Aki was not big in stature or in physic and she didn't weigh much either. But people are always surprised with how strong she was. She was a walking time-bomb. The essence of being a ninja was engraved in her body. Furthermore, she was trained to be a killer.
Vaguely, if she concentrated, Aki could recall wails of horror and whispers of despair. She could recall a voice in her head harshly whispering against her ear. Aki couldn't make sense of what the person was saying but every time she remembers his whispering voice, a shiver runs down Aki's spine in fear.
That person was the one who taught her the meaning of death and desperation; the one who taught her how easy it was to take away life...
"Keep your head in the game, Aki." Hisoka's voice brought Aki out of her reverie.
A punch hit Aki on her stomach which made her cough out blood as her back collided with the wall. Hisoka didn't stop there and rained down his fist once more. The black-haired girl had no time to block as a series of direct hits rained down on her lithe form.
With swift movements, Aki dodged Hisoka, twisting her body around his in a dangerous dance. Aki pivoted on her left leg, gaining momentum before she brought her right knee on Hisoka's stomach. The red head caught her knee however, clicking his tongue.
"I thought this whole training session was meant to test your defense?" Hisoka questioned, bringing their fight on a standstill. Aki smirked.
"Best defense is offense, old man." Aki retorted, bringing down her knee from Hisoka's hold. The red head smirked back. He stood up straight with his hands on his waist.
"Well, I must say that your Ten is near perfect now. You should be able to practice Ren now." Hisoka commented.
"I guess I better pay Wing a visit." Aki muttered under her breath. It was just another day of training for Aki. With a 9-0 record, she was taking her time to find the right match that will grant her the ticket to the top floor masters.
Hisoka was on the same boat as her. He was waiting for Gon, that is. And so, they were spending more time together. Hisoka had agreed to help Aki with her Nen training. They often did their training sessions in the Arena's gym.
After a few minutes of resting, Aki took off her shirt leaving her in just a tank top. She also removed her holster of weapons. Then, she faced Hisoka with a face that made Hisoka shiver in delight.
"Break time's over." Aki said, lowering her stance with hands on the side. Her aura enveloped her in a visible coat of white.
"Time to get serious, eh?" Hisoka remarked, swinging his hips to the side.
"Come at me with all you got, old man." Aki invited, flashing her signature smirk. Hisoka didn't need to be told twice. In a second, he covered the distance between them with one leap. Using his momentum, the red head punched Aki on the mug.
Then another hit on the jaw; a kick to her shin; a doble chop; then another hit on her face.
Hisoka was merciless.
He continued to rain down hits as Aki tried her best to defend against them. Hisoka's movements were swift and lethal—every hit packing quite an impact. Still, Aki tried to persevere, moving her body to fox-trot with Hisoka's moves and blocking his blows.
As time went by, Aki observed a pattern to Hisoka's movements. A hit to her left, followed by a high kick, then finished with a punch. Afterwards, Hisoka aimed for her right torso, sweeping his feet underneath Aki, then standing up to land a hard blow to her jaw.
And then Aki saw it in slow motion: Hisoka's fist coming from her left side. Her arms moved up to block the blow. Unconsciously, Aki began to shift her Nen to become more concentrated on the left side of her head and her arms on the trajectory of the blow.
Hisoka felt the resistance as his Nen coated fist connected to Aki's arms. Surprised, the red head stopped his barrage of attacks.
"Just now, did you focus your Nen on your arms to guard against my attack?" Hisoka asked, bewildered.
"What? Uh... I don't know." Aki replied, bringing her arms down. She looked curiously at Hisoka who snorted at her reply.
"Subconsciously, huh." Hisoka muttered under his breath. Just now, Aki was able to execute an advanced application of Ten and Ren, 'Ken'—although, the girl herself was not aware of this.
Hisoka was amazed by Aki's battle sense. Hell, he didn't even give her tips on how she can improve her Ten! And yet, here she was, practicing Ken. Although her Ken was slightly different since she still can't use Gyo, but her fighting sense and reflexes made up for what she lacks as a beginner.
In a lot of ways, the black-haired girl reminds Hisoka of himself. Like the way she seems to be able to pick up tricks like picking up pebbles. Or the way that her aura feels similar to Gon's pure atmosphere, despite not being innocent at all.
Or maybe... the way that the pong of death seemed to cling to her.
