CHAPTER 15
When they came back from their mission, Killua pushed what had happened with Hayuri to the back of his head. He had a job to do and decided to act professionally until the end and Hayuri seemed to take the same course of action. They put all of the intel they'd gathered together and came to a disturbing conclusion. The group was planning to blow up a monumental building, but they were not planning to do it alone. They discovered that there was a vast network of groups that opposed the monarchy, some being more radical than others. However, they did not know which building and when they would aim at. There was too much info on most existing buildings and there was no evidence that showed special interest in just one. They decided to put the information away in an orderly fashioned, so that it was quick and easy to find if need be.
In the late afternoon, they had a meeting with the general commander of the royal forces and told him what they had found with full detail. He told them to not stop the rebels, unless the king himself was endangered. They were to use this group as a lead or as bait to find the other rebels first. They would have to work three times a week on this subject and train the rest of the week. Killua was put in charge and was told to brief once a week on their work and give word immediately if anything big came up.
The meeting lasted so long that dinner was served while they talked and, when they finally left, it was already 11 pm. Each of them left to their own rooms and Killua was glad to finally have some time to think.
What had even happened back then with Hayuri? Nothing really happened; they had left and gathered with everyone else as soon as she had notified him they were clear. Thankfully, as soon as he walked out of that closet, Killua came back to his senses and was able to work outstandingly as always.
However, something had awoken in him at that time. He had always seen Hayuri as a friend and he was comfortable around her. But this time around, he had actually perceived her as a woman in a sexual manner. He had wanted to touch her in places tha- Killua cursed. He would not go down that train of thought. He most definitely did not need that kind of distractions during his mission - his real mission - and he also didn't have time to invest in such activities.
Besides, he wasn't even sure that Hayuri had felt the same as he did. Of course she had noticed the tension in the air. But had she felt the same attraction that he had? Killua had been at the edge of sanity and had sworn that he would lose his self-control any time. Only remembering how he had felt back then made his gut tingle.
"Damn." Killua cursed and sat down on his bed. They were only friends, and he would make sure it stayed that way. He would act as if what had happened was unimportant and would not bring the matter up to her. If she did, he would deny having felt anything.
- Timeskip -
Hayuri entered the dining room and her eyes immediately found Killua. She quickly waved when their eyes met and approached him. As she walked, she felt nervous. What would he do? Would he say anything to her? After what had happened the day before they were going to sit alone for the first time.
"Oii, Hayuri." Killua smirked as she sat down. "Afraid the rebels are going to bomb up your face? You don't look too good. Actually, now that I think about it, that's not unusual for you."
"Hey, what the heck." Hayuri said and a tick mark appeared on her forehead. "I'm not afraid, baka. Why this need to bully me first thing in the morning? The sun's barely up, you know?"
Killua gave her a mischievous smile and took a bite out of his sandwich. Hayuri stood up and served herself some scrambled eggs, fruit and a glass of orange juice. She sat back down with a sigh and started eating. She was kind of fidgety about being too close to Killua. She looked at him and realized that he was acting as if nothing had happened at all. Had he not felt the tension in the air? She could've sworn he had, from how stiff he had been in there.
"Oi, Hayuri. I'm done over here. I guess I'll see you around at lunch, right?" He said and Hayuri realized that he had just finished eating.
"Yeah, see you."
Hayuri watched him leave with a slight frown on her face. Killua had never left so quickly when they ate together before. Maybe he was just uncomfortable with the situation and left to avoid being nervous around her. Or maybe she was just over thinking things.
Hayuri took a bite off her apple and sighed in defeat. Suddenly a chill ran up her spine, the feeling of being watched by someone with no good intentions rising in her gut. She discretely looked around, but found that everyone was minding their own business. She decided that she must've imagined it.
Hayuri trained her ass off, as usual. She worked on how her feet adapted to the ground as she tried to make as little noise as possible. She worked on her speed, running 200 meters at top speed at least 20 times.
When midday finally came, she walked to the dining room and sat at hers and Killua's spot as usual. She looked around and found that everyone was there except for him. She frowned and felt like a high schooler, feeling lonely because she was the only one eating all by herself.
