniel diverted his eyes, unable to look at his partner in the eyes. He came here in order to protect Killua, to be able to see him again. However, now he was unable to stand, or use his aura to fuel his attacks, "my body is too weak to move right now…"
Killua sighed, picking up Daniel to sling him over his shoulder like a burlap sack.
Daniel shouldn't really complain, but still wanted to "I'm not a bag of potatoes…"
Killua didn't want dis his partner right now, more worried about getting out of there alive; they don't know how far the fire has spread. Killua joined Scarlet, the female companion already cradling her son close to her chest.
The two made a mad dash through the hallways, stopping when a section of the roof collapsed in front of them. Killua moved Daniel, making the boy wrap his arms around his neck as he shifted his posture. They couldn't turn back now; they'll have to break through one of the walls and use one of the connecting hallways instead.
Killua shifted his fingertips into claws, digging the nails through the concert. It didn't take long before he was already seeing the other side. Shifting his hand back, he pressed them into Daniel, holding him close just in case. The last thing he wanted to do was drop his partner during the process.
Bringing his foot up, he slammed it into the wall, Scarlet joining in to help Killua out. They needed to get out of here as soon as possible.
After the fourth kick, the hole was large enough for Scarlet to fit through, the two already making their way for the exit.
"~"
Killua and Scarlet watched the fire consume the building from afar, none of the firemen on the scene had noticed the four of them escape. At least now from their position, they could rest for a bit.
The boy collapsed first, breathing out loudly. They escaped death, with no lives lost other than Adam's. While he didn't want the bring up anything with Scarlet right now, that fear of Victor being on the trail wasn't something he could just push aside right now.
With one lungful of air, Killua addressed his concern, "We can't be here for long. We need to pick up Alluka and escape this place. Can you make the call to Vastorie…?"
The woman ignored the boy's plea, instead of sobbing into her son's shirt. He was ok… they were all fine right now. She kept telling herself that, but what Killua said was also true. They weren't exactly safe yet. Alluka was alone, and by herself right now. Victor was on their trail, and Vastorie won't answer to his child, let alone to Killua's pleas.
She was the only one who could possibly reach him right now.
Now that he could tell Daniel had collapsed against his body, the events of today justifying the boy's tiredness, he couldn't relax until Daniel was in a bed… again. Then again, Killua's body warmth may have helped contribute to his partner passing out. Daniel wasn't the best at staying awake when we extremely pent up and tired.
"Scarlet, please…" The boy pleaded with Scarlet once more, hoping that she'll react.
She didn't, the events of today have messed her up; to know that she was the one to help contribute to killing the brother she loved, the one and only family member she'd hoped wasn't corrupted by Hinrick's mindset, crushed her…
She had a chance to be here for him, but she had no way of reaching through to him… just like Killua with her. Daniel may have had a chance, but he's passed out. However, warm hands squeezed around the waist, bringing her attention back to the one thing that should mean everything to her.
Her mind may have been scattered all over the place, but Stefan was here with her right now, and he was still scared, "Mommy…"
Scarlet pulled Stefan closer to her, burying her con's head in the crane of her neck "I know…" The woman let out a sob, the hand she placed on the back of her son's head still felt raw and tender, the flesh charred from recognition. It's the last thing she'll ever receive from Adam, "I know…"
Scarlet closed her eyes, trying to recollect her thoughts, "Can you help Stefan pack some things, while I make that call?"
"Sure… it'll give me a reason to lay Daniel down." Damn, I'm helping everyone today…
"~"
The night was mellow, crickets being the only creature of the night making a ruckus. Scarlet escaped out the backdoor, the only spot she figured where no one, but herself could be heard. It was a condition set by Killua, a precaution really.
There was a nice spot in her backyard, away from the house where no one could hear her, let alone be near her without being noticed.
Killua didn't want Vastorie to overhear his voice just in case it spooks Daniel's father. She now kind of understood the situation, the fear of a lingering grandfather threatening to kill your child. As long as he makes it seem like he doesn't care, his father will no longer think Daniel could be used as a bargaining chip.
Now, that was no longer the case… Victor is going to be after them all, their life being the only thing that could quench his rage. They removed the Nen afflicting Daniel, and now Victor is taking matters into his own hands. If he can't find a way to control that boy, he'll just get rid of it…
Scarlet cycled through the contacts, stopping at Vastorie's name. Even though it could be late where he is, he'd most likely answer her call. It's just a matter of whether or not she should reveal where the man's father is heading now, or not.
