First of all—thank you all for reading this far! Super sorry I took so long to update. xD I've been stuck for a while and now that Two Rivers: 5 Years later is all planned out I can expend more juice to plan this one out. xD So I guess you can expect a little more cohesive developments lol.
As always, please don't hesitate to leave me feedback! You all know how much every one's thoughts means to me.
DISCLAIMER: I WISH I own HxH
…
CHAPTER 12: Training
Precisely one fortnight had passed since the ball and Killua Zoldyck found himself staring at the ceiling of his suite. It was fairly simple in design, at least for a room in the high-end part of the city, because what use did he have for a grand room? Even when he could afford it. That, and he'd rather not get traced.
He even took a lower floor because he didn't want to even have a glimpse of his old house, standing a little too imposingly on a mountain just outside the city walls. His old life should remain that way—in the past.
In any case, he had a particularly hard time to sleep that night. Actually he had always had a hard time sleeping lately, but he really never complained. He couldn't sleep because his insides were too… giddy? He couldn't think of the proper term, but he was just never tired of being awake.
Reality's so much better now than his dreams, now.
He smiled like an idiot. Gon hadn't kissed him again since the ball (nor did he openly wish for it. He wasn't that delusional), but he didn't mind. He could feel it—they were getting closer and closer, until eventually he forgot how not to smile when he was with her. To his despair though, she was becoming more and more beautiful, too.
He was even becoming less bothered by her apparent special status with Feitan. Because most of the time, she only looked at him. HIM.
Ah, he mused partly amused and partly mortified, my insides are all pleasingly warm again. He found his hand over his face, and he could feel the heat his face was emitting and he could just see his pale face filled with color.
He wondered what was happening to him.
And with that line of thought, he eventually entered a blissful sleep.
…
You are a born killer, Killua. Why would you need friends?
Although maybe I want to see you get friends someday…
So you'll know what it feels like to kill one.
His sharp cerulean eyes opened wide and he sat up by reflex, his palm once again finding its way on his face. But this time, it wasn't warm. It was frigid.
How ironic, he thought, for a blasted dream to occur when he's at his happiest.
A dream, he couldn't help but add, that reminded him that now… when he finally understood how to feel like this—that there was no other place to go but down.
NISPEDANA HIGH
In the two weeks since the party passed and they have been doing Nen training practically every free hour they had. But they never were absent, and Bisuke appreciated that.
They were polishing the first three of the fundamentals in Nen. Bisuke thought they all (even Neon, surprisingly) understood the three concepts rather quickly. And she had an inkling they all would've taken even sooner if they weren't so… distracted.
Her huge cerulean eyes that were watching over their auras as they trained, changed to get a glimpse of their eyes. Kurapika had been particularly serious and quiet since the ball, Killua was really flinching a lot around Gon (obviously something happened), Gon was a little blushing more often, and Neon seemed to have a hard time taking his eyes away from Kurapika.
Ah, she mused, young love.
"Show me your Ten." She said right after that though. The four flinched a little before doing as she said. She nodded. They were very polished. "Good," said Bisuke. "Be sure to practice Ten every day.
"Next, Zetsu." And their auras diminished until they were almost undetectable. Well, Kurapika, Gon, and Killua succeeded effortlessly, while Neon needed a little more work. But she knew his bodyguards would not hesitate to help him out at home on that, like they likely had been doing so far.
"Okay." She said, crossing her arms. "Ren."
Somewhat of a next level to the defensive Ten, she watched the aggressive Ren of each one. She was impressed, even with Neon. Granted, she did not put much of a high standard for him, but he was still doing great. He didn't want to be left behind, especially not by Kurapika.
"Great!"
"Now…" She said. "I will test you for the last of the major principles: Hatsu."
She took out a wine glass from her pocket (so that was what the bulge was, they thought), and she took Bansho's canteen and filled half of it with water. Then she proceeded on ambling to the nearest tree and gently tapping it with her palm, causing a few leaves to fall down. She took only one, and gingerly put it in the glass.
"What do you see kids?"
"A glass of water?" When Bisuke didn't nod, Gon tilted her head. "Filled with water?"
"And a leaf."
"Yes." "This is how we figure out the sort of Nen user you are."
"Eh?"
Bisuke ignored them and explained them what to do. One by one, as Bisuke held it steadily in her palms, they followed her instructions.
"So Gon's reinforcement." Bisuke said as she watched the water bubble and increase, and soon enough wetting her hand. Gon mentally took note and stepped away to make way for Killua.