Hisoka was truly mystified by Aki's unique character.
As Hisoka clenched his fist for another blow to Aki's left side, Aki prepared to block using Ken once more. However, it was a fake. Just as he was about to hit Aki, Hisoka pulled back then hit her at the back of her neck. Aki collapsed, an immediate knockout.
Hisoka panted a little, trying hard to reign his desire. Hell, he was already half-hard from Aki's little display of her innate talent. Letting out a shaky breath, Hisoka licked his lips. He looked back at Aki who was slumped on the floor.
Hisoka felt Aki's breathing even out and he looked down to see that the girl had lost consciousness. He carefully lifted her off the dirty floor and took the girl to the infirmary.
All the way there, Hisoka tried hard to keep his hands off her. After all, Aki was the only toy that he wasn't that willing to mess up. Yet.
¤¤♡¤¤♡¤¤
Aki
When I opened my eyes, I was greeted with the sight of my ceiling. The first thought that crossed in my mind was: My throat felt so dry. I heaved up, my vision blurry and unsteady. And then, a hand gently pushed me back down towards the bed.
"Shh... it's alright, Chrome." I knew that voice very well. Immediately, I tried to sit up once again but this time, I was pushed back with more force. I didn't like the feeling of weakness. I didn't like the fact that right now, Gon was overpowering me.
"G-gon...." I croaked. I croaked like a shitty frog. Sorry for cussing, but that's just how stressed I was feeling. I rubbed my eyelids and squinted to get a better look at the brunet. When my vision cleared, I saw that he was handing out a glass full of water to me. I quickly took it and, this time—instead of pushing me down—Gon helped me sit up.
Water soothed my dry throat. Gon quickly took the emptied glass from me before filling it again. I downed the second glass of water. Again, Gon quietly took the glass from me and placed it on the table beside my bed.
"Are you feeling better now?" Gon asked. I nodded my head reluctantly.
"What are you doing here?" Immediately, Gon frowned. He looked away from me and glared at the wall on one side.
"... Killua and I visited you last Monday. We wanted you to come watch our fights but—" Gon stopped for a second, looking at me from the corner of his eyes before he let out a sigh.
".... You were unconscious," Gon continued. "No matter what we did, you didn't wake up. And it's been like that for three days."
"Three days?!" I couldn't help but yell in disbelief. So that's why I felt like I was gonna die from thirst. I frowned.
"What day is it today?" I asked.
"Wednesday. You missed all our fights. Although, Killua is currently fighting someone right now." Gon informed me, unusually lethargic. I ignored that, scrambling to my feet to open the TV—hoping to at least get a glimpse of Killua's fight in broadcast.
The TV switched on. Just my luck, it was still showing Killua in the Arena with his opponent. Sadly, it was showing Killua taking down his opponent. I couldn't help the face palm.
"The heck? Why the hell was I out for so long—Gon?" I stopped mid-rant, noticing how Gon's expression had remained grim. It was unnerving.
"Chrome, can you tell me something honestly?" Gon started, looking at me with deep brown eyes.
"W-what?" I stammered. Well, shit. I stuttered like a deer caught in red lights. The brunet inched closer towards me. He stared at me carefully before speaking up.
"... Is there something you want to tell me?" His tone was grave, like he put a lot of thought into his question. Still, I was utterly confused with his query.
"No? Like what exactly?" I spoke in a low tone, regarding Gon with narrowed eyes. He blinked before smiling from ear to ear.
"Nothing. I was just checking if you have a crush on me or something." Cheekily, he grinned.
"Ack—the heck is up with that?!" I asked, giving him the stink eye. Gon only laughed at my expense.
"Oh right, you and Killua have something going on right?" He teased, wiggling his eyebrows. I gave him a deadpanned expression in return.
"Not funny Gon." I retorted. The brunet chuckled before standing up and dusting his clothes.
"Okay, okay... sorry, Chrome. I think I should be going now. Killua said he's gonna drop by later so, enjoy your time." He didn't wait for my reply as he was already closing the door by the time I was able to process his words. I stared at my door in confusion and bewilderment.
"What's up with Gon?" I couldn't help but ask aloud. He was uncharacteristically serious for one moment and then the next playful.
Suddenly, my bedroom door opened to reveal Killua. His hair, disheveled as usual and his pale skin standing out.
