This time—Gon had it all figured out. He knew what he had to do and the time frame within he had to do it.
"Your house is literally, right next to mine." Gon mumbled awestruck at the discovery. He stared at the halfway burned mansion. "It's just on another wavelength."
"Yep." Killua confirmed, pushing some rumble out the way. "I've really been watching over you. You think I'd joke about that?"
"No." Gon shoved his hands in his pockets. His fingers ran over the emergency device, turning it on. "That's why I have to do this. You don't play around."
The boy's white hair bounced as he nodded. "You're doing the right thing." He lead them to the basement door. "Staying with me." His pale hand ran over the chilly knob. "But our family has an invader, that I'm going to take care of." His hand clutched the knob, squeezing it in frustration. "I won't kill him."
"Are you talking about Hisoka?"
"I'll just beat him to a bloody pulp. Just enough to ensure, Illumi comprehends the pain he put us through."
"Revenge isn't the answ-"
"IT WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS! You weren't supposed to see this."
Gon put his hand on top of Killua's. "This side of you?" His eyebrow raised doubtfully.
Killua opened up the door, turning his head shamefully. "Something like that." It was hard to verbalize how he felt. He feared that if he spoke it into existence, it would become undeniable.
Reality was only as real as anyone accepted it.
Sanity was only obtained by how much you wanted it; Insanity was given at birth and harbored in the darkness until unleashed. They went hand in hand, but one always had to prevail over the other.
They walked inside in silence.
Gon's eyes searched for any other signs of life. "Where are Alluka and Kalluto?" He caught sight of the tv and messy blankets laying on the sofa.
Killua let out an unhappy hum, "Sacrifices." He calmly placed the groceries on the kitchen counter.
A horrified expression came on Gon's face. He stared at Killua in disbelief, "What...WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?" He motioned to the phone in his pocket, "You were talking to them weren't you?"
Killua's lashes fluttered, his cold blue orbs seemed to shoot bullets in Gon's soul. 'I didn't plan for Illumi or Hisoka to here!'
"So wh-?" Gon's words got cut off by a loud scream. He paused and darted his eyes over to Killua. "That sounded like Alluka."
Killua shrugged. "My little lambs betrayed me." He drummed his fingers on the counter, "So they will take what they are given."
Gon gawked, "What's the matter with you? Did you forget why you did all this!?"
"No." Killua insisted. He pushed down the terrible feeling in his stomach. "They disobeyed and have to face consequences. They didn't want to be with me." A pissy expression flashed on his face. "So...I gave them back to Illumi."
Another loud shriek filled the basement. The sound made a few bolts of lightning illuminate Killua's arms.
Gon tutted, "Look at yourself. You still care about them." He grabbed Killua's pale hand, "You...can be honest with me. Ya know?" His brown eyes flickered endearingly. "You can tell me the truth about everything."
Killua tensed up, "Why should I tell you what you already know?"
Gon kissed his cheek, 'One of us needs to do better communication wise.' He pulled away from him. "You're right. If I go you'll follow."
The taller 16 year old let out a grunt, his eyes rolling towards the ceiling. "Only because I know you'll want me too."
A sound of slow clapping filled their ears. "Oh, that was heartwarming."
Both boys turned around to see Chrollo with a smug grin on his face.
"So heartwarming. It makes me want to give you both a quick and easy death instead of torture." Chrollo stopped slapping and pulled out his glock. "So who's first?"
Killua's heart dropped to his stomach. "WHERE THE HELL ARE MY SIBLINGS?" A million thoughts flooded his brain at once, as fear controlled his body movements.
The gang leader shrugged, "Why do you care?" He strolled forward, keeping the gun outwards for protection. "Didn't you just call them sacrifices?"
"Only because, I knew Illumi would never ki-"
A heart stopping screech filled the air.
Killua took off running, "Alluka!" His love for his siblings overcame his stubbornness as his feet moved. "I'm coming! Z-lit is coming!"
"Oh no, he's not!" A bullet whizzed past Chrollo and shot right at Killua's ankle.
