Hey, guys! I suppose many of you might be confused as to why Medea avoids using her Nen while also acting as a thief, but don't worry, this chapter finally begins to explain a bit more about her story and her past, although we'll only take a deeper, closer look on the latter in the future. I hope you'll enjoy this small piece of original lore I created, it's one of the things I'm most proud of when it comes to Cataclysm ?

I would like to thank everyone for reading this story and supporting it! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the story so far. And thank you, Snoop722613, because you've been with me since the first few chapters of the 2020 version I published (wow, it's been a while, hasn't it?), I'm glad you're back!

By the way, someone commented that Illumi's vibes on the last chapter reminded them of the song Hellfire and I've got to admit that I definitely agree. If you haven't heard this song, please do, it's a masterpiece! The lyrics and the obsessive vibes makes it *chef's kiss*

Anyway, I hope you like this chapter! And please do not forget: updates take place every Monday and Friday from 12pm to 5 pm PST!

P.S: Prepare yourselves for the next chapter. It is quite promising!

See you,

—Cherry

Medea woke up with the sunlight on her face, eyes opening lazily before she sighed and stretched out, and then she shrieked as she fell onto the floor.

Oh, yeah, she had slept on the couch. Silly her. She huffed, cursing a bit before massaging her shoulder.

The day couldn't have started any better.

With a groan, she got up and marched to the window, promptly opening the sunflower-colored curtains. Outside, birds sang cheerfully and some squirrels ran through the tree branches, and the smell of black orchids and tulips invaded her nose, making her feel relaxed automatically. There was nothing better than being home.

A door opened and closed and she turned to the hallway, where a still sleepy Killua rubbed his eyes. He yawned and muttered a good morning before sitting on one of her yellow armchairs.

She smiled.

Although he could be a true pain sometimes, she was growing more and more fond of both Killua and his sister. It was kind of odd to have new "roommates" all of a sudden, but she was getting used to it. After all, it wasn't like she didn't have fun with them.

Besides, it was, as Kurapika had put it, a safety measure.

The Association had demanded that someone should stay with her to prevent any kind of retaliation from Lasym's assassin, which she was sure wouldn't happen, but, since they didn't, she had no other choice than to comply.

Gel had suggested either Kurapika or Leorio for it, considering both of them were already involved with the case, but they had other things to deal with that prevented them from doing so. Medea was quite sure Leorio was just scared of her lashing out on him again after he disrespected her favorite character from A Million Fallen Roses — much deserved, by the way!

And with Alluka on Illumi-mode again, Killua promptly volunteered to do it.

Now, three weeks into living with them, she was starting to feel more relaxed. Like she wasn't as much on edge as she used to be. Even if she'd given up on her bed. Yeah, that wasn't the best thing to come out of this situation.

From the kitchen, Medea heard the sound of the cartoons they liked to watch. She giggled. For someone who took pride in being a teenager, he surely enjoyed children's shows.

She placed their breakfast on the table — chocolate toasts, some orange jam, and a jar of strawberry juice. Not much, but it was something.

Suddenly, her phone rang and Killua, who currently acted much less wary around her, handed it to her. Thanking him, she pressed the object against her shoulder and answered the call.

" Morning."

"Hey."

"Did I wake you? " Asked the melodic voice on the other side of the line.

"No, I've been up for a while now." She put her hair up in a bun, quickly undoing her morning bedhead. "Did you sleep well?" Medea asked while walking to the front door and opening it, the iron hinges creaking slightly.

" Yes. I feel refreshed. " The man said.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, as if! I bet you pulled an all-nighter again."

"No, I didn't!"

"Kurapika." She said, sternly.

He sighed. "Okay, I admit it, I didn't sleep because I was looking for clues regarding the crime. Actually, that's why I'm calling you."

"Like you call me for any other reason..."

"I'm just doing my job."

"I know, it's just… I'm getting tired of it. All of it."

"Just have a little bit of patience, Medea." He told her in a sympathetic tone. "It'll be over soon, just wait a bit more."

She sighed. "I hope so. I'm having nightmares about it with how much that moment keeps being brought up."

Not really, but he didn't have to know that. Besides, it was pissing her off. She wanted to put an end to this issue once and for all.

"Oh."

"Yeah. It's horrible."

He didn't say anything for a couple of seconds and she frowned.

"Hey, is everything ok?"

"Uh, yes, yes, of course! I just feel slightly bad for what I'm about to ask, but…"

"What do you want to know this time?"

