Chapter 5

Fear X and X Trust

Kaala was frozen in place, refusing to leave her hiding spot and endanger her friends. She could only witness how Killua got thrown, kicked and punched all around.

He seemed so confident when the enemy appeared but right before the battle started, his face contorted in horror, his body tensed in fear and his breathing quickened. She knew those signs: Killua was panicking. Now, the Chimera Ant was playing with him like he was a ragdoll. Causing pain and suffering on the young Hunter was amusing and fun to the hybrid creature.

Kaala found the Ant's tastes repulsive and she wanted nothing more than to kill him for hurting Killua like that.

What's going on, Killua? Why are you not fighting back?

She cursed internally for leaving her swords back at the hotel. With the warning Knuckle gave them, she should've brought her weapons with her. Netero-jiisan and Knuckle would be highly disappointed on her if they knew. But right now, she couldn't care less about that; she just wanted Killua to be safe and for the Chimera Ant to die.

She felt useless and worthless. She didn't even dare to use her abilities, afraid they would notice her and make things harder for Killua.

["No chance. You'll just get in my way. I can't protect the two of you against one Chimera Ant"]

God damn it! What should I do!?

Time passed. Night came and Killua hadn't even landed a single punch or kick on his rival. Instead, he took a kick to the stomach that sent him flying back several meters.

The Chimera Ant walked towards the pitiful human. A disgusting smile on his face. He lifted his right leg and started stomping hard on the side of Killua's ribcage as he laughed maniacally.

"Did you piss yourself or something?"

Stomp stomp

"Well!? Can't even move a muscle?"

Stomp stomp

"Lose your spine? HAHAHAHAHA!"

Kaala started feeling literally sick. It just got worse when the Chimera Ant started spouting that he wanted to kill the young Hunter but keeping him alive would prolong his sadistic pleasure.

Hot tears starting running down her cheeks and her back slid down the trunk until she was sitting at it's roots. She had to use her hands to cover her sobs. Not that the Chimera Ant would hear them over the sound of his fists and feet hitting human flesh and bones.

Is this what we'll find in NGL? Are all Chimera Ants this ruthless? Oh god...

The massacre continued and Kaala was about to lose her mind when suddenly someone spoke. And it wasn't the giant creature.

"...because… we're friends."

She looked at Killua and he had tears of his own. He struggled to stand up.

"You're my dear friend."

He suddenly grabbed his forehead with his hand as if he just got a horrible headache.

The Chimera Ant was now salivating and mumbling something about not able to contain himself anymore.

Killua raised his head despite the pain. "I don't want to lose him..."

The Chimera Ant prepared his final blow, ready to taste victory and enjoy the feeling of death on his hands.

"...my very..."

The enemy charged at full speed, his sharp nails ready to behead the silver haired boy.

KILLUA!

"...DEAR FRIEND!" Killua ripped something from his forehead as he screamed in pain and frustration. In a blink of an eye, he disappeared right when the Ant's sharp fingers sliced air, where he stood.

The Chimera Ant and Kaala blinked. The creature turned and found Killua staring at his open palm, laughing.

Kaala could only stare in awe.

I..I don't understand. What happened?

Killua kept laughing. A laugh of relief as he looked at his hand while drops of blood fell on it.

"He got me. Illumi must have planted this..." He faced the Chimera Ant. Not with hate, or fear but with a compassionate smile. He pointed at his self-induced injury. "...in my head."

Kaala couldn't see what it was, but it must be something small if it fits on your hand and can be planted inside your head.

Who could do that kind of thing?

"Huh? What are you talking about?" spat the Chimera Ant. "Have you lost your mind? How did you dodge that?"

Killua ignored the question and cleaned the blood from his head. "I feel so much better. I'm completely awake now. Or maybe I should say I'm liberated."

Kaala was lost. What was inside his head? Why is removing it liberating him? From what? From whom?

"I have a message for the other Ants." His innocent smile turned into a wicked one.

"If you come anywhere near us, your lives are over."

Kaala got goosebumps and her legs felt like jello.

I-I've never seen Killua like this. Is this what you become when you're part of a family of assassins?

She had to remind herself that Killua was her friend and would never hurt her. She had to ignore her instincts telling her to run away from Killua.

To her surprise, the Ant was having a similar internal struggle. He was shaking in fear but his pride was preventing him from leaving his prey.

"BULLSHIT!"

