Past Island: Regrets and Guilt (Past Series #1) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 12: Dr. Ferrer

Killua stood on the rocky cliffside, the ocean crashing against the rocks below, spraying a fine mist that glistened in the moonlight. He clenched his fists, the determination in his eyes unwavering. The island had already thrown numerous challenges at them, and this was his chance to prove his strength-to himself and to his friends.

After helping Raiver overcome his fears and guilt, Killua felt a sense of camaraderie and purpose. However, that feeling was short-lived. The island seemed to have a will of its own, and before they could fully regroup, Killua found himself separated from Raiver once more. He ventured deeper into the unknown, his thoughts heavy with memories of his past.

Killua Jordan's past was a labyrinth of pain and fear. The trembling in his voice that day when he escaped his abusive father still haunted him. Nights were spent planning his escape, every detail meticulously thought out to avoid the wrath of the man who should have been his protector. The desperation and fear of those long nights were etched into his soul.

Yet, despite gaining his freedom, the trauma lingered. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see his father's face, twisted in anger. He could hear the harsh words, feel the sting of the beatings. But what weighed most heavily on him was the guilt of leaving his younger sister, Erika, behind. She was still a young lady when he escaped, and he couldn't take her with him. The thought of her enduring the same abuse tormented him every day.

This journey to Past Island was more than just a physical journey; it was a journey to overcome his past, to forgive himself, and to gather the strength to face Erika and make amends.

As Killua moved further away from the cliffside, the dense foliage of the jungle seemed to swallow him whole. The air grew thick, and an eerie silence fell over the area. He sensed something was wrong, but he pressed on, determined to face whatever the island threw at him.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a man, tall and gaunt, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into Killua's soul. The man wore a tattered lab coat, and his presence exuded an unsettling aura. Killua's heart raced as he recognized the figure from the island's lore: Dr. Ferrer, the cursed scientist turned monster.

Dr. Ferrer was said to have the power to transform into one's greatest fear, an ability that could drive even the bravest to madness. Killua steeled himself, knowing that this was another test, another challenge he had to overcome.

The air around them grew colder, and Killua's breath came in visible puffs. Dr. Ferrer slowly morphed, his form shifting and contorting until he stood as a perfect replica of Killua's father. The sight made Killua's blood run cold. The man before him wore the same expression of anger and cruelty that had haunted Killua for years.

"Killua," the figure snarled, his voice dripping with malice. "Akala mo siguro matatakasan mo na ako, ano? anong akala mo? matatakasan mo ang nakaraan mo?."

Killua's fists clenched tighter, his nails digging into his palms. "You're not real," he muttered, more to himself than to the apparition. "You're just a shadow, a trick."