Episode 64: A Soft Confession

Note from 'moi': Hey to you guys out there! XD

I'm really so happy that you guys are reviewing my chapters all the time! Love you guys for staying with me through and through!! OMG, this chapter is a little bit earlier than the rest. Oh and the story is going to end soon…Don't worry, I PROMISE that I'll finish it!! XDD Enjoy!

" NO! Stay away from him! " Hikari screamed as her eyes widened and the normal blue pupils turned a crimson colour that Hisoka himself had seen before.

He smirked, " Princess, what do you think you're doing? "

" Hikari… "Kurapica murmured in a pained whisper. " Don't get yourself involved…it doesn't concern you… "

However, the girl remained firm and she did not answer him.

The Hunter struggled to sit up, apparently failing to even support his weight. He was hurt pretty badly. Hikari could almost feel it herself.

That's why I have to protect him…
" Hikari… "

That was all the seventeen-year-old could do, whisper and beg her to do as she was told to do so. He knew he could not get himself to do it. To change into the Emperor Time mode, in order to defeat these monsters. At least, not with Hikari around. He did not want her to witness another spectacle similar to what had happened the last time. He knew it scared her so much that it left her branded with another scar, never leaving nor entirely healing.

A wounded soul in need, longing for wings that would ultimately set itself free…

Hikari…

The girl stood up and turned to face the jester, her back facing the boy, shielding him away from the older man.

" Don't touch him, Hisoka… " she whispered and a strong current of psychic energy was flung in the man's direction.

Of course, he saw it coming and avoided it entirely.

He had to admit that this girl possessed something in which he lacked. The strong control over the mind and her Nen. It was very difficult for him to gauge which group she was categorised under. This one was definitely one of a kind.

" So, what are you going to do, Hikari? Fight me? "

At first, the sixteen-year-old seemed terrified at the mere idea of it. It was one emotion that Hisoka so very much adored. It was a really wonderful feeling that made him relish in that surge of pure ecstasy. Hikari was really giving it her all…Oh, how beautiful it would be if al of his prey was like her…

However, the next moment, that surge disappeared for the girl seemed…determined?

To protect that chain assassin…?

How cute…

Although, he was positive that he would be done with her in a few minutes…15 minutes tops.

Her power was undeveloped, he had noticed. The waves that she created would get weaker after each time.

Does it come at a price…?

Maybe it was straining her mind or her frail body…or both? The possibilities seemed endless.

He was not sure. He had to find out.

Hikari reminded him so much about Machi…both were different in obvious ways but they shared one similarity. They both caught his attention, both of them stood from amongst the women in general. He was never interested in any of them. Or if he was, his attention span was short enough, let's say, 5 seconds?

" …Yes, in fact. "

The man was shocked. He did not expect to hear something like that, coming from a weak girl such as she but he knew that he had allowed himself to underestimate his prey like he usually did with the exception of the blond boy though. Kuroro Lucifer was the only one he doubted. His abilities were something that he longed to test and Hikari, was the key to that answer…

He smiled at her and chuckled. The rest of that annoying Spider troupe would surely be breathing down his neck so he had to finish this up real quick.

The girl's eyes narrowed and she gave him a sharp glare.

" Why? Is anything funny? " she demanded.

" Yes, you. "

Hikari looked at him indignantly, " I'm not joking when I said that…Hisoka! "

She released her power and this time, it came from both sides. He sensed the weakness in them…these were not as strong as the first one, from before. He stood his ground and allowed them to hit him.

Hikari knew that Hisoka had already figured out about her weakness some way or another. She allowed her control of the waves to waver greatly. It was a deliberate act to confuse him. It was just as she had expected. The older man stood still instead of avoiding them like he usually did. She watched the waves drew nearer to him. He would not be able to dodge it this time…

The girl tightened her control over the waves at the very last minute and forced her entire will on them, adding strength on to her psychic energy. She could feel the immense power radiating form her body.

In the next second, the two waves collided with such great impact that the after effects of the collision lasted for a few long seconds in the form of air currents. Hisoka was instantly airborne as he dangled uselessly in the air before hitting the ground, in a heap.

Falling from such a height, any normal human would have broken his neck and spine. He would either die on the spot or be paralysed. It really depends. The girl guessed that he might have protected all of his vital body parts with strong Nen.

Hikari stared hard at the motionless man but then after a moment, she realised that her legs could not support her anymore and she sank to ground feebly as her legs gave way. She was now gasping for air. To her, even breathing was something made conscious. It was a painful effort for her. Unconsciously, her hand clutched at her heart. It was constricting.

" H-H-Hikari…! " Kurapica yelled, struggling more than ever to get up.

He knew that something like this was coming. The girl had strained her body until as way past its limits, and headed for the danger zone.

It was then that he heard it. Something which made his heart tore.

Hikari was whimpering and calling out his name. Calling for him.

" H-Hikari…! " Kurapica shouted, pushing himself up, desperately ignoring the pain.

He had to get to her, to comfort her. He wanted very much to pull her close to him and tell her that he would protect her, no matter what the cost was…that he loved her. A lot.

" Hikari! "

With the last remaining ounce of strength, he dragged himself over to the poor and worn girl. He cradled her head gently and repeatedly called her name, comforting her.

" Hikari, I'm here. Don't worry… "

The girl wrapped her arms around his arm and her grip tightened considerably.

" I was so scared, Kurapica-san! " she whispered quietly. " I don't want you to fight them, Kurapica, please… "