-𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 | 𝐡𝐱𝐡

四 | PICK YOUR POISON

*unedited 'cause I'm too lazy to do that by myself

Ilias began to mindlessly wander around the blimp after everyone got settled in. He was beyond bored. These exams were uneventful and he hoped the next one would bring more promise. He hoped he'd be able to kick some ass.

Along his meaningless journey, he ran back into Killua and Gon. They were both staring out the window with childish wonder. He couldn't help but think of how cute the pair looked together, but was also a little envious of their fast forming friendship.

He was about to walk away but Gon noticed him. "Hey, Ilias!" He exclaimed while practically buzzing with energy.

Ilias gave a half-assed wave and Killua responded with a curt nod. "What's up?" He tilted his head, curios of what the hyperactive boy would do.

Gon excitedly pointed out the window, inviting Ilias to come join them. The older boy sauntered over and took in the view. "It really is beautiful," He muttered. Things like this would never cease to amaze him.

While he was enraptured with the gleaming lights below, the other two started talking about family life. Ilias lightly easvedropped, taking in bits and pieces of information. Hearing about Killua's family life made his heart drop but it helped him realize why he felt connected to the white-haired kid.

"So, I stabbed my mother in the face, my brother in the side, and ran away from home," Killua nonchalantly explained as if it was a normal, everyday experience.

Ilias turned on his heels at lightning speed and gawked at the younger boy. "You what?" He had to stop himself from yelling out in shock.

Killua ignored the interruption and continued speaking, "I'm sure they're out for blood now. If they come after me, I'll kill 'em"

Gon nervously laughed as Killua began to be surround by rays of lights and bubbles, sparkles practically oozed from his skin. Ilias was really starting to question if Kill had some weird, illusion-based nen ability and was just terrifyingly good at Zetsu.

"When I become a hunter, I'll start by capturing my family!" He swooned, "I'm sure they have some hefty bounties on their heads!"

When they recovered from Killua's little episode, Gon brought his attention to Ilias, who was now leaning with his back against the wall. "What about you, Ilias? What's your family like?" His eyes were sparkling, wanting to know more about the older boy.

Ilias opened his one eye and stole a quick glance at Gon and shrugged. "They aren't that interesting. Just some weakling hunters with too much time on their hands. They put me through Hell and back, so I left. Now I'm here."

"I'm sure it's more interesting than you're making it out to be!" Gon pushed, unknowingly striking a chord in the pink-haired boy.

"That's it." Ilias quickly shut him down and his tone left no room for arguments. Killua put a hand on Gon's shoulder.

A strong, malevolent aura seeped into the premises, alarming the trio. Ilias acted as if he didn't notice, unlike the younger two who went in high alert.

"Something wrong?" A voice cut through the tense atmosphere and made the three turn to whoever was speaking.

"Mr. Netero!" Gon announced in recognition, before returning to his confusion, "You didn't see anyone coming from that side, did you?"

He quickly dismissed Gon's worries, causing Killua to shoot him a violent glare. Ilias, on the other hand, relaxed as he put together the pieces quite easily.

"You're fast," Killua's gaze only seemed to burn further into the man, "For an old-timer, that is."

"Oh, that trick? I barely moved, that's all." Ilias wasn't really sure what to think of his response, but didn't care enough to press.