Somehow, a short time after Killua had quietly greeted the rest of their group, Jasper found himself sitting at a dinner table in an overly fancy dining room. The room itself was made with darker stones complemented by lighter grey marble and gold decorations on the ceilings. Each corner had the support of a pillar and wrapped around those were shimmering statues of monsters. Closest to him was a golden dragon that seemed almost alive in the flickering candlelight of the large, overly intricate black metal chandelier that hung above the table. Next to that was a dark green cat looking beast with stripes of black across it's whole hide. Diagonal to Jasper's own corner seat at the beautifully polished dark wooden table, was a pillar that had a brilliantly red bird with exceedingly long tail feathers that had caught and held Harry's attention when they had first walked into the dining room. The last pillar looked as if it was supporting a creature made entirely of spines, it's obsidian form hiding in the shadow of the pillar so Jasper couldn't get the best look at it.
The plates that had been set before him were polished silver, the goblets jewel encrusted gold, the napkins made of a cloth so fine it caught on the rough skin of his fingers. Everything in here was a show of wealth that made his finger's itch to grab what he could and run. He bit his lip as food sat in front of him smelled absolutely amazing but he knew it would do absolutely nothing for him.
Next to him Menchi was already leaning forward and poking at the food, muttering soft criticisms under her breath. He wondered how she could tell the meat temperature just by looking at it.
On his other side, sitting at the end of the table, Gon was practically drooling over his food. Killua next to Gon and across from Jasper was staring at his plate, his gaze unwavering and the frown on his mouth heavily set. Next to Killua was the old man that sent every hair on the back of Jasper's neck standing on edge. The man was practically wrapped in a deceptively soft layer of power that Jasper just knew could fill this stupidly rich dining room if the man let it. When he'd first seen the guy, he'd appeared out of nowhere, hand settling on Canary's shoulder. That kind of speed… was monstrous and it had made him wary. Not that it would stop him from stealing the man's grandson into his own family.
Next to him was a rather fat guy, his pale peach shirt straining against his bulk. His cheeks were chubby enough to force his already small eyes into a narrow stare. Combined with his grumpy stature and sulky frown, he looked like a moody asshole and Jasper decided he wanted nothing to do with him. Next to the asshole who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there sat a pretty girl, her black hair cut in a bob around her jaw, the bangs stopping just shy of her eyes. She wore a pretty silk dress looking thing, dark in color with stylized stars trailing down the elongated sleeves and the lower half of the fabric beneath the middle wrap piece.
Sitting in the last seat on that side of the table was a woman who was dressed rather fancily. He could see even from all the way across the table that the fabric was a sort of red velvet that blended into multiple layers of frills and lace at her forearm. The lace covered all the way to her wrist leaving pale long fingered hands to delicately hold her silverware. Her long nails seemed to cause her no issues and Jasper thought it was very weird to watch how controlled and fluid her movements were. And then there was that strange visor across her eyes with the red dot that shifted from each occupant across the table from her. So strange.
Silva, as he'd introduced himself on the way to the dining hall, was sitting at the end of the table, his cat-like eyes sweeping across the table to make sure everything was going smoothly… probably. Either that or he was assessing their threat level (which was pretty low) because this man was able to evoke the same feeling as Killua's Grandfather.
While the woman (possibly Killua's mother?) took up one seat on Silva's left, the right side had an empty chair, followed by Kurapika, then Leorio who was happily seated next to Menchi.
Finished with his brief evaluation of the table's occupants, he turned towards his food and started poking it while everyone quietly dined around him. The meat practically fell apart when he poked it and the vegetables looked mushy. His mouth tilted and he huffed when Menchi turned to fully face him, daggers in her eyes. Obviously the meal was approved if she was glaring at him to eat it. So he did. Quickly. Trying to get the mush out of his mouth as soon as possible.
He tried to be quiet while doing it because breaking the silence just seemed awkward. Even Harry was keeping quiet and nobody would hear him if he spoke to Jasper. Thankfully, not much later, everyone was finished and the plates were collected by a bunch of butlers (one of which was Canary who collected Killua's plate with a solemn air).
"Dessert will be along shortly," Silva rumbled, resting his cheek on his fist which was supported by his elbow on the table.
