Yukinaru -Years- 38 & 39

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      Four years in the Known World and three of them passed during training as an proper assassin under the supervision of the Zoldycks. I have undergone extensive torture, rigorous exercises and in the end, a complete transformation. Zeno, Silva and Illumi have taken rotations in my traning. Each with their own brutal techniques and style.
      I realize fairly quickly why Killua is the way he is now. Truly appreciating the depth of being born an assassin. I am grateful for all Killua's visits in between as well. This is my last night I will be spending here for awhile. I have completed 376 assassinations, 265 item contracts and I have cleared floor 200 in the arena, all under Illumi's strict supervision.
      The Zoldycks have not allowed me any outside visitors nor freedom to leave. Morning, noon night, nothing but life and death experiences. My special nen abilities have increased slightly but we didn't do intense nen training. They leave that up to their kids to figure out on their own.
      On the side I did a bit of training with it privately, however I do believe Silva knows. I can control a larger amount and I been experimenting alittle with the bungee gum.
      Tomorrow Zeno wants to test my Zetsu and Silva gives me my final exam to test speed. If I can complete these two task I will be allowed to continue training myself outside in the world.
       I hear Haiji pawing at the window pulling me from my thoughts, "Are you excited too? It has been along time since we flew." I open the door to my balcony and step out into the moonlight.
      "Yukinaru, what are you doing out here?" I hear Illumi's voice above me instantly.
       "Nothing Illumi. I am just enjoying the moonlight." I giggle and reach up for him.
     He takes my hand and comes to my side, "Are you sure you want to go back out there?" He pulls me closer to his side.
        "I have been here long enough. I want to fly beneath the stars once more." I smile and lean away from him out over the railing. My hair hanging lightly towards the ground.
      Illumi comes and puts his hands on either side of me. Leaning forward over me, "What if I ask you to stay?" He brings his eyes close to mine.
       "Your mind control doesn't work on me. I still find it entertaining you try." I giggle wickedly and push him back.
        "It still is amusing to see how far you will let me go." Illumi leans his back against the house now.
       "Next time you try, I will just take you to bed." I turn my back to him and face the clouds.
      "Father would greatly like that-"
      "I think Mother would be the most pleased if we paired. But it is just not something I want right now." I sigh and let myself fall over the railings. Illumi catching me instantly.
      "You test me Yukinaru," he pulls me in and kisses my cheek. "That is punishment. You know you are not allowed outside the house."
     "Maybe I just wanted you to catch me again." I sigh, we are already back on the balcony.
        "Still not advised even on your last night of training." Illumi turns and walks into my room taking me with him in his arms.
      "Go to sleep now." He lays me gently in the bed. "I mean it Yukinaru. To bed." He closes the balcony and leaves the room.
       I feel an old familiar presence appearing on the balcony seconds later. An aura I haven't felt in a long time. It's almost barely recognizable, Hisoka. I lay and listen as he enters nonchalantly.
      "My, my flower. Time has aged you well. ♡~ Your bloodlust is even stronger." He coos as he pulls out some cards.
        "I am surprised to see you here after all these years." I remain uncaring and adjust myself in bed.
         "Well you did just abandon me on that roof top all them nights ago ◇~. I haven't forgotten how cold you were ♤~." He steps closer to the bed.
        "Why did you come now then?" I question firmly. "You know you shouldn't come unannounced. It won't bode well for you."
        "I know Illumi well Yuki ♤~." Hisoka sighs and leans over my bed, "However aren't I still your pet dear Flower ♡~?" He sits down and shuffles his deck of card's.
     "That may be true, but I don't remember taking you back yet. If you discard a toy, do you go back and pick it up later?" I stick my tongue out but still scoot against the wall by my bed.
      "Come, just lay down already. I'm tired but don't be surprised if Illumi throws you out during the night. I have my final exercises tomorrow."
       Hisoka chuckles and slides in, facing me. His cool arms wrapping tightly around me, his warm breath running down my neck. Something deep stirring once more, a sleeping craving I thought was gone.
