Killua thought for sure he heard a bone pop in his body…
If so, it wouldn't have been the first time. Considering the fact that this was his THIRD Time going up Mt. Paoz with the damn turtle shell on his back, he felt he was more than a little justified in being as irritated as he currently was…
Seriously, where did he even get a turtle shell that heavy?!
He took the time to think about something else, as to distract him as his tired body dragged itself back to the house he had been invited to.
'I'm not gonna lie… I really don't know what to do…' He thought.
His tired eyes glanced briefly up at the sky, only to see its blue surface having darkened considerably over the course of his long training session.
His legs were aching terribly, and it didn't help that the turtle shell on his back was exhausting him faster than he had thought.
Still, it would have to do.
He, Gon and Alluka would not be able to go back home after all. He may as well adjust himself to his new life.
Not even Nanika was able to help them.
For reasons unknown, when Killua had pleaded with the magical entity to send them back, the creature had stated that it was unable to, and since then, has not made itself present.
Not even Alluka had heard from them. Killua couldn't help becoming suspicious.
Nanika had never once refused a request from him, and Killua had never seen them frustrated with him, Gon, and especially not Alluka.
Was it possible that Nanika's powers were limited to their world? But that couldn't be, could it? If that were the case, why is their nen perfectly functional?
It just didn't make sense…
It certainly didn't help that Chi-Chi was on to them.
Unlike her husband, who was overly trusting, earnest, and seemed to enjoy an honest, good, fight, (which, along with his spiky hair, reminded him far too much of his best friend), Chi-Chi was much more observant and speculative.
It wouldn't surprise Killua if she already figured out that their "homes" were made up. Imaginary origin stories to deceive the couple into believing that they were simple travelers looking to become stronger.
He was thinking of things to say, should the inquisitive woman find the truth and decide to question them of their true origins…
Killua figured that maybe Gon would have something in mind, of course he wouldn't find out until the month was over.
Before Killua knew it, he suddenly bumped into the wall of the house.
'Ah. I'm here…' he tiredly noted.
He took off the turtle shell, which landed harshly on the ground, damaging it.
He realized he barely had enough energy left to stand, and decided to go to the house where, hopefully, Chi-Chi had dinner already made.
As he opened the house, he was greeted by his mentor.
Goku smiled earnestly.
"Hey, not bad! You managed to go down and up the mountain three times! That's way better than I was at your age!" He said, encouragingly.
Killua couldn't help but smile a little. But it did not dissuade his irritation.
"Did I really have to do it with the damn turtle shell." he muttered.
Goku laughed. "I'm bettin you could have gone up and down way more many times without it. I wanted to see how well you handled gravity training.
Also, if it makes you feel any better, you did way better than I thought you would!"
Killua's eye twitched slightly.
Upon finally removing the shell from his back, he and Goku made his way to the dinner table to meet Chi-Chi and Alluka already sitting in front of the heaping amounts of food.
Alluka smiled at her brother excitedly.
"Killua! Guess what?!" She demanded.
Killua looked up, amused.
"What?" He asked, amused.
"I learned how to fight today!" She proclaimed.
Killua smiled.
"Oh yeah?" He asked, interested.
He looked towards Chi-Chi, who was trying to at least organize the overwhelming food on the table.
Key word being, 'Trying'.
"What did you teach her?" He asked.
Chi-Chi smiled tiredly.
"Just the basics really.
How to guard, block, and a few basic attack moves. She did very well." She explained, rubbing her hand through Alluka's hair.
Alluka blushed slightly from the praise.
With everyone seated, they gave a quick prayer before diving into their meal.
It took very little time for the food to leave the plates.
Killua swore that he ate more than he usually did, but perhaps that was because he had breakfast earlier than usual. Not to mention, he also skipped lunch for the turtle shell training. So he really only had one early meal.
The point is, he's starving.
The group finished their dinner and Chi-Chi then told Killua to quickly shower. In the meantime she took it upon herself to entertain Alluka.
"Big brother was kinda stinky wasn't he Chi-Chi?" The child giggled.
Chi-Chi let out a good natured laugh and nodded.
After he was done, Killua took Alluka and bid goodnight to the Son couple, as they left for the small shack given to them. As Killua and Alluka opened the door to their small rented home, a sigh of relief escaped the lips of the elder of the two, while the younger sibling began into her pajamas, having showered earlier with the help of Chi-Chi.
Killua also changed into his pajamas.
The two layed down in their futon and Alluka looked over at her brother.
"Big Bro?"
Killua let out a 'Hmm' in acknowledgement.
"When do you think you can teach me to do that super cool nen stuff?" She asked excitedly.
"After you learn how to fight, sure." He murmured sleepily.
"Say you promise!" She practically jumped.
"You promise!" Killua parroted in an annoyingly light tone.
Alluka puffed her cheeks, making Killua show off a mischievous grin.
"Yes I promise. Now go to bed, I'm tired…" He said assuredly.
"Okay! Goodnight." She said kissing his cheek and then snuggling into his chest.
Killua, placing his chin on top of his sister's head, had one thought before passing out from exhaustion.
'I wonder how Gon is doing…'
Glad to see you guys are enjoying this story!
This chapter was a bit shorter and was more about taking a glimpse into Killua's point of view about being stranded in this foreign world.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of Dragon Hunter ZX, cause things are about to get wild!