"Dear… you- you can't honestly be thinking of letting this happen," the woman said only a moment later, her voice akin to metal screeching against metal to Jasper's ears. Was Silva breaking the silence permission for everyone else to speak or something? "Everything that he needs is here and these ruffians know nothing-!"
"Kikyo. Be quiet."
She didn't. "I'm his mother! I know we just need more time-"
"Kikyo."
Her teeth snapped shut audibly at the audible threat in Silva's words. Jasper shivered, his hands shaking as he clenched them beneath the table. There was something prodding the back of his mind, something unpleasant, something redredredred-
Calm Jasper. You can't afford to have a flashback right now. Keep calm and I'll deal with the intrusive thoughts, okay?
Okay. Calm. He could do that.
"Killua will be going with his friends," Silva was saying. "But I will not leave him entirely without protection. In fact, Kalluto has already agreed to accompany his brother."
The girl across the table practically preened despite her stoic face as Killua's mother, Kikyo let out a short sound reminiscent of a kettle and snapped the fan that she'd kept next to her plate. Killua also had an adverse reaction, his glare turning to his father as he let out an incredulous, "What!?"
Silva was unfazed as was Zeno even as everyone else at the table had their own little reactions that ranged from confusion to a quiet tantrum (in the case of Kikyo). Zeno just turned to Killua and stared at him, his gaze apparently the only thing needed to keep the child assassin from leaping from his seat as Silva continued speaking. "As much as I'd like to let you go on your own Killua," the boy's father addressed his fuming son, "you're still recovering and there is no one I'd trust more to look out for you than a family member. Hence, your little brother will be keeping an eye on you while you travel with your friends."
Wait. Brother? Little brother implied younger than Killua but the only one that fit that box was-
The girl.
Who's chin was tilted higher and her… his shoulders pulled back in pride.
He didn't know boys could be so pretty.
Killua's younger brother sputtered, turning a heated glare onto Jasper and he realized that he'd accidentally said that out loud. Harry was laughing awfully loudly in his head, echoed by Gon who was laughing much more brightly right next to him. Killua had dropped his head into his hands, muttering violence under his breath while his grandfather next to him had a small smile on his face. Jasper sunk into his seat not even daring to look at the other side of the table.
"It's not like it's not true," he muttered, sending a glare back at the boy dressed like a girl. Kalluto blinked at him, mouth forming an unsure line before huffing and looking away.
"I think this will go swimmingly," Zeno chuckled, shifting in his seat to look more relaxed. "Kalluto is a good boy and Killua, your father is right. You're still recovering. Of your siblings, isn't he the best option?"
Going by the resigned glare, Kalluto was definitely the best option. Jasper thought over all the other people here and had to agree. Zeno would probably be fine too but Jasper had no desire to spend that much time around a predator so far out of his league.
"In fact, I'd like to know more about the people our family members will be traveling with," Zeno continued cheerfully.
"I see no issue with that," Kurapika spoke quietly, leaning forward in his chair enough that Jasper could see him in the corner of his eye. He turned to look at his blonde companion who was wearing a blank face, one that Jasper had tentatively marked as one for when he was thinking.
"You don't have to-" Killua started to protest grumpily, his hands clutching the opposite arm against his chest.
"It's fine," Kurapika assured. "I'm glad they asked instead of sending you with strangers."
"Same," Leorio huffed, leaning back in his chair, arms across his chest. Actually, Jasper had managed to forget the doctor in training was there because of how quiet he was. Normally, the man was boisterously loud, but ever since entering the gate to the Zoldyck estate there'd been a tension to Leorio's shoulders and a harsh set to his mouth and brow. It's not like Jasper couldn't understand why it was there considering the powerhouses they were surrounded by but he was also of the opinion that the brunette should relax before he blew his top from stress alone.
"Wonderful! I'll start some introductions," Zeno continued with a hum. "You have already met me. My son, Silva, is at the head of the table. Next to him we have my dear daughter- in- law, Kikyo. Kalluto is my youngest grandson and next to him is my second eldest, Milluki."
He assumed that creepshow pin man from his memory of Killua hurting him was the eldest. He was really glad he wasn't here filling that empty chair next to Leorio. Jasper didn't know what he would do if he was.