      "I have missed you Yukinaru. More then I wish to admit. Don't leave me again, I may try to kill you next time ~♤." His lips touch my nape and shivers radiate down my back.
        "I see I still have a pleasing effect on your body. It remembers me at least ♡~." Hisoka sounds too cocky and that won't do.
      "No you are mistaken Hisoka." I take a breath and look towards the door not even muttering a word Illumi is already opening the door.
      "What is it now Yukinaru?" Illumi ask walking into my room on que.
       "It seems a stray has wandered into my room. Can you take it outside please?" I push the Jester out of my bed giggling.
      "Dogs sleep outside Hisoka." I watch as Illumi tosses him through the balcony door and steps away.
        I feel Hisoka's bloostlust explode angrily, Illumi responds by releasing his own. It excites me seeing both the men all riled up, reminding me of old times.
       "Illumi come to bed with me." I say loudly making sure Hisoka hears me, "It would be nice to spend one more night with you holding me." I snicker sinisterly.
      I feel Hisoka's presence slowly dissipate as he leaves into the woods. His bloodlust increasing even while fading. Taking me by surprise, Illumi climbs into bed next to me. He is wearing nothing but boxers as he pulls me against him.
        "You know I was joking right? We have never shared a bed before..." I trail off unsure what todo.
      "If I leave Hisoka will win your unspoken fight. Zoldycks don't lose Yukinaru. Now sleep." Ilumi pulls me closer and rest his head against mine.
      I can feel his warm breath down my neck. The coolness of his skin against my back. One arm under me, held against my chest. His other down around my waist.
      I slept tightly embraced by Illumi all through the night. My body firmly hugged by his, as if we were a puzzle. I feel completely relaxed as I wake to hear Silva's voice in the room.
      "Had I known your last night would be spent in my Son's arms I would've let you leave more often." Silva chuckles darkly.
      I blush as I try to get out of bed and Illumi grabs my arm pulling me back into him.
       "Father then why intrude upon me?" Illumi sits up pulling me to sit right into his lap, movement as fluid as water flowing.
      Manipulating his aura, he surrounds us on the bed. Illumi then wraps his arms tightly around me. Surprising me by his actions I blush even deeper, as he hangs his head above mine.
      Thoroughly annoyed by his father's intrusion, "Leave Father."
       "Well that old man is outside whinning. Yuki, Zeno's test is first and he is waiting. Ready yourself, I don't want to listen to him any longer."
       "Right away Silva." I push free from Illumi, as Silva closes my door.
      I hear an excited squeal from Kikyo down the hallway. I roll my eyes and dress as Illumi gets out of my bed. I motion Haiji to get into my shadow and go to leave the room.
       "Wait Yuki," I turn to see Illumi dressing with his back to me, "it was surprisingly enjoyable sleeping with you." A card shoots toward him and I catch it instanly.
      "Hisoka," I whip it back out the balcony door at him.
     "Let's go, Zeno is out waiting in the courtyard." Hisoka yanks me away from a seething Illumi.
      "Yuki, I wanna start your exam testing your Zetsu skills. You are to go in to the woods in the marked area and hide. If you can remain hidden for an hour you pass. If you fail it is solitary confinement, do you understand?" Zeno looks at me knowingly, "Then begi-"
     I activate my Zetsu before grandfather can even finish his sentence. I vanish instantly in to the woods. I dart around a bit and then back track in a few different directions. I send Haiji into the woods and use him to spread my scent in the shadows around the testing zone.
       I am completely concealed at least, seeing as how not even Haiji can find me without linking to my mind. I feel Zeno's presence coming from every direction at this point. It has been about 40 minutes now and he should have already cleared the zone.
         Knowing he has to actually see me to win at this point, I close my eyes and practice my breathing techniques. Even quieting my heart beats, slowing everything down.
      I hear footsteps nearby but I can't sense anything. I flatten myself deeper into the shadows, perfectly melding in to them. I keep my focus steady, body in waiting. If Zeno sees me even for a second, it is another year of training.