After a couple minutes she simply started eating, wondering what had happened with Killua. He had never before missed a meal together with her. She didn't know why, but it kind of affected her. She forced the food to go down her throat as the lump in it grew heavy. She had eaten half of her meal, when the room was entered by their superior, who stood and talked with his usual authoritarian attitude.
"Everyone, listen up. Today we will be testing your abilities without the use of nen. We want to make sure no one cheats, so you will be given a pill that will force you into zetsu." He said as he looked around the room. "After finishing your lunch, go to the infirmary, where it will be handed to you. And don't worry, the effect will be gone by tomorrow."
He immediately left then room and Hayuri sat there for a while wondering where Killua was. Suddenly she felt that uneasy feeling once again and looked around, but no one seemed to be minding her. She sighed and took another bite of her lunch.
A couple minutes later, Killua came into the room. He seemed as nonchalant as always and he slowly got walked to the buffet bar and got himself something to eat. Two minutes later he was sitting down next to Hayuri.
"Hey." He said after swallowing.
"You're late." Hayuri said as she frowned.
"Yes. I had something's I needed to tend to. Sorry to keep you waiting." He said without looking her way. Hayuri felt that Killua was hiding something from her, but it could've also been uneasiness from the day before.
"Ok. Did you hear already? About the nen suppressing pill?"
"What is that?" Killua raised an eyebrow in question.
"Jeez." Hayuri sighed and filled him in.
"Well, I can't say I'm comfortable with the situation, but we cannot refuse, can we?" He said and shrugged after she had told him about it.
"No." Hayuri agreed and sipped her water. "I just hope this does not have any secondary effects."
When they were ready with their meal, both walked down the hallway and got in line in front of the infirmary. Both entered, got their pills, and left to the training ground where they were told to go after.
They were nearing the place when both felt how their nen was suddenly suppressed, the feeling similar to before they'd learned how to use nen. They stood still for a couple seconds and finally agreed with a silent not, that they seemed otherwise fine. They walked a couple more meters until the found themselves at the meeting place.
Killua looked around and wondered what kind of skills would be examined in this situation. There were 6 5x5 meter squares drawn on the ground, which made Killua think that they were some sort of rings and he guessed that they would probably do some close range fighting.
Hayuri sat down next to Killua as they waited for the test to start.
"I hope we don't have to fight each other." Hayuri commented. "I'd rather fight anyone else."
"Well, at least you're honest about who could kick your ass." Killua smirked playfully.
"Hey! Don't mock me!" She pouted a bit and nudged him in the shoulder.
"Well, I'm sorry. I also wouldn't want to fight you. I know your fighting style too well and it's no fun anymore."
"You'd be surprised that I've actually learned a couple things in here." Hayuri smirked. "However, you'll have to fight me someday to find out."
"Ohh~ is that a challenge?" Killua leaned closer as he displayed a smug smile.
"It can be if you want it to."
Killua was about to say something else when there was a sudden wave of killing intent directed at them. He quickly turned around to check it, but as soon as it came it was gone. He looked to his side and saw Hayuri with a worried expression on her face.
"What the hell was that?" He questioned.
"I'm not sure, but this is not the first time that it has happened to me." She said looking around warily and then turning to look Killua in the eye. "Killua, I don't know if I might be over reacting, but think that someone is-"
"TRAINEES!" The loud voice of their superior resounded in the whole place and they immediately had to stand up and get in line. However, before Hayuri walked past Killua, she looked at him and he mouthed 'talk about this later'. He seemed to sense something wrong as well. This, for one part, helped Hayuri ease up a bit, knowing that she had shared her troubles with someone. However, Killua had good instincts, which meant that someone probably was targeting her. And this worried her.
Each trainee had to fight three times each; there was a chart and one referee for each ring. Killua was certain that, without nen, his advantage in combat would only increase. He had been trained since a child to quickly disable anyone and, on a fair match without nen, he didn't suppose there would be anyone as strong as he was. Killua fought his first opponent, who was immediately defeated. His second opponent lasted a couple seconds longer. Lastly, his third opponent was Tora. He looked too confident. He probably thought that Killua had had regular physical training and that he would be easily defeated this time.