If she tells him, he could take matters into his own hands, and this is a battle that is risking his son's life. Killua says Vastorie doesn't care about his child, but she presumed to think otherwise. He has always cared about others, he just puts up a front so he protects those he truly cares about.
Maybe that's what she should say to Daniel, to let him know that his cruel, distant ways, is just a way to hide his greatest fear… a fear she couldn't believe it took her so long to realise.
Raising the phone to her ear, she listened to the dial tone. He's afraid to lose the ones he truly loves…
"Didn't expect you to call, Clarets. What's up my man?!" The voice was cheerful, lacking the sense of formality one would have with a fellow friend. To him, it was just one big game of guess who, except he knows who his dealing with.
"My cover has been blown…"
What was once cheerfully oblivious, now became serious. She could only imagine the sparkling eyes disappearing, revealing the darkened eyes of a man who was willing to go far beyond the boundaries of protection, "Someone I can kill?"
"Doubt it…"
"Two tickets out of Aswaqiya, immediately?"
"Five…"
"Five…? Who got caught up this time?"
"Your son…"
She heard it, the stilling of the man's voice, the controlling nature kicking in. He was hiding something, and she wants to know if it does relate to his father returning from the dead. Killua said Victor was Vastorie's father, but she briefly remembers the man speaking about his father being dead to him.
He spoke with malice, an uncaring attitude to his father being dead, as to his mother, or another parent, she didn't know much about them. The man never spoke about them. But now, she could feel it, the rage and bloodlust leaking through the man's tone, the one she witnessed during her own father's pleading, no… begging tone.
The Vastorie that once scared her as a child had returned during the receiver, "Is the enemy's name, Victor… Victor Tempest?"
Scarlet clenched her teeth. She's never heard him sound this evil, a bloodthirsty rage that couldn't be quenched if he tried. But she needed the sane man, the man she trusted, the one who could show compassion, "Darkscryer, WE need help! This isn't a situation you can just stain the carpets with the blood of a father… we need to get out of Aswaqiya! Can you do it?"
"Give me an hour, I'll pull some strings. Good-"
"NO! You're not hanging up yet. I want the truth… did you cut ties with your family?"
Silence, was the only thing she received, not even a breath being sucked in. At least the man hadn't hung up, which is a good thing. He's staying on the phone, regardless of what he was truly feeling. Hopefully, it was doubt bottling up in that man's mind, not fear.
"I know I have no justification to intercept what you do, but please… can you at least tell me why you did that? Your family respects you… they love you… at least give me something to tell your son… anything…"
"I… can't…"
Scarlet closed her eyes, she heard the man's voice tremble. He was scared, and he didn't want anyone to know, so she relented with a sigh, "I understand…" she lied, she really doesn't get what's going on. He is one of the strongest Hunters she's ever met, and he was afraid of a man who happens to be his father.
Whatever the man's reasoning is, she hopes he can figure out a way to justify his actions, "Is there anything I can say to your son… anything at all?"
"No…"
Scarlet bit her lip, controlling the breath she wanted to suck in right now, "Ok…"
"I'll get you all tickets out of there first, then I'll split you to two different areas. If he tracks you, at least he'll land in an area that forces him to focus on chasing after one you. Knowing him, I'll know who he'll go after… So, I'll make sure the next place I send them to, they'll be protected."
"I'll-"
"Don't say anything to them, they'll change their mind if they realise why I'm making this move…"
"Fine, where are they going…?"
"United States of Saherta… to Xavier's school."
"That… makes sense. I'll suggest the school from one student-to-another. Just tell Eifion to be careful."
"I have already prepared countermeasures for that. Eifion will understand."
"Is that coming from a teacher's perspective?" She crossed one arm under her chest, frustrated at the man being unable to be direct in this case. He never sugar coated anything, why now? If you were failing in some aspect, no matter how minuscule, he'd point it, the second he notices it.
That was why the man was a damn fine Nen teacher. Sure, he was like a doting parent at times, but his naturally cold exterior made it so easy to hide the sincere affection. Eifion was the first to pick up on it, and none of the other students noticed it for a long time…
She hated this side of him, yet she couldn't figure out how to breach that cold exterior right now… Eifion might be the only one who knows how to talk to the man right now, once he learns the truth. She is sure once Eifion learns the truth from the boys, he'll be one of the first to speak up against the man.
She received no response, that much she expected. "You're making a mistake…"
"You aren't the first to say that… and you certainly won't be the last either."
