Hello there! Chapter 2 coming right up!

Enjoy!

Chapter 2

Meeting X New X Rivals

The next morning, Gon and Killua felt like new. Little they knew that Biscuit had used Cookie-chan to help them recover.

Palm, started to worry about their capacity to defeat Knuckle and Shoot and warned them about her temper and the consequences if they weren't able to keep their promise of taking her to NGL.

"Don't worry! We've got this!" replied Gon a little too cheerfully to a threat.

They clearly don't take Palm's warning seriously. Thought Kaala while sweatdropping.

Palm felt her chest squeeze at Gon's determination and turned away with a slight blush on her cheeks. Kaala and Biscuit noticed this and shivered.

Oh god… I don't know which Palm is creepier. Both of them thought.

While they resumed their training, Palm composed herself and explained that Netero's team would be 'poking and probing' the enemy. The estimated time for the King to be born is of 2 months, and they would use that time to learn about them as much as possible, weakening their forces and eventually reach the Queen to dispose of her.

The three of them gulped. They were hoping everything went smoothly, especially Kaala. Don't you dare die at the hands of a small fry, grandfather.

And so, that same evening, the first part of the mission started.

Killua and Gon dropped exhausted on the carpet. They barely managed to maintain their Ren for 3 hours the day after.

"We finally... did it"

"We... lasted ...3 hours"

Ehhh. The actually accomplished it quite fast. Kaala was impressed and proud of both of them. "Congratulations guys"

Killua and Gon managed a small smile between gasps, but their relief was short.

Biscuit stood up from her seat and clapped her hands twice. "Ok. Stand up. We're going out."

Killua raised his head. "HAH!? Where to?"

Biscuit smiled. "To see Knuckle".

They both sat up on a quick movement. Killua was the first to ask again "EH!? why?"

"Isn't it obvious? To fight him!"

They all exchanged an astonished look.

And so they went out.

They found Knuckle on a field playing with a puppy. As soon as Knuckle saw them, he looked clearly displeased to see kids as his opponents. The young Hunters noticed how his hair and his clothes resembled those of a criminal.

"Yo! Knuckle!" called Kaala while she ran towards him with a beaming smile on her face.

"Oh! Kaala? What are you doing here?" Knuckle asked puzzled. He took a look at the two boys in the back with a cold stare and a vein popped on his temple. Oh how pissed he was.

Kaala was about to hug him when she suddenly remembered her plan. Oops! Almost forgot. She stopped just a few steps away from him. Just to be safe.

Knuckle noticed her sudden change of heart but didn't seem surprised by it.

"Just killing boredom. I heard my grandfather's prospects were quite interesting and I came here to see your fights". That comment sounded authentic because it was. Kaala knew lying wasn't her forte so she decided to lie as little as possible without revealing anything major. She just had to twist the truth a little.

Knuckle stared shortly at her, not completely convinced. Netero mentioned this could happen.

She lifted her index finger and gestured him to get close. When he did, she whispered. "I think they are no match for you but", she smiled in a challenging way "don't underestimate them".

Knuckle scoffed at that. He straightened himself and walked towards the boys with his arms crossed. "If I'm being compared to a couple of kids, they must not think I'm very strong…"

He stopped right in front of them and delivered a very intimidating lecture. After a few tears shed by Knuckle and an insulting offer of punching him as a handicap, Killua was annoyed at his attitude. Gon was angry by his offer and at the same time, at himself.

We can't argue with him. He's right: we're not at his level.

"Alright." Gon walked over to Knuckle. "I won't stop hitting you until you move".

"Just get to it".

Gon got in position without hesitating.

"Saisho wa guu…."

His fist shined brightly with Nen as he charged his signature move. Knuckle felt the intense aura slowly increasing. Whoa whoa whoa! That's cheating!

"Jan… Ken… GUUU!"

Knuckle suddenly was pushed back and after a few seconds, he dramatically fell unconscious.

The three of them just stared at him.

"What's with him?" asked Gon.

