Chapter 4

Weaknesses X and X Strengths

Morning came and Gon, Killua and Kaala got ready to part with Knuckle and Shoot to drop them at the NGL border. They walked to the meeting point, right outside town to take the truck who would pick them up. The Beast Hunters were already there.

They chatted as they waited for the truck to arrive, driven by Monta. Knuckle, Shoot and Killua stepped into the back and seated. Gon jumped in and offered a hand to Kaala.

"Thanks Gon, but I'm not going."

He blinked. "Eh? You're not coming with us?"

"I just wanted to see you guys off. I don't think it's a good idea for me to go with you."

"I thought you'd say that." Added Killua from the back. "You sure you wanna stay? You might get a chance."

She smiled appreciatively. "I'm sure." She turned to Knuckle. "Is it too much to ask if I request updates on grandfather's actions?"

He eyed her seriously. "Actually, it is. I agreed to stay out of your way, not that I would assist you. Sorry, kid."

Kaala pouted "I should've bet for your cooperation instead."

The criminal-looking Hunter shrugged. "Too late for that." Kaala dismissed the topic with a flick of her hand. "Fine. Just… be careful out there, ok? You too, Shoot."

Shoot nodded in gratitude. Knuckle chuckled.

"Who do you think you're talking to?" He double tapped the truck to let the driver know they were ready to go.

Kaala switched her attention to the other young Hunters as the engine started. "I'll see you guys later, back at the hotel."

"Ok."

"Sure thing."

Kaala waved goodbye as the truck drove away, wondering how everything was going to turn out.

The ride was quite. No one tried to start a conversation and even though everyone seemed fine with it, Gon felt incredibly uncomfortable. They were all tense and lost in thought. He looked at his companions. Knuckle was sitting with his back straight, his arms crossed and eyes closed. Shoot had his arm tucked inside his sleeve as he casually observed the passing scenery. Killua's fingers interlaced together on top of his lap and his tired face showing a hint of pain.

Gon mentally sighed. Kite. I'm sorry. I won't be able to save you myself.

His closed his hands into tight fists and looked at Knuckle. But I know for sure you're alive and I trust them. They will find you and bring you back.

As if Knuckle could read his thoughts, he opened his eyes to meet Gon's strong stare, delivering an implicit message.

Knuckle smiled. Gon was placing a burden on his shoulders, a task he was ready to accept and fulfill. He gave the young Hunter a thumbs-up and Gon nodded as acknowledgement.

Wait for them, Kite.

They reached the border after some time, and they all jumped down.

As soon as his feet touched the ground, memories flooded his mind. He knew Knuckle had gotten the message. He knew Kite would be saved but… but… he couldn't hold it anymore.

"Knuckle."

"Hmm?"

Gon's determined eyes were once again staring at Knuckles. Slowly but surely, that strength was vanishing, replaced with sadness and helplessness.

"Promise me!" Tears appeared in the corner of his eyes. "You have to… You have to save Kite!"

Knuckle nodded. "Got it. I promise I'll bring him back." He lifted the two wooden pieces whose ink formed the word 'Rook' when together. "I promise on this token."

Knuckle and Shoot walked to the giant tree, Knuckle flashing a last thumbs-up as he disappeared into the trunk's entrance.

As Killua walked back to the truck, Gon was starting to feel overwhelmed by his emotions. "Killua…" He knew his friend had stopped at the sound of his name. "I'm weak… ". Saying those words made them more real than ever. Gon started shaking as tears ran down his contorted face. "I never knew…" He shut his eyes, trying to stop them from crying. "I never knew how frustrating weakness could be!"

Killua didn't try to comfort him. Probably, because he feels the same way.

On their way back, Gon hugged his legs and buried his face on his arms, wanting to shut the world out.

After everything I trained, I'm still weak. I fought so hard, trained so hard, tried so hard and I'm still weak!

His hold tightened and he buried his face even deeper.

Some time after their departure, Gon kept sulking on that same spot. Spin and Killua gave him the space he needed. They remained seated, minding their own business. Spin read and popped her bubblegum several times throughout the way. Killua just stared at his hands and occasionally at Gon.