He blinked and looked at Gon. "Nothing happened."
Bisuke ignored him and looked at Kurapika. "Killua's transmutation." She said. "Next."
Kurapika stepped closer and did as she was told. Crystals slowly formed at the bottom of the glass.
"Pretty…" Gon said, the other two did not disagree. Bisuke then proceeded to explain her ability.
"Kurapika's a conjurer." She said, and Kurapika mentally scoffed. How ironic, she mused, for someone like her to create something almost out of thin air.
Neon nervously did as the others did, admittedly feeling a bit insecure as everyone were obviously more talented than he was. The water floated in a form that was familiar to Ghostwriter. Somehow he had an idea what it meant now.
"And Neon's specialization." She looked at Vaise and Bansho. "But you already know that."
"Eh…" Killua mumbled in interest as he saw the exchange. "I wonder what the old people's looks means." Frankly Killua couldn't help but add sarcastically: "How mysterious."
And once again, Killua flew to the clouds.
…
"I'd like you to reflect on your abilities further." Bisuke announced after Killua returned a couple of minutes later. "And perhaps some applications of the concepts of why you're members of this club." She shrugged. "Well, at least before the next mission."
"Mission?"
"Yes. We'll be going in a three days.
"Good luck, kids!"
…
Everyone went their separate ways after that. Bisuke was the first to leave. Neon went home, probably to train without them (which he wouldn't admit). Kurapika, on the other hand, stayed in the clearing. And finally, Gon and Killua decided to do Bisuke's reflections in the school.
They laid down the stone roof of the school—the exact same roof they hung out on the week before the ball. It somehow became their special place.
The roof was still warm, as the terracotta roof stiles absorbed the sun's heat, but neither minded it at all. As they felt the colding winds hit them, and at velocities achieved due to the altitude, they barely felt the heat.
"Ten maintains the wasteful flow of life force and keeps it within the body." Gon said, musing so seriously that Killua almost smirked in amusement. "In consequence, it deters the aging process as well."
Killua nodded at this and decided maybe he should think as well. Everything was interesting when done with Gon, anyway."Applications, eh?" He said, lounging about. "What's the point of this club again?"
"You're supposed to be the smart one."
"You're smart too you know." He said but ended up blushing and looking away when she stared at him. "Just in a different sort."
"Aw, thanks." She said with a bright smile, and laying so close to her made him remember her kiss. It was two weeks ago, and not to mention it was only on the cheeks, but it made him feel warm. He had to look away every time he remembered.
Gon blushed a little as well, and didn't question further. Frankly, he was glad—because he'd have no idea how to explain himself to her at all.
And after that dream…
"I think… Ten could teach us also about maintenance of other intangible concepts." She said, focusing decisively on the skies. "Like hope, justice…, friendship." She said and he didn't realize he was becoming enamoured with the sound of her voice—he needed to—and he could barely absorb what she was saying. "Like it will keep us alive longer, perhaps in many senses of the term…"
Killua partially sensed her words fade and didn't react much until he felt something warm on his cheek. His heart stopped and he really thought he'd die in shock. "G-Gon!"
"I was just trying to bring you back." She mumbled as he held his burning cheek. "I didn't think you minded. I'm sorry…"
"That's not it…!" He yelled, unconsciously sitting up. "I—" I liked it.
Yeah. How he was supposed to say that out loud?
"So… it's a weekend." He said in the end, clearing his throat, and looked away again. "Does your… father ask why you're always away?"
He never asked her about her father before, because he was afraid the conversation would shift back to him. But now he had already met the mysterious man… so his curiosity wasn't out of place anymore, right?
And it was the first question he thought of to veer away from the awkward topic they had before.
"Not really." She said quietly, and he could feel her eyes not leaving him at all. "Well, that's because he pretty much disappeared again right after the ball. He'll be returning tonight though, I think."
"I'm still confused as to why he rarely shows himself." He said, thankful it didn't sound as awkward as what he was feeling. "I mean, if you don't mind me asking."
There was a pause then, and no doubt Gon was still thinking of his sudden change-of-topic. Silently though, she seemed to have let it go. "He's an enforcer."
"A police?"
"Well, not exactly." "More like a two-faced politician that deals with crime first hand." "That's pretty much all he tells me."
"That's an odd way to describe his own job."
"I know right." She said and, looking at each other, almost grinned. Almost.
