'Killua Zoldyck to the principal's office.'
The attention of every single person in the classroom turned to the quiet, white-haired boy.
'Killua Zoldyck to the principal's office, please.'
"Go ahead," Aizawa said, gesturing for him to leave.
Ignoring the stares of his classmates, Killua walked out of the room and went on his way to meet Nezu for some unknown reason.
He didn't have the energy to think of a snarky comment against him, or a silly reasoning for why he'd been called.
He was just tired.
Entering the room, he found the rat sitting behind his desk.
"Zoldyck!" Nezu chirped. "Thank you for coming."
"Yeah, you told me to."
The fan above them spun around, audible whips of the wind standing out from the quiet murmur of the computer.
"Yes, I did. And you chose to come!"
Killua groaned. "What do you want?"
He clasped his hands together. "Hm... what I want is for you to succeed."
"Huh?"
Nezu pulled a file out from under his desk, Killua's full name brandished on the top. Clearing his throat, he said, "In my hands, I have your academic record. Care to guess how you've been doing?"
Academic record...?
"You have to be joking," Killua scoffed. "There's no way you called me here just to talk about my grades."
"Why, you're absolutely correct!"
Opening it up, he pointed to a page with F's scattered everywhere.
Wow, Killua thought. I'm doing even worse than Kaminari.
"Congratulations, Zoldyck!" Nezu said.
"On... failing?"
"Yes, and no. You are officially the worst student U.A. has ever had!"
Killua stared. Then, he snorted, pumped a fist in the air, and said in a mocking tone, "Plus Ultra!"
"That's the spirit! However, these grades are completely unacceptable. If you keep this up, you may not be able to pass your end of term exams." He grinned even wider, somehow. "I would recommend a personal tutor, but I don't believe that's the problem, here."
Crossing his arms, he said, "What is it, then?"
He paused. "You don't seem to have any motivation for school, do you?"
"Huh? What makes you say that?"
"Let's see..." he said, swiveling in his chair and tapping his chin. "Your grades have not always been like this. Before the internships, you were a B average student, which is incredible when we account for your amnesia."
Killua tilted his head. "So...?"
"So the problem is not your ability to learn; it is simply your own mindset." He shuffled the papers. "You are simply not trying. The last time you turned something in was three weeks ago, and all you did was pen your name!"
"Did you think calling me here was going to fix that, or something?" he retorted.
Nezu's right; he hadn't been trying. But it really didn't matter at all to Killua. He was only enrolled because of the rat, not 'cause he wanted to go here. The only reason he hasn't run off is because they... have Gon.
He stopped. Were they keeping Gon here just so Killua could stay, too...?
Why the hell do they still want me here?
"Well, I did not call you here to 'fix' you. I wanted to check up on you."
"I'm doing just fine," Killua said, hands behind his head.
And he really was, considering the fact that it's been a month and Gon still hasn't woken up...
It was fine. There was nothing Killua could do about his condition but wait.
"I know that grades are not your top priority," Nezu started, "but your exams are in a week. To continue going to this school, you must turn in actual work."
"What makes you think I want to keep going here?"
Something dark was swirling around in the principal's eyes. "Simply put, we are the best option in helping you achieve your main goal."
He raised an eyebrow. "And you know what my main goal is?"
"That is something only you can answer."
"...Okay." Killua let his hands fall from his head and instead sat them across his torso. "If you're the 'best option,' then what's the other option?"
"Why, the villain underworld, of course!"
...
Killua was... confused.
"I am not saying you should go digging around those places," he continued, "I am simply telling you that the information and guidance we hold is far more accessible to you here than anywhere else."
"You're telling me you're bribing me with information so I can stay at your school?"
"Not a bribe!" he beamed. "It is a benefit."
"...Sure it is." Killua sighed. "Hey, why do you want me to stay so badly?"
Nezu's nose twitched. "Simply put, you need us, and we need you."
"Meaning?"
"No need for elaboration!"
...Huh.