After his mind went around in circles, Gon grew tired of feeling sorry for himself and decided that he had had enough. He released a powerful roar as he stood up in a brusque way, giving the other passengers a slight scare as he jerked up.

"Okay, I've recovered!" He straightened his back and puffed his chest. "Knuckle and the other Hunters will save Kite. So I have to become stronger! So that Kite won't be disappointed when he comes back."

Pop

Spin smiled. "Ah, so you do understand. You might have met Kite before we did," She placed the bookmark on the page she was reading. "but we've spent more time with him." Her book made a thump sound when she closed it with one hand.

"After we crossed the mountains, if you'd still been moping, I would've given you a beating."

Gon's eyes widened.

Spin continued. "And told you that Kite wouldn't want to see you two like this. I know he's still alive, and he doesn't want you to have regrets." She looked into his eyes as she said this.

Those words were enough for Gon to feel motivated and he began doing push ups with his whole body in the air. Spin pointed out that there was enough space for some exercise and that left Gon eager for some. He was determined to become strong and show Kite the results of his training when he comes back.

What a better moment to start but now?

As he effortlessly pushed his body up and down continuously, Gon wondered about Spin's motives for becoming a Hunter and with his usual innocent curiosity, he addressed the topic. The rest of the way, the atmosphere had changed to a comfortable and warm conversation between the two young Hunters and the aspiring one. The three of them managed to enjoy the trip back while telling stories of Kite, hoping to see him again soon, alive and kicking.

Gon and Killua were standing outside the building where Palm was waiting, feeling a dark and evil aura emanating from it. Neither of them was scared but they indeed felt wary of going inside and facing the most dangerous foe they could ever face: a very angry woman.

Killua swallowed. Before I worry about enemies, I have to protect Gon from Palm.

Gon had carelessly promised something and now they were about to face the consequences of their failure. Killua considered taking Gon away until Palm's rage died down but he knew his friend would not approve or indulge to that kind of cowardice. His pride and honor wouldn't let him run away from a broken promise.

Gon approached the door and opened it with extreme care. The killer intent inside was suffocating but they gathered up enough courage to walk in. They followed the origin of aura only to find an unstable Palm using a knife to rip the face of many many Gon-looking dolls whose stuffing was protruding from several wounds in the fabric.

Palm removed the knife from one of the unfortunate toys and slowly turned to look at the young boys. Her eyes were like those of a demon and she spoke with a voice so heavy and full of hate that Gon and Killua paled.

"You must take responsibility." She abandoned her crouching position as she stood up. "You promised to take me to NGL. You said you'd swallow a thousand needles if you broke that promise."

To Killua's surprise, Gon was standing tall and straight, without faltering or backing away.

"Hnn. I'm sorry."

"I don't want an apology but there's no point in having you swallow a thousand needles." She lamented.

"Hnn. So what can I do to make up for it?"

Killua winced internally. Oi oi, careful Gon. This freak can ask for something impossible or lethal. Your guilt might have you to agree to whatever she asks.

Palm considered this for a second. "Let's see…You must..." She raised a finger to emphasize her next words. "do any one thing I say."

Killua frowned. Tch! I was afraid this would happen. "Hey! Right now, do you know how Gon feels-"

"Ok. I agree."

Killua turned to his friend,surprised he would comply to such a vague request. Gon kept his eyes on Palm, waiting for her instructions.

Killua tensed.

"Go out with me."

Gon raised his eyebrows as his eyes widened. Killua's face had the same changes except his expression was more of a disgusted one. Neither of them dared to speak.

"Go out with me.." Palm repeated as she lifted her knife in a threatening manner.

Killua's jaw dropped. The insistence and aggressiveness she was now using on her posture and speech annoyed Killua.

"Ok."

"Huh!?" Killua was now even more lost and infuriated not only at Palm, but at his friend too. "Do you have any idea what you're doing!?"

Gon blinked twice at him. "Yeah, but I did say I'd do anything."

Ugh! There's no hope in changing his mind once he's determined on doing something.

Sometimes he really wished Gon wasn't so...Gon.

Killua pointed accusingly at Palm. "And you have no problem playing dirty like this!?"