The villain fell to the floor in agony. "How can... ya'll can see me?" He murmured in horror. "You can see beyond?"
"You going to sit your ass down." Franklin stepped out, reloading his weapon.
"Killua!" Gon shouted. He glared at the gang members closing in on them. "What's your deal?"
"You don't get it!" Chrollo raised his voice slightly as he stared intensely at them. His dark eyes blazing as he watched their completely stupid faces. They were acting like HE WAS TALKING MADNESS! Frantically. his eyes cut side to side, as anger boiled up in him. "It's all the principle of respect. You have to be respectful, but you just don't learn."
Gon flitched at the word, 'respect.' It reminded him about what his Aunt Mito said, "How can you expect us to trust you to go to some fancy college and represent us, when you can't even be respectful here!?" Maybe this was what he deserved for trying to do better for himself. This is how it felt to try and be smart---like the stubborn grass between the sidewalk cracks. He shouldn't have been growing there.
"Now don't be stupid...The world is all about money." Chrollo rubbed his hands together, "And you just took a big L, screwing around and selling on our turf. Then you have the nerve to disrespect my gang, then kill two teachers just to place the blame on..." His fist met the wall as he pounded it angrily. "I AIN'T PLAYING THESE GAMES WITH YOU!"
Phinks rolled his eyes, "Boss, I get you just went through some trauma. So I guess it's natural to be delusional." The blonde cut his eyes over to Feitan who elbowed him roughly urging him to keep on talking. "But that's no reason to punch walls." He froze when he saw Chrollo's eyes flash in a deadly manner.
"You think we were playing?" Chrollo gave Gon a look of disgust, "We really out here killing bitches for talking shit." The man's fingernails dug into the wall as the dim light from the window leaked across half his face. It allowed the illusions of a shadow to fall over him. "This time no teachers are here to play superhero."
"But I'm here." Killua snarled, "And you never mess with my family!" He let out an unhinged completely deranged screech, firing balls of lighting at the teens scrambling away. His white hair sparked out of control as he struggled to his feet. "Where the hell is Alluka and Kalluto?" Regret and anguish filled his words, "You tell me, NOW."
Chrollo growled as the zap of lightning electrified his flesh. A howl passed his lips, "Damn, Hisoka was right. You really are some kind of supernatural freak." He shuttered, at the sight of Killua all lit up with lightning dancing around his body. He looked at his damaged arm, "No human can do this. No human can make lightning appear out of thin air. No human is that strong or fast."
"Hisoka!" Killua unleashed a slur of cursed under his breath.
Gon's face morphed into one of frustration. "No way...I asked him to help me out."
"You asked Hisoka for help?"
"I...I was desperate!"
"And, you did know what you had to do." Hisoka chimed in. He walked between, Gon and Killua. A sly smile implanted on his lips. "You did it." He tapped a slender finger on Gon's nose.
"Get your hands off him!" Killua launched another lightning bolt in the gang's direction.
Machi walked over to observe Chrollo's arm. Gently, she scraped her skin over the burn marks. "They're freaks alrights."
Machi cut her eyes up at Chrollo. She sounded a bit unimpressed, "So what is the family? Are they just a bunch of freaks something?" She flipped her pink hair mockingly, as she pierced her lips together observing the same patch of burnt skin.
Chrollo's forehead puckered, "Freak or not, no one disrespects the Phantom Troupe." A sly smirk came on his face, "No one takes our fucking money."
Nobunaga grit his teeth, focusing all his attention on Chrollo. He dragged a single digit across his sword, "Did you forget Uvogin is in the hospital because of that blond haired chain user? We should get him, too."
"Of course not." Chrollo winked owlishly, "Everyone will pay for Gon's transgression." A satisfied snake like expression slipped on his face. He paced back and forth, laying out his elaborate scheme. "Killua and his siblings are just the start."
"Heh?" Nobunaga arched an eyebrow up haunty, full of distrust.