He was sent back to class shortly after, but not before bumping into Hagakure.
For the past month, he'd been bumping into her... a lot, actually.
"Hey Killua!" she (maybe) smiled.
After greeting her back, she chose to walk alongside him as he walked down the hall.
"Let's walk back to class together!"
"Yeah, sure."
"Oh, I was just in the bathroom. You were talking to Nezu, right?"
"Yup."
"Was it bad? I hope it wasn't bad..."
"It's the same as always."
"What's always?"
Killua turned to look at her.
Ever since she started actually talking to him, he felt that all she'd ever do was ask him questions about himself. Of course, he knew that's how people make friends, but the way she was going at it felt...
"Always means he pesters me about stupid things."
Inorganic?
The two students came back to class and went about their day. Soon enough, it was lunch time, and, like always, he sat down wherever Midoriya sat.
Everyone seemed to be talking about the tests coming next week, however they put more energy on trying to figure out what was on the practical.
Probably more fighting robots, Killua thought as he took a bite of his food. Or some kind of race.
"OW!"
"Ah, my bad. Your head's so big, I ended up whacking it."
Killua's attention turned to the commotion. Some kid had just hit Midoriya, and was now mocking the entirety of 1-A.
Before he could say anything, a girl came and shut him down (by whacking him, too,) and promptly left, dragging him by the feet after telling them the test will be similar to the entrance exam.
"I knew it," Killua said.
"You did?" Uraraka exclaimed.
"It's not hard to predict what they'll give us when it's all just been robots and dumb challenges."
Then, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he found Jirou.
"You weren't there when it happened, but Momo offered to help tutor us at her place for the written exams," she said, scratching her cheek. "You going?"
"Uh..."
"By the way," she continued, pointing back at her table, "Kaminari wanted to tell you. He just told me to do it 'cause he's too scared to do it himself."
Gaze following the direction of her finger, he found Kirishima's sharp toothed smile, Mina's jabbering, Bakugou's scowl, and, finally, Kaminari hiding under his hands.
Holding back a laugh, Killua answered, "Sure, I'll come."
Besides, according to Nezu, he needed some more "serious study" in his life, anyway.
"Oh, hey, I'm going there, too," Midoriya said.
"Then you can be the one to give him the address," Jirou said. "Bye, now."
As she walked away, Killua watched Kaminari come out of hiding only to exasperatedly gesture and mouth off at her. A sheet of paper suddenly entered his vision, realizing it came from Midoriya.
"Here," he said. "It's not like I can text it to you, so..."
"Thanks," Killua said.
Midoriya made a sound. "What?"
"...What?"
"I didn't think you'd ever tell me that again..."
"Well, I don't thank my frie—"
Killua stopped after he realized what he was about to say. Looking back at Midoriya, he noticed that the light in his eyes got just a little bit dimmer.
As he turned his gaze downwards, he said a quiet, "...Oh. Right."
Killua... felt bad.
While he didn't necessarily want to get too close to people here (for both his and their sakes,) he didn't want to be an actual asshole.
...
'I don't know, apparently I'm stupid.'
'That's so unfair...'
'Kid, if something's bothering you, tell me. Please.'
He'd kind of been acting like one lately, though, hasn't he?
"...Sorry."
Midoriya looked back up at him. "It's okay. I understand."
Killua gripped the sides of his sandwich.
It's not just others he'd been treating badly. Looking back on the day he finally remembered everything, he'd just felt like there was a massive, heavy blanket of dread weighing down on him because of his inability to do anything about the situation he'd been put in; even then, he's made no effort to take it off.
After school, Killua entered the infirmary, said his quick greetings to Recovery Girl (they were mandatory at this point,) and checked up on Gon once again. Pulling a chair to his bedside, he sat and watched his chest slowly rise and fall.
Killua held his breath.
He was right there. But, at the same time, he wasn't.