"This is none of your business. It's our problem." Suddenly, in a creepy and weird way, Palm's dark image was glowing with a girly and shy feeling. "It's up to the two of us." She squealed and twitched as soon the words left her lips. It might have been kinda cute if she wasn't holding a dull knife in her right hand. Might have.

Killua thought he was going to throw up. Gon was just speechless at her weird attitude.

The silver haired boy got close enough to his friend to whisper a warning in his ear. "You should stay away from her, Gon."

"Don't interrupt us!" Her shoujo like atmosphere disappeared. "This is something the of us must decide alone!"

Their bickering kept on going for a while. Killua tried to undo the deal, Palm shutted him up him several times to no avail and Gon just went with the flow. Killua realized there was no way out of this, he was just making Palm angrier.

Finally, they reached the decision that tomorrow Gon and Palm would be having their date. Killua pretty much accepted the fact that Gon would have done anything she would have asked but what had him curious was that Gon showed no signs of being nervous or insecure. He acted as he knew what he was doing.

They were on their way to the gym after the arrangement was done and Killua was still bothered by this. He did say he had to prepare the date. Does he have the date already planned out? Was he bluffing to calm her down? No. Gon is way too honest and straightforward to bluff that casually.

Killua suddenly felt someone's aura around him. It disappeared as fast as it had made itself present. He stiffened and looked at Gon. ARS was still attached to his back and his friend hadn't notice the fleeting En wave.

The aura wasn't hostile. It felt soothing and friendly. Wait, could it be..?

"Oi! Killua! Gon! Wait for me!"

Yup. It was her aura, alright.

Both boys turned to see Kaala running towards them. Gon smiled and waved at her.

"Kaala, tadaima!"

Kaala was panting lightly when she catched up to them. She smiled. "Okaeri."

Killua was relieved it was Kaala's En but he was still angry at her carelessness.

"You idiot! Don't scare me like that."

She pouted. "You just got back and you're already lecturing me?"

Killua sighed. "Just… don't go around doing that kind of things, ok? It attracts unwanted attention."

Kaala frowned.

Gon intervened before they got into each other's nerves. "It's fine, it's fine. She won't do it again, right Kaala?"

She crossed her arms. "Yeah, alright. I won't do it again." She glared at both of them. "But I wouldn't have done it if you guys would've called me as soon as you arrived."

"We were expecting to see you back at the hotel." Answered Gon as he shrugged.

"Yeah, where were you, by the way?" Killua asked defensively.

"As far away as I could from Palm. Her killer intent was driving me crazy." She placed her hands on her head as she remembered the horrible feeling. "I could still feel it no matter where I went and then, suddenly, it disappeared. I knew you guys must have returned and when I found her apologizing to .doll, she told me you guys went to the gym." She looked at Gon with a questioning face. "What was that about?"

Killua sighed and Gon laughed awkwardly. They explained it all as they walked and Killua found quite reassuring she agreed with him in how dangerous it was for Gon to accept Palm's vague request.

Killua noticed Kaala was carrying a big bag with her and assumed she was thinking of training with them.

He guessed correctly, because when they reached the gym, she shyly asked what he expected. "Killua, Gon. Can you… teach me?"

Gon raised his eyebrows. "Teach you?"

Kaala did some poor impressions of someone lifting weights. "Yeah, you know...how to train and do physical exercises to gain muscle." She then flexed her arms and poked at her very thin biceps. "I could REALLY use some, you know."

Killua scoffed in a very mocking way.

Kaala blushed and frowned. She looked hurt. "What's so funny? I've never done actual physical training like you guys."

Killua waved his hand dismissively. "Gomen, gomen. I wasn't mocking your muscle tone, I was laughing at your way of asking. That's not how you lift weights, by the way."

Kaala blinked twice and blushed in guilt. "Oh."

Killua kept smiling. "Don't worry. If you're so eager to learn, we'll teach you. But don't think we'll go easy on you."

Gon pointed at himself "I can teach you the basics but Killua knows way more than I do when it comes to complicated techniques and exercises."

"I see." She smiled appreciatively and bowed. "Please take care of me."

