Wings and Webs: Journey

Yukinaru -Escape- 63

     A mischievous grin flicks across Killua's face and bright excitement burns in his blue eyes. I poke him in the arm, pulling his attention immediately.
     "What trouble are you gonna try gettin us into Kil?" Arms on my hip and tapping a foot, "I don't trust that look one bit."
     "Well Haiji once told me a story about where his kind would practice their own skills and it sounds fun there." Kil kicks at a rock on the ground.
     "Where is that Killua? Haiji tell me about it too! I wanna go!!" Gon jumps excitingly.
     "Absolutely not Kil. You two in the shadow plains is a terrible idea! I don't even go there. Haiji-"
     "Oh ease up sis, you still don't give us enough credit. We are alot stronger now-"
     Before Killua even finishes, "Oh you think so? Tell me oh powerful little brother, think you could beat Illumi yet?" I scorn him harshly. He cringes lightly unsure of an answer, "If you don't believe you could beat him then you definitely won't survive training there."
     I walk forward toward them, "Listen we can find a better place that's a challenge but not as death filled. The creatures there can feel life force and the longer we are there the more dangerous it gets."
     "You have no faith in us?" Gon looks up with pure innocent eyes.
     "That right there Gon. You may be stronger and alot more grown but you are still so innocent." I pull him in for a hug.
     "Yuki, I am being serious. Go on and ask Haiji, I am sure he will say it'll be ok too." Killua looks at Haiji by my side, his eyes full of hope that the cat agrees with him.
     "Young Master.." Haiji purrs and rubs against Kil, under my intense gaze he speaks quicker though, "I can always remove the boys quick-"
     "Do you even think it be wise to bring young ones there honestly?" I scoff hard and knee Haiji in the side.
     "Awww Yuki ♡~, why exclude me from this fun♤~? Surely you wouldn't leave me here when going on such a trip?" Of fucking course he would show up.
     "Hi Hisoka, why are you here?" Gon asks, immediately breaking up our current conversation.
     "It absolutely doesn't matter why he is here. I still dont think it be a good idea to bring my little brother to the shadow den where otherworldly monsters prowl." I turn harshly and look at Hisoka now, "And you, didn't I tell you to go entertain yourself else where and leave me to my own training?"
     I begin to tap my foot and watch as Kil takes Gon by the shoulder. "Come on Gon. Let's go."
     "But I wanna hear more about this place Haiji was talking about! It sounds super exciting-"
     "Not now Gon. Let's go." Kil disappears with Gon in toe.
     I nod at Haiji sending him with the boys so I can find them later. I'm glad they left though, Hisoka's timing was perfect. I truly think it is a bad idea to train there.
     "Awww come on Yuki, you only sent me away cause you were at the estate. Surely me joining you here-"
     "Absolutely not Jester. I don't wanna be around you no matter where I am at currently. " I roll my eyes, "You only want one thing from me and you aren't gettin it."
     "I am just interested in seeing your growth and a chance to explore a new place is also tempting." His voice as velvet as ever against my ear.
     "Not happening! Bye Jester!"I laugh darkly dropping him in the shadows once more.
     I quickly make for the boys and no sooner then arriving does Killua instantly bombarded me.
     "We talked with Haiji a bit more. I think we would be totally good there." Kil speaks up quickly.
     "Yeah and with your wings and shadow skills we can easily leave if it gets too much." Gon adds excitingly.
     These kids are gonna be the death of me I swear. They put on their biggest pouty face and puppy dog eyes. "Fine but the moment it gets too much we leave without complaints." I chrip back quickly.
     Rolling my eyes I motion Haiji to take us. We arrive in the Shadowscape bewteen the worlds we know. Haiji's birth place, the birth place of many, if not all, shadow creatures. Hell it could very well be where the Zarins first started too.
     The sky here is in a perpetual state of a starless night, the land barren of vegetation and water. Truly it is a blacken landscape of despair and rott lingering in the air. The ground, hard beneath my feet from unseen blood stains and battles. Even the white of my wings is barely visible, I feel so heavy beneath this atmosphere ontop of it.