But Gon had been too used to a light, relaxing atmosphere between them. This tension was suffocating and painful. And Gon being Gon, she didn't need to think twice before trying to shift it back. "Is there anything wrong, Killua?" "I thought you wouldn't mind the kiss… because, you know…"
"I…I didn't."
"You didn't hate it?"
"Ah."
She gave a warm relieved smile that almost made his heart stop again (okay it did), and it never quite stopped being painful. "I'm glad." She said, almost whispering, and her tone slightly higher pitched. "But don't get all awkward on me again. I'm your friend—you can tell me what your problem is. I'll help you."
"It's… it's nothing major." He said, doing his best not to look away—a habit of his when things stirred too much inside him. "Not everyone has unlimited energy like you do, you know."
"OH. Ohh…" She uttered in relief, in the end she even chuckled. Killua could only stare. "You know it's weird." She said. "I've never wanted to be next to someone so much before…
"What's weirder? Because my chest feels aching but I don't dislike it at all." She said, looking at where her own heart was, unconsciously. "You're special to me, Killua. So I hope you can trust me—
"Killua?" She stared at him and he stared back, eyes dilated, and face as red as an overripe tomato.
"I—"Then he stopped, his body moving on a fetal position on its own. Under the protection of his arms, he mumbled. "…t-thank you for telling me."
…
Somewhere up one of the buildings, the building next to where Killua and Gon sat, a certain Kuroro Lucifer was staring out his window.
Zetsu stops the flow of aura—to be more sensitive of other's aura, and to hide one's own, he recited to himself. It was much like ignoring your own feelings, pushing down one's strong impulses, just to be able to watch a significant someone go with what she wanted to do from a distance.
"You like watching her, don't you?" Pakunoda asked from behind him. He didn't turn around and let his eyes remain on the blonde sitting alone in seiza their club's clearing, meditating.
"Hmn…"
"With the rate she's going she'll notice your stalker tendencies soon enough."
"Hmn."
Pakunoda, by that time, probably already researched about Kurapika. The memories she probably saw in the younger one were already good enough to give her an idea of what his relationship was with Kurapika.
Of course, like Kurapika's, Pakunoda's initial assumptions couldn't be more inaccurate. The difference between them was he would be able to explain to Pakunoda. Kurapika's too terrified of him to even listen.
Granted, it was his bad timing and lack of self-control that caused it. Still, he couldn't help but remember how her name just rolled out of his tongue without him noticing.
Even when she forgot the tragedy that befell her family, her instincts told her it was him. She was so scared. And there was also that aggravating trainee doctor. Perhaps he'd find a way to get him apprentice somewhere else.
As he mused, he could feel Pakunoda watching him. "Is there anything you wish for me to do?" She stood by him, and perhaps flaunted the skin she always exposed. "Perhaps a little distraction?"
Pakunoda spoke monotonously, but in her own way, this was seduction. Right now, however, he was no longer susceptible enough to answer her calls.
"Nothing.
"Thank you." He politely said in response. "You can take your leave now."
Pakunoda shrugged, and sauntered to the door. But even before the door closed completely, he found his eyes gravitating towards the window again—something that happened by habit nowadays.
Drops of water caught his eyes immediately. They fell at a rhythm, and they fell slowly, for now, and at the thought he looked down to the clearing and frowned at the fact that she didn't seem to care. The light pitter patter of the water drops slowly turned to a drizzle.
And yet, she remained unmoving.
He didn't even have to think of what he needed to do next. He stood up, grabbed his umbrella, opened his casement window, and… jumped down.
…
Kurapika almost flinched when she felt a presence a mere meter away from her. She was surprised at how stealthy this person was, and she was getting ready to go on defensive but then she realized whose presence it was (she just knew) and she decided to ignore him.
But then the drops of water stopped touching her skin. Still, she didn't move.
He, too, remained quiet, and she could feel the steadiness of his body and the umbrella he was probably holding over her head. However, she was meditating, and this made it easier for her to dismiss all anxious thoughts.
Ignore him, she kept chanting. Maybe he'd get the message and leave.
But he didn't, even after the drizzle turned to something a little stronger, and all the way until the rain stopped.
'What is he doing?' She mused when he remained unmoving. She remained still, concentrating on her task, but mostly keeping herself still and composed and killing off the curiosity and worry that was creeping up her chest. She was determined not to make any further contact with this person. She did not want conflict, not when she was planning on meditating to clear her thoughts of him in the first place. She remained unmoving.
That was, until, she heard a light scuffle, followed by a graceful swish, and suddenly she was covered with thick and warm fabric.