Killua closed his eyes halfway and placed his hands on his hip. Kaala was beaming and she clasped her hands behind her back. They both answered: "Obviously, he's a total idiot".

The three of them stared at Knuckle's sleeping form.

"Well, idiot or not, we can't leave him here". Gon got close to Knuckle and tried to put him on a sitting position by pulling up one of his arms.

"Hold on. Gon, you take his torso and I'll carry his legs." Gon placed his hands under Knuckle's armpits and Killua placed himself between his feet and took one leg with each hand.

"1...2...3!" They lifted the Beast Hunter and started walking.

Kaala looked around her like she was looking for something. "I think there was a puppy with him." She turned to them. "I'm gonna look for it or else he'll never forgive us. You guys head back first."

"You sure? We can help."

"It's fine. It's probably somewhere around here. Don't worry Gon."

He thought for a moment. "Ok... If you say so"

"Just go already. He looks heavy."

Killua looked at Gon exasperated. "He is!"

"Gomen, gomen! Let's go."

Kaala waited until they were out of range and activated her En.

The dog was sniffing around the place, not too far. There you are. She didn't find anything or anyone else in the area. Shoot wasn't around either.

Good. She took a deep breath and let the air out through her mouth. Ok. She closed her eyes.

A few seconds passed. A breeze chilled her skin and blew her hair softly.

She opened her eyes, revealing a pair of colorful iris instead of the usual turquoise ones. It looked like the universe was inside her eyes and seen through a kaleidoscope.

"Announcement from God"

The next morning, Knuckle woke up in a room he didn't recognize and found Killua, Gon and Kaala training their Ren. He was surprised to find the token inside his pocket and asked why they didn't take it and left him behind.

Gon's face turned serious "We don't want your token. We want the strength to defeat you in a straight-up fight."

In that moment, Kaala realized she slightly misjudged Gon: he is more mature than he looks.

After Knuckle described his reasons for becoming a Beast Hunter, a small dog appeared at his feet in the bed, wagging his tail happily.

Gon smiled. "They say good Hunters are well-liked by animals"

Knuckle felt his chest go tight and his eyes get watery. He looked deeply into the puppy's eyes and finally broke down in tears.

"S-Stupid! I'm not crying! Don't tell anyone! Or I'll kill you!" He cried while rubbing his eyes with his sleeve.

Gon and Killua watched their opponent showing a very soft side of him when just yesterday he was intimidating and mocking them.

The atmosphere was light and pleasant. The three prospects were grateful for having such great adversaries. They kept training and chatting. Their rivalry forgotten.

Despite her worries, Kaala felt at ease and at home.

During lunch, Knuckle broke the silence with his mouth full. "Come challenge me whenever you want"

The young boys raised their eyes from their plates to Knuckles eyes. "Eh?"

The Beast Hunter swallowed. "I'll give you as many tries as you want. But it's impossible for you to beat me in the twenty days left".

Killua knew that last sentence was a mistake. If there was something Gon couldn't resist, was someone underestimating him. Knuckle, with those words, just did it twice in two days.

"Knuckle" interrupted Kaala while showing an amused and challenging smile. "Remember what I told you yesterday". She took a bite.

He looked at Gon's determined expression for a few seconds. Then he turned to Killua's calmed but equally fierce face. Finally, he closed his eyes while lowering his head. "I haven't forgotten."

The tension became thick in the room and everyone felt their skin tingling with excitement.

As promised, Knuckle accepted Gon's challenge once again in the afternoon.

That night, Shoot observed their fight from the shadows. He noticed Kaala was there too. She's here, as Netero predicted.

The fight began and ended as expected.

Right after Knuckle's victory, Shoot walked away in the darkness.

He wasn't as kind as Knuckle to give the other boy so many opportunities to take his token. He wasn't particularly interested in getting involved in Netero's personal affairs either, at least not any more than he already is. He agreed to grant him one favor. That's it. It's not even final if he's involvement will be required.