     "Well it definitely looks like a nightmare." Kil steps closer to my side, Gon in toe.
     "The air is gross and it stinks really bad." Gon pinches his nose as he speaks.
     "Are we sure we really wanna train here boys? Like I'm sure the Milsy Wetlands be a better training place then here or even-"
     "Those wetlands are too easy to navigate. I could do it with my eyes closed." Kil scoffs up at me and walks forward.
     "Well...." Gon looks around unsure, at least he finally sees how bad of an idea this was. "This place is definitely different. I can't pick up on any smells over the stench..."
     "Oh come on Gon. It's not so bad here." Killua reassures him, knocking into his shoulder.
     "Regardless boys, get ready. It won't be long before our presence is known now. The creatures here will feel our life force even if we hide with zetsu." I motion Haiji to stay close to them.
     They will need his assistance far more then I will. At first the monsters that show up are simple enough to deal with, mostly slime base and a few batcy kittens. Gon easily takes out many close by with his Jakken and Killua clears up a good few on his own using lightning palm.
     The next beast to arrive are also simple, much like an over sized wood hound, mindless and starving. They have some strength but not overwhelming even in numbers.
     "See Yuki, these creatures aren't so scary!" I hear Killua laugh lightly.
     "Yeah, I agree! You made it sound like it was gonna be scary and hard!" Gon joins in on the light mood.
     We make quick work as new creatures arrive, hours go by without much issue. Each of us getting in good exercise as the waves continue. I been encasing my nen around my fist and feet, using it to boost my punches and kicks.
     I suppose the boys were right, this is good experience after all. Between the steady waves of enemies combined with the crushing atmosphere, our skills will be improved dramatically when we return to the Known World.
     Enjoying my time with them as we stick close together, beating monsters.
I smile feeling the relief wash over me, I thought this was gonna be much worse. The tales I heard about this place growing up seem like silly bedtime stories now.
     Eventually things quiet down and the boys sit back to back panting from the last round. We been here for hours and none of us are seriously hurt or drained.
     The stamina on them two is ridiculous but we should leave now, I feel something closing in off in the distance. It was bound to happen with all the blood and dead bodies around us.
     "Alright, well I am definitely hungry and pretty satisfied with today's practice." I walk over to the boys and Haiji.
     "Yeah, Yuki is right Gon. I'm also hungry." Kil smiles and helps his friend to his feet.
     I walk a few feet away turn to the boys, "Come on Haiji let's-" I stop and scream mid sentence.
     I look over my shoulder and see a muzzle clasped tightly on the upper bridge of my wing. I let my guard down for just a moment, clearly unwise of me. I knew something was close and yet I still allowed myself to be distracted.
     Sharp fangs pierce my feathers all the way through, if the creature applies any more pressure it will successfully be the first to take a literal bite of me..
Feeling the blood now flowing down my wing enrages me. I whip my wing forward hard, yanking it free and sending blood splattering across my face.
     Wasting no time I turn on a dime and see Haiji is on the creatures back. It rears up onto it's hind legs and I swiftly plunge my hand through its spikey hide chest but there isn't a heart there. With a violent roar, it shakes him off and jumps backwards a good distance. I move in front of the boys, putting them behind me as I stare at this shadow mass.
     This creature I face is unlike any other I have seen, even on the hunting expeditions with Uncle Renji. Haiji is big for his species but this thing is bigger then him by a good few feet. Its' massive body covered in thick, black jagged thorns and it has liquid dripping from each one. Most certainly its venom, just no idea what kind. The eyes catch my attention swiftly, such a deep shade of crimson, flickering between me and the boys.
     Finally hitting me is the aura from this thing. The intensity is stiffling and laced with the putrid stench of death.. It stalks closer towards us, the sound of talons against rock grinds in our ears. It has no intention of letting us run, I have never encountered a shadow demon but surely this is one.
     I watch as it's heckles rise, exposing a row of bright red fangs along his muzzle. It may stand on four crooked limbs but nothing about this creature is animal. Truly we came across a demon born of hatred and rage. I look back to see the boys behind Haiji and myself.