"I'm Gon," his friend chirped. "It's nice to meet all of you."
Jasper didn't wait to see anyone's reactions, instead tossing his name out there quickly. Kurapika and Leorio followed shortly after. Menchi was last and she gave her name with a lazy lilt to her words. He was hoping that would be the end of it but no.
Silva was the next to speak. "Tell me what brings children like you so far from home?"
And that was all Gon needed to start talking about his dad and how he was going to find him now since he'd become a Hunter to follow in the man's footsteps. Jasper hadn't known that and he made sure to commit the name Ging Freecs to memory so if he ever heard about him he could tell Gon.
When Gon finished speaking, radiating excitement the whole while (which was making Killua uncurl from his angry wither thankfully) attention turned to Jasper. "I'm looking for my family too," he huffed. "I have nine family members and we used to live in a gross desert. I… We got separated so I'm trying to find my way back." He was silent for a moment before finally deciding to just introduce Harry as well. Silva and Zeno already knew about him but Kalluto and Killua hadn't met him yet. "Then there's Harry. He's been with me forever and he helps when I need it."
"Oh? You mentioned him before," Zeno said placidly. Despite his calm face there was a gleam in the man's eye that he wasn't sure what to make of. "Could we meet him?"
Did Harry want to meet them?
Not really but if it's a qualification of getting Killua away from these people then I can.
A qualification… Was this whole thing actually a test? Jasper rolled that over in his mind for a moment and decided that it could be.
Please, he thought quietly. The yank behind his navel was quick to follow and he was left floundering again trying to right himself in this strange place Harry called a mindscape. He took a few breaths to steady himself and focused on making sure he'd be able to actually see and hear what was going on this time. Last time- all the way back on the airship- he'd gotten close, listening to snippets before he was distracted by Harry's thoughts and feelings. It had been absolutely fascinating to see flashes of pictures zoom by his head as well (especially Harry's hands sweeping through the cloudy mass below him tinged with delight and freedom) and absolutely different than when he went and viewed his own memory.
"Why did you want to see me?"
The reverberation of Harry's voice echoing in the space around him brought him back to task. Hearing he could do if he just stayed focused. Now he was determined to be able to see everything going on while Harry was in control too. The only hurdle to get over… was that he had no idea how to go about it. Straying from this spot would lead him somewhere but not necessarily where he wanted to go.
"To meet everyone accompanying my grandson. It's a pleasure, young Harry."
Jasper groaned at the utter feeling of contempt that clogged his chest from Harry. "Don't do anything stupid," he shouted at the blank nothing that represented the ceiling of this place. "We still have to get Killua out!"
It's not like they don't already know considering you announced it. Harry grumbled internally. Externally his words were completely different.
"Uh-huh. Sure, I'll bite. What do you really want?"
"Harry," he whined, pawing through some of the more solid shadows hoping they would point him in the right direction.
Jasper, what are you doing?
It was Silva's voice that cut him off from answering Harry right away. "Perhaps we wished to see the lauded companion of a child so experienced in the world."
Harry's response was immediate and heated, his attention immediately drawn from Jasper who was still trying to reach through layers and layers of obscuring shadows. "Don't patronize me-! You have no idea what we've been through and you never will. I'm here to stop my charge's pain and you- you- You bloody broke your own! Your own kid!"
The 'air' was becoming stifling and Jasper paused, having the worst feeling that he should be back in charge immediately. He didn't technically know how to do it but with a strong driving feeling of anxiety and urgency he saw himself back in control. Even not currently having access to live vision from Harry he could still picture the room as he'd seen it before, the dark stone, softly flickering lights. The table with its multiple occupants new and old, friend and possible foe.
With another sickening yank he was back, the heavy feeling of the physical settling in his limbs. In the back of his mind, Harry was raging, the feel of heat still burning stiflingly in his lungs.
"Now he hates you! Why'd you have to provoke him like that," he complained after reorienting himself from the sudden switch.
Silva's slitted eyes were staring at him intently, head cocked to the side. "What makes you think it was a provocation and not a genuine query?"