He stopped for a moment as he imagined what would Netero do to him if he fails in his task. He started sweating and shaking. Afraid he might suffer the Chairman's wrath.

After all, Shoot is a coward.

~~Several days later~~

Once again, they found themselves training their Ren in the living room, but Kaala noticed the boys needed less and less effort each time. They were even talking as if they didn't realize their Ren was active.

"You know, now I see what my grandfather saw in you." She interrupted. Killua and Gon turned to look at her.

She placed her hands behind her back. "You two are very… passionate, I would say. You do your best no matter what and you support each other until you achieve your goals."

Gon beamed at this. "That's right! I wouldn't have been able to accomplished many things if it wasn't for Killua." He turned to look at his best friend.

Killua's eyes widen in embarrassment and his cheeks turned red. "I-Idiot! Why are you saying that out loud!? " He looked away. "It's embarrassing!"

"But it's true! I wouldn't even have my Hunter License if you weren't there for me!"

Killua raised his hands to cover his ears. His cheeks turned even redder. "Ah! Gon, stop talking! I get it!"

Kaala laughed as Gon kept saying more things that embarrassed him. His reaction was so amusing considering he was suppose to be a serious and emotionless killer. Is he really a Zoldyck?

When Biscuit heard her students' laugh, she peeked over her magazine and found them chatting while easily maintaining their Ren active for two hours now. She glanced at Kaala.

She knew this training wasn't really a challenge for her. She is Netero's granddaughter after all. That crazy old man opened her aura nodes when she was just 6 years old and trained her in all major principles and advanced techniques of Nen ever since. He really likes to go overboard.

Biscuit imagined all kinds of training methods Netero must have tested on Kaala. She knows he isn't cruel, especially on his only known relative, if you could call her that. Few people knew Kaala isn't really blood related to him.

That doesn't mean she isn't the apple of his eye.

That love is actually the reason he trained her so hard. He wants her to be strong. To be able to fight and defend herself and her loved ones. And that way, Kaala became what she is now.

A Nen control master.

She isn't as strong or as skilled as Biscuit of course, but for her age, she's incredibly talented.

Her Hatsu was impressive to be honest, but it was obvious she didn't develop it to fight. Those two swords are to compensate her lack in fighting abilities and strength.

She looked at Gon and Killua and felt very proud of their improvement on these past couple of days. Kaala's presence might have helped to motivate them a little. I must reveal their weaknesses soon if I want them to defeat Knuckle and Shoot. We don't have much time left.

She suddenly felt a chill running up her spine. She slowly turned to look at Palm who was holding a knife in a very menacing way. A sweat drop ran down her head. I-I should be planning my escape.

During a very unpleasant lunch soured by Palm, Gon promised her with a pinky swear that they will definitely defeat Knuckle. Palm blushed at this and proceeded to answer Gon's questions about her delicious food.

Kaala looked surprised. "Gon's getting really good at handling Palm lately." She commented to the other two Hunters.

Biscuit then raised her cup to her lips. "Ten days left." She took a sip.

Killua looked at her with an annoyed face. "Don't say that like a countdown to our death!"

~~Several days later~~

"Hai! That's 3 hours!" Biscuit clapped twice.

"Oh? Really?" said the white haired Hunter as he stretched his arms.

"That seemed fast." replied the other young Hunter while squatting and stretching his leg.

The afternoon came really quick for all of them.

Kaala sighed relieved. The month was almost over and the final battle with Knuckle and Shoot was almost here. Honestly, she would be thrilled to see Gon and Killua win after all their hard work but unfortunately…

She knew the outcome already.

On the bright side, she managed to keep the fight itself as a mystery and she was sure it was gonna be good. I'm really looking forward to it! I hope Gon can make Knuckle sweat!

So far, everything was going as planned. There were no news of the king's birth and they had another month to slay the queen and the rest of the ants. No one has gotten in her way since she left the Hunter's Association Building.

She should be happy. Everything was going smoothly. All was within what she considered might happen.