     The fear finally sinking in, their minds unable to fathom such an existence. I knew this was a foolish idea to come here, we pushed our luck staying so long. They are too inexperienced to be training with their lives on the line like this either. The first few waves of monsters were nothing compared to now.
     The shadow demon continues to circle us, his claws digging into the blood blacken ground grinds in my ears. I steady myself and ready for a fight I am so not ready for. Seems the taste of my blood has his focus at least, not once has its eyes averted from my injured wing.
     Wait, poison thorns probably means venom fangs.. I quickly use my ability to heal the wound but it doesn't feel like its gone. Glancing back at the creature it seems to have been momentarily confused but already quickly righting itself.
     I'm so stupid to give into Kil's request and now they may die here. Trapped in this plane of existence, doom to become the very thing I am fighting to save them from. With Haiji's engery completely focused on just protecting them. I am gonna have todo this on my own, I can't hold anything back anymore.
     Without warning the battle starts, the demon rushes towards me with clear killing intent. The speed in it's step is on par with mine as we clash in the middle. My dagger catching between his teeth, I quickly slash out with my other hand. Landing a deep slice across his right eye with my sharpened nails.
     Whatever this shadow demon may have been, it's truly terrifying at how adapt and cunning it is now. No sooner then I sliced his eye, it swipes out suddenly for my side. I failed to block it and razor talons sink deep into my skin.
     I jump back quick using my wings, coming to a skid standing a few feet away. The demon walks back and fourth, its stride is off putting with such contorted limbs. The knees fold back instead of forward, how creepy. I shutter silently, how can it be so fast though.
     I watch the demon swallow my flesh and blood, small tremors appear across its body. I feel slight exhaustion washing over me at the same time. It must have an absorption ability too.
I heal the wound at my side but just like my wing, it still feels like it's there. Another ability or it could be a new type of venom. I hear a low growl rumble and focus in time to block the demon's next attack, repelling it backwards. I charge instantly after it and slice at its neck.
     My dagger snaps against the hide, and I feel my skin scrap against the thorns. Pain instantly throbbing in my fingers. Once again it caught me off guard and I feel the demon's fangs sink deep into the same wing.
     I hear Gon shriek wildly and launch an engery blast at the monstrous figure. I tried to stop him, tried to warn it was pointless endveor but it was too late..
The shadow demon jumped back from me taking some more of my flesh and feathers with him but still managed to swallow the blast from Gon without effort. I watch as it's body ripples and grows once more, even more furiously now.
     "Stop attacking it! You are just making it stronger!" I spit out blood, and checked over my wing, "It has been draining me as is! Stay out of this fight now!"
     The wound it left is deeper then the others but I am able to heal most of it quickly. That nifty little ability I copied from Haiji is really saving my ass right now. I just wish it felt healed.. I snap my focus back to the demon. Slowly it moves closer in, hoping to see some weak point on me.
     "Yuki! Go for it's neck. Just behead it with your ability weapon!" I hear Killua shout but I roll my eyes at how easy he makes it sound.
     "None of our attacks are doin anything! What makes you think I can simply walk up to it and chop the head off!" I respond darting forward and swing Higiroshi out from the shadows none the less.
     I managed to land a shallow slice across the back leg but it shows no response and lunges for my neck this time. Just barely able to dodge, feeling the fangs scrape against my flesh once more. My wing is pretty unusable now, slightly slowing my speed down clearly. Wonder if my reduced speed gonna get me killed or save me.
     "I have an idea. Stay out of the way boys." I look at Higiroshi in my hands.
     His aura is nearly jet black, I wonder how I never noticed this before. I can feel my enemy circling, knowing this time I need to finish this. I release everything I have. Dropping everything and freeing myself completely.
     I feel the pressure my own nen is creating, even this mysterious creature freezes for a moment. Taking this chance I force my nen onto Higi.
Determined to be the one leading this fight. The only way I will ever truly master en is fighting /him/ I suppose. My nen weapon vs me, normally Higi leads the fights against opponents when I summon him.
     I feel him fighting against my control already, his desire to kill and feed his core is nearly overwhelming. How I never noticed this before either is beyond me. I sense the boys close by watching the clash of our nens as the beast rushes forward in blind rage.