The entire past week, Killua spent most of his time studying, for once (at least for as long as he stayed at Yaoyorozu's place. There, he was basically forced to study.) Some of it was helpful, but he felt that the only things he had trouble with were things he never paid attention to in the first place. Yaoyorozu was nice about everything, though. It's no wonder she's seen as the "big sister" of 1-A.
School had just started, and students were filing in to take their written exams. The classroom was uncharacteristically quiet, which Killua was thankful for.
Walking to his desk, he—
RING RING RING RING RING...
Killua covered his ears. He watched his classmates go stiff.
What the hell...?
'There has been a level 2 security breach. All students please evacuate outdoors promptly.'
"Level 2?"
"Not a level 3?"
"What the hell is a level 2?!"
"Everyone."
Aizawa's voice pierced the air.
"Calm down. I will escort you all outside. Come with me."
At that, their teacher walked out of the door with everyone following suit, murmuring amongst themselves throughout the hallways.
"Does this mean no exams...?"
"You idiot, they'd just postpone them!"
"Shit, I lost my lucky pencil!"
"Well, it's not so lucky, now, is it?"
Stepping outdoors, Killua found himself staring at the hordes of students exiting the school, teachers leading them in front. They were oddly calm, considering the announcement was that of a security breach.
Wait, he thought, what about Gon?
He was still bedridden, and if everyone was told to leave, who would be watching over him?
"Hey, homeless-sensei!" he shouted.
The teacher mumbled something under his breath before answering, "Yes, Zoldyck?"
"What're you guys gonna do with Gon?"
He hesitated. "I'm sure Recovery Girl's figuring something out."
"...Seriously?"
He thinks that's a good enough answer?
"I'm not some all-knowing being. If you're thinking of heading in there, you..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Killua had already disappeared.
Main entrance, hallway, make a left, then go—
"AH!"
"Oof..."
Finding himself on the floor, he realized he ran into All Might. How'd he manage to do that...?
Maybe if he wasn't so gigantic...
"Young Zoldyck, you should be outside!" he said, dusting himself off.
"I'm looking for Gon."
All Might inhaled as he whipped his head around, scanning the premises. "So are we."
"...What?"
Shaking his head, he said, "There is simply no time to explain what happened, but just know that... wherever he's gone, you don't have to worry for his well-being. You should go back to Aizawa!"
At that, his teacher blasted off into a corner, completely out of sight.
...Gon is missing?
CRASH.
Killua immediately ran to the source of the sound.
He found a hole in the wall the size of two All Mights. It led outside, as if the one who broke it couldn't find the exit of the school...
And then, he saw a blur of green motion, heading towards the forest.
He followed it.
Blue electricity danced on his skin and all around him as he dashed towards the blur, easily closing in on him.
"GON!"
The blur stopped in its tracks, and turned around.
"...Kil—"
Killua crashed directly into him, grabbing him as they tumbled through the trees, brushing against the various plants of the forest. As they came to a stop, both of them heaved as they tried to reorient themselves, picking out splinters and patting off the dirt.
He stared at Gon, breathing heavily.
He's finally awake.
His heart thumped at a cheetah's pace.
Right here, sitting in front of me.
His hands shook as he brushed off the remaining leaves stuck in Gon's hair.
After attempting to stabilize his breathing, he spoke as his vision shook. "Gon?"
Gon looked at him.
Then, he looked back at the school.
Then, back at Killua, looking him up and down.
He spoke slowly. "Killua, you're a student?"
BONK.
"Hey!" Gon said, rubbing his head. "That hurt!"
"That's the first thing you think of?!"
"I've never seen you in a uniform, before!" He paused, vertically wagging his finger. "Did you get taller?"
Killua froze. It has been a few years since the last time they've seen each other...
His thoughts were then interrupted by Gon's whining about him having a "tall dad," which were easily shut down by him threatening to bonk him yet again.
"Hey, Killua, where are we?" he said. "I don't think we're anywhere near home..."
"Yeah, duh. I have no idea either, but..."
He remembered what happened the first time he saw Gon. Maybe it also applied to him.
"Did you regain your memories, too?" he asked.