In a swift motion, Killua severed the head of the Ant and his body fell to the floor.

"Very well. Then don't bother." He squeezed the skull with his fingers to finish the kill and dropped the head as if it was a football.

Damn it. That took a long time and he gave me a hell of a beating. I should head back and find G-

"KILLUA!"

He saw a flash of light brown and purple and suddenly a couple of arms were wrapped around his torso, hugging him tightly. Her face was buried in his chest.

Wha-!? How!? When did-!?

He was so confused by Kaala's presence that he didn't have time to be embarrassed by her affection.

"You-! What are you doing here!?"

He didn't get an answer. Kaala was too busy crying and sobbing and making his shirt wet.

Killua blinked.

He didn't think she would be able to hide from him and a Chimera Ant.

Did she see the whole thing? If she did, then it's no wonder she is crying in fear. The Ants are pretty intimidating and powerful at first sight. Actually, at any sight.

He stared at her head and moved his arms awkwardly around her body without touching her, not knowing how to comfort her.

Oi, oi! What are you supposed to do in this situations!?

Flustered, he debated if he should hug her back or pat her head or rub her shoulders or something like that.

Her violent sobs, trembling body and the strength of her arms around him suggested she was really affected.

His heart squeezed at the sight. He forgot about logic and propriety. She needed support, not a calculated and cold response.

He placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Hey, it's ok. The Ant is dead and there are no more nearby. You're safe. I'll protect you if anymore should ap-."

She brusquely let go of him to grab the front of his now damp shirt. Now he had a clear view of her face and along the runny nose, puffy eyes and blushed cheeks, there was a deep frown.

She was angry. Very angry.

"You moron!"

Hic

"I'm not crying because-"

Hic

"I was scared of dying-"

Hic

"You stupid, blind idiot!"

Hic

A few sobs escaped her, interrupting her before she was finished. Killua would have laughed so hard at her attempt to insult him, but Kaala was so upset that he resisted.

Anger transformed back to sadness and doubt.

"Why didn't you fight back?"

Then it hit him. She was crying because she thought he would be killed! She was crying for him!

Fresh tears slid down her face and he felt many emotions at the same time.

Guilt. Surprise. Joy. Relief. Sadness.

No one ever cried like that for his sake. Not even his family. Especially his family. The fact she was crying because of him, made him warm inside. Made him realize he truly had great friends by his side that also wanted to keep him safe.

Ever since he met Gon, he only thought of protecting him. It never came to his mind that Gon could feel the same way about him. Kaala as well.

He promised himself to consider their feelings in the future and be a little more perceptive.

Even if her actions made him feel loved by his friends, he didn't like Kaala feeling miserable because of him. He was the cause of her tears and anguish and knowing that was more painful that any of Rammot's punches.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Killua threw his arms around her in a tight hug, bringing her face back to his chest.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

Kaala returned his hug with a soft grip.

"It's ok. You're ok."

Funny. She was the one crying and he ended up comforted by her.

But he didn't mind. Her warmth felt good, she smelled nice and her touch swept his worries away. At least for a brief time.

They remained like that for a few moments until Kaala carefully pushed him away to break the hug. Curiosity got the best of her.

"What was the thing inside your head? Where did it come from?"

"Oh." He took something out of his pocket and handed it to her. "It's one of Illumi-niisan's nasty needles. He manipulates people with those."

Her mouth twitched in disgust. "That's barbaric."

"Hnn. And that little bastard…" He pointed at the needle. "was the cause of all my problems."

Kaala gasped. "That means you can stay with Gon!?"

He smiled in triumph as an answer and Kaala beamed and jumped like a bunny in her excitement.

"That's wonderful, Killua!"

Her change of mood made him feel so much better and relieved.

Crying like that doesn't suit her.

Then she stared at the little object still in her hand.

"You think your brother knows? Does he feel anything of a sort when this happens?"

Killua shrugged. "Beats me. I hope that asshole does and refrains from doing it again."

Kaala frowned as she analyzed the needle and snapped it in two. Then snapped each half. Then, since the pieces were too small to break, she threw them in the ground and stomped on them.

"I do hope he feels that!"

That got him to laugh, and it felt good despite the pain in his rib cage.

When he was done, he turned serious again as he remembered his mission.

"Well, we wasted too much time here. Let's find Gon and Palm and make sure they're ok."