" Are you sure that you gave me the assassin's correct description, Medea? " His voice had an accusatory, but slightly unsure tone that made her gulp. " I can't find anyone in the vicinity of the crime with those traits. "

Her body froze. A knot formed in her stomach.

Could he have found out?

No, there was no way… Right?

If he knew, then he'd have contacted the Association immediately. She'd have been notified about it.

Still, he was getting close to doing so. Too close. Perhaps her plan of keeping friends close and enemies closer wasn't working that well.

She couldn't allow them to discover the truth. That would risk having her own secret revealed, which would definitely ruin any possibility of becoming a Star Hunter, as she had so much dreamed of. So she chose the safest thing to do in a moment like that.

Confusing the enemy.

"Are you suspicious of me, Kurapika?" She inquired timidly. "Do you think I killed Mister Lasym?"

" You know I don't. " He immediately guaranteed. " I just think that, maybe, you're forgetting something or not telling everything you know to the Association. "

"This is ridiculous…"

"No, it's reasonable. And it's ok if you didn't tell us everything you know. You can do it now, I won't judge your motives for it, no matter how scandalous they might be."

"Why would I keep information about a murder to myself? Why would I try to keep everyone in the dark about the murder of one of the most important investors in the organization?" She asked, enraged, and she hoped it made him feel guilty enough to stop pressuring her. "I almost died because of the bleeding caused by that bastard, which you helped to aggravate, by the way. Don't you think I'm the one who wants justice the most?"

From the corner of her eye, she saw that Killua no longer paid attention to the cartoon, choosing to listen to their heated conversation.

" Medea, I've already apologized about it."

"It's not a matter of apologizing! You already know I forgave you, so that's not the point!"

"I was overwhelmed with adrenaline and focus, it wasn't my intention to make your situation worse. " He replied, defending himself.

"This is a matter of distrust between friends! I could be dead if it wasn't for Leorio and yet you still doubt the veracity of my claims, that's unbelievable!" The woman rubbed her temples as she sat down. "Actually, it's almost absurd for you to even consider something like that. I thought we became friends during my time at the hospital..."

Kurapika sighed on the other side of the line.

" Medea, please don't act like that ." There was a hint of guilt in his voice. " I'm just evaluating all possible avenues of investigation, that's my job. "

She didn't say anything. She placed her face on her hand and gazed at the distant mountains, clearly annoyed by the fact that she'd woken up to such subjects.

" Are you going to ignore me ?" Despite trying to stay serious, she could hear his somewhat amused tone.

Kurapika was a rather strange man.

Simple things could put him in a foul mood, whereas other things seemed funny to him, all of this randomly.

"Come on, don't be like that! We're friends, right?"

Medea still didn't reply.

"What will Mr. Froggy think of me if he knows you're upset?"

"That you're mean."

"You don't really think I'm mean, you're saying that because you're mad."

"No, I do."

"Oh, come on! Will you stay like that until I hang up?" He half-joked.

Clicking her tongue, she rolled her eyes. "No. I can't get mad at pretty men for too long."

There was no response from him.

From the couch, Killua snickered and shook his head, as he always did when she teased Kurapika.

"Oh? Cat got your tongue?"

"You're… Terrible, you know." He said, at last, voice wavering slightly.

"Don't be shy, it's a compliment! And look, we're talking again!"

The blond coughed awkwardly, still too embarrassed to function when it came to flirting. " Anyway, how's your nose? " Kurapika quickly changed the subject. " Still sore? "

"No, actually! It's been two days since I've felt anything." Medea told him.

The bedroom door opened slowly and Alluka emerged yawning, her long, thick hair stuck in a half-undone braid. The strap of the green nightgown fell from one of her shoulders and her white slippers were nowhere in sight.

She headed to the table and sat in front of Medea.

"Morning, people." Greeted the brunette as she loosened her hair and combed it with her fingers.

"Morning, sweetie."

"Heya, Alluka." Killua got up from the couch and walked towards them, sitting next to his sister. He turned to Medea and gave her a sly smirk. "Tell Kurapika the bet is still up."

She raised an eyebrow. "Kurapika, Killua said the bet is still up, or whatever it is."

He groaned. " Tell him to forget about it." He responded. " It's not gonna happen. "

"Medea, put it on speakerphone, please." Asked the teen, blue eyes shining with malice and she readily obeyed, curious to know what they were talking about. "Look, Gon thinks it's going to take 4 to 6 months, Leorio thinks it takes a little less. I, on the other hand, think it's already happening." A loud chuckle escaped his lips.

" Killua, I already told you to stop it. It's not funny. " His voice was as cold as the northern seas.