      Calming my mind I focus on Haiji, our connection has fully matured now. He sustains my thrist when common blood isn't enough. Haiji's blood is the closest I can find to the taste of Chrollo's as well.
      Haiji's loyalty to me firmly planted into his being after the years of relying on him. I truly am his master now.
Uncle Renji surprised us all one day. He showed up in the courtyard about a year ago to aid in my training at Silva's request. He was disappointed in my lack of self improvement, claims he can see why they are so strict with me.
       Thanks to the extra time Renji spent with Haiji, he also went through some incredible growth. Uncle Renji reminding me that Haiji is a type of shadow beast. Scolding me for not using his true potential.
      "*Master. I am close by. Tailing Zeno when I couldn't locate you.*"
      His thoughts pull me from mine, getting my head back in the game.
      "*Good work Haiji. Keep your eyes on him and keep me updated.*"
      I sit silent, feeling a presence appear near me. Not even a millisecond later, timer rings loudly in the court yard pulling my attention away. I swiftly make my return, meeting Zeno and Silva there at the same time.
       "Well done! Clever to use your cat like that. I couldn't even sniff you out." Zeno seems pleased but I see Silva's firm glare.
      "She did well, I had trouble myself, but I did find her as the bell rang," Silva pauses to rub his chin, "I agree Zeno. She did pass the Zetsu. Now time for my mine." Silva motions me to stand by him.
     "Speed is important for all successful assassins. You will have 30 minutes to arrive at the bottom, meeting at the Great stone door. No wings nor nen. Begin." Silva motions me, but I'm already gone.
      I see Hisoka right behind me. His closeness bothers me, so I push my feet harder. I must be faster then that damn jester! I feel my will to win harden, and my body moving faster then even the wind.
        I soon find myself nearly down the moutain, Hisoka fully lost behind me. The breeze behind me causes the trees to bend and leaves to dance. When I come to a stop at the door in front of the family, a stream of leaves surge from behind me, lightly scattering around my feet.
       "Well done Yukinaru! Fastest time yet. 23. minutes. You nearly beat Illumi's record." Silva booms loudly.
      "Still too slow Yuki." Illumi turns to Silva, "I have a request. To officially leave, she opens this door." I look at the gaint stone door behind me.
        I feel Silva and Zeno sigh, even Killua stands among them, surprising me. Their silent agreement given to his seemingly innocent request.. My final exercise.
      This is it. I place my hands against the cold stone slabs. Taking note of all the different gates built into each other. An ominous feeling creeping up on me.
        I can already feel that these doors are the heaviest thing I have ever touched. Ironing my resolve to succeed and make them proud.
      *I will do this.*
     I lean against them and push with everything I have at once. I let my body erupt, launching all the them open faster then I was expecting.
      I stumble forward, "Surley this is a faulty test Illumi. These doors were far much too light!" I say feeling tricked.
       "Your training is completed here Yukinaru. Indeed those doors are heavy, 256 tons all together." Silva states as he and Zeno step towards me both smiling.
     "Have fun adventures my dear Granddaughter!"
      "Be sure to return home soon. Kikyo will be sad to know her daughter left." Silva turns and leaves with Zeno in toe.
      "Illumi, thank you." I walk over to him and kiss his cheek. He vanishes instantly afterwards with Hisoka.
       "Let's go Yuki!" Killua grabs my hand and pulls me out the door.
        "HIII YUKI!!!!! I hear an excited Gon yell.
       "My how tall you have grown." I walk over to Gon who is as tall as me now.
       "Me and Gon are the same age Yuki, of course he is taller now." Killua laughs he gives me a hug.
     "What are you now then? About 17 yeah? Nearly fully grown kiddo." I pull Gon in for a hug now as I giggle.
       "You still look the same Yuki." Gon laughs at me.
      "Well I like not getting older." I shrug following them to the bus station. "Where should we go first??" I ask excitingly.
       "We are gonna take you to get your hunter's license. It's gonna be hard this year from what we heard." Killua states and we board the bus. "Our destination is Yorknew City."
      We arrive at the Beitacle Hotel and I check us in. The boys beeline for the beds and start throwing the pillows at each other. Seeing Killua act like this definitely throws me for a loop.