They both got flustered at the propriety. Killua blushed and responded more aggressively than he intended to. "I-idiot! What's with the sudden formality? Stop bowing, it's embarrassing." He looked away.

Kaala straightened and as she laughed she pulled the skin under her eye with a finger and stuck out her tongue in a mocking manner.

Killua realized what she had done. "Y-you did it on purpose!"

She placed her hands on her hip. "Serves you right for lecturing me earlier."

Killua scowled. Gon laughed.

They went inside the gym and Kaala began her lesson in the correct way to hold the weights, kettlebells, racks and bars and the correct use of some common exercise machines. Once everything was covered, Killua assigned her a routine for the day. He measured her strength and stamina in some quick tests he chose and set the amount of stress her body could manage for each exercise.

Unsurprisingly, Kaala was indeed pretty weak.

Hard to believe she beat Knuckle.

At first, Kaala found the exercises quite easy, but she had never done this kind of training before. She didn't know that even though the weights weren't that heavy, the nonstop repetition of the same movement can wear you out pretty good.

Killua and Gon were fresh as a lettuce as they did their own work outs. While they did, Killua thought back several times on the fact that Gon and Palm were going on a date and Gon seemed completely ok with it. Comfortable even.

"Gon, you're amazing." he expressed with admiration as he did some barbell curls with a bar with several really heavy weight plates.

Gon looked puzzled. "Huh? What do you mean?" He had his own bar and was performing the same exercise.

Kaala, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, stopped to rest and listen to their conversation.

Killua paused as well as he explained himself. "Well, listening to you talk to Palm, you seemed used to this stuff."

Gon distractedly answered as he focused on his workout. "Oh, really?"

The way Gon brushed it off pretty easily, left him unsatisfied. More curious even. He looked at his friend.

"I was wondering… have been on a date before?"

This time Gon did look at his friend. "Sure, I have."

Killua felt as if a rock had fallen on his head.

He answered as if dating was the most natural thing ever. Well, maybe it is for normal people?

Gon smiled. "Well, most of them were with Mito-san."

Killua found his composure. "Oh, that makes sense…" But then, he repeated Gon's words inside his head and realized something. "Wait, who else was there?"

"Oh, some of the fishing boats that stopped at Whale Island were full of women, some of whom liked younger men."

"Hmm. So women can be like that too, huh?" Kaala added. Killua totally forgot she was there for a moment.

He was starting to panic. He knew where the story was going. Gon continued.

"So I took them around the village and had them teach me things."

Kaala's face was unreadable but Killua guessed it must be quite surprise to learn Gon isn't as innocent as he looks.

That included him. His eye twitched. Teach him things? Th-that means he's a grown up!

To Killua's dismay, Gon kept going. "Women like that were called fanatics." He looked at his best friend. "Haven't you ever been on a date Killua?"

Killua looked down in embarrassment and pretended to be focused on his barbell some reason, admitting to his best friends, one of them a girl, he'd never been on a date was quite shameful.

"No, of course not. I spent all my time training as an assassin. Ever since I quit, I've been with you."

The green haired Hunter blinked."Oh, yeah."

Killua took a glance at Kaala.

'Women can be like that too?' Don't tell me…

Before he could stop himself, Killua opened his mouth. "Have you been on date before?"

As soon as he said it, he wanted to facepalm himself. He was curious, but not enough to ask her out loud! He did not mean to find out in a so forwardly way.

"I have. Many Hunters come and go at the Hunter's Association Building. Some men were how Gon describes the women on those boats: they like younger girls."

A second rock fell, hurting Killua's pride. It was silly, but somehow Killua felt a little cast out by the simple and dumb fact that he never dated anyone in his life. He lifted the bar up to his chest as resumed his training.

He thought he had full control over his emotions. He thought he had full control over his expressions, his facade and body language since he trained for years to be cold and indifferent to his environment. But maybe, after 2 years of leaving assassin tutelage behind, his control over involuntary actions was fading, because Kaala must have seen something that drove her to say the next words.

"I have an idea." Killua started lowing the heavy bar slowly. "Let's have a date, Killua."

The shock made him lose every focus he had on his actions. The bar and the weight plates were abruptly too heavy for him and stumbled forward along with the equipment.