A chill ran down Medea's spine.

"Am I wrong though?" He retorted, filling his sister's glass. "I saw the way your eyes glimmered, you can't deceive me."

"You're making me even more curious." Giggled Medea, putting orange jelly on her toast. "What are you talking about?"

" Are you on speakerphone mode?! " Apparently, that was the last straw. " That's enough, I have more important things to do than to feed your crazy ideas! We'll talk later, Dhea ."

"Okay!" She bit off a piece of her chocolate toast. "I have to travel due to some personal matters, but I'll let you know when I get back."

"Gosh, I simply love the lack of nicknames for the rest of our group! Friendship at its finest, am I right?" The boy teased.

The blond huffed and said a hushed goodbye before ending the call and Alluka giggled, possibly aware of the matter being discussed.

Medea narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger to Killua immediately after.

"Spit it out brat, what made Kurapika that annoyed?"

The white-haired boy simply shrugged. "It's a boys-only secret."

She arched an eyebrow. "And yet Alluka knows."

"She's my sister, she gets a free pass."

Alluka made a naughty face. "VIP's only, Dee."

She shook her head dramatically and sighed. "What a disappointment, Miss Alluka. Dishonor on you, on your brother, the rest of your family—"

"But changing the subject, where are you going?" Asked the boy. "And more importantly, what are you going to do there?"

She shrugged. "Why should I tell you? You're all against me."

"No, we joined up against Kurapika , you'll still find out about the bet… Just a little later." He explained. "Does it have something to do with your secret boyfriend?"

Medea rolled her eyes. "I already told you there's no secret boyfriend! For fuck's sake!"

"Then who do you keep talking to throughout the day? And why do you lock your phone's screen everytime we come near you, hm?"

"It's a secret boyfriend." Agreed Alluka.

"It isn't! Gosh! It's literally a friend I met on one of missions, nothing more! I'm visiting her for a few reasons that do not concern any of you!" She took the juice to her lips. "Now stop annoying me with this shit!"

No one said anything for a while.

Medea sighed.

"I'm sorry. It's a serious, personal matter of hers and I've gotta help her out. I didn't mean to yell at you guys, I'm just worried about her…"

"It's ok."

"No, it isn't."

"We shouldn't have pushed the topic, we had no idea it was something serious." Explained Killua.

Alluka touched Medea's left wrist, surprising her, as she reached the tattoo, following the lines with attention and interest.

It's a normal gesture. Simple curiosity, Medea reminded herself.

Alluka always seemed excited to see it. There was never an occasion when she didn't ask different questions about it.

Did it hurt? Do you regret it? Could you erase it from your skin if you wanted to?

From what she had been able to understand, this was the first time the girl saw and was able to touch something like it in person. It was sweet in Medea's opinion.

"Are you going by yourself?" Her voice sounded sad, and she didn't look the woman in the eyes.

"I need to, unfortunately. Bringing you guys with me can be dangerous." She apologized, taking a hand to the girl's chin and raising it so that she could face her in the eyes. "But I promise I'll be back soon and I'll bring you guys gifts, okay?"

Her eyes shone brightly. "Seriously?!"

"Seriously!"

"Not for me! I'm not a child, I don't need gifts!" Killua stated as he crossed his arms.

"I know that, but you're my friend and you're also my guest, it's the least I can do." Ensured the Hunter. "Well, I'm going to get up and finish packing my backpack so I can go. Do you promise you'll take care of the house for me?"

"Relax, we won't destroy anything."

"Not even commit arson?" She asked.

"Not even that." He chuckled.

She winked at them before getting up and walking to the room where the siblings had been occupying.

Quickly, Medea picked up her gray backpack and put it on the still messy bed, reminding herself to not carry a lot of stuff with her. It'd be a quick trip.

She placed a considerable amount of panties and bras inside, some short-sleeved blouses, a thin coat, a couple of jeans and a warm nightgown. It was enough to spend a week there if needed, not that she planned on staying for longer than a couple of days.

Medea opened a drawer and searched for her Kanzashi, frowning as she remembered it was lost. What a bad timing to lose such an important object. She opted to take two chakrams and her brass knuckles with her. She had to be prepared for both close and long range combat.

Closing the drawer, she marched to her closet to pick up a golden beaded bracelet when a colored object caught her attention.

With a puzzled look on her face, she took it in her hands.

Oh.

She thought she'd gotten rid of this all those years ago.

It was a portrait of one of her most beloved missions, where she'd managed to rescue a coral shark cub — a species that was suffering from intense hunting at the time — and take it into captivity. Later on, the feat had been responsible for inspiring an international law to be institutionalized, aiming to protect the species.

