Chapter 7

Trick X and X Treat

Kaala sighed. Killua told her to wait for his call with more instructions but he still hadn't contacted her. She was getting impatient despite being in the airport, one of her favorite places to be. The sound of suitcases rolling, the blimps gaining height and landing before her eyes, people reuniting with relatives, people starting new adventures… What could she say? She loves traveling.

She looked at her tickets. One white piece of paper said she was supposed to be in a blimp an hour ago, going back home. Instead, she was going to ride another one. A local tour. The ticket was much more simple having a brownish color, low quality paper and cheap ink.

Half an hour to board. I should get in line, I guess.

Once seated inside the vessel, she frowned. The blimp wasn't as nice as the ones used in international flights.

Will this really work?

The crew announced their departure and the blimp slowly gained altitude. Kaala smiled and eagerly watched through the window how everything became smaller and smaller. If she had wings, she would never touch the ground again.

When they reached their highest altitude, Kaala took her white ticket and her phone out. She ripped the part the guys at the airport tear from the paper and placing the ticket against the glass of her window, she took a picture of her "destination" and the blue sky. She did her best to make it look like she was much much higher than she actually was. The small blimp was made to appreciate the scenery, not to fly long distances above the clouds.

After several takes, she reviewed her work. Hmm looks too staged. Oh, I know!

A uniformed woman passed by her seat.

"Excuse me! Could I have a glass of water?"

When Kaala got her drink, the flight attendant arched an eyebrow when the young girl didn't actually drank it, but wet her fingers on it. Kaala let two or three droplets of water fall on the ticket and let them rolled down.

"Perfect!" The young girl exclaimed.

The tall woman shook her head and rolled her eyes before leaving.

Kaala took some more pictures, tightly holding the ticket with her hand instead of pushing it against the glass. The water made it look like she cried over it. The ink even blurred at the contact with her fake tears. The tight grip simulated her anger and frustration of leaving.

Proud, she sent them to Killua and waited for his response. The view outside the window was beautiful but she wasn't really appreciating it. She had doubts about this plan and her stomach was stirring in worry.

Her phone rang. It was Killua. Kaala answered and pressed her phone against her ear.

"Are the pictures ok?"

"Yeah, they'll work. For someone who doesn't like lying, those fake tears were a nice touch."

"Err, thanks I guess…"

"...are you getting cold feet?"

"...do we really have to do it this way? Maybe talking to Morel is a better idea. He is way softer than Knuckle. He might budge."

Kaala heard him sigh. "Look, there are things that can only be done by deceiving."

"And there are thing that can only be done by telling the truth. Besides, I don't think he'll buy this. Maybe we can just talk to him and see how it goes."

"If you talk to him, it's over. If my plan does fail, then you can begged him all you want, but if you do it now, it's over."

Kaala pouted.

"Fine."

"Good. Do you remember the rest of the plan?"

"Yes."

"Be ready. I don't know when exactly I'll put it in motion. Remember: don't talk or chat with anyone. Not even Gon."

"Aye aye, captain." She joked.

"...sure."

"Sorry. I'm nervous."

"Relax, It'll work. Talk to you later. Bye."

"Bye."

Kaala melted on her chair. Man, Killua really turns cold when he takes something seriously.

She recalled a few days ago when he was stalking Gon and Palm. So determined and focused. It was hard to believe it was the same Killua that told her all those nice things yesterday.

Kaala slightly blushed and smiled.

Brave, kind, smart, goofy…

And cute.

Those were the words he used to describe her. She cupped her own face when she felt her cheeks go warmer.

They hadn't know each other for long, but their short time together felt meaningful.

Kaala looked through the window to find a beautiful morning and a colorful town below. Her nervousness dissipated momentarily as she gasped at the incredible view.

If I get to stay with them for a while longer, then maybe lying isn't so bad.

Killua hanged up and put his cellphone in his pocket. He sighed. Kaala really needed to get out more. She has lived surrounded by a bubble. She had only seen the nice side of the world, what everyone else sees. But Killua, he lived in the dark side. He was part of it. A place where the weak die and the strong live. Where the naive were chewed and eaten alive and the most corrupt people thrived and swam in money and blood. A place where backstabbing your allies was common and killing innocents for whatever reason is justified. A place where the truth was so covered in lies that you can't trust anyone. So, you lie in order to protect yourself. It's the fastest and safest way to get what you want… or at least keep breathing. Anyone who dares to reveal their true self or true intentions is either crazy, stupid or has a deathwish. Kaala, unfortunately, would fit the 'stupid' category if she ever had to deal with people of the underworld.