"Well, first of all that you even had to ask me that," he grumped, his shoulder coming up to his ears as he slid further down his seat. "Second of all cause… uh, the way you said it? I mean, like, why use perhaps? You could have said 'because of this', not perhaps. Perhaps is like… like a run around. It's not an absolute. My dad said perhaps too when he wanted to trick me!"
"Well, then I shall interject and introduce myself so Jasper may take a moment. I am Kurapika, last of the Kurta clan and my one desire is to kill the Phantom Troupe."
Jasper wasn't exactly fond of the way Blondie had inserted himself in the situation but he was also a little grateful because with that heavy proclamation all attention shifted over to the teen watching everyone with cool eyes. Jasper let out a silent breath through his nose turning his attention to Gon and Killua (and by proxy, Zeno who was still watching the three of them). Gon was giving him a small smile with a questioning tilt to his head. Killua… was staring at him with wide blue eyes that made his -still burningburningburning- chest clench.
"Nutty…"
Killua got no farther because Silva was speaking once again and that man's voice was loud without even trying. It permeated the space around him suppressing all other voices as if it was demanding submission. Which would be silly but Jasper couldn't help but feel that way about both Silva and Zeno. Zeno's voice was milder, of course, but almost more terrifying for it because you wouldn't expect it from the old frail looking guy.
"A lofty goal for one so weak."
It came out of nowhere. That power that Jasper could feel lurking unfurled abruptly, saturating the room with a malicious intent so strong that he choked. Harry's rage was doused by a painful instant alertness and automatically his nen wrapped around him like a protective cloak. He sucked in a deep breath through his nose, wiping away the sweat that had appeared on his forehead.
It was easy to see who had nen at the table. Kikyo sat at attention but showed no signs of visible distress, her ten cloak shimmering around her. Kalluto, next to her, had his fan open and tapping against his lips his own cloak not as sure as it wavered around his shoulders. Milluki's skin was shining with sweat that had yet to soak into his straining shirt but he was able to move as evidenced by his hands fiddling with something in his lap. Zeno was, unsurprisingly, completely unaffected. Menchi also showed little outward signs besides one of her hands clenched into a shaking fist against her thigh under the table.
Everyone else didn't fare near as well. Killua was frozen stiff, his shaking hands lodged knuckle deep into the table, veins visibly bulging against his purple scars. Gon wasn't even breathing and Leorio seemed to be the same. Kurapika, on the other hand, was trembling like a leaf, his eyes glowing a vivid scarlet.
"If you can't even survive this, you won't last a second against any member of the Phantom Troupe. They're a pesky lot, far too much effort to fight." Silva's eyes seemed to shimmer with a deep inner light as they fell once again onto Jasper's form. He frowned at the focus, feeling as if he was missing something in this very strange exchange. When he said nothing, letting the silence and the pressure drag on, Silva's lips twitched in the corner.
When his attention moved away, the ren fell with it, tucking itself away neatly. The entire table breathed deeply in relief. Kurapika said nothing when he was addressed, though his eyes still glowed vividly.
"These levels of enemies are what you can expect, Kurta. You would do well to keep your vendetta to yourself."
"Right," Leorio wheezed, running his fingers through his hair. "Right, okay. Don't threaten my friend." The brunette's mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to say more but couldn't settle on the right words. "Right. Moving on. I'm Leorio. My goal is to be a doctor and now that I've got my license I'm going to be studying."
"And I'm always out looking for new ingredients and cooking perfect dishes. Currently, I'm training this one." A thumb stuck out and she lifted her fist so it was pointed directly at Jasper. "Speaking of," her voice dropped into a lower pitch as her eyelids fluttered. "You wouldn't happen to have any spare training vests would you? Possibly with upgrading weights?"
Wait. Wait- That was such a weird subject change-
No. Hell no!
"Menchi," he growled in absolute offense, basking in the small glance of amusement that brushed over his brow from Harry.
"Suck it up, runt," she smirked, tilting her head to look at him from the corner of her eye. "I told you I don't take complaints."
"And I still never agreed-"
"We do have such items but we won't let them go for nothing. Not even for a friend of Killua's," Zeno cut in happily.
"Well, I've heard all Zoldyck prices are absolutely absorbitant so how 'bout I offer one of my own recipes instead?"