When he hung up, the woman was left baffled by the remark. Who was the first to sow the seeds of doubt…? Why haven't you changed your mind yet? Was it possible… that Victor scared him or was this some ruse to keep everyone's opinions at bay…?
Slipping the phone into her pocket, the woman moved her hand, rubbing her forehead as she sighed loudly into the wind, "What are you so afraid of…?"
The call was made, so all that was left was to slip into some clothes, some that were way more comfortable. She didn't want to go completely crazy, but it did reveal her real figure.
It felt good to stop using that binder, to pretend she was a dude. Undoing the ponytail, she left to help out Killua, hoping that the boy was almost done.
Clarets was a really good cover, hiding her for months, but Killua and Daniel finding out the truth was the biggest slap to her face. To think her brother may have been stalking her for months, lying in wait for the right moment to reveal himself to her, made her sick to the stomach.
"~"
Scarlet's high-heels clacked against the tiles, rushing to the terminals. She didn't exactly know when their flight would be, so as soon as Stefan was packed, they left immediately.
Stefan was really tired, the events of the night leaving him completely tuckered, his arms wrapped around her neck as they ran out the door. Although, after spending all that time in hiding, she really hates high-heels. She's ditching them once she begins her new life.
It was so interesting to watch Killua run while cradling Alluka, Daniel and all their luggage in his arms. However, once he got closer to the terminal, he switched to holding Daniel in his arm, their luggage in his back, while he held Alluka's hand, and she held onto her luggage.
They had to go under the radar, they didn't exactly know how the man was tracking them, but if he has contacts, a teen holding Alluka, Daniel and their luggage all on his own would have set off red flags.
Bending over the counter, Scarlet panted, pretending to play the afraid mother "I'm sorry, hopefully, I'm not late. Four kids, one parent… whoa, it can become a struggle…"
"I can see…" the man leaned slightly to the side with a raised eyebrow, taking notice of one of the children. The boy was single-handly was holding his brother in his chest, with only one arm.
Rather than addressing the issue, she snapped her fingers, drawing the man's attention once more to her. The fewer questions, the better, "They're really close…" Vastorie had texted the name her tickets were under, and hopefully… that wouldn't be her new disguise, "My tickets are under Mrs Mattias, Mrs… Faith Mattias…"
The man typed the name away, too tired to be dealing with strange situations, "You have a room booked out all for yourself… and your flight leaves in three hours. To…" he continued to type away, "Kukan'yu Kingdom, so… gate K24. Enjoy your flight."
He printed out the tickets, handing them over to Scarlet with a smile. She took it graciously; a smile being offered in return. Looks like they'll get out of here by the end of the night without issue. Until she checked her phone, she got the second set of messages.
Vastorie was sending her to Alair taus… with specific orders to go back to his place until he can figure out where he can send her and her child safely.
Daniel, Killua and Alluka on the other hand, are going to split from them the moment they land in the Kukan'yu Kingdom. They are heading to the United States of Saherta, just like he promised during their call. Scarlet hurried the teens along, making sure to be out of earshot of everyone at the airport, "Once we land, you're going to United States of Saherta, seems Vastorie wasn't to split us…"
"It's our best option honestly," Killua glanced to his right, a couple struggling to find something in their bag. If he were to look from Daniel's father perspective, Victor was coming after them mainly, Scarlet was the last thing on his mind right now. The boy drew his eyes back to the older woman, "the more attention we draw to ourselves, the better off you are…"
"Then might I make a suggestion, you should head off to Xavier's school of the gifted, they have an elaborate intruder system, which should keep you safe. But before you enrol, tell the Deacon about your issue… He'll make sure Victor can't ever come near you."
"Noted…" Killua glanced to his right, nothing out of the ordinary on their left side. They couldn't have been a coincidence, Daniel and he did bring that up, wanting to go there in order to relax from the hell they've experienced. Sure, it'll be a different kind of hell, but at least they won't have to be looking over their shoulders every time they felt like they're being watched.
It was good news nonetheless, hearing that the school has a security system in place to block trespassers, was the best possible outcome. It may even use a process that involves Nen.
For now, all they needed to do was make sure they were on that flight, and that nothing stopped them from boarding it.
"~"
Scarlet and Killua let out a relieved sigh, the cushioning of the Zeppelin's chair providing the comfort they needed. They were in for a nice eight-hour flight, with hopefully no issues.
The room designated to them was designed like a small hotel room, four bunk beds and a couch. It wasn't better than a hotel suite, as they did have to walk for two minutes to go to the toilet; it's shared with everyone in their block. But, at least four people can sleep in the beds, rather than the chairs.