Killua shook his head. That was a very unlikely and unpleasant idea.

Anyway, his conclusion was that since Kaala never lies to get away with anything, she doesn't know how powerful twisting reality can be.

Killua checked the alarm clock on his nightstand.

8:09 am.

Gon had already left for the gym. After meeting Kite yesterday, he needed to clear his mind and reinforce his determination. He didn't speak much and wasn't eating as he usually does. Killua wanted to help him cope with the stress and frustration but first, he needed to solve Kaala's situation. They didn't have much time.

The plan was easy and it depended almost fully on his acting skills. At the same time, it was very simple and straightforward so his failing chances were high. He didn't know Morel personally so that decreased the probability of success despite having seen a scratch of his personality yesterday.

No point in overthinking this. I have to do what I can with what I have.

Killua left his room at the Three Circles Hotel. Fortunately, they were all staying in the same hotel so they might all be nearby.

Killua walked towards the restaurant and found Knuckle, Shoot, Knov and Morel discussing something.

Ok. The plan starts now.

He focused a great amount of killer intent and directed it towards Morel. No one in the place but the small group of Hunters felt it and turned to look at him. Faking to be furious, Killua stared at them for a few seconds and then sat on a nearby table to order breakfast.

He could hear them whispering, probably wondering what was the deal with him.

For the whole meal, he kept observing them, sending waves of killer intent and intentionally disturbing their discussion. Once he was done, he sent a final death glare and walked away. The bell on the door twinkled on his exit and a few steps away, he heard another twinkle behind him. He mentally smiled. They took the bait.

A hand fell on his shoulders and brusquely turned him. Knuckle's temple was twitching with all the veins that had popped in his anger.

"Care to explain what the hell was that!? HUH!? You wanna fight, punk!? Because I can punch you first and ask questions later!"

"Knuckle, calm down!"

"The hell I will, Shoot! This bastard thinks he can intimidate us just like that!"

"Volatile as always I see. I have a guess on what's the situation so please quiet down, Knuckle." Knov pushed his glasses up his nose with his finger.

Killua shook Knuckle's hand off.

"Let go of me!"

Another vein popped in his forehead. "You little bas-"

"She left, didn't she?"

Killua glared at Morel. "Well, you all wanted her out of the way? You got it." He spat the words with disgust.

Knuckle's eyes widened. "She… she went back home?"

"What did you expect!? You guys told her she would cause the human extinction!"

The Beast Hunter rubbed the back of his neck in shame.

"I'll admit that Morel's methods were rough but, considering the risk her very presence adds to the mission, it was necessary." Knov added in his usual cool way. "I thought you'd be the best to understand this from the three of you."

Morel twirled his pipe on his hand. "Rough or not, it is the truth. If she can't handle it, then it's even more clear she should not be on this mission. Now, I don't know how gullible you think I am but I'm not buying your story just like that."

Killua turned his back to him. "Pff! Like I care. The fact is she's gone. Whatever you tell the old man is not my business but if he dies, you will be the one to tell Kaala. I hope you know how it feels to regret not doing something to save a person dear to you, because that's what she will feel if the Chairman dies."

Morel deeply frowned.

Killua peeked at them. "Whatever. I'm done talking about this. Mail me when and where we will meet next time." And with that, the four Pro Hunters were left behind and speechless.

The smoke manipulator took his phone out and walked away from the rest.

Knuckle raised an eyebrow. "Shisho, are you calling Chairman Netero?"

"Not yet. I want to confirm this first."

He dialed a number and brought his cellphone up to his ear.

Kaala actually enjoyed the tour. She managed to push Killua and her troubled thoughts aside and relax for a while. After she exited the blimp, a loud tune and a vibrating sensation in her pocket made her jump in surprise.

Could that be…!?

She pulled the device from her pocket but in her rush and trembling hands, it slipped from her palms. She attempted to catch it but her awkward hand movement sent it flying instead and it crashed against the pavement.

"Agh!"

She threw herself to her phone on the floor which miraculously was still working after such a fall. The caller ID read Morel.

She immediately took it and hanged up.

Realizing she caught the attention of a few passersby, she stood up and walked away as if nothing happened.

I have to get some distance between me and the airport. Morel could easily come here to check on the flights or passenger seats.

Kaala then ran the opposite direction of The Circles Hotel. A few seconds later, her phone rang again.

It's Morel again.

She hanged up for the second time and opened her mail to start writing a message.

Ok. I can do this. Lying though mails is not that hard.

