unwaver [illumi zoldyck]

Chapter 4 - Flashback in Time x and x Friendship

The earliest memory Emiko had was her first trip to Yorknew City. She was perhaps five or six then, dressed in the Zoldycks' finest and smallest kimono.

Zeno and Silva Zoldyck walked in front of her, long strides, heads high, and she remembered thinking that one day she would be on par with them. On her left was Kikyo, who occasionally glanced at her out of precaution.

At this point in time, Emiko had only lived with them for three years. Silva had decided to take her in - something extremely uncommon in a family of assassins, but they had intended for her to be an object for Illumi to train his skills on. She was after all, one of the strongest that Meteor City had to offer.

The first time Kikyo laid her hands on Emiko to experiment was a memory Emiko could never forget. She could recall vividly how her heart thundered and how she was wheezing to the extent that she could taste blood, she had strapped her into the chair and plunged a needle into her veins. The main veins of her wrist that had gotten so much abuse, needle after needle after needle. She had blankly stared up at the ceiling and hoped that one day, she would be deprived of so much blood that she would just drop dead to the ground. She was two at the time, and had no mark in this world. The pain felt like an endless abyss. One too many pieces of literature told her that, that once the pain alleviates, there would be more on the other side. She had always wondered what the other side is.

However upon careful observation, Zeno had suggested otherwise, imperceptibly impressed by her mastery of techniques at such a young age. She was able to open one testing gate at five years old. She was a Specialist, with the potential to exceed expectations, given the right training. And so, Emiko would soon become a part of this family of assassins.

On her right was Illumi, who kept a straight face as he marched forward, not displaying a hint of emotion on his pale face. Emiko and Illumi were not well acquainted in the slightest at this point in time. There was the occasional "You don't look pale today." and "Is the poison still in your system?", but Emiko refused to speak to him unless necessary. Illumi too, did not think it was a necessity. They were training partners. That was all.

The first time he asked for her background she opened her mouth to tell him, but she had stopped herself before a sound could come out. She thought perhaps it was best she didn't tell him. They were only sparring partners. Names and such did not matter. The likelihood that something could grow from their encounters were very slim.

So, she had decided that it was best to not tell him. At least, not right away. "Maybe I'll tell you my last name and other things if you prove to me you are worthy of hearing it," she had stated, a small giggle on her words as he took in a deep breath.

He remembered thinking back then, a little unsure why he was filled with so much determination. She wanted him to prove himself to her then fine. He'd best get started then.

In the memory of this present day, they were to visit one of the Zeno's acquaintances, and Emiko could not help but notice how different the place was compared to the Zoldyck estate.

As a young kid, she was surprised and maybe even a little scared. It was exotic.

Even from the outside, ivy and ferns grew through the crevices of the old winding stone path, which led directly to the colossal structure. The mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence.

Inside though, was what Emiko mainly remembered. It was glittery with all different colors. Swirly pure-gold lines were everywhere, displaying the owner's wealth.