Medea had never felt so happy and proud of anything she'd done before; knowing that she'd influenced the decision of entire countries was unbelievable.

She stared at the other person in the photo, heart aching in her chest.

Next to her 15-year-old self, who held the shark carefully, there was a tall man with long white hair and almond eyes, a subtle smile painted on his lips.

Kite.

Medea bit her lower lip.

At least one thing of his had been forgotten, in the end.

She placed the portrait on the shelf and allowed her fingers to wander around the contour of the man's angular face.

She locked both the photo and her memories behind the wardrobe's doors.

Kite was in the past.

She was better off alone.

Her trip to the Ileackian Federation had been calm, the country was much more welcoming and relaxing than Saherta, and it was a much more interesting place to visit. To her, at least.

The taxi driver had been very kind ever since she'd gotten inside his car, keeping her entertained on the way to the Great Temple by asking trivial things and telling details of his own life. When they arrived at the destination, she made sure to give him a good tip.

As she watched him drive back to the city, she took a deep breath and turned to the building.

It was fairly large.

It had around four floors, each with six different wings, and two communal courtyards — one on the inside and another on the outside. The facade was composed of oakwood, gray limestone, some resistant stones and lead-colored marble, which gave the place a sober and frosty look for those who saw it from outside, in the best rustic, yet haughty style she had ever seen.

Around the temple, there was a dense and lively forest where they often performed important rituals and sacrifices, and from it arose a heavy and cold atmosphere that made the hairs of their nape bristle.

She'd always thought it seemed kind of eerie.

The guards at the entrance looked at her suspiciously and she just showed them her golden bracelet, one of the symbols used by the institution's members. Needless to say, it guaranteed her immediate entry.

From the inside, the sanctuary was completely embellished with gold objects and white lilies, whether real or sculpture. There were no benches, only flowery white circles that were used by the lower worshiping castes for the adoration of the Great Changeable, the deity they served.

According to their beliefs, the Ever-Living Golden Goddess ruled the order of the universe. It was because of her that the tides arose, that animals knew when they should hunt or reproduce, that humans had ideas considered unthinkable until them and developed themselves culturally and socially — these were called the Sparks of Heavens.

Nothing happened without the goddess's endorsement.

That's why the main foundation of the faith was the detachment from one's own life for the sake of obedience to its ways, without questioning and always firmly.

She recalled the ginger man in Idyzanon who asked her if she was lying about not caring for her own life.

She didn't see her statement as a lie, but rather as a goal she wanted to achieve in order to feel fulfilled among her community and, above all, for the Moon. The Goddess had done so much for her since she had begun to follow her commandments, she could not see herself anywhere else but in her embrace.

Medea passed through the circles on the ground, deviating from all, and walked until she reached the great inner courtyard, where the Alchemists of the temple, responsible for the production of medicines and potions, usually stayed. The aroma of red roses and mint, used for the weekly elixir of vigor distributed to the clergy who lived there, was something that left her light-headed, whereas the different fragrances of hibiscus, orchid, thyme, and other herbs from the small glass greenhouse they had gave her a feeling of sparks in her chest.

Being reminded of how much she had grown among the castes until she could step on the inner parts of the Temple was encouraging.

She made a curtsy before the women, who politely waved at her, and continued walking until she reached the staircase that connected the different floors of the building.

She was about to ascend to wait for the High Priestess' instructions when a well-known voice echoed through the space, completely satisfied and agitated. She turned around, smiling.

A plump woman with Onyx skin and green eyes came to her, sky-colored hair stuck in an intricate bun that held a semi transparent white veil and a broad smile on her face. Her tunic was entirely white and covered her neck, wrists and feet with thin, light lace, perfect to show seriousness in a comforting manner.

"Medea, it's been so long!" The woman said, hugging her. "Were you summoned by the Great Lady like the others?"

"Sister Iseayra, it's good you see you." She greeted as the woman let her go. "Kind of? I mean, I was supposed to come here anyway, but I was surprised by the High Priestess' request to attend a ceremony. I thought my presence would only be required by the end of the year."

Lemon-colored eyes drifted to the floor, her smile faltering as she took the hand of the young woman, her fingers squeezing them tightly. "So you don't know?" She led her up the stairs, the smile vanishing. "Come, I'll take you to your room."

Medea raised an eyebrow. "Don't know what?"