      I shrug internally attributing it to his age. Kids will always be kids in the end, giggling I grab a pillow from the other bed and join in.
      Feathers are exploding everywhere around me, slowly raining down with each jump. I move out on to the balcony, listening to the sounds of the boys playing.
      I sit and look up at the sky, I still haven't taken a flight yet. I haven't been allowed to fly for along time outside in the breeze. The family had a large enough underground training room I got to stretch them in but it was apart of my training too.
      I feel Killua jump onto my back, "You wanna go for a flight don't you? I can imagine Silva didn't let you."
      "It is true I haven't flown amongst the stars in really long time honestly. The day I opened the gate would have marked the start of year 4 in training."
     I sigh and let Killua fall into my lap as Gon takes the spot on my back, "Well if you want to go we will wait here." Gon suggests.
      I smile and let my nen build. I can feel both the boys tense as I stand. "I have a better idea!" I grin wickedly and latch their feet together with bungee gum, "Raise your hands now." I attach their hands, as my wings stretch out from my back.
      No longer needing manipulation to conceal my wings, I freely extend them from my back. As they begin to move in the breeze some flash backs of the extra attention Silva gave them loom. So many months straight was focused solely on strengthening them. I shutter as the phantom pain pusles from hidden scars.
       "Sister" I hear Killua pulling my attention sharply.
      "Yes, yes." Giving him a thankful nod, I jump alittle ways above their heads, "You boys like to swing?" I giggle maniacally as I fly up.
       I hear the boys excited squeals as they stand on my bungee nen, a makeshift swing. I fly above the clouds, both boys holding on tightly.
       "What do you think Kil?" I look down at them as they stare at the skies around us.
      "This is incredible! You trained hard!! Even using Hisoka's bungee gum like this is inventive!" Killua praises me.
     "Gon what about you?" I ask him concerned, *He is far too quiet.*
       "How did you get Hisoka's ability Yuki?" He questions, confusion still playing on his face.
       "My nen has a special ability remember? I can copy and use the nen abilities of others. Provided they attack me first with it." I smile enduringly at him, "I don't have many yet. I only have a few abilities from others right now but I spent the most time playing with the bungee gum. Honestly I have made it pretty versatile surprisingly. I should really name it something mine."
        "Don't forget Gon, Yuki is a trained assassin just like me now. She is alot stronger then before." Killua shivers as he speaks.
        I fly them around the city, feeling their excitement as they take in the sights. My wings feel stronger too, I feel no struggle carrying them. I circle back around to the hotel.
       I let the boys land on the balcony before landing myself. Freeing them from the nen, we walk inside laughing hard as Gon trips over the step.
       "Yuki, when was the last time you seen Hisoka?" Gon startles me with such an innocent tone.
       "It has been along time since I have actually spoken with him but he was there with Illumi when we left. My turn." I take on a more serious demeanor, "Why do you want to know? Surely you don't plan to play with him yet?" I stare at Gon, freezing both the boys completely still.
        "Well.. I mean... I have trained too.. I just wanna see... how much... I have improved.." Gon struggles out the words beneath my gaze.
        Satisfied I relax and take on my normal state. "Well when you decide to play with him. It will be under my eye, Hisoka may actual to try to kill you." I warn as Killua walks toward Gon.
       "I know Yuki." Gon smiles at me, "Thanks for worrying about me."
       "Such a good kid!!! I am so happy that Kil has a good friend like you. Don't ever change." I ruffle his spikey hair and lead the way out the hotel.
      No sooner then walking into the streets, I feel Haiji appear. He is bigger now and no longer sits on my shoulder. He has mastered his own form of Zetsu in a way, he can retract his wings like me. He looks like an oversized cat, just stopping at my knees.
      Haiji purrs and rubs against Killua excitedly, "Is that Haiji!!!" Killua jumps back surprised.
      "Yes, you never had a chance to see him when you would visit me." I lightly laugh as Haiji rubs against Gon,"Careful Haiji. Don't knock him over please."