Startled by his fall, Gon, worried about his friend, left aside his own bar and crouched beside him. "Killua, are you ok? What happened?"

Before she could get close to check on him, he stood up, flustered.

"Wh-what are you saying!? Baka! Don't say those kind of things so lightly!"

Kaala scoffed and crossed her arms, no longer worried about his health. He clearly was fine.

"If you don't want to, you just had to say 'no'. No need to answer like it's the most horrible idea ever."

Killua noticed she misunderstood his words. "No no no. You got it all wrong! What I meant is why the hell would you ask me on a date?"

Kaala uncrossed her arms and his expression softened. "Well, why not?" She shrugged and smiled. "That way you can say you dated someone. At least once."

Killua blinked. Her offer was way more innocent than it sounded like before. He felt his cheeks getting hot but looked away before it was noticeable.

"O-ok. Sounds… alright." He scratched his red cheek. "Th-thanks, I guess."

"No problem."

He couldn't see her expression but she sounded genuinely happy to help. Still, he couldn't ignore the fact that he felt a twinge of disappointment. He wondered if that feeling meant something else was going on with him. He shook his head and told himself it was nothing.

Somehow, he suspected he was getting better at lying, even to himself.

Kaala was about to resume her routine when Gon's Beetle 07 started beeping. Gon lowered his bar and picked up his cell phone to answer the call. After a few minutes, the call ended and Gon remained in place, without moving an inch for a few seconds.

Kaala was about to ask if everything was fine when Gon jumped in pure joy.

"YATTA! I knew Kite was alive!" His hands were tightly packed into fists and shaking in happiness.

Once his euphoria died down a little, he proceeded to discuss the information had given him about Kite to his friends. Killua was relieved in a more composed way and Kaala was pleased to see them as happy as they have been the last few days.

Then she noticed Gon looking down with a pitiful face. Her stomach contorted in disgust and fear. Was there bad news as well? Was her grandfather alright?

Killua asked first.

"Gon, what is it?"

Gon stared at the floor for a few seconds and then lifted his face to see into Kaala's eyes.

Her heart was beating like a drum and her goosebumps were making her feel cold. When Gon didn't say anything, she grew anxious and urged his friend to talk by grabbing his arm with some strength.

"Gon, what is it that you're not telling me?"

Gon swallowed and found his voice. "The King was born."

Kaala gasped.

So soon? The estimated time said it would take two months, not one!

She felt dizzy and her stomach was threatening to send back this morning's breakfast. Her pupils were moving from one side to another and her breathing quickened as she entered a state of panic.

Gon, who was closer to her, grabbed her shoulders to steady her. She must look pale and sick if she needed someone to keep her from fainting.

I should've predicted his birth. I should've tried harder! I should've found a way to help before this happened! What if jiisan dies!? What if-

"Kaala! Calm down!" Killua was helping Gon in keeping her on her feet.

Killua's words went in one ear and out the other.

Her panic kept rising and her eyes were still going left and right uncontrollably.

She then felt someone's hands on each side of her head.

"Kaala!"

Gon. That's Gon's voice. Her eyes slowed down to find Gon's face right in front of hers. His eyes were looking deep into her own. A frown made him look angry but as soon a he had Kaala's attention, his face softened.

"Calm down. You've come this far even when many were against you. You can do this and you can count on us. We'll make sure you get to Chairman Netero and stop the Chimera Ants and the King."

Gon smiled reassuringly and Kaala felt her body slowly relaxing. She breathed a couple of times and the world was no longer spinning.

Gon removed his hands. "That's it. Better?"

Kaala holded her hands against her chest to comfort herself as she inhaled through her nose once again and exhaled through her mouth.

"Yes. Thank you, Gon." She didn't want to ask but she had to. "What else did Knuckle say?"

Gon mentioned the warning on finding Chimera Ants around since they were likely to imitate the King following the Queen's death.

Kaala nodded and walked to her weight to continue her routine. Right after she picked it up, a hand found her shoulder.

"I think it's enough training for today." The pale Hunter didn't want Kaala to push herself too hard.

They left the gym and she followed her friends as Gon was arranging his date with Palm. Fortunately, they both left her to her thoughts as they walked around some grounds outside the town.

