wait for me [illumi zoldyck]

33. Eclipse

Beginning of Part 2

Illumi

I traced the barely visible veins in her eyelids.

"Don't touch her," Mamuro commands, his voice echoing shakily. I turn my head around to look at him then turned my eyes back to Mia. When he speaks again his voice is low and terrible, "She's gone, there's nothing we can do now."

The ghostly light pouring past the leaves of the forest was suddenly blotted out, the mood eclipsed. When I could see again, Mia's body has vanished. 

I roar, the sound is hoarse and feral. I move to where she laid just moments ago, searching for where her body had gone. "What happened to her?" I demand, glaring up at Mamuro.

"The spirits have claimed her soul," he murmurs, quietly, desperately.

Mamuro's knees buckle, as he collapses to the ground. His hands are shaking. "She is being judged, either she will ascend to Heaven or descend to Hell," Mamuro breaths, eyes wide with a pained expression. Slowly, he begins to lift himself off the floor, and turns to walk away.

Anger burns hot within me, but fear creeps in, too, freezing me to the core. My hands are cold and shaking. I stand motionlessly over where Mia lay only moments ago. She was so small and frail. She was so good.

But I lost her.

***

Five Years Later

I pace back and forth, in my family's main foyer, listening to the buzz of excited conversation and clink of high-end crystal. A pretty new cocktail server nods as I pass by her and then drops her gaze, taking in my attire. I wore a perfectly tailored black suit, crisp and shiny. Very unlike me.

My gaze lowers as well, noticing her curvy figure that isn't too-well hidden under her revealing uniform. I notice the small tag upon her perky breasts reading, Celeste. She offers me a glass of champagne that sits on a large circular tray that she is using to serve beverages to all the guests. Seeing as today is a special event, my father has hired an array of new staff to make our guests feel comfortable and welcome. She is one of them.

I pick up a glass from her tray and watch her hips sway as she walks over to the next person she could find to offer a drink.

The room buzzes with life, yet I can't bring myself to feel joyful over the purpose of their happiness. The Akagi family is here, celebrating their union with my family. After the fall of the Hano family, the two remaining families left, to rule over the assassination industry, are the Zoldyck and the Akagi families. Better to become each others' allies rather than remain enemies. That is what my mother told me when she decided to inform me of how exactly the families are planning to solidify their union.

I take a large swig from the glass of alcohol in my hand, my eyes drifting over each person in the room, looking for the pretty waitress to get another drink for myself.

From behind me I could hear my father speaking, "Elijah, I'm so glad you all could make it, it's a shame that Takeo couldn't be here. I recently heard that he's been away on a job for quite some time," he speaks calmly. Elijah Akagi stands beside his tall wife, Novah, who may as well have been a model if the assassin business didn't work out for her. "Yes, it's a shame, I'm sure he really would have liked to be here," Novah muses in, covering her mouth as she giggles, "After all, his little sister is getting engaged tonight. Speaking of which where is your handsome son, Illumi?"

I begin walking away from the crowd, before they noticed that I was standing not too far from them. "Illumi, there he is." Mother calls me over, noticing me attempt to escape. I sigh heavily, turning my head to look at her, she waves me over. The same curvy waitress from before walks by me and I quickly pick up another glass of champagne and placed my empty cup in its place before making my way to the small circle that had formed.

Mother grabs my arm and holds me right at her side, not letting go. Her nails discretely dig into the skin of my arm, warning me not to do something to mess this up. "Hello," I nod politely in the direction of Elijah and Novah who watch me delightfully. Novah's smile is much more prominent than that of her husband's, "Oh, how exciting! Look at you all tall and strong. Anika won't be able to stop talking about you after today!"

A small hand appears out of nowhere and tugs on Mr. Akagi's suit, "Please don't embarrass me," A small voice speaks, from behind the couple. Elijah steps to the side, revealing a small woman standing behind him who resembles him very much. "Anika, don't be shy, come meet your new fiancée," Elijah murmurs to his daughter, gesturing towards me.

I can't help but notice how beautiful she is, but something about her reminds me of her. I quickly brush the thought out of my head. I can't think of that right now. I need to forget.

"Hello, Illumi, it's nice to finally meet you," Anika murmurs shyly, her cheeks tinting in embarrassment. She is so gentle just by the way she speaks. I nod my head, choosing not to answer. I don't feel like speaking.

Father, from beside me, clears his throat. "Well, you two should run off, we need to discuss some details," he assures us quickly, noticing the building awkwardness between us. My mother's nails dig deeply into my skin. I look over to her, with knitted brows.

Anika scurries away rather quickly, at my father's words, just as my mother lets go of my arm. I mimic Anika's actions, except, walking in the opposite direction. My family's decision to arrange this marriage did not include anyone's opinion but that of father and Mr. Akagi. Even Killua was shocked, from the last I heard of him. The last I heard of him, he was off somewhere playing some game, from what Milluki and mother told me.

How I wish to be his age once again. To just, turn back time.

I bring the glass of champagne to my lips and down it. From the corner of my eye, I notice Celeste, the sexy waitress, standing behind the small bar, preparing more drinks. I walk over, a small smirk growing, "I'll have another one," I declare, placing my empty glass on the counter.

She looks up from where she is making drinks, nodding slowly. She picks up the glass and begins to prepare a new one for me. Her small hands have long talon-like nails that were painted hot pink. My gaze drags up her body, noticing her breasts pouring out of that small uniform she wears. As she slides the new drink across the counter, our eyes lock.

I reach over for the drink, purposely brushing my fingers up against hers. "Let's go somewhere else," I smirk, "Somewhere a little more, private."

++

Mia

"Where are you taking me?" I ask gently, my head rested against Kyser's shoulder as he carries me. We remained silent the entire walk up to now. I can't help but feel slightly worried about where he is bringing me. In normal circumstances, I wouldn't have let this complete stranger take me away, especially when I am completely defenseless. However, I have nothing left to lose and whatever is happening, this was certainly better than laying on the ground of ages.

There is also something about Kyser that is just so compelling. It draws out a sense of safety and comfort within me which makes any ideas of doubt or fear vanish. I feel oddly safe with the purple-eyed man.

My limbs are still weak as ever, but my voice seems to be regaining strength after being silenced for ages. Every time I speak, however, my stiff jaw erupts in pain, but that too is ameliorating with time.

Kyser remains silent the entire walk. He doesn't respond to any of my questions. He just kept walking and walking until suddenly he stops.

"We've made it," he states, turning his head downwards to look at me, "To the gates of Hell."

Those purple eyes bare into my green ones.

++

Hey guys, thanks for all the support you guys have been sending me. I just want you all to know that I read every single one of your comments and they put a smile on my face. You've all encouraged me to keep writing, so I hope you all enjoy part 2 of Wait for Me.

What do you guys think about:

- Illumi's engagement?

- The Akagi family's alliance with the Zoldycks?

- Kyser's intentions?

Please let me know! 

zacarak