      "He has grown so much Yuki. It's crazy!" Killua comes up and rubs his head.
      I clap my hands together getting everyone's attention, "Focus. I'm hungry." I giggle as we walk down the busy roads.
      "What do you want to eat Yuki?"
"Hmm how about a simple burger and fries?" I tell Gon.
      "Really? Finally out in the big world again and you want a burger ♡~" I hear Hisoka's voice from the crowd.
      The boys don't seem to have heard him but I clearly did. I look at Haiji and motion him to go and he disappears.       
      "*Master. I will find him.*"
      "*Good then stay with him till I come to fetch you.*"
     I cut the connection with Haiji feeling Gon shaking my shoulders.
       "Stop that. I was thinking is all." I push his hands away.
       "You had a serious vibe for a moment. Thought something was wrong." Gon goes and walks on the other side of Killua.
      "So where is the hunter exam place anyway since we are here?" I ask Killua.
      "Gon's friends are gonna show up and take you there tomorrow. We don't know where it actually is. We can't go either." He speaks up grudgingly.
       "You know what, I am gonna go off and explore for a bit. I will meet you boys back at the hotel." I wave and vanish leaving the boys in the road suddenly.
      I stand on the top of a building, watching the boys laugh and walk off. I want to eat but I also want to know what that jester is doin.
      "*Haiji where are you guys?*" I call out to him swiftly.
      "*Master. We are at an amusement park entrance. He is just sitting there flicking cards to the ground.*"
      "*Haiji, is there anyone else there? If not step into the moonlight. I'm coming.*"
      "*Understood Master.*"
      I close my eyes and focus on the thread that ties me to Haiji. I reach out and touch it. My nen instantly pulling me out of his shadow.
      "Welcome Flower ♡~. You bloom is even more elegant in this light ♡~." He coos playfully as he throws another card to his pile.
       "So what if I want just burger and fries! Who are you to assume what I want." I cross my arms and Haiji sits at my feet, teeth bared at Hisoka warningly.
       As he drops his last card he moves infront of me before it can land. I'm unphased but Haiji already has his teeth in Hisoka's leg.
      "Such reflex, nothing less then I would expect from a cat ♤~" he reaches his hand down to touch him.
      "Haiji" I snap my finger, and Haiji is already causally laying down a few feet behind me.
      "I merely wanted to pet him, how sad ◇~" Hisoka leans in closer to me, "I have a surprise for you. Follow me Flower." He turns and starts to walk deeper into a broken amusement park.
       "If this is some trap, I won't hold back Hisoka." I darkly warn him.
      I shift seamlessly into ready mode. I am not really trusting Hisoka, we are but strangers again. My nen outlines my body, condensed tightly, thinner then a page from a book.
      I can see the chill creep over Hisoka as he stops infront of me, "You know maybe you should just walk next to me ♤~." His bloodlust starting to elevate, "Such terrifying strength you have now, even though it still lacks, you are soooo ~♡ irresistible." He quivers with excitement.
       "Listen, if you wanna fight it's gonna have to wait," I start to quash him under my gaze. I watch his knees bend before I keep talking, "I am hungry." I giggle and hide just enough of my bloodlust for the lurking boys to be fine.
       "As you wish Flower ◇~. I have arranged alittle something for you." He walks forward taking my hand and leading me to a pier all decorated.
       I look at a table set up in the center. I can smell such fragrances emanating from it. My stomach instantly betraying me.
      "And that's not all ♡~" He pulls me the rest of the way out.
       "SURPRISE YUKI!!!!!" Gon and Killua jump out from the sides.
       "Awww guys!!! Did you have this planned??" I giggle loudly hugging the boys, warning Hisoka with my eyes.
        "Yeah we were hoping Hisoka could distract you while we finish setting it up." Gon chuckles pulling away.
      "Yeah it worked pretty good. I figured it would." Killua elbows me in the side, sending a blush across my cheeks.
       "Come here Kil, I wanna express my gratitude." I begin to chase him tickling him all the way to the table.