I got a panic attack with just some bad news. Jesus! I must be the most coward Hunter ever!

In all honesty, she didn't feel like a real Hunter despite having her very own license. She didn't have any specific purpose for it except travelling and research. Not that she had a specific topic to research about. She just likes to read whatever she finds interesting at the moment whenever she wants.

Travelling was another plus because you get to learn and taste new things. There wasn't any real purpose behind it either, she just enjoyed it.

Her eyes travelled to her best friend's backs. They seemed to be whispering about something and, even though they were acting casual, the fact that they were whispering made the conversation topic obvious.

I'm right here, you know?

She sighed. Her worst fear became a reality: her grandfather will face the king of the Chimera Ants.

Now that is happening, I don't know what to do. Knuckle said they would be coming back in 3 days. Is Netero-jiisan coming too? Should I confront him? Try to convince him? Sneak behind him and try to use Announcement from God on him? What if he doesn't show up? He knows I'm here so he might not come at all…

She looked up to the sky, as if the answer would fall from the clouds like rain.

I do rely too much on my abilities. I hate uncertainty… and it looks like I don't react well to it.

Kaala checked on her friends once again and Gon was picking a dried branch from a bush.

"If you hand that to her, won't she freak out?" Killua wasn't too convinced of that present.

"Hmm.. If I just hand it to her, probably…"

"Whatever…. Let's get back to town." Killua glanced back to check on her.

She smiled softly. Trying to not show her real mood but not even trying to fool him,either. "Let's go."

This time, Kaala walked next to Gon, asking him about his plans for tomorrow's date with Killua a few steps back.

She felt incredibly grateful for meeting these two. They all had grown to care for each other and she was sure things wouldn't have gone so smoothly without them. She just hoped they could stay together longer than just this mission. Maybe she could join their adventures, look for Ging or travel around the world. The idea of traveling together sounded wonderful to her. And the best things would be that the adventures would be a surprise, something to look forward without knowing what great things you'll be experiencing.

A very pleasant uncertainty.

The next morning, Gon was ready for his date, Killua was ready to train at the gym and Kaala... was completely sore and exhausted.

"You're going to the gym!? Aren't you beaten from yesterday's workout?"

Killua shrugged. "I'm used to it. I've been doing harsh trainings since I was small. Even harsher than yesterday's. The fact that you're so affected means you really need to exercise more frequently."

"There's no way I'm going near that gym today. I'm staying in bed. Have fun sweating buckets." She turned to Gon. "May your suffering be brief. I'll pray for your sanity and health." She added jokingly.

Gon laughed. "C'mon, don't exaggerate. See you guys later." He sprinted away.

"I'll be going too. Ja na."

"Byeee." She waved goodbye.

Kaala was serious when she said she wanted to stay in bed. And she did. At least for a few hours when she grew incredibly bored. She went to the kitchen and ate some leftovers but still wasn't enough to kill her boredom.

Maybe I can look around some stores and buy… I don't know, something.

Her legs ached with every move but walking was bearable.

The street was full of people. Lovers, families, young men and women, children, dogs, Killua…

Killua?

She got closer to look at the young man with the ridiculous hat. It was, indeed, Killua.

Why is he here? Wasn't he spending all day in the gym?

He was pretending to read the newspaper to hide his face from… whom?

Kaala looked around and found Gon and Palm sitting at a table of a simple restaurant or cafe, sipping from the same drink.

...Is he stalking Gon and Palm? Is he that worried about Palm harming him?

The sudden realization hit her.

Chimera Ants! He's worried about the Chimera Ants attacking Gon while he has ARS attached!

She had to admit his devotion to protect his friend was admirable. But at the same time, she wanted revenge for yesterday's lecture. She got as close as she could without making a sound and using Zetsu, she closed the space between them and whispered.

"Stalker."

Killua fell on his back into the fountain making a very loud splash sound. Kaala crouched as fast as she could to avoid being seen and miraculously, it worked. They were not spotted.

Killua sat up on the fountain floor and sent her a death stare as she stood up. If he could, she was sure he would yell at her for almost ruining his plan.