Killua smiled and took a step forward. The referee gave the sign and he jumped up as Tora kicked the floor, making a huge dent in it. He had to admit, if it weren't for himself, the man would probably beat everyone in there when it came to rough strength.
Tora looked up and kicked upwards, but Killua grabbing his leg and swinging himself around. He landed on the other side of the ring and watched with amusement as Tora shook with anger.
"You'll get your ass kicked now, brat." He spat and launched at Killua with full force. However, Killua stepped aside and grabbed his fist, swinging him around and throwing him out of the ring.
"I thought I'd get it now." He said crossing his arms behind his back and watching as Tora stood up again. He scrubbed some dust off his face and entered the ring again.
Tora and Killua circled around each other, until Killua decided to attack and he leapt into the air. He twisted around above Tora and used an important amount of physical force to kick him on the side. He blocked with his forearm and his huge body was pushed back 4 meters. It took all of him to avoid leaving the ring. He narrowed his eyes, noticing that Killua was probably stronger than he was. He cursed and cautiously walked a couple steps forwards. He aimed a punch at Killua's face, but he was fast - too fast - as he crouched doing a roundhouse kick and kicked him off his feet.
Tora managed to hold his weight on one hand, and was about to counterattack when Killua came at him. He elbowed his side, using his full weight, and earned another point. He was announced as the victor and allowed his hand to be raised by the referee.
"Don't bother, you'll never be able to defeat me. If you were able to correctly gauge my strength, you'd know that by now." he shot a smug smile at Tora.
When he heard him, Tora stood up and raised his head to look at Killua. The silver haired teen was surprised that Tora didn't look angry at all, but actually looked confident.
"You'll regret this, remember that." Tora smirked evilly and turned to leave.
Killua stood there as he wondered what the heck that meant. Did Tora know about his true background? He probably didn't. He was too stupid and would've probably done something reckless with the knowledge. Killua decided to be more observant around him from now on and walked back to Hayuri, who was sitting by his ring.
"Jeez, Killua. Try not to pick up fights, you'll only cause trouble." She sighed and moved to sit up as her name was called. "You act like a goddamn kid."
"And you act like a goddamn granny." Killua frowned and looked away; bothered by the fact that Hayuri was reprimanding him like a child.
She face palmed, but ignored that retort as she walked to the ring. She was faced with a weak opponent the first time and it took her only 10 seconds to win her first fight. However, on her second fight, she had to fight the green haired man that Killua had mentioned to be suspicious. She immediately raised her guard, just in time to avoid a knee to her gut. She jumped out of the way and aimed a straight punch at his nose, but it was dodged. Her hand was grabbed and she was spun around to be thrown at a nearby wall. She turned in the air, landing with her feet on the wall and pushing herself right back to the ring. She turned in the air and launched a roundhouse kick to his shoulder with full force. He dodged it and Hayuri aimed a punch to his cheekbone. However, it was blocked with his forearm and Hayuri was suddenly hit by a stinging pain. She hissed as she leapt away and landed on her right feet, watching as her left arm was now profusely bleeding. She looked up and saw the referee nearing her opponent.
"You're not allowed to use any weapons."
"I didn't." The green haired man said and raised his arm and showing that there were iron thorns poking out of his bone. "I only used my body."
The referee frowned and seemed to ponder that fact, but in the end he had to declare Hayuri unable to fight anyway. She slowly walked to the side and was approached by a nurse.
"Please follow me to the infirmary." He told her and she slowly walked away, not before throwing a look back at Killua, who was staring right back at her. He motioned with his hand as if saying 'later' and she nodded.
Hayuri walked into the room and was lead to a chair to sit on. The nurse took out a couple supplies and started cleaning her wound. Hayuri realized that the green haired man had actually torn her arm open, showing up most of her muscle. She flinched at the feeling of disinfectant on her wound and stood up as she was told to lie down. She did and watched the nurse put and IV on her good arm. She was glad that the medical technology in this place was the best available and that this would get her healed in a couple days.