They sprinted to the last place they've seen them but only their belongings remained. Concerned, they took their possessions and headed back to the hotel, hoping nothing wrong had happened to their friend.

What they found though, had them really confused. Gon was painting kanjis with a brush and black ink on the floor. A hundred, no, a thousand already painted pieces of paper were scattered around the room. The place was barely lit with a single candle.

Standing in front of Gon, Palm was supervising his work, knife in hand. She turned at the intruders, her face no longer as lovely as before.

Killua walked to the middle of the room. "What the hell are you doing!?"

Palm answered for Gon. "Huh? Can't you tell? I'm punishing him for toying with my feelings!"

"What the hell? You're the one who is being unreasonable!"

As Killua argued with Palm, Kaala crouched next to Gon to check on his state. From what he could hear, he wasn't hurt.

Well, at least he's ok.

Palm noticed Kaala's proximity to his date and pointed the knife at her.

"Don't you dare interrupt his punishment! He must pay! If you insist in getting in our way… I'll kill you!"

At the sound of that threat, Killua placed himself between Palm and his friends before she could throw herself or the knife at them.

This only fueled her rage. "Leave us alone! This is none of your business!"

"Right back at you, baaaaaka! Why don't you make yourself scarce?"

Palm's eyes widened and became speechless. Then, her face fell, like she was abruptly tired.

"Why are you injured?"

Killua scoffed. "I was training. Got a problem with that?"

Her pupils rolled to Kaala. "Why were you crying?"

Kaala stiffened. Lying was not an option, but telling the truth wasn't either. Kaala looked away and said the only thing that she could say: a half truth.

"I-It's Killua's fault."

Killua winced internally. That made him look more guilty than he actually was.

Gon spoke for the first time. "Killua! Why would you do that? What did you do to Kaala!?"

Killua flinched and blushed. He raised his hands in defense and tried to come up with a response.

"No, it's just… I didn't... she was...ugh! It's not the time for this!"

Then, he disappeared and a knife had taken his place.

"Palm." sighed Gon.

Killua was now at the other side of the room. "It's useless. I could dodge your knife in my sleep."

Palm trembled with anger. "I was so sure he was dead." Her trembling got worse by the second. She was bottling her rage, ready to explode at any moment.

She took air and released a unbearable war cry from the top of her lungs.

Killua and Kaala jumped, startled by the inhuman sound. Gon was just sitting there with a guilty expression.

I have to get them out of here!

Killua scooped up his friends by the stomach and ran away from the place, Palm following not very far behind swinging her knife around.

"Wait! I'll kill you!"

Pff! No way in hell I'm stopping.

He glanced back and felt Palm's killer intent as she ran with all her might. He actually felt slightly scared.

"Catch us if you can, baaaka!"

She scowled at the challenge."Waaaaait!"

Slowly but surely, they were leaving Palm behind. When she was no longer in sight, Kaala sighed in relief. "I think you lost her."

"Killua, stop. You're just making her angrier."

Killua looked at his friend.

Unbelievable!

"If we ditch her here, we'll never see her again! We just have to call Knuckle and tell him we'll meet him somewhere else."

"I'm going back."

Kaala squirmed on his arm.

"Do you want to die, Gon? If you let your guard down, she'll stab you in the back!"

Gon laughed as if it was a joke. "She wouldn't do that! Hahaha!"

Kaala and Killua looked at him like he was crazy. Maybe he really was.

"What!?" they both yelled.

"Didn't you see her take that knife at me!?"

Gon just laughed and brushed it off.

"Damn, you're too much, Gon!"

Kaala sighed. "You two are gonna be the end of me."

After they made sure they lost Palm, they registered at the Triple Circle Hotel and looked for a place to eat.

They ordered some food and desserts and discussed the events of the day. Of course, Killua didn't say anything about his fight with the Chimera Ant. Kaala kept eating to avoid spilling any details.

Gon was insisting on going back and pay his debt to the creepy woman.

Killua hit the table with his fist. "Then tell her to wait until Kite is back to normal."

"I did." Gon mumbled with his mouth full.

Killua sighed. There was no way they would reach a compromise with Palm.

"I guess you could say Palm is a fanatic too. She's in her twenties, isn't she?" Kaala pointed out.

"Hmm yeah. The women in the boats were older, though."

Killua refused to go back to the dating topic.

"Now that Knuckle and Shoot and everyone else knows where we are, we just need to avoid Palm. Outside from that, we can relax." He brought his drink to his lips.