Everything except Gon and Killua.

She wanted to meet the two young Hunters that earned her grandfather's high expectations and was surprised when she found out they were practically the same age as her. The funny thing is: she wasn't bothered by it.

Kaala could tell that even though their Nen wasn't anything impressive, their experience in fights and near death situations were in a completely different level than hers. Her curiosity was well founded.

She was curious, yes, but she had another motive: stay close to those who have the information I need. The hard part, she thought, was convincing Palm and Biscuit. Exceptionally, it wasn't hard at all. After that she just needed to befriend the two Hunters.

But Kaala didn't take something into account: she gets incredibly attached to people too easily. She cares too fondly for her friends and family. And now, Gon and Killua were definitely growing on her.

That habit of hers was a blessing and a curse. Having the people you love around you was ecstatic and wonderful but she would get incredibly nervous and worried at any negative thing they might experience.

Maybe that's how she came up with the idea of her abilities. To shield them from any upcoming harm and suffering and to share the burdens of their past.

Well, grandfather always says he is surprised I'm not a Manipulator with my highly protective nature.

And now she was totally considering those two silly Hunters as her brothers.

All this time they have spent together was nice. Fun. Warm. They laughed together, they teased each other and joked around together. She even forgot about their purpose of training several times. She could swear Killua forgot about his suspicion on her a few times as well. Their chats and talks could be about something really silly or something really deep. Their personalities so different but so compatible at the same time.

She felt sad just thinking about the moment they would have to part ways.

Kaala shook her head. Now's not the time to think about that. Don't get ahead of yourself.

She breathed in deeply and followed the guys out of the hotel after a quick rest. Gon and Killua unaware of her thoughts.

NOTHING is written in stone. Kaala thought as she walked out the door.

The sky turned dark as they approached their usual fighting spot. And as always, he was waiting for them. Ready.

With a rough start for Gon, Knuckle obviously wasn't giving him any opportunity to use his technique and claimed it was flawed.

Killua's eyes in surprise. It's flawed?

Knuckle continued with his explanation. He raised his hand and lifted two fingers. "It has two weaknesses." A tense silence followed as Killua and Gon waited for his statement.

The Beast Hunter stared at his opponent as he realized something. "By the way Gon. What did you name that technique?"

Suddenly, Gon felt incredibly stupid. Oops! I forgot to name my attack! He tried to remain cool while he thought of what to say. "Ja-Janken!"

Killua and Kaala looked unimpressed. "Wow, zero effort".

But Knuckle gasped in admiration and raised his hand to hold his chin with his thumb and index finger. "Jajanken. I understand. You combined the words 'Ta-dah!' and Rock Paper Scissors."

Ah no… it was actually a stutter. Thought Gon while a sweat drop ran down his head.

"Not a bad name, kid!" Yelled Knuckle.

Kaala covered her mouth and shook while trying to contain her laughter. Killua facepalmed. He couldn't believe how dumb Knuckle was.

Knuckle resumed his explanation as he raised, once again, two fingers in the air. "Gon, your Jajanken has two huge weaknesses."

He lowered one finger and pointed at Gon. "First, it takes too long to charge. Second, it's too risky!"

Gon increased his aura. "I know the risks. That's why I've spent the past month training to compensate for them!"

Knuckle was impressed with the amount of aura he was displaying but Gon still lacked something important: experience.

He got ready to attack and in a strong dash he rapidly closed the space between them.

Knuckle examined Gon as they fought.

The young Hunter took a punch to the face. He hasn't been in many real fights.

Knuckle kicked him in the stomach. His aura is too rough.

He broke Gon's defense easily and shot an uppercut to his chin. He's too predictable.

After a fair amount of damage taken, Gon was tired and beat up, but managed to trick Knuckle with his Paper technique and snuck behind him.

Killua held his breath as he witnessed Gon's opportunity to win happen right there and then.

With his Rock charged and ready, Gon got in position, aimed at Knuckle's back and…

...fell unconscious.