      "Now is that anyway for an assassin to behave Yukinaru?" I hear Illumi's stotic voice coming from behind Hisoka as they all walk up to the table.
      "Surprise you would come to something like this." I motion to the setting.
      "It was insisted I come." He goes and takes a seat. Watching me closely, with a trace of a hidden smile.
      "Soo Yuki, what were you saying about knowing what foods you would like?" Hisoka motions to the table, laden in a delicious spread.
        "Come on Yuki! You chair is over here." Gon grabs my hand and sits me down at the middle of the table, closet to the steak and potatoes.
      I smile as Hisoka sets a black coffee infront of me with a bottle of whiskey. "Alright well maybe you do know what I truly savor the most." I giggle and take my drinks.
      The evening is spent in stories and adventures. Gon telling of the training he went through with Killua. Then recounting fabulous tales of travel, with alot of laughter. Hisoka silently smirking next to stoic Illumi.
      The moon reflecting off the distant water completing this beautiful moment with the people who genuinely make me laugh. I want to cherish this moment forever. The beginning of a life I choose to live.
       The boys leave after eating their fill. Kil wanting to show Gon around the city night life. I go and sit at the end of the pier, letting my feet dip in the water.
      Illumi approaches me first, "Remember to check in once in awhile Yukinaru." He bows and disappears instantly behind me.
     I can sense my Jester still watching me but I act like I don't care. It feels amazing to just sit here freely in the night. The stars encircling my vision, perfectly mirrored in the water.
       "Did you enjoy your little treat ♡~?" He coos from the table behind me.
     "If you want to come sit you can." I pat the spot next to me. "I won't bite you" I giggle teasing him alittle for old times sake.
     "I wish you would bite me ◇~." He is instantly sitting next to me not missing a beat.
      "Sorry to disappoint then," I shrug and keep gazing up, "Get up too anything exciting while I was away?"
       "Oh alittle of this and alittle of that. Mainly some travels, you know I'm officially a spider again ♧~." He leans forwards and points to his back.
     "Glad to see you stayed with them. You truly fit in there regardless of your reasons." I give him a genuine smile.
      "You know Illumi is a spider as well. He dances a fine line but the door only opened to him because of you." Jester thinks he is so clever.
      "What he chooses to do is his business. Not something you should talk about even to me." I remain stoic.
      "Well that is too bad then, I was hoping to get a rise out of you ♧~." He is still the same after all.
     "I'm surprised you aren't off with Chrollo right now. I am sure you have work to deal with." I stand to leave and Hisoka reaches for me.
      I snatch hold of his wrist a few inches from me, "Don't touch me Hisoka. I am not a delicate flower anymore." I glare at him.
      "My, my. You will always be my flower Yukinaru. That will never change. ♤~" He darkens quickly, "You underestimate me with each turn. We will play again soon." He leans in and kisses me.
      I pull away from him after we kiss and jump off the docks, "Well I don't wanna play with you still." I stick my tongue out, "You are a bad boy."
      I fly off and head back to the hotel, I'm exhausted. I can see the boys just below walking in as I come to a land on our balcony. Making me wonder who is that waiting for me on the bed.
      As I slide open the door, "Hello-"
       "Nope Chrollo. Just not tonight. The boys are on their way up and I have had enough of visitors." I hush him and pull him out onto the balcony.
      "Naru it is important we-"
      I cut him off again, "Nope. Whatever you need can wait till after I get my Hunter License. I will meet you where we first met. Now go." I push him off the balcony just as the boys walk in.
      I run to sit on the bed as Kil sees me, "Who did you just push off the balcony?"
        "Huh? What? Balcony? I have no idea what you are talking about." I fidget with the blankets before climbing into the bed.
      "Riiigghhtt." He rolls his eyes and looks at Gon.
       "I am very tired. We should get some rest before we leave tomorrow." I smile and Gon turns out the lights.
      Haiji comes out and lays next to me. He purrs against my back as I look out into the night sky. I hear the boys still goofing off on their bed.
      "Go to sleep boys." I lightly laugh. I close my eyes, excited for my new adventure.

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