"Oh!" Gon brightened. "You and Kaala can have your date, then."

Killua spat his tea on Gon who was sitting right in front of him.

He didn't expect his friend to bring that up. His face started getting hot at the thought of going on a date. With Kaala!

Besides, with Chimera Ants roaming the area, there was no way he was leaving Gon by himself without Kaala or him to sense danger.

Gon took a napkin to dry himself as he threw a confused and annoyed glance at him. Kaala giggled. Killua's shyness was amusing.

"Gon, now's not the time for that. Besides, we already decided to wait until the Chimera Ant mission was over."

Kaala blinked twice before she understood what just happened. Before Gon could ask her if it was true, she stuffed her mouth with Killua's dessert. Watching his cake being devoured was devastating but if it was the price for Kaala's silence, he would gladly pay for it.

After dinner, they headed to their rooms but before Kaala went inside her own, Gon remembered something.

"Ah! That's right!" He pointed at Killua accusingly. "Killua, what did you do to make Kaala cry?"

They both stiffened and looked at each other for a second before quickly turning away, slightly blushing.

If she tries to lie, Gon will suspect something's not right. I have to come up with something that is not the whole truth but not a lie either.

Killua sighed. "I didn't do anything wrong. She's just a crybaby."

I hope this is enough.

Kaala gaped and sent him a 'I can't believe you!' face. "That's not… it isn't… I'm just…!" Her shoulders fell in defeat. "Yeah, alright. I admit it. I really am a crybaby."

Gon seemed unconvinced. "That's no reason to make her cry."

Killua patted the top of her head twice. "Don't worry. We already made peace."

Kaala smiled reassuringly and placed her hand on Gon's shoulder. "I'm fine, Gon. Thank you for worrying about me." She looked at both of them seriously. "To be honest, I'm terrified of going to NGL but you two gave me the strength I needed." Her smile came back and the corner of her eyes started to water. "Whatever happens out there, I couldn't have found better friends to face it with."

Gon beamed. "Hnn. We have your back, Kaala!"

Killua looked away in embarrassment, a pink hue in his cheeks. "It's nothing really. It's the obvious thing to help your comrades."

Kaala giggled and dried her eyes. "I'm drained and full at the same time." She rubbed her belly. "I'm going to bed now. Good night, guys. See you tomorrow."

"Good night." They both replied.

As always, they were sleeping in separate beds but sharing the same room. Killua changed his clothes, brushed his teeth and fell on his bed.

He sighed in relief. The bed was very comfortable and he had a rough day. He recalled today's events and it was hard to believe it all happened in the last 24 hours.

Stalking Gon, fighting a Chimera Ant, dealing with Palm…

Kaala's hug.

The memory made his heart squeeze. The overflowing emotions had clouded his mind from what was really happening. Now, with his head clear, he realized how intimate it had been.

She looked so upset. So sad. And all because she was worried about me.

He imagined what it would be like if their roles were reversed and his stomach twisted in disgust. He rather be the one in pain and in danger than see Kaala going through what he went through today.

And then a scary thought crossed his mind: what if she really goes through painful things in NGL? They were heading to the nest. The very heart of the colony. They might find dozens or hundreds of Chimera Ants stronger than Rammot. Even with her predicting abilities, there was no way she could see everything coming. She could get hurt. She could get killed.

His hand tightened into a fist, wrinkling the sheets that got tangled between his fingers.

No. I won't let it happen.

Since dark thought's were the usual cause for his insomnia, he pushed them aside and focused on the touching moment he shared with Kaala today.

He slept like a baby.

The following day, they did what Killua suggested: relax. They bought some Chocorobot and sat in the middle of the park to enjoy the beautiful day. Killua opened his box and found a very common type of Chocorobot.

"Meh...again. That's the third one." He sighed.

"What's wrong with that one?" asked Kaala. She never cared much for toys or collecting any kind of object. Hoarding useless stuff didn't sound interesting to her.

"It's a very ordinary one. Look at the colors. The cool ones are colored like copper, silver, gold and platinum. But they are really hard to find."

Gon pulled out the Chocorobot from his box and the golden toy shined with the sunlight.

Killua gaped. "Oh! A secret one!"

Gon blinked. "Really?"

Killua stared at the rare object. "Yeah, you can auction it on the net for a lot of money."

"Eh? People pay that much for a simple toy?" Kaala asked in disbelief.

