unwaver [illumi zoldyck]

Chapter 20 - The x End

"You're right, it doesn't make sense," Emiko agreed, nodding her head thoughtfully, "The request for the latest computer should be more severe than just playing dead and a pat on the head..."

Still deep in thought, Emiko and Illumi approached the hospital, three guards dropping dead onto the floor with one flick of Illumi's hands. Needles in their heads and face down, they formed a small puddle of blood on the ground.

"When I heard Milluki's report, that was the first thing that seemed off. And when the two choice wish resulted in a simple kiss on the cheek, it demanded fingernails. A far too heavy price," Illumi pondered out loud.

"The hint to resolving this contradiction lies in the wording Killua used. When making the two choice-wish, Killua wasn't asking. He was commanding," Emiko continued, "It makes sense that a command would work differently than a wish, and would not require payment upon completion." She nodded firmly, "Yup, that makes sense."

"Well, that's our conclusion, what do you think?"

Killua sat on a metal bench, Alluka in his arms sleeping soundly. Tsubone and Amane at his side. When he didn't respond, Illumi carried on, "I'll get to the point. I'm the one who can use Something's power, safely and effectively, for the Zoldyck family. As it stands, Alluka is no more than a spirit locked forever in one room. But, if I control him with you at his side, at the very least, I can guarantee his freedom."

"I'll protect Alluka," Killua declared, determination clear in his eyes. "Something, wake up," he commanded. Alluka's head turned outwards, sinister, black holes gazing into two pairs of eyes.

"Killua, listen - " Emiko started.

"I still don't understand why you're with my brother," he said bluntly, "If he wants to take Alluka and Something away from me, I won't hesitate to take you away from him. You're a Spider. I can ask Something to use the Judgement Chain on you. Kurapika told me he'd use it on you, and I'm sure it's not outside Something's scope of power," he stopped for a moment to think, "Maybe that would be best. And I can't trust your words, Illu-nii. I need to show you how serious I am."

Emiko swallowed hard. The colour drained from her face, and she stood frozen in place, as white as a sheet of paper. "You don't mean that."

"No," Killua looked away,"...You're right. I don't. I ... consider you my friend." There was a pause before he finally muttered, "Maybe I'll just send you both home." He shook Alluka gently, "Something, take Emi-nee-san - "

Illumi's eyes narrowed. He took a step forward, "Kil. I told you -"

Killua flinched, "Don't you ever lay a finger on us! Being controlled is the same as not living a life. It gives me this ... This... This feeling of death," he clutched his chest as angry tears welled up in his eyes, "How would you feel if Emi-nee-san was taken away from you?!"

"Emiko? Why would she ever die? I won't let anyone lay a finger on her."

Killua's eyes turned dark,"What if I told you I'd kill her then? The only rule is that family members aren't allowed to harm other family members, right?"

He suddenly remembered what Illumi had said about Alluka back then - Not family.

Red. Everything went red. His vision blurred as a flame curled in the pit of his stomach. Waves of fury rolled off him as the blood rose to his cheeks. The term anger, barely even touched the tip of the volcano that he so clearly was in that moment.

The mention of family made Emiko grow conscious of the ring circling her ring finger. Killua didn't know of this yet, of course.

"Kil, you need to learn your place," Illumi warned.