Killua's optimism and anticipation faded. Knuckle turned to look at Gon, relieved that his aura depleted right before his attack.

Killua walked over to his friend and lifted him in a piggyback. Gon did his best, but it was not enough for tonight's fight. They were going home.

Kaala ran to Killua's side while waving Knuckle goodbye.

He waved back and after he lowered his arm, he sighed deeply.

I got lucky today. Kaala was right. He lifted his face to look at the sky. I can't underestimate them.

Silence took over for some minutes on their way back to the hotel. The sound of crickets hidden in the dark and the footsteps of two young people were the only thing keeping the atmosphere from being completely quiet.

Killua glanced at Kaala from the corner of his eyes. If he wanted to find out what was going on with her, now's the time. He wanted to find the source of his suspicion.

"Why are trying to get to NGL?"

Kaala turned her head in surprise. She didn't expect much interaction with him tonight. She could tell his mood was terrible.

"Why are you asking me? We've been around each other for a month and you still don't trust me. From your point of view, I could be lying."

So she knew.

"You're right but I don't think you would deceive me. I think my lack of trust lies on your abilities. Not your honesty."

"Oho! You really are a Zoldyck!" She replied cheerfully.

Killua blushed slightly at this but it faded as he realized something.

"Wait, you knew I was part of a family of assassins!?"

She looked at him offended. "Of course I did. You have to live under a rock to not know that."

Killua faced forwards again. He wasn't in the mood to speak about his family and decided to change the topic.

"So what are you doing here exactly?"

"I…" She kept walking looking at her feet. "I want to protect Netero-jiisan, but…" She didn't finished her thought.

"He's the strongest person in the Association. Maybe the world. I doubt anyone can protect him. I doubt he even needs protection."

She tensed. She didn't want to hear those words. He might be strong but he's not invincible.

"I know I can help. And I just want to get there IF the king is born. I read about them. The Chimera Ants. The King is the most powerful one. He is the one that worries me, not the workers. Besides, I don't need to be in the fight."

She turned to look at him. Her expression sad but determined. "I just have to touch grandfather for a minute, or visit the place where the battle will be. That's all I need."

Killua didn't quite understand. "I don't know what you mean but I'm guessing your old man doesn't want you near NGL or him if that's the case. Am I right?"

"...yes"

"That's why you being here is suppose to be a secret."

"...yeah, but I'm starting to think it's pointless to keep it a secret. Netero-jiisan is not that dumb. He knows I'm after him. "

"What about Knuckle and Shoot?"

She sighed. "I don't know. I'm guessing he might have told them to stop me if I tried anything."

She stretched her arms upwards. "Anyways, no use in worrying about it. Their abilities are really troublesome, but I think I can handle them. Maybe."

Killua wondered what their abilities were, but Gon and him had decided not to research about them. His curiosity could not be satisfied right now, so he didn't ask. Instead, he chose to ask about hers.

"So what are your abilities?"

She was silent for a few seconds. He looked at her as he waited for an answer.

"You really wanna know?" She asked with a teasing smile.

Doki

Di-Did my heart just skipped a beat!? C'mon Killua, you are a cold blooded assassin. Get a grip!

He faced forwards again as he closed his eyes. He didn't want to admit it but he lost his cool for a second there. "Ju-just tell me, already." He sounded more annoyed than he actually was.

She raised her arms, palms outwards in front of her in defense. "Alright, alright." She lowered them back to the sides of her body. "You see… I can see past and future events."

Killua stopped on his tracks. She kept walking, unaware he halted.

"And that's not all. I can also see what will occur in front me 3 seconds before it actually happens." Kaala noticed he was being left behind and stopped. "It comes with many conditions and limitations though. I can only see events related to the person or object I touch or the place I'm standing on."

Killua's face was unreadable as he was processing this. That's why she needs to get to NGL, or to that old man.

Kaala continued. "I can only channel my ability to see a past event through the same person, object or place once every 30 days. The same goes for the future."