"Sit here until I come back, you lost a considerable amount of blood." he instructed and Hayuri nodded.
She watched the male nurse walk out of the room and, being as dizzy as she was due to blood loss, Hayuri dozed off. She was shaken awake later by the nurse and slowly sat up. She looked out the window and found that it was way past dawn, since the sky was completely black by now.
"If you're wondering, it's almost 11,00 pm by now." He said and Hayuri must've looked upset by that, because he immediately added more. "I saved you a portion of dinner, in case you're wondering."
"Really?" Hayuri said as her eyes shone in delight.
"Yes, I can't have my patients starve." He said and put a plate with fish and potatoes in front of Hayuri. "If you eat this you'll regain your blood faster. When you're finished you may leave."
He said and turned back to organize some of his stuff. Hayuri ate in silence, slightly disappointed that she would dine without Killua's company.
Ten minutes later, she was done and slowly stood up. She still felt a little weak, so she patiently made her way to the door as she thanked the nurse. Hayuri opened the door and walked out of the infirmary.
She walked down the hallway, which was now deserted, since everyone was expected to stay inside their rooms after 10 pm. However, as Hayuri walked away from the service wing, she felt uneasiness build up in her stomach. She was walking through an exterior corridor surrounded by woods, when she felt a killing intent aimed at her. It was the same shed felt before and she sharply turned around, her slight dizziness forgotten. She watched a shadow walk out from between two trees and approach her. When it was 2 meters away from her, the light reached its face she immediately recognized who it was.
"Tora." She said quietly and frowned. "Why are you here?"
"Ohh. No greetings?" He smirked and walked closer to her.
"Quit the crap. We're not friends." Hayuri said as she took a defensive stance. She suddenly remembered two things; she was injured and she didn't have nen. Plus, this man here was physically much stronger than she was. So, for now, she decided to act polite. "Is there something you need?"
"Oh, how nice of you. Actually there is." He smirked and Hayuri felt a shiver roll down her spine. He took a step forward and Hayuri took one back. "I need your help so that your boyfriend learns a lesson or two."
"Er... you mean Killua? He's not my boyfriend."
"Oh, well. Friend, or whatever." He scoffed and took another step towards Hayuri, to which she took a step back.
"You know that you're not allowed to hurt me, we're coworkers. If you do that you'll lose your job."
"Oh, actually that's not precise. We're actually not allowed to inflict any kind of injuries on each other, or put our lives at risk." He said and rook another step forwards. Hayuri again took a step back and froze at his next words. "I don't need to injury a woman to hurt her."
Hayuri felt as if she'd just received a bucket of cold water and felt adrenaline rush through her bloodstream. She quickly turned around to escape, but felt huge hands grab her wrist and pull her back to the side of the corridor. Hayuri opened her mouth to scream, but failed as it was muffled by his other hand. Her arms were firmly held on her back and she cursed the size and strength of his hands, which allowed him to hold both of her arms behind her back. She tried to struggle, but felt herself be dragged away from the exterior corridor. A couple seconds after, both were surrounded by trees and hidden from view.
Hayuri was roughly pushed to the ground, the huge man pushing his whole body weight on her. She was turned around to face him and felt her arms pinned above her head. Hayuri used all of her strength to release herself, but she'd never have as much raw strength as this tank. Tora removed his hand from her mouth and immediately replaced it with his mouth, before she could scream. His hands reached to her shirt and it was unceremoniously torn open. Hayuri widened her eyes, fearing the outcome, as felt his hand doing down to her leggings and simply tearing them off. Her breast was brutally squeezed, making her scream into Tora's mouth. He laughed at this and did it again, and Hayuri tried to suppress her whimper in vain. Hayuri would've been disgusted at this, but her fear wouldn't allow for any other emotion. His hand went down lower and it squeezed her ass. Tora seemed to get kind of carried away, because he french kissed her, holding her face violently with his free hand. Hayuri immediately took the chance and bit down on his tongue with full force, making him jerk away in pain. His grip on her arms and face loosened, and she slipped away from him. She had merely taken a couple steps, when her ankle was grabbed and she was brought down again, only to be pulled back by the hair. However, Hayuri managed to get a hold of a branch with a sharp end. Without thinking twice, she turned around and stabbed his right shoulder.
