wait for me [illumi zoldyck]

Chapter 11

(updated: March 15, 2021)

Illumi

Some time has passed. I know that I won't be able to uphold my appearance for much longer. Without my needles, I can only physically morph my appearance for up to four to five hours before my body automatically transforms back to normal. 

I peer out the broken window of the Troupe's hideout, wondering if I'll hear anything from Hisoka any time soon. If he doesn't contact me in the next few minutes, I'll have to get up and leave on my own. Risking my life here isn't worth it.

I also have a lingering feeling that Mia may actually follow through with her ridiculous plan to run off. As much as I know I shouldn't, I'll go looking for her the moment I'm done from here, in order to make sure she understands the severity of such actions. Despite all that I told her, I never intended to leave her side after this favour. I don't think I'd be able to handle it.

My phone vibrates with a text message.

You can go. My efforts were futile.~

Before any of the others notice, I step out of the Troupe's secret hideout. Jumping out of the broken window that I was lounging beside, I make my escape. I immediately get rid of my disguise, letting my body morph back into its original state. For some unknown reason, I feel very uneasy.

It only takes a few moments after leaving before my phone starts vibrating again with yet another text message from Hisoka.

Our little doves are distressed. 

A frown finds its way to my face. It's obvious who he is referring to, but I don't understand what he means by distressed. So, I call him.

"Elaborate," I mutter, strolling between the battered buildings that make up Meteor City. 

I assume that the two girls probably don't get along. Afterall, Mia is meant to babysit a fully grown woman, who I'm certain is not happy about it. Nevertheless, Mia dislikes Hisoka so I doubt she's pleased with having to do something like this for him.

"They're being attacked.~" Hisoka hums happily from the other line. 

My steps come to a halt.

"I just received the most interesting call from River. It all sounds very exciting, but sadly I don't think I can get there just in time to watch. I was just wondering if you can go make sure my toy doesn't get hurt, because it seems like your little friend is troubled."

"Oh."

I hang up. 

In doesn't take long for me to reach the small town on the outskirts of Meteor City. It's very small and barely populated. It's far enough from the run down city to be safe against raids and criminals, but close enough for most people to choose to avoid it. 

I never asked Hisoka where exactly the girls were, but I quickly realize that that is not an issue. A faint ominous aura passes over me, enveloping the surrounding area. I can immediately tell that it isn't coming from Mia, but rather the person who caused "the doves to be distressed," and it's coming from the forest.

A large forest spans across the back of the few buildings in this town, leaving it completely surrounded by greenery and large pine trees. 

Just as I'm about to bolt into the woods, the sound of feet tripping against the pavement draw my attention. My eyes dart to a small girl with purple hair, who scampers towards me. Her face is tear stained, and she doesn't seem to pay attention to where she is going, nearly running into me. I grab her by the shoulders.