"Hmm.." Hisoka clicked his tongue, crossing his arms. "I don't know about all that. Illumi let us do this so he can finally get his brother back." A bit of deception controlled his tone, "We're done here."
"No one is done! I'll never give in!" Killua barked with an edge that oozed off a maniacal feeling.
Hisoka smirked as his yellow eyes gave a gleam of deviltry. "Don't you think, it's time to stop with the madness?"
Killua stubbornly pushed Hisoka away from Gon. "I wouldn't call it madness...more like optimistic thinking." He stood by Gon's side, "Now somebody better tell me where my siblings are." A storm of lightning encased his body. "Before I turn this whole place into a bloodbath."
"Killua! You promised no more killing people!" Gon shouted desperately.
"If they touched a single hair on either one of their heads, all promises I break, I'll pay back by breaking each one of their bones." Killua snarled.
"That's not very loyal." Machi chuckled lowly. "Besides, you're outnumbered. You're outmatched." She spun her gun around.
"So stand down, Kil." Illumi warned, stepping past the gang. "You want to make sure your siblings are okay? That your little family is still alive and well?"
"Illumi! You bastard!" Killua bolted over to him, "You take me to them."
Illumi hesiated, dodging the crackling lighting ball. "Alright." He walked backwards, motioning for Killua to come with him. "You can shoot Gon." He gave a wave of approval to Chrollo. "Just don't kill him yet."
"No!" Gon screamed. He clinged to Killua for dear life, "You can't! If they accidentally kill me! Everyone will know!"
"Everyone?"
"It's over for you. I already called for help."
Hisoka cracked his knuckles, "You think, we came here to stop now? Illumi and I came here to save lives. We're doing a noble cause!"
Illumi gave a nod of approval, "The right choice to make, is not always the most easiest but noble.
"Noble my ass!" Killua launched a ball of electricity at Illumi's head. "I never want to fucking see you again! Why can't you get that? I fucking hate you! I hate you more than anything! All you ever did for me is give me hell!"
"Mommy!" Kalluto shouted, stumbling past the sweaty teenagers. He pushed his small body through the commotioned and into Gon's arms.
"Kalluto...how did you?" Gon recalled, Alluka's power to teleport people. He hugged the elementary schooler tightly. "Where is Alluka?"
Kalluto shuddered mortified, burying his face in Gon's stomach. "She is safe in her room." He whined.
"Ooo...This beat down is going to feel so good." Killua sneered, "You t-"
Kalluto covered his ears, as he inhaled the smell of blood on Gon's shirt. He tried ignore the frazzled pissed off yelling. But Illumi's maniacal laughter was unbearable.
Illumi insisted, "See! Gon has no place for you, Killua!" He reached up to snag Killua by the arm, only to have the boy jolt back.
Killua spat, "First of all, Gon said being a hero is helping others! I'm HELPING! So stop trying to break us apart!" Protectively, his strong arms scooped up Gon.
Gon let out a fearful trill. "I'm not yelling because I'm mad! I'm just..." There were no words to describe how he felt right now or how torn apart his heart was. Just when he assumed he understood who Killua really was, he switched it up. "WHY CAN'T YOU JUST CHOOSE, KILLUA?"
"I thought it wasn't about sides?"
"I mean your personality!"
"Huh?" Killua dropped his head. "Am I being scolded for doing the right thing?" He sounded so innocent like he didn't pour matches all over then set everything on fire.
Gon kicked in Killua's arms, reaching out like a helpless child to touch the wall for something to stable himself on. "I'm stupid!" He found himself admitting to his own failures. Tears built up in his eyes as he slowly reflected on all the mistakes he made. "I'm so damn stupid!"
"Gon?" Killua questioned, looking at the male hanging in his grip. A confound lost wave of mystification washed over him as his mind tried to comprehend, "No you're not!" You're the sun. My sunshine!"
"And you're my failed creation!" Gon snapped, pointing directly at Killua. His brown eyes turned dark as his body rocked back and forth to steady himself. He wanted Killua to let go of him~ he wanted out of the hug and out of the illusion that if he kept on living like this everything would be okay.