"Five."
"Excuse me? My recipes are world class! I'll do nothing more than two."
"Oh yes, yes. That's why your name sounds familiar, Menchi the one star Gourmet Hunter, renowned for creating dishes without comparison."
"That's right!"
"Three recipes," Zeno replied calmly, stroking one side of his mustache.
"Sold," Menchi agreed gleefully.
"Pleasure doing business, my dear."
"Absolutely!"
"What… the hell just happened," Killua muttered, pulling his fingers from the wood of the table while Jasper bemoaned his miserable fate. He absolutely hated those stupid vests! They threw off his balance something fierce and they weighed way more than their appearance would suggest.
"Miss Menchi just bought a weighted vest for Jasper," Gon happily confirmed.
"That's some tough luck, kid," Leorio snickered and even Kurapika, who looked much more composed with his eyes back to normal, gave him a pitying glance.
"Shut up, Drabreo!"
"Oi, who the hell are you still calling drab!"
"Ha…. Ahahahaha!" Killua tossed his head back as his arms clutched his stomach. "Drabreo! Ha! That's even worse than Mister Drab!"
"Hey, you little brat don't think I won't hop over this table-!"
Shortly after their bickering started the dessert came out and everyone quieted again. It wasn't anything like at the beginning, though. This was an easy quiet that focused on the food in front of them- even if it was just a weird flat squishy texture to Jasper- the subtle tension had drained like an infection being lanced. It was a relief, honestly, and his regard for Menchi jumped.
When dinner was finished, Jasper and his friends were escorted to guest rooms. Killua absolutely refused to be separated from his friends and Zeno allowed it, gesturing the three boys into a room. But Jasper paused in the doorway turning back to the old man.
"Can I be in a different room?"
Zeno lifted an eyebrow in response and Jasper huffed, watching the way Gon bounced on the bed and how Killua stayed at the foot of it, far away from his friend. As much as he'd like to stay with them Killua was still far too tense around Jasper. It made his chest clench uncomfortably but he ignored that trying to think of how he would feel if he was uncomfortable. He'd want his space to be respected and so he would do the same for Killua.
Both boys glanced at him when he didn't continue into the room. He shot them a smile and turned back to the old man.
"I don't really want to share," he hummed.
"Of course. This way."
Gon protested immediately but Killlua was quiet, staring at the floor with furrowed brows so Jasper stood firm.
And that was that.
He plopped down on the bed with a huff, thinking over the events of today. It had been a very long day and even here he still couldn't quite get himself to relax. There was just something about this manor that was throwing him off. The forest hadn't been anything like this. Jasper didn't like it.
Did you notice that none of the Zoldycks talked except Killua, Zeno, and Silva?
He noticed the sliver of rage curl inside his lungs again and blew out a slow breath. Harry really didn't like Silva now. He wondered what it was about what the man said that had set his friend off.
But more importantly, "Kikyo talked."
Briefly and with backlash. I dunno, it could be nothing but it feels like something. Keep it in mind.
He could do that, not that he thought it would matter much. They'd be leaving in the morning and maybe Jasper would be able to relax again. At least he wasn't nearly as bad off as Leorio who was wound as tightly as a spring about to buckle.
Still… he couldn't find it in himself to get comfortable. He didn't feel tired and for some reason the softness of the bed seemed more insidious than welcoming.
Honestly, if you stay up all night I think we'll be fine. Better safe than sorry in a den of monsters, hm?
He would be exhausted in the morning but it should be possible. Yeah. That would probably be best.
AN: Ah. Gotta love those awkward family dinners!
Q&A: Tetractys- Cuddles is a highly recommended form of stress relief ;)
KrixLight- Yes! Killua is starting on his road to recovery. About the needle, Silva was actually the one that ordered Illumi to implant so long ago. Not that he was going to tell Killua that. Taking it out in this fashion makes him look better too. Killua will eventually get to talk to Harry XD
Drakality- I'm just here to wreck canon and see how things go! You gotta admit it's pretty good emotional manipulation on Silva's part. Heaven's Arena is coming up but we still have a few more chapters with the Zoldycks! As always, thanks for the comment!