As soon as he released her again, she stood up and took off. Not a second later, he was running after her. Despite her deep angst, Hayuri managed to be thankful that she'd been developing her speed and stealth lately. She managed to keep a constant distance away from him. She sprinted right into the dormitory wing and, unconsciously, run towards Killua's room. Her heart was beating like crazy as she neared his door, Tora just a couple steps behind her. She stopped abruptly in front of his room and banged her fist into his door repeatedly. As soon as she did, she felt Tora's killing intent decrease and saw him run right past her and away from Killua's room.
She would've snorted at his cowardice, but she felt too relieved that he had left. Not four seconds after shed banged the life out of Killua's door, it opened up.
Killua came into view, his face scrunched up in a frown, clearly not happy about being bothered at this hour. As soon as he spotted Hayuri, his eyes widened and he quickly allowed her to enter.
When he closed the door behind him, he turned around and observed Hayuri. The first thing he noticed was that she was only wearing panties and a bra. The next one, were the already forming light bruises on her forearms, face and thighs. Her long brown hair was a mess and her green eyes were widened in fear and filled with tears. Killua didn't need to be a genius to know what has happened out there.
Hayuri had been standing there for a couple of seconds, suddenly aware of her lack of clothing, when Killua softly embraced her. Her trembling body held on tightly to him for a couple minutes, crying in silence. After a while, Killua slowly pulled back and held Hayuri by the shoulders. His sapphire eyes met her green orbs and she was surprised by the worry in them.
"Hayuri. Please tell me, do you need medical attention?" He said with a low voice and she shook her head. "Did.. were you..?"
"N-no, I hurt him and managed to get away." She said with a trembling voice. She realized at that moment that - since her adrenaline was fading away - her dizziness had returned. "I need to sit down for a moment."
"Come." Killua said and put his arm under her own and led her to his bed. He laid her down and tried not to look at her partially naked body. He covered her with a blanket and sat down on the floor, leveling his eyes with hers. He noticed that her brown skin looked pale and remembered that she probably had been returning from the infirmary when she was attacked. The fucking coward who did this would pay wi-
"Hayuri." He said and she suddenly realized that there was a barely contained anger in his voice. Had it been there before? "Who did this."
"No, Killua." She frowned and turned her head to him. "I don't want you out there-"
"No, you don't decide what I get to do. If you don't tell me I will find him on my own and-"
"Stop!" Hayuri said slightly raising her voice. "This arrogance of yours is what got me in trouble in the first place. I may put up with it no problem, but other people won't."
"So, it was Tora." Killua immediately concluded and she bit her lip. "Why did he target you?"
"He knew it wasn't allowed for trainees to injury each other or put their lives at risk. I suppose he also knew you were stronger than him. So in the end, he decided to take his anger out on someone who was close to you and in a way that would not get him fired."
Killua was quiet for a minute and felt guilt build up in his chest. Of course he didn't blame himself for what happened, but Hayuri was right. He was used to not caring if he had enemies or not, since he was confident enough to know that he could take them on no problem. But he had been reckless. Since he had never befriended anyone before, he had never considered that he had been putting Hayuri at risk as well. He cursed inwardly at his lack of foresight.
He slowly got up, but his hand was suddenly held by Hayuri.
"Killua."
"Hayuri." He said and looked back at her. "I'm sorry for pulling you into this and I promise not to be so reckless from now on. However, you must know that Tora probably won't stop here; he must be even angrier than before."
"Damn..." Hayuri looked down and frowned. "But I don't want you to get kicked out. You will if you hurt him."
"Don't worry." Killua smirked evilly and Hayuri was taken aback by the darkness in his eyes. "I can work around that. He won't bother us again."
Hayuri watched Killua melt into the darkness of the room as he walked out if it. At that last moment, she had felt such an incredibly dark aura around him, that she wondered if he was even human. She had never felt anything like that before. Surprisingly, she was not afraid, on the contrary.
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