     "ENOUGH!" I snap, finally sick of Higiroshi treating me like the weak little creature from the Valley of Rizi where we met. "You are gonna listen to me and help me kill this creature or imma snap you in half!"
     I exert all my strength into my scythe, his aura slowly giving way to me. Soon Higi is completely shrouded now. I feel his fight for control grudgingly surrender and I ready us for one last attack.
     The creature closes in with blinding speed, I encase my feet in enough nen to get a solid footing, tightly compacting all my remaining strength. I wait till I can smell the stank of its breath then release.
     I dodge up and bring my blade down quick across the back of its neck. Higiroshi's edge now laced in my nen, easily slices through the once sturdy hide. The creature's body slumps at my feet and the head rolls downhill towards the boys.
     Sighing deeply, I drop to my knees as they all run over hastily. Higiroshi dissolving away next to me.
     "Haiji" I snap to him quickly.
     He instantly takes us back through the portal leaving the Shadowscape and coming out into the center room in the Zoldyck's Manor. Regretting his location choice instantly as Silva, Zeno and Kikyo are now staring intensely at us in the middle of the sitting room.
     "What on earth have you children been doin!?" I hear Kikyo's voice sharper then a knife cut the air, "Look at the state of you, Kil! And Yuki your all covered in blood and a mangled wing!"
     "Explain yourselves immediately." Silva looks directly at me.
     "Just an unexpected surprise during our training is all." I speak up firmly and darkly, not wanting to hear their words. I am already furious enough at myself.
     "Ya father, it wasn't serious. We look worse then we are." Kil stands up and dusts off his shirt feeling my mood, "Gon, let's go chill in my room and eat snacks."
     They let Kil and Gon leave without fuss, so I stand to leave as well, my aura barely kept in check. My nerves still racing from the fight, my body locked in fight mode.
     "Not so fast young lady," Kikyo reaches to touch me.
     "I warn you, don't touch me. I am in no state for idle prat." I snap harshly, hoping she heades my warning for once. I seriously just wanna leave.
     "Leave her Kikyo," Silva steps up towards me. "Can't you just tell by looking at her that she is ok?" He chuckles darkly taking in my full demeanor as my zetsu slips.
     "She does seem to be in a right state alright. A bit moody I say, just leave the kids be. They are fine." Zeno chuckles and turns leaving.
     "I am okay. Just tired and need sleep. Good night to you both." I bow slightly to them, and leave for my room.
     I hurry along the hall and dart upstairs to my room. Closing my door silently, my control finally drops, letting the final rush of adrenaline escape. I grab a towel from my rack and start to wipe the blood from my wing half hazardly.
     I lay back on my bed still bloodly and dirty but completely uncaring. I fought an unknown creature, saved my brother from danger that I put him in and managed to over power Higi finally. I let the wave of exhaustion wash over me and I pass out nearly instantly.
     I wake after a full night's sleep, the mid afternoon sunlight bleeds in from the balcony. I yawn, stretching out from under Haiji. Every bone in my body cracking, fully healed up from yesterday's misadventure.
     "Haiji, come on you lazy lump." I kick out my leg from under him, "Go on now, get up."
     His yawn vibrates the walls of my room, and his stretch forward leaves gaint claw marks across the bedroom floor. He really isn't ment for a house, I chuckle and push his ass off the bed completely. His head pops up in daze, making me chuckle softly.
     "Good to hear you laugh. Surprised that I may have in fact missed it." Illumi steps forward.
     "Well that's new. You coming in from the balcony." I tease lightly and sit up, "What do you want now?"
     "I came to offer you a job." He steps in closer to me.
     "What kind of job?" I smile with excitement, I have missed simple assignments alot.
     "An assassination of course. Your target would be Mafia Don Leoin the Tiger. Arrangements should be made at the Bayloke Hotel for you." Illumi hands me a small envelope from his inside pocket.
     "Another mafia guy? Jezzz where do they all come from." I groan still taking the assessment.
     "They are easily replaced when next fool steps into the spot mindlessly." He sighs heavy, then leaves through my bedroom door.
     "I will report back when complete then." I chime out just as the door closes.