Killua remained silent for a few moments. "You can predict anything?"

Kaala placed her hands behind her back and closed her eyes as a soft breeze swayed her hair. "No quite. I must know what kind of event I'm looking for or the exact moment in time that I want to see."

She opened her eyes and looked at Killua. "For example, if I wanted to know what happened in this exact place 3 years ago, I could."

Killua gasped in amazement at this.

"But, if I want to see a future event in this same spot without knowing what exactly or when it will happen, my power would not work. The same applies to objects or people."

Killua resumed walking while he thought for a moment. "What about memories? Do you have to remember something for it to work on someone?"

Kaala walked beside him again. "No. You just had to be there and I'll be able to see the event. Time is objective and unmovable. At least in the past. The future is way more complicated."

Killua went quiet again. Kaala could almost listen to his gears turning as he thought.

She laughed. "If you're so interested, I can simply tell you everything. I don't mind. No need to interrogate me."

She raised one finger. "My ability to see the past is called 'Chrono's Blessing'." She raised a second one. "My ability to see the future is called 'Announcement from God'." She raised a third and final finger. "And my ability to see 3 seconds in the future is called 'Kairo's Promise'."

Killua, with eyes wide as plates, was once again, lost in thought. No wonder I didn't trust her. She can find any piece of information she wants! The things she could prevent! The things she could cause!

Kaala stiffened as she saw his expression. Did she scare him? She wouldn't blame him. People avoid being near her to prevent her from 'stealing' any personal information. Like she even wants it.

"Su-Sugoi… your abilities are really powerful." he said quietly and truly amazed.

She shrugged happily at the compliment. "Thanks!" She suddenly turned serious. "Though for some time I thought it would be better to not have them."

"Why?"

She showed a sad smile and her eyes became distant as if she remembered bitter memories. "People can be cruel. I had 'friends' that were really just interested on my predictions. Other people avoided me for them. And other people even blamed me for things that I had nothing to do with."

Her eyes became clear again and her smile became sincere. "But that made me who I am now. I conquered my shyness, I believe in myself now and I grew to love my abilities after I hated them for some time."

She turned to Killua. "That's why, I hope one day you can trust me. If you don't, well, no hard feelings." She pointed at him as a warning. "Just don't come asking for 'fortune telling' favors." She added with a scolding tone as a joke.

Killua suddenly felt ashamed. She wasn't guilty of anything but being herself. Although his instincts were right to suspect her, she didn't seem to be the kind of person to abuse her powers for her own benefit or to harm someone intentionally.

They stopped. The had arrived to the hotel and were standing right outside the door.

Kaala was about to open it when Killua sighed and spoke.

"After all that, how can I not trust you?"

She looked at him confused, not quite understanding.

"What I'm saying is, Gon would never forgive me if I don't consider you a friend after all your honesty and truthfulness."

He made sure to have a solid grip on his friend sleeping form on his back and extended a hand to her as a symbol of trust. He was making himself vulnerable by willingly offering physical contact with her.

"From now on, don't thank me. Friends don't have to thank each other all the time."

It was Kaala's time to slightly blush. Tears appeared on the corner of her eyes and looked like they could explode into a river anytime. Her lips became tight in an effort of holding back a whimper.

"If you weren't holding Gon on your back, I would hug right now!" She sniffed while drying her eyes with the back of her hand.

She took Killua's hand as a symbol of how she'll treasure his trust on her. "Thank you".

Killua faked annoyance. "Mou, what did I just tell you?"

Kaala laughed while she was still holding his hand.

And for a moment, Killua thought it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

How was it? Interesting? Lame? Let me know!

Havanatitiana: Thanks for reading! Sorry for letting you down on M stuff but I bet there are tons of stories with plenty of fun out there.

Hannahbananagray: I hope she's not Mary Sue'ish! I have a bad habit of creating Mary Sue characters but I'm trying to balance things out with Kaala.

Vere: Thank you for your support! I do have some interesting things in mind for the story. Hope you like'em in the future!