"Of course. Why waste time looking for them yourself when you can pay for it and get it faster?"

Kaala arched an eyebrow and sighed. "I don't know, sounds like a waste of money to me. I don't understand collectionists. In the end, collections only exist to brag."

Killua scoffed, offended by her ignorance and narrowed perspective.

"Not all collectionists are shallow, Kaala." Gon looked at her in the eye. "We have a friend that is collecting precious items, not for himself, but for his people."

Killua knew he was referring to Kurapika.

Kaala looked at Gon, then to Killua and realized she offended them both.

"Sorry. I guess I shouldn't generalize."

Gon smiled. "It's fine."

"Don't sweat it." Killua said as he stared back at the golden robot.

Gon noticed and extended his hand with the toy on it. "You can have it."

Killua pouted. "Not interested. It's no fun if you don't open it yourself. Keep it, it's yours."

Kaala's eyes widened as she got an idea. She looked around, trying to remember something. "I'll be right back." And she ran off.

"Ok." Gon and Killua answered.

Killua took the chocolate from his box, threw it in the air and catched it with his mouth. He chewed and licked his lips to savored every bit of the candy.

Gon stared at him. "Did something happen?"

Killua considered the motive behind the question.

Am I acting different than usual?

He was in a good mood even though yesterday was full of complicated events. He recalled them in quick review and realized his mind got stuck at the encounter with Kaala in the forest. His chest felt warm and light again. The fact that every bad moment he experienced yesterday was overcome by that happy memory, was definitely telling him something. He had to dig deeper into that, but right now, Gon needed an answer.

"Huh? Not really."

If Gon didn't buy that, he did not show it. He just hummed in response.

10 minutes later, Kaala came back.

"Sorry for making you wait." Kaala appeared before them, her hands hiding behind her back. She was beaming and was clearly eager to say or do something.

Killua got suspicious. "Where did you run off to?"

She smiled even wider and brought her hands forward, offering Killua a tiny box.

Killua stared at the box, unimpressed. "Another Chocorobot?"

"Yup. Open it."

He took the box and removed the carton lids. The toy was beautiful and shiny, but not with a yellow hue.

Silver? No… wait!

He took the toy out to observe the color in the light.

"No way! A platinum!?" He stared at it with a wide smile and eyes big as plates. "How did you get this!?"

"Let's just say someone will be very disappointed in about two months."

Killua gaped and then smiled in a evil and smug way. "You didn't."

Kaala stuck her tongue out playfully. "I did. I wasn't expecting it to work but it did, thankfully."

"You're awesome, Kaala! This is definitely going to my personal collection."

Kaala sat next to Killua. "You have your own? How many do you have?"

As Killua described his Chocorobot collection, Gon observed them interact. He isn't the brightest or the most intuitive person, but he was observant and he noticed Killua was the happiest when Kaala was around.

He smiled. His friend was opening to more people. He was learning to trust and share more with them every day.

His train of thought broke when Killua jumped off his seat.

"Let's hit the gym."

Gon nodded with enthusiasm. "Ok!"

Kaala's grin faded as she whined. "Ehhhhh? Aren't we going to rest?"

Killua placed his hands on his hip. "Don't be so lazy. C'mon, I have a routine for you. Especially designed to gain muscle in a short amount of time."

Gon lifted a finger. "You'll get used to it, Kaala. I promise."

"You have to eat enough protein as well. Your diet is not balanced enough to make up for the exercise." Added Killua.

Kaala made a low, exasperated noise.

"You were the one who asked to be trained!" Complained the silver haired boy. "Now that we're going to NGL, you need more physical strength than ever."

"I didn't think it would be so hard. I just recovered from the workout session we had two days ago." She clasped her hands together. "Can't we just rest until the others come back?"

"No. The sooner, the better."

Kaala did another whining noise.

Their bickering continued but Gon wasn't listening. He was appreciating the presence of his friends, unaware if a certain UMA Hunter stalking them.

Kite is alive and coming back. I have Killua and Kaala with me. Everything will be fine now.

Gon was, indeed, not the most intuitive person either. Neither of them knew what was coming and certainly, not everything will be fine.

Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm pretty happy how it turned out and I had a lot of fun writing it. Please let me know what you think! I love reviews so please don't hold back.

Thank you havanatitiana for your support! I'll do my best to keep you happy and entertained!

See ya next chapter!