Gon puffed out his cheeks. "I... think so? I can definitely remember everything that happened before a few months ago more clearly..."
"Wait, a few months ago? Did we get here at the same time?"
"I don't—
"Kids!" All Might called out. He was still a substantial distance away.
Gon stilled. "Killua, I can't be here..."
"What? Why not?"
"They're gonna take me away."
Killua thought for a moment. He had no idea what he was talking about, but...
"I'll go with you."
His eyes widened. "Eh? But you're a student!"
"I don't care. I'm not letting you run off without me."
He was getting closer. "Hey, kids!"
Gon looked at Killua. He readied into a stance, and said with a smile, "Then come on!"
He immediately ran off, and Killua followed closely behind, leaving the forest surrounding U.A. in a puff of dust.
The pair shot into the streets of Musutafu, zipping past pedestrians and shops.
"Where are we going?" Killua huffed.
"I don't know!" Gon laughed.
"Huh?!"
"I don't know where to go from here!"
"You idiot!"
"Let's just hide somewhere!"
At that, Gon slid into an alleyway, Killua following him inside. As the two hid in the shadows, they watched as some of the teachers caught up to their position, scanning the streets for any sign of them.
"There sure is a lot," Gon whispered.
Killua clicked his tongue. "Where exactly are you trying to go?"
"Back to the League of Villains?"
Killua stared at him. "...Huh?"
"I don't know what Shigaraki'll think about me bringing a U.A. student back, but, since you're my best friend, I think I'll be able to convince him!"
Killua scratched his head. Didn't Midoriya tell him that this Shigaraki guy's trying to get Gon to kill the both of them and All Might?
"I don't think bringing me there would be a good idea..."
Gon pouted, making a noise. "And I don't think going back to U.A. would be a good idea for me, either."
"Why not?" Killua said. "When you blacked out, they kept you in the infirmary for over a month."
"Over a month?!"
Killua shushed him. "Yes, over a month. I visited you every day, and it's not like they were doing anything... bad."
He still had no idea why Nezu decided to take him in, but considering the fact Gon's healthy and safe has to mean something, right?
Gon giggled. "You visited me every day?"
Killua's eyes widened. "Yeah! Of course I did! I was worried about you, stupid!" Killua burst, his face hot.
"Shh," Gon hushed. "Now you're being too loud."
He exhaled. "I think going back to U.A. is the safer option. Besides, if they try anything on us, we can just run away, easy as that."
"Maybe you're right..." Gon said. "Also," he continued, grinning, "I get to meet your new friends, right?"
"Yeah, sure," Killua rolled his eyes. "So are you ready?"
Gon nodded.
The two boys entered the streets where they were instantly spotted by one of the teachers.
"Hey, you kids!" Thirteen called out. "We've been looking all over for you! You both need to come with me."
A long walk up the hill later (with Gon apprehensively stroking his own hands,) Thirteen brought the pair back to the school.
"Ah..." Gon began. " There's the door."
As they walked on the pavement towards the entrance, Killua felt the stares of his classmates burn on the back of his neck. They all still stood outside, waiting for their homeroom teacher's orders.
"Which ones are your friends?" Gon blurted, whipping his head around the area.
"Huh?" Killua exclaimed. "You think that's important, right now?"
He simply shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, teacher, where are we going?"
"To the principal's office."
Killua groaned. He's talked to the rat way too many times recently, and at this point he was somehow even more sick of it than he already was.
Soon enough, there they were, standing directly in front of Nezu's desk, along with Thirteen and All Might by his side. The rat rested his chin on his hands, assessing the pair with his beady eyes. Gon kept glancing at All Might, straightening his spine every time he looked back at him. Killua held his hands in his pockets, hoping for this to go by faster.
"All Might," Nezu said. "Recount what happened in the infirmary for us, please."
"Ah..." The Pro Hero cleared his throat, and began to speak. "Well, I had to go talk to Recovery Girl, and she left the room to go get something. I was then left alone with young Gon..."