She wasn't able to stop her eyes from opening up wide then, unfortunately. Something stirred inside her when she realized his arms were practically caging her, as he wrapped his coat around her…, and how his face was a mere feet away.
Kurapika remained firm. "What are you doing?"
"Helping you avoid pneumonia."
The events the night of the ball began flowing then, a little too quickly as she withheld them at the back of her head during her supposed meditation. Almost unconsciously, she released a bit of aura—Ren—in an attempt to silently intimidate him. After all, whether or not one could use Nen, one could feel it once its strong enough.
Ren stood for refine, enhance, and attack. She was hoping he'd feel weaker and thus leave her alone. But he didn't seem affected at all. She flinched a little at this.
Great, she though ironically, he can use nen.
And that made him even more dangerous to her eyes.
Her eyes.
The blood boiling inside of her, all these anxiety within her, making everything stir. She could feel it—her eyes were crimson at that moment. Her eyes widened and she whipped her head to stare at him, and he was only staring back at her, composed. Why wasn't he acting like he couldn't see? It was either he let his guard down, or he was too used to seeing it to think it was out of the ordinary. It could've been both.
"Do you see red eyes often?"
His eyes widened a little—almost imperceptibly—but it happened. It gave her a small pleasure to see him lose composure, even for just that one second. Until he gave her a regretful smile. "I used to."
Her eyes widened at that and she gestured to stand up. But then he dropped to the grass and sat, allowing his arms to rest on his thighs. "Do I seem like someone to be feared?"
"You seem like someone who cannot be trusted."
"Then what do I need to do to change your mind?"
"Why do you even care?" "It's not like I can do anything. I am a mere student."
"I don't see your point." She frowned at his response. Hell he doesn't.
"Do you try to change the mind of everyone who dislikes you?"
Only you, he mused but in the end he closed his eyes, afraid to trigger any sort of dangerous memory that would make things so much worse. "Is it normal for you to distrust a man you only met—to the point of wanting to run so quickly?"
"I… I was betrayed once." She said, although she wasn't sure why.
"Are you sure you were betrayed?"
"What?"
"I'm merely asking a question."
"What are you?" She said, crossing her arms guardedly. "The guidance counsellor?"
"I could be." "I'm the President, after all." He said with a careful smile. "Give this poor old man a chance to have a decent working relationship with a student."
"Tell me something else that will make me trust you."
He wanted to tell her she wasn't betrayed, but it wasn't time. All he could do now is be ambiguous, and hope everything would turn out the way he wanted eventually. So he looked at her, his eyes never leaving hers, hoping the sincerity of his message would flow through.
"I would never do anything to hurt you."
Kurapika's throat tightened with her chest, and she couldn't speak. Kuroro watched her for a moment, and this forced Kurapika some composure—simply because being seen in such a vulnerable state was something she despised. "I'll excuse myself now."
"No." He said. "You should stay for a while."
"And do what?"
He smiled. "Watch the clouds with me."
She frowned at that. And not only because of the mere silliness of the request…, but also on how elated it made her feel. "You are too old to watch the clouds with a student."
"Ah." "But you only get old once you stop being a child, you know."
Something echoed inside her at those words, as if she was reminded of a conversation a long time ago. But she refused to lose this argument… and she had had enough of something so idealistic. "I had to."
"I know." He said, looking straight into her eyes. And frankly it felt like he was looking at her soul.
She really did excuse herself for real this time, and she hoped she did it looking like she had dignity... because she certainly didn't feel that way.
…
In yet another part of the building, a certain Neon Nostrade was clicking his tongue in annoyance.
"Tsk." "How dare they waste my time." He mumbled as he clicked buttons on his phone, sealing the digital auction. "I would've gotten the item anyway." They were currently walking in the corridors after stopping somewhere because Neon found an item he wanted to buy and refused to move away before winning the auction.
"Humility can carry you a long way, Neon-sama" Vaise said. "Maybe then Kurapika'll notice you more."
"SHUT UP!" He yelled, ignoring his face that was so obviously burning up. "Seriously. Stop talking about her." And he unconsciously held the back of his head with his palm in embarrassment.
'How cute…' the two though and Bansho, being the uplifting guy that he was, decided to give the boccahama a little more hope.
"Anyway," He said, "While everyone else is figuring out their Hatsus… there you are, already knowing yours."
"That's true." "I wonder what it could symbolize." He asked to himself, recalling what Bisuke said.
"Something to do with your individuality, I suppose." Vaise said with a shrug. "Hatsu means 'act' and it must reflect one's character." "Perhaps it means everyone is unique in their own way."