She stopped and hid herself between two buildings. Her fingers started typing.

What do you want?

And...send.

Kaala inhaled deeply to stabilize her breathing.

If Morel contacted me, it means Killua already did his part.

*Ding ding*

Kaala opened the new mail.

Where are you?

-Morel

Kaala looked for the picture she took earlier to send it.

I'm going home. Happy?

She wrinkled her nose. Her answers didn't feel like her own.

If I was really going home, what would I say?

She thought for a second and searched inside her how she would act if this the situation was real. She gulped. She wouldn't be confronting Morel like this, she would be worried sick and sad mostly. Once she found her true feelings, finding the words became easier.

Please take care of Netero-jiisan… and Gon, Killua and everyone else… and yourself of course… come back home safe and sound, ok?

Kaala pressed send and released a breath she didn't know she was holding. With her phone pressed against her chest, she waited. When his reply didn't come as fast as the previous one, she growled.

I would use Announcement from God but I don't know if I will have to use that on my phone during the mission.

*Ding ding*

Kaala frantically opened the new mail and was shocked by what she found.

Ok.

-Morel

Her blood began to boil.

"What kind of answer is that!? I'm was being sincere and concerned for his well being and he just says 'ok'!? ARGH! I'm NOT writing back!"

She stomped out of her hiding spot and proceeded to walk down the street to find the one thing that calms her down: food.

Killua remained hidden behind a structure as the isolated Morel tried to call Kaala. After the second attempt to contact her failed, his phone beeped, indicating he just got a message. He responded and a second and third beep followed. Morel's expression remained unchanged except for his eyebrows which he raised as he read the messages. After contemplating his phone for a few seconds, he finally replied and then dialed again.

Were Kaala's messages unconvincing? Did she followed through with the plan?

"Hey. It's me."

Killua frowned. That's not Kaala he's talking to. Did he call…?

"Not much. We are discussing our strategies and sharing thoughts on how to handle the mission. How do things look on your side? Any change?"

"..."

"Well, we always knew the King would choose a new nest. Anyway, as we agreed, this will be last time we will speak until further notice. Any information or instructions you want to deliver?"

"..."

"Roger that."

"..."

"Yes. She made her choice."

Killua tensed. This was the moment where he would find out if their plan had worked.

Morel took a deep breath. "Kaala… went home. She is no longer in the Mitene Union."

Killua closed his hand into a fist in victory. It worked!

"..."

"Well, I… I had to be pretty blunt. I had to use an ugly argument and make her feel guilty. I'm sure you understand but either way, I wanted to apologize."

"..."

"Heh. Go tell her yourself when we kill some nasty Ants. Take care, old man. Until then."

Morel hanged up and put away his phone.

"Let's see…" He spoke to himself. He played with his giant pipe as he thought. After a few seconds he stopped.

"Killua."

The silver haired Hunter flinched.

He knew!?

"Come here. Now."

Killua sighed but obeyed anyway. No use in stay hidden when his presence was already known.

"Tch! How did you know I was following you?"

Morel smiled. "Don't insult me kid. Now, call Kaala and tell her to stop hiding. We all need to gather and make a plan of action"

Killua tried to fake innocence but he was caught off guard and his surprise showed.

"That's right. I know she is still here. You really think I was going to tell the Chairman she would stay? Here or there, my call was always meant to inform him she is safe, despite what her real exposure to danger is."

Killua blinked. "You mean… we did all this for nothing?"

Morel arched an eyebrow. "By 'this' you mean your silly plan of trying to convince me with a dumb picture that actually ruined everything?"

"Wh-what? How did it…?"

Instead of finishing his question, Killua took out his own phone and looked at the picture she had taken. At first, it looked convincing but watching closely, you could see Kaala's reflection on the glass as she stuck her tongue out while taking the photo.

Killua facepalmed himself. How could he miss that!?

"It was hard to contain my laughter when I looked at it! Haha!... But then Kaala wrote a... touching message... and I realized it must have been hard for her to lie like that. So I decided to just end it."

Something still wasn't right for Killua. "If you were planning on telling the Chairman she was leaving regardless of her actions, why did you make her go through all of that?"

Morel could feel the young Hunter's resentment.

"You think the Chairman is the only who wants her safe? Many do and that includes me and you, doesn't it?"

Killua opened his mouth to speak but closed it back.

Morel chuckled. "I care for her as much as you ... but in a different way. I can tell."

Killua blushed and looked away.

"I want her out of danger but I chose to let her pick her path. To respect her choice. So, I did my best to change her mind instead, even if I had to hurt her. But it seems it wasn't enough. For Kaala to lie is really something. She must really want to stay. I wonder why?"