Earlier...
"Okay! I will see you later, then!" All Might called out as he deflated out of his muscle form.
Sighing, he sat in the closest chair to him: one right next to Gon's bed. Looking down at the child, he thought for a bit.
Nezu's plans are certainly putting everyone here at risk... I'm not sure if even I could save everyone if things go south.
He rubbed the back of his neck.
Buzz buzz.
A fly?
Swat. Swat. Swat.
Damn, he thought as he waved his arms in the air, this fly just doesn't want to get caught...
"Pfft! Gah!" he yelled as it flew directly in his face. "Damn you..."
All Might entered his muscle form, punching the air, watching closely for the fly's movements.
"This fly... Guh! Is mocking me... Hah! But you can't run away... Ack! Because I...!"
Reeling his palm, he yelled.
"MISSOURI SMASH!"
Pew...
The fly fell.
"Hah hah!" All Might celebrated, flexing his muscles and laughing at the now deceased fly. "I am here!"
"...All Might?"
"KGHYUGHK...!"
Blood spilled down his jaw as he stared at the now conscious boy rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"You're awake!"
"You're... All Might!"
"Yes, young Gon," he laughed, "that is me! No need to fear, I—"
Gon rushed out of bed, flinging the door open and running off, as well as taking his old clothes with him. Recovery Girl stood, staring at the muscular blond man with blood dripping down his face through the doorway.
She scowled. "...What did you do?"
"And then, Recovery Girl called the office explaining the situation," the Pro Hero finished, wiping away a bead of sweat. "You are quite the speedster, young boy!"
"It does makes sense why he ran away," Nezu said. "After all, he is the hole-faced villain who harmed all those Pro Heroes!"
"Are you going to turn me in?" Gon questioned.
Killua clenched his fists and shifted his soles, readying himself for a quick exit if they tried to do anything with Gon.
"Legally, we must," he said. "However, it seems from your current disposition that there is more to your situation than we may realize. I advise you speak with Naomasa Tsukauchi, a detective from the police force. What happens to you then will depend on that conversation."
"What happens if we run away?" Killua asked.
"Then the both of you will be considered Villains and be put on a watchlist!" Nezu smiled.
"I haven't done anything wrong."
"No, but you will be a Villain's affiliate." He clasped his hands together. "For now, Killua, you can get back in line with your class, and All Might can watch over you, Gon. Written exams are resuming soon, so I suggest you both go now."
"You're not postponing them?"
"No, no, we have quite a busy schedule ahead, and I'd hate to force our teachers to redo their curriculum."
"Wow, you're gonna take a test?" Gon said. "Hey, All Might, can we go watch?"
"It's gonna be boring," Killua said. "If you wanna watch, come to the one on Sunday."
"What are you doing Sunday?"
"I don't know, probably fighting robots or something."
"Woah! Seriously? This school sounds so cool!"
Killua chuckled at his amusement. If their places were switched, he's sure Gon would have had a much better time here than he did. Instead, he got mixed up with some dumb villains and some sort of Ai, causing him all sorts of trouble...
He'd need to ask about that once they get some time alone.
"I'll see you after your test, then?"
Killua smiled. "Yeah."
Himiko Toga hopped around the bar, dancing and humming a song with two photographs in her hands.
"Ah, I can't decide my favorite!" she said, spinning in place. "This one looks just like my Saito, but I can practically taste the blood spilled from this one's hands!"
"They're both going to die, in the end," Dabi murmured.
Toga turned to the man and shoved both pictures in his face. "Tell me," she said with a maniacal smile, "which one do you think looks cuter covered in blood?"
"Don't know, don't care. Why don't you ask that creep over there?"
"Shut up," Shigaraki seethed at the insult, returning to sipping the drink Kurogiri had prepared.
"Aw, Shiggy! When will my mission be over? Sometimes I wish I could just slice them up and suck them dry, but I just can't, yet!"
Kurogiri cleared his throat from behind the bar. "Toga, have you gathered any meaningful information today?"