Instead, he growled and he commanded with his eyes to help him out.

Killua was really mad and he growled at her as low as he could. "What the hell Kaala? You almost exposed me."

"You deserved it for lying and for teasing me yesterday morning."

"Tch! Go home. I don't have time for you right now." He glanced at his friend to make sure there wasn't anything unusual around.

"Let me come with you."

"No chance. You'll just get in my way. I can't protect the two of you against one Chimera Ant. Go back and stay put."

"You know I can…"

"Help." He finished for her. "I know. I don't want it. You'll either end up revealing me to them or become a burden if a fight should happen" He said harshly.

His words stung and she didn't answer for a few seconds.

"Fine." She hissed as she stood up and walked away before he could say anything else.

But instead of leaving, she hid from him again, keeping her distance.

End up revealing you? HA! I have better Zetsu than you!

And so, the rest of the day, the 'lovebirds' were stalked by Killua and Killua was stalked by Kaala.

At sunset, they walked far away from the crowd, deep into the forest. Kaala recalled Gon's plan for the date.

If I'm right, this is the last stop.

Out here, following someone was harder. No people to blend in and in a quieter atmosphere it's easier to be heard. This was a challenge, even for Killua.

She was enjoying the challenge though, even when her whole body ached with every step and crouch and turn. But everything changed when a presence appeared nearby.

She tensed and looked at Killua. He tossed his hat and ran towards the aura's location.

Oh no! It can't be an Ant!

She followed him closely with some difficulty. Her body wasn't in optimal condition and her muscles were hardly obeying her.

Shit.

She came to a halt and used a thick tree trunk as cover. Killua had intercepted the owner of the aura.

Kaala gasped. The ant had bunny ears and front teeth, strong wings and powerful legs covered in white feathers and fur. But the most scary thing was his Nen and killer intent.

She felt her hands shake. If he notices her, she was done for. Right when she thought there would be no more surprises, he talked.

"Oh, I thought I smelled a human…"

Killua's eyes widened as he realized he had met the Chimera Ant before him.

"I remember you." His aura spiked furiously around him. Kaala was starting to panic again. "You're one of those kids from before! Looks like your luck's run out." He lifted it's wings to the sides that were his arms at the same time. "You're about to get a taste of hell. But it won't last forever."

Killua didn't respond. He stared at the Ant with no signs of fear.

Kaala felt like her heart was in her throat. Not allowing her to breath and feeling every pump in her ears.

Ki-Killua already met this thing!? How can he be so calm with such a strong Nen threatening him!?

"Where's the other kid? Once you tell me his location, I'll give you an easy death. Well, he can't be that far away… He's your buddy, right?"

Gon! Should I go warn him? But if I move, the Ant will definitely feel my presence and doom us all because of me.

"Well, it doesn't matter if you talk or not. I'll just walk around making lots of noise and swinging your severed head. Then he'll come to me himself."

Kaala almost threw up at the comment.

The Ant smiled. "Isn't that how humans are?"

Killua got in position and released his Nen, prepared to fight.

A sweat drop ran down her cheek and her knuckles got white as she tight her hands into fists. She couldn't giht. She couldn't run away. She could only stay where she was and hope for the best.

You were right, Killua. I shouldn't have followed you.

She pressed her hands together with her fingers interlaced and brought them up to her forehead.

Please, Killua. Don't die!

Hey guys. Surprise, surprise! Another broken promise. Almost a month and a half since I posted the last chapter. For once, I do have a valid excuse. Besides work and college, something tragic happened: I lost someone really close to me. No one saw it coming and, if you have lost a family member before, you know it's pretty messy and complicated and VERY emotional. So, this chapter got delayed but I hope you understand. I usually reread the chapter when I'm about to post it because I always find something to fix but today I'll skip it so sorry if there are any mistakes around.

In a happier note, I posted a Moana one shot a few weeks ago called A Tale of Wind and Sea. I'm very proud of it and I would love to hear your opinion! I've been thinking of posting some Moana short stories I have been writing so I might upload a finished one right now as well.

Sorry I'm not responding to any comments this time but I do read and appreciate all of them! Thank you for reviewing!

See ya in a month!