"Hmn…" mumbled Neon, and turned his head to look at his guards. "Speaking of which—what are your hatsus?"
Bansho grinned proudly (like he was waiting for this). "Something that has to do with honestly." Before smirking and turning his head to Vaise, who subsequently turned away with a blush, and looking everywhere else but them.
"Are you embarrassed?"
"No." She said and turned her head to him. Might as well, she mused, besides Vaise was never one to be embarrassed for too long about her own abilities. "I can control men by kissing them."
Neon shivered.
Vaise chuckled at him making him pout. But a movement from farther into the corridors soon caught her attention. "Oh look who's here." She said with a sly smirk. Neon realized a second later what it was about.
"Kurapika." Neon said, but her hurrying pace didn't slow down. They had a feeling she wasn't even aware they were there. Neon, as flimsy as he was becoming around her, refused to be ignored. So he stepped into her way and when their shoulders collided her eyes widened, and she batted surprised eyelids.
Neon's eyebrows furrowed and he stared at her.
"What is it?" She asked, while Neon's startled face remained.
"Why is your face so red?"
.
.
END OF CHAPTER 12
Coming Soon:
CHAPTER 13: Exposed
REPLIES TO ANGELS
Yuki Candy Heart – Thank you for reviewing~! And yes, he is pretty screwed…! xD Poor kid. And in many ways, too. xDD And I'm glad you liked the chapter btw~
PrimsoneClementine – Ehhh *squeaks* You and your BF? That's so romantic~! Congrats (belated, but you get the point). And lol thanks for pointing it out. I get confused easily since I write quickly (not that this story benefits but oh well) Thanks for reviewing~
Jonica77 – IKR. But alas! I couldn't not drag this couple out. Hahaha. But more importantly, here's the update! I'm soo sorry I took so long. Hope it's worth the wait, and thank you for reviewing~
LittleChomper – Thank you for reviewing! Hahah and 4 am?! Whoa. You're practically a vampire. xD Haha. Glad you liked Ging's entrance and Fei-kun! Haha Not sure if what he has is actually love tho. Not sure yet.
Mystic – Whoa glad you think I'm a good writer! I'm happy to know that, and I'm happy you told me. xD Here's the update btw! I hope it's worth the wait. :D
KG- Ai - Thank you for reviewing~! LOL. Glad you liked the chapter! And oh, as a hint Feitan and Shizuku went as friends. If Shalnark was a freshman she would've gone with him. *Wink* *wink*
Shiver-Fire – Lololol I would love to see Gon and Killua artwork. But of course no pressure~ xD Thank you for reviewing btw. Glad you liked the previous chap! Hope this one is nice enough, too. ;)
AsukaSaru – (ch10) Yay! Glad you liked the scenes and the dialogues. I hope I can make continuously beautiful chappies~ (ch11) Lololol. Gon's reverse harem! Wohoo. Hahahha. Yes, do imagine that. Who knows what might come out of it? lol. Finally, thank you for the reviews~
Phoenix-Thunder – IKR. Super short. And when I heard about your 13k I was, like, gaping. xD So cool! Anyway, thank you for reviewing~ So glad you think I did a great job regardless! xD
Ot4ku-Girl24 – Hahha I'm glad you found it then! I'm gladder of course, that you found it good. Hehehe. Thank you for reviewing this story btw and that you like it regardless of having fem! Kurapika. Hihi. Oh, don't worry~ I've been planning on adding the shorty pair here in the future. ;)
Tochiome-chan – Oh my goodness welcome baaackk (this is the first story you reviewed since the ban right? XD) Thank you for reviewing btw and, again, welcome back! Hihihi
Sweet Love081 – (ch4) Glad you think it's a nice chappy, and I hope you had fun in school ;) (ch11) hahat I'm happy you thought it was a fun chapter! Hehehe and thank you for the reviews~
Xxfeichixx – Thank you for thre review! Haha. Glad you liked the chap. And oh? multishipper *brofist* same here! Welcome to the ship of many ships xD Altho… I'm not sure about the KillFeitan fight happening again, but we'll see. ;)
I'm a Guest – Yay! Glad you found the previous chapter awesome! (I hope I can keep it up) and thank you for reviewing it. xD Hope you like this new update~! :D
FlowerQT02 – Thank you for reviewing~! xD Super happy to know you loved the fluff as well! *brofist* I had such fun writing them. xD
…
Thank you for reading everyone!
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