She scoffed. "All my information's meaningful. But, today..." she tapped a finger on her chin. "Gon woke up!"
Shigaraki nearly choked on his drink.
"You only thought to tell us now?" Dabi said.
"Sorry! Got distracted."
"Where's Gon?" Shigaraki demanded.
"Relax, he's still at the school," she said, hopping up on the counter. Kurogiri pushed away the nearby drinks. "Some detective's coming tomorrow after school to talk to him and Killua, though. Dunno, ran out of blood."
"So he's regained his memories..." he mumbled.
Shigaraki stilled.
It's fine.
It won't be long before Gon finds out Killua's hero identity, and once that happens...
"Toga."
"Hm?"
"I want you to carry out the next part of the plan. As soon as possible."
Her cheeks reddened. "Heh, heh, finally!"
Toga, from what she's seen from Killua, knows that she can't best him in a one-on-one battle.
Therefore, she decided to sneak up on him in his sleep.
What a perfect plan!
Finding the complex, she headed up the stairs to where Eraserhead's apartment was. It was currently 3 AM, so he should be out on his hero duties, and Killua should be asleep, like any normal person would be before their exams. Taking out the key she pickpocketed from the Pro Hero a month ago (she couldn't believe how easy it is when she's invisible,) she slowly turned it in the lock, and quietly entered the apartment, clutching her equipment.
Looking around, the first thing she noticed was how horridly bland everything was. The next thing she noticed was a big, empty futon sitting in front of the TV. That's odd...
"Wow, you suck at sneaking in."
Whipping around to the voice, she found her target standing right in front of her. The smile grew on her face as her cheeks flushed. "Maybe I wanted you to catch me."
"Or maybe you're just stupid."
Toga shook from excitement, but, at the same time, she stood in disbelief.
"Hey, I didn't sense you coming at all! How'd you do that?"
He shrugged. "Basic training. You didn't get that?"
"I didn't need it."
"You obviously do."
She giggled. "You're funny."
Having this conversation with him was nice, but now how was she supposed to get his blood by herself...?
She pouted. Guess she's going with Plan B.
"So you're my stalker?"
"Aw, you noticed?"
Killua huffed. "I felt your presence, but I couldn't visibly spot you anywhere."
"Because I'm a master of stealth."
"I heard you open the door."
"Only 'cause you were awake!"
Crossing his arms, Killua said, "Why are you doing all this?"
Toga hummed, balancing on her tippy toes. "'Cause I wanna see you bleed."
He narrowed his eyes. "...Who are you?"
"Toga Himiko!" she said, giggling. "And I know who you are, Killua~!"
"Of course you do, you've been following me around like a creep the past month."
"Did no one ever teach you how to treat a pretty girl?" She held her hands behind her back. "It's a shame. Now you're my second favorite!"
"The hell are you talking about—"
Suddenly, Killua felt a piercing sensation in his arm. He looked down to find a small purple portal next to it, a hand holding a syringe poking out and currently sucking his blood from it. By the time he processed it, it was already gone.
"Sorry, cutie!" Toga said. "I wish I could've done it my way, but you would've never let it happen!"
"What did you just do?"
Then, a large portal opened directly behind her.
"It doesn't matter what I tell you," she grinned. "You'll already be dead."
She stepped backwards through the portal, and Killua nearly grasped at her before it completely closed.
He rubbed at his arm.
Creepy hag.
What could she possibly do with his blood...?
A/N: uh oh! not good! i finished writing this at 9 am on no sleep and typing on my phone with shaky hands (you see i MEANT to sleep, but i got so hung up on this chapter that i couldn't help but continue writing it on my phone no matter how uncomfortable that feels,) so if there's any errors, i'm gonna fix those real soon, just pretend you didn't see them. also YAY KILLUA AND GON FINALLY REGAIN THEIR MEMORIES! that doesn't mean all their problems get solved, though, hehe. as always, thank you for reading, i hope you enjoyed, and stay tuned for the next chapter!