"Chrome!" I frowned. Did Killua and Gon change personalities? Why is Killua the one who's so happy to see me awake and Gon left me so fast like he didn't want to be in my presence.
"'Sup." I greeted him and then the next thing I knew, I was being shook by my shoulders.
"What did you tell Gon?" Again, what is it with this duo? First Gon and now Killua. I threw my hands up exasperatedly.
"Why? What? What do I have to tell him? Can you just get straight to the point?" I snapped at the silverette. Killua released his grip on my shoulders before lowering his head. He gave me one look of frustration before he closed his eyes and turned his head away from me.
"... Last Monday, we were informed that you were in the infirmary. On the way there to visit you, we saw Hisoka... with you." Killua paused. Now I see what the problem is. I pursed my lips, silent in contemplation. Killua took my silence as a sign to continue with his narrative.
"Gon, he was so furious. He was so close to attacking Hisoka because he thought that he was the one who hurt you. But I was able to stop him, although he was really mad at me for it. I didn't know how to explain things to Gon... I told you I'd keep it a secret, so I kept quiet and told him to wait and hear it from you. He's been watching over you since then. Hell, he even brought you back to your room!" Killua's long narrative ended with a sigh. "If I had known that Hisoka was there, I wouldn't have suggested to visit you. Dammit."
I sat there, lost in my own thoughts as Killua paced in the room—occupied with his own thoughts. It all makes sense now... Gon's question to me.
He wanted me to tell him directly... what my relationship to Hisoka was. My blood ran cold and before I knew it, I was outside my door, running through the hallways in pursuit of Gon.
"Chrome!" Killua's voice sounded distant as I zoomed past the hallways and stopped in front of Gon's room. I slammed the door open.
"Gon!" I panted and looked left to right... but there was no brunette in sight. I called his name out again. Damn. Does he... no longer want to be my friend? Is he disappointed in me?
"Chrome! Gon's outside." Killua's voice brought me out of my reverie. I stared at him, feeling like a helpless kid—wait, I am a kid. For the second time since I met Killua and Gon, I felt like crying... but this time, I was conscious and aware of the tears pricking in my eyes. I roughly wiped them away before they could drop from my eyes.
"Okay." I followed Killua closely as we ran outside in search for Gon. I sensed his presence before I saw him.
I sped up. But, when Gon came in sight, my whole body halted. Killua also stopped and frowned at me.
"What're you stopping for? You gotta explain things to him clearly." Killua pulled my hand lightly. I nodded my head absent-mindedly. Gon was seating under a large oak tree which reminded me of the forest where I first woke up in. He had his eyes closed, a sad look on his face.
I squeezed Killua's hand before breaking free from his hold.
"Killua, thank you." The silverette didn't reply as I walked towards Gon. Killua didn't follow me any further and ought to watch me walk away.
When I stopped in front of Gon, his eyelids fluttered open and he smiled up at me. There was that genuine smile that won me over and made me believe in friendship.
"Yo!" He greeted me cheerfully.
"Gon..." The brunette looked up at me with those darn brown eyes.
"Chrome." The cheeky smile on his face was gone, replaced by a serene one. "Do you have something to tell me?"
"Yes."
I told him about how Hisoka found me in a forest. How the red head took me in and took care of me as if I was his own. I told him of how I started to live in the Heaven's Arena and how my connection with the red head grew.
I told him how people sought after me for revenge against Hisoka... how people used me to try and get back to Oyaji. How I was scared to tell both him and Killua about my connection to Hisoka in fear that they would also use me to get their revenge... And when I was done, Gon sat there with bleary eyes.
"Dumbass, don't cry." I chided lightly. He sniffed. Killua had come over to us a few moments after I started to talk. He was leaning against the oak tree on the other side of Gon.
"But you... all those people. They were bad to you! You were hurt... Is that why you were hesitant to open up? I'm so sorry Chrome!!" Gon ranted like a brat.
"Idiot, it wasn't your fault. You had nothing to do with me then." I retorted, attempting to calm him.
"Chrome's right Gon. It's fine now since... we're here." Killua added reluctantly, giving me a small smile.
I saw a flash of memory then.
Killua, only this time, in ninja apparel. He was smiling at me too. Then blood. His blood on my hands. And then I saw him—a man wearing a mask with only one hole for the eye. His eyes glowed red beneath that mask of his. I knew then that it was him.
Madara Uchiha.
~ End of #14 ~