"The reason why you're here!" The young woman shook her head. "Oh, dear sister, it is a pity that I have to tell you this, but I believe that if I don't do it no one else will say; our sisters and brothers do not talk of the subject ever since the High Priestess summoned the apprentices to come." She bit her lower lip and looked around to make sure they weren't close to anyone.

"Was it that serious, sister?" Medea was worried.

First, she had received a message from another member of the Church ordering her presence in Ileack with no explanation other than saying that it was an order, which was weird by itself; she was usually contacted by her friend, Sabina, the Minor Priestess. And now, this?

"It was terrible, my white Lily. They broke into the temple on one of the holy nights."

Her purple eyes widened. "What?!"

"They killed all the guards… And sister Sabina."

Medea froze in place.

Her friend. Her friend had been murdered.

The woman she trusted the most in that temple, who always had a smile on her face no matter the circumstance, who was loved by everyone around her.

Dead.

"It was a true massacre, the only body that wasn't mutilated or dismembered was hers, all the others became unrecognizable."

Medea's body trembled, her jaw clenched as her vacant gaze set on her own hands. "Who was it?"

"Huh?"

"Who did it? Who killed them?" She stared at the woman. "Tell me, so I can rip their throats with my bare hands."

"We do not know. The person left no traces that could help us identify them."

"By the Great Changeable!" Exclaimed Medea, furious. "Doesn't anyone have any idea of who committed this atrocity?"

She solemnly denied. "Unfortunately not, but there are rumors that it may have been a group that holds a grudge against us. I believe they must have studied us for a long time to discover possible weaknesses until they finally attacked."

They entered an extensive corridor with several dark wooden doors, and Iseayra made a gesture for her to stop talking. Many doors appeared until they got to the room that would be the young woman's for the time she remained there.

The older woman opened the door, which creaked thanks to the lack of lubrication on its hinges.

Medea went to the desk, where she deposited her backpack. She turned to the woman, who massaged her temples and sighed, noticeably tired.

"People don't want to talk about it. They want to continue believing that we are safe inside this stone fortress even after they saw what happened that night." She laughed bitterly and her eyes seemed to burn with hatred. "They're all fools! Even the Great Lady has not spoken after the funerals, it's as if nothing had happened!"

"No one's doing anything?"

"If they are, they're staying in silence about it. We're not even supposed to let you and the other women who got here know of this."

A crease formed between Medea's brows. "Why? And why was I called here? I don't understand. "

"You, my dear, were one of the apprentices appointed by Sabina and other sisters as candidates to ascend as minor priestesses this year."

She felt her heart beat harder inside her chest.

Sabina…

Even after her death…

She teared up. Was that really happening?

She had never expected this opportunity. She only wanted to fulfill the missions the Order gave her in order to gain access to the most restricted books it possessed, the ones that talked about Nen control. Medea really hadn't expected a possible promotion in the hierarchy.

After being removed from the mission she'd worked hard for, this was definitely a positive surprise!

She chuckled. "Damn you, Sabina, you sly fox…"

"But don't let your guard down, young Lily." Warned the woman. "I have a bad feeling about this selection, keep your eyes open and do not trust your competitors."

"Do you think there might be a spy between us?"

"I wouldn't doubt it. This whole situation is too suspicious…" She commented. "I know that you've got a good heart, Medea, and I know that you serve the Moon with dedication, so I will warn you about one thing. The High Priestess plans to distribute missions among the candidates."

"But she said that my mission on Kaniv Emerald would be the last!" Medea objected. "This might ruin my reputation at work if I don't stop! There are other people from lower castes who can be taught to do the same as me, much younger and more capable than I was! I no longer wish to be the Night Lady!"

"I understand what you're feeling dear, but it's you who needs to complete this mission, the last mission before you retire from your post, and take that position." The woman spoke, taking her hand. "The Moon designed your fate even before you knew it. Your mere encounter with the Order was something inexplicable to us! You were chosen for this moment, Medea."

"I'm not ready." She tried to argue, utterly exasperated, her heart beating madly inside her chest and her hands covered in sweat.

"Medea." The woman held her arms firmly, but not to the point of hurting her. "You are one of the most capable maidens we have here. If there is anyone who can fulfill that order, it is you." Iseayra assured her with a confident smile. "Do it for our brothers who have become stars in the infinite Heavens. Do it for me. For Sabina. For yourself. Do whatever you have to do for the Order's sake."

The news about the massacre took Medea by surprise, specially the consequences of it. Will she be able to achieve the goal she has to in order to protect the Great Temple? And what about the reason that made her visit it, in the first place?

To find out these and other questions, stay tuned for the next chapters~