Kalluto could see the utter yearning for freedom in his eyes. He could tell Gon had that stage of fear in his eyes, like a caged bird who was singing to be set free. A declaration of independence came out his lips, "LET HIM GO!"
"Who?" Killua's blue eyes flared up as if he was upset that anyone was posing a challenge for him right now. "The heck said that?" His sight darted to Kalluto who locked his cold hands over Killua's.
The child repeated, "Let him go." He pushed Killua's grip from around Gon's waist. "Don't touch my mommy!"
Kalluto acted before his mind could configure the outcome. But now that his mind had came to terms with what he'd just, he stared up at Killua with a look of utter terror. His pupils started to shrink in cowardliness as lightning spread all over his older brother's body, each energy wave made him suddenly regret his past decision.
Kalluto frantically reached out, grabbing the ends of Gon's shirt as he pulled himself into it. He pleaded in a muffled tone, "Just leave him alone. Leave us alone! Leave it! All you ever...you just touch stuff and fuck it up!"
Killua paused, malice laced in his mood. "I..I...no..NO THAT'S WHAT I USED TO DO!" He made a fist full of rage as he glared at Kalluto. "The new me is different!" A slight crack came in his tone as he pointed at his boyfriend, "Gon tell them! Tell them all, that we're an absolute duo together!"
Gon placed his hand over Kalluto's head. "I don't care about that right now." He glanced at Chrollo. "If you have a problem with me. Kill me."
"No. You called the cops!" Chrollo denied, "I see now, if I'm going to go to jail for the rest of my life..." He looked Kalluto up and down. "It would be much more fun to hurt the ones you love." His gun took aim at the child. "Then you'll have to live all your life suffering."
"Don't touch Kalluto." Illumi snapped, "He's not in the deal. You have Gon." He pointed at the 16 year old.
Chrollo laughed darkly, turning off the gun's safety. "Deal's dead like my future." He snapped his fingers, commanding his gang. "Light this place up."
"Don't you hurt my family!" Killua jumped in front of Gon and Kalluto. He shoved them down the hallway, "Get to Alluka's room!"
"Gon!" Alluka chirped, swinging her door open. "Kalluto! Get in here now."
"You may be smart, SAT studying boy." Hisoka fired off shots. "But can you outsmart bullet?"
Illumi grabbed his wrist, "You call off your gang friends! This wasn't how it was supposed to go down."
The clown make-up wearing boy shrugged carelessly, "But this is more fun isn't it? This is way more thrilling!" His devilish yellow eyes locked on to coffee brown. "Just the way, Gon likes it."
Gon picked Kalluto up and carried him into Alluka's room. Killua shielded them from the onslaught of bullets.
Alluka flashed Gon a weak smile, clapping her hands together. "You're actually back! How was the test?"
"Heh..." Gon shrugged, "like all test." He dropped Kalluto near Alluka's bed.
Alluka slammed her room door closed. "I wish this conversation could be in better setting."
Gon rubbed his temples, "Same."
Killua shoved Alluka's dresser over to barricade them inside. "They have to run out of bullets eventually." He backed away and marked a safe spot on the floor. "Until them stay far away from the door."
"I'm scared big brother." Alluka ran into Killua's arms.
Killua kissed her forehead, "I'm sorry for abandoning you. I was so mad then, but I'm going to do better now." He stole a glance at Gon. "I'm changing to become a real hero."
Gon avoided meeting his gaze.
Human emotions were strange to how a person could appear to be so calm cool and collected completely uncaring while in reality they were falling apart inside. Everyone tried to be brave, because in reality everyone wanted to feel a sense of accomplishment. Humans lived for rewards and needed drive to achieve what they wanted.
But Killua wasn't a human.
Killua didn't live for a want...he lived for Gon.
Even if Gon didn't want him, relentlessly he would change to try and impress his sunshine. It was impossible. It was foolish and stupid. But after living for a lie so long...what was stopping him from living for another one?
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