Alluka, Stefan and Daniel had taken the beds, but right now, given the situation, Daniel needed to be woken up. He rather wouldn't wake up his partner, but who knows when he'd naturally get up. It could be towards the end of the flight, or within the next 10 minutes at this point.
The thought made Killua shift in his seat because honestly, he didn't know if Daniel will learn anything useful from Scarlet right now. Or at least, useful in a sense to help him, understand his father's act.
He did learn something from Zaikaria, but Scarlet may have seen the exact same side as Zaikaria did. Vastorie loves Daniel, family orientated, free-spirited, and intends to kill Victor at whatever the cost.
What could Scarlet bring that differs from their side of Vastorie they already know? Well, sitting in silence isn't going to help the situation. He needed to wake Daniel now. He should have gotten a few hours rest by now, "I'm gonna wake Daniel, so we can talk while everyone else sleeps… I sure you have much to discuss, thanks to Adam's… reveal…"
Scarlet's features mellowed, her eyes looking downward. As much as she didn't want to talk about her past right now, especially after seeing her brother die for the second time…
Daniel does have questions about her past relating to Vastorie, so she'll talk about that.
Killua stepped up to the bed where Daniel laid still. As his partner breathed in and out softly, Killua tried to coax the boy to wake up, his fingers running along the boy's waist, "Wakey, wakey…"
Daniel groaned, turning over so he was facing Killua, but his eyes remained closed, still asleep. Killua groaned as he was forced to nudge the boy again, this time using more strength, "Please, wake up…"
Much to his surprise and dismay, Daniel curled over again, this time taking Killua with him as well. If it weren't for anyone else in the room sleeping, he would have screamed because Daniel didn't just drag him into bed with him, he was snuggling closer.
Killua felt the warm breath on his cheek, the nose grazing along his heated skin. He could feel the love and affection involved in the gesture, and hopefully, Daniel just wasn't assuming it was him.
Although, the noise he made along with Scarlet's muffled laughter didn't help the current predicament. He isn't about to slap Daniel yet, but if the boy continues to be lovey-dovey in his sleep, he might have to.
Killua tapped the boy along his waist, "Daniel, wake up…" When Daniel made no reaction, Killua sighed. He couldn't see Scarlet from his angle, so hopefully, she won't either. He leaned slightly forward, pressing his lips against Daniel's. I swear, if he doesn't wake up after this, I'm going to-
"Killua…"
"Finally…" Killua pulled back, Daniel looking at him with tired eyes. I can't believe Daniel woke up from that… This isn't sleeping beauty! A kiss shouldn't have woken him up this easily… "Time to get up…"
"I don't wanna…" Daniel closed his eyes, snuggling closer to Killua.
The boy squeaked at the news, the muffled laughter getting a little louder by the second. This couldn't be happening; Daniel was running his hand along his thighs, constantly touching Killua's butt as often as the boy could do so. Daniel was having fun, and while Killua wouldn't have minded it… if they were alone, he needed the boy to get up, now.
"Daniel, we AREN"T alone…"
The words made the boy's eyes open wide, staring at Killua in hopes of getting him to tell him the truth. Did he just feel up Killua while Alluka was behind him, "Alluka…?"
"No, Scarlet…"
Daniel turned around slowly, the woman with her mouth covered, a smile well hidden behind that hand. He just did something his dad would've done so casually. Shit… He removed his hand without a second thought, rolling over so he could look at Scarlet, trying to play off what just happened, "Um… hi…?"
The woman removed her hand from her mouth, instead opting to offer a wave to the boy "Hi…"
"So… you were the one to help Killua save me…"
"I am…" She giggled at the kid, he was so awkward after being caught trying to snuggle with his partner. It's a normal natural thing to want after being woken up by said person, "don't mind-"
Killua quickly shoved Daniel out the bed, the boy hitting the floor with a groan, "what did-"
"Your hand, that's why! Can we just get past this… awkwardness, and just have a talk like normal civil people. After this flight, we won't get a chance to talk to her again, possibly for a long time."
Daniel offered a quick nod, even though his partner had no chance of seeing it from his angle. The boy was right; he needed to ask his question, to let their last act fade away into the past. He wanted to know more about his father, and she had possible clues "Scarlet, what was my father like when you met him?"
"When I met him…" The woman sighed as she turned away, hoping that, she could've avoided the topic entirely, "Let's go for a walk… my past isn't something I want my child or Alluka to hear…"