He wiggled his eyebrows and eyed Killua with a quirky smile which caused him to blush even more.

"S-stop that! I was just starting to like you!"

Morel laughed and turned his back to him. "Just call Kaala and tell her the good news. We'll talk later."

As Morel walked away, Killua took his phone out and dialed Kaala's number.

Gon was lifting weights in their usual spot. His eyes distant, his mind anywhere but there. Ever since he lost to Knuckle and his Nen, he had to reduce the weights and decrease the level of intensity of his training. It must be a hard blow for someone who likes to push himself to the limit. On top of it, Kite looked horrible and was being controlled by the enemy. It was like kicking someone who was already down. What Killua found odd, was that the bar Gon was using had a few weights less than usual and there were plenty of them free to use.

Killua approached his friend. He didn't say anything, he just walked to his side and started doing his own training, minding his own business. Gon paused a few seconds when he realized Killua was preparing his equipment. When Killua met Gon's eyes, he could see he dumbfounded so Killua flicked him in the forehead.

"Those won't lift themselves, you know?" Killua pointed at Gon's equipment. "Weren't you going to train hard and show Kite the results?"

Killua saw how Gon's eyes were slowly recovering their spark. When they were full of life and determination, Gon smiled from ear to ear.

"Hnn!" He answered enthusiastically. He immediately lowered his bar and started adding more weight to it.

Killua laughed inwardly. If only girls were as easy to cheer up.

They spent all afternoon training, laughing and joking around. They called it a day when the sun was almost gone.

Back at the hotel, Killua and Gon entered the living room covered in sweat and emanating a salty smell. Kaala wrinkled her nose in disgust but refrained from doing any comments.

When Gon saw Kaala, he beamed. "Killua told me everything on the way here! I can't believe you're staying, Kaala!"

Kaala raised her arms in joy. "I know! I can't believe it either!

Killua scoffed. "Yeah. I can't believe it either. Especially since you messed up your part."

Kaala sweatdropped in embarrassment.

"Mou, Killua. Don't bully her right now. It's a happy moment!"

Killua smiled. "Ok. I'll let this one go. Just for now. Apparently we're staying here for the next couple of weeks and then we will head to the Republic of East Gorteau. That means we have almost a month to prepare ourselves and that means we will train really hard. Especially you, Kaala."

Kaala made a sour face and a whining sound.

Gon frowned. "Mou! What did I just tell you, Killua!"

The brunette suddenly brightened. "Well, that also means we have almost a full month to have fun and do stuff together!"

"Oi! Don't forget why we're here, baka! It's not time to mess around!" Killua scolded as he took a step forward.

"Oh, c'mon! All you think about is training! We can spare some time to do other things." Kaala argued as she too took a step forward.

"We don't have spare time! A month is not enough time to to make you stronger. Every minute counts and we will not waste them."

Step.

"We can't train 24/7."

Step.

"Yes, you can. I've done it."

Step.

"The Zoldycks don't count as normal humans. You are more like super humans." Kaala sighed. "Look, how about we just balance training and fun?"

Killua took a final step forward to stand right in front of her.

"No." He answered firmly.

Killua was prepared to counter whatever argument she could throw at him but he wasn't prepared for what happened next. Kaala closed the space between them and graze her lips against his cheek. He thought he imagined it but when his skin started tickling right where she touched him, he realized it really did happen. Kaala returned to where she was and beamed, her own face slightly flushed.

"Please?"

He felt his face get incredibly hot, his throat tight, his mind go blank, his lungs refusing to work and his heart pumping blood like crazy.

Unable to form coherent sentences to refuse, he looked away, nodded and said "Fine."

Kaala smiled smugly. "Thank you!"

Gon remained silent, enjoying their interesting interaction. The argument was pretty standard, a usual conversation between them, but he didn't see the kiss coming. He gaped in awe at the pleasant surprise.

"When did you guys become so close!?"

Killua looked at Gon in horror. He forgot his friend was there and he just witnessed the whole thing!

Kaala brought her finger up to her chin as she thought. "Maybe yesterday, when he called me cu-"

"I'm taking the shower first, Gon!" Killua interrupted her mid sentence and ran to the bathroom. He couldn't handle any more 'doki doki' or his heart could explode.

The last thing he heard were their giggles as he closed the door.

Please review! I love reading your comments!

Thank you havanatitiana for your support! A heartwarming comment every chapter. You're the best! I'm sure you'll enjoy the next chapter too.

See ya!