PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER 20 (the notice) HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH AN ACTUAL CHAPTER. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ IT PLEASE GO BACK AND DO SO.

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RESPONSE TO KagamineBanana:

No, I refuse to take away my gold star. Enjoy this almost as equally frustrating chapter!

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RESPONSE TO Blacky The Black:

Ayyy, sorry for keeping you waiting! Just been busy with school and shit. And thank you, this really is a huge milestone for me! I never thought I'd make it to chapter 20, I thought I would lose interest in SA before I even got close to chapter 20. Hope this chapter is satisfying!

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I Don't Own HunterXHunter

/21/ What's X Wrong X With X Me? [P2]

"Yay! We made it!" Gon cheered as the doors to the 200th floor's elevator opened. "200th floor!"

I grinned at Gon's excitement, the boy was practically vibrating with energy. While Killua on the other hand was silently staring into space, his hands shoved in his pockets. He hadn't spoken a word to me all day and it was making my stomach twist to the point I almost felt like vomiting.

'He's obviously bothered by yesterday, I attacked him. It's only reasonable he hates me now…'

I fidgeted with my skirt and my smile dropped as my eyes fell to my ratty old shoes. I felt the twist in my stomach again and I quickly sucked in a breath through my teeth. Now was not the time.

"Kuragi?" I snapped my head up and noticed Gon and Killua had entered the elevator and were waiting for me; Killua indifferent as ever but Gon frowning slightly. "Are you okay? Are you still tired?"

I smiled at Gon's concern, being reminded of Palm and Akallu yet again, and shrugged. "Nah…I'm just spacing out. Can't wait to see this famous 200th floor." I narrowed my eyes at Killua as I stepped onto the elevator with a smirk. "It better be as good as it sounded, Killua."

Killua glanced at me before shrugging and looking away.

I frowned and the air around us grew thick and silent again as the elevator doors closed with a quiet ding. Killua really didn't want to talk to me today. I fingered the chocolate balls that still sat in my skirt pocket before taking one out and eating it quietly, not even candy helped settle my quivering insides.

"So." Gon spoke up, back to his happy demeanour as he peaked around me to Killua, "What is the 200th floor like?"

"Beats me." Killua shrugged, watching the floors tick by above the door. "I've never been up there before."

Gon grinned, bouncing with excitement. "Then it's a surprise! That makes it even better!"

I grinned, feeling the heavy pit in my stomach lighten at just hearing Killua talk, and with my sudden mood shift came the overwhelming need to tease Killua like normal. I snickered and knocked Killua's shoulder as I sent him an evil stare.

"Oh really~? The great and mighty Killua Zoldyck never made it past the 190s? Looks like I'm better than the best, ha ha ha!" I puffed out my chest and waved my hand snootily as I laughed over exaggeratedly.

I saw Killua send me a glare before he pouted. "Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that, Kuragi." His pout narrowed into a smirk, "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

I rolled my eyes at his lame comeback and pulled him into a headlock, quickly noogying him before he could escape. "Oh, shut it you big angry marshmallow!"

"Hey!" Killua yanked himself away from me, tenderly rubbing his head as a soft flush came to his checks. "Don't do that! A-and don't call me a marshmallow, you…you stupid cherry!"

I twitched at his nickname, struggling to hold in my laughter as my mouth twitched between a smile and a frown. "I'm sorry…what?"

Killua glared, face getting redder. "Just shut up you idiot!"

Killua's flustered tone was what tipped me over the edge and I doubled over laughing, clutching my stomach as I slapped my knee. I could barely breathe in-between bouts of laughter, face going red.

"Hah! See? You are a stupid cherry!"

"Stop! Stop, you're killing me!" I wheezed, laughing so hard I was snorting. "Oh my god! AHAHAHA!"

The elevator dinged and the doors opened, making Gon squeal in delight and bolt out of there. "We're here!"

I continued to giggle as I stumbled after Gon, trying to calm down so my first impression to the people on this floor wasn't that I was a giggly little girl. That'd just piss me off. However, if I had waited just a little longer for Killua to go first, or if I was to look back right then maybe I would have caught the small, gentle smile he was giving me; not at all perturbed at the fact I was laughing at him.

"Wow! The 200th floor is so fancy!"

Gon's marvelling made me snap to attention, my giggles dying down completely as I glanced around the place, even the hall looked a hell of a lot more fancier then the rest of the place and that was saying something. I let out a low whistle as I looked at the maroon and gold décor. This was my kind of place.

"Where's the receptionist?" Killua muttered to himself as he stepped out of the elevator and looked around before he spotted a sign that answered his question. He called to Gon and I before he began walking to the right "This way."

Gon and I followed closely behind, Gon practically skipping next to me as Killua lead the way.

"We finally made it." Gon sighed happily, sending me a look that made me grin widely.

"Heck yeah we did!" I offered Gon my fist and he eagerly pounded his to mine, bouncing.

"The receptionist should just be around this corner." Killua warned as he slowed down to keep pace with us.

I turned to glance at said corner and as soon as I did I felt a prickle go up my spine and raise the hair on the back of my neck. As we rounded the corner it only got worse, all of us stopping in our tracks at the very visible wall of dark intent that greeted us.

We all stood frozen, staring at the hallway like it was going to come alive an eat us, it certainly felt that way.

"Danger…"

I cautiously stepped in front of the two boys, putting myself between them and the danger the small voice in the back of my head had warned me about.

"Protect."

I let out a shaky breath, feeling the familiar burning tingle beginning to stir in my gut, breaking out into a cold sweat.

"Let's go. We can do this!" Killua hissed, urging Gon and himself forward.

"Protect."

As the boys stepped forward the malicious feeling intensified and engulfed us, making me automatically whip my arms out on either side of me, shoving the boys back while simultaneously gripping the front of their shirts so they couldn't move.

"No." I ground out through clenched teeth. The edges of my vison were starting to fade. "Not. Safe."

"This is murderous intent," Gon breathed, perfectly content to stay where I had stopped him. "Aimed at us."

I began to tremble as the burning feeling spread through my veins, trailing an uncomfortably hot bath through my body. My vision faded more and I began to breathe heavily, bordering on hyperventilation. Suddenly, a hand gripped mine and gave it a squeeze, at first I thought it was Gon before I heard Killua mutter under his breath.

"Breathe. Control it."

I clenched my fist around his and closed my eyes, taking deep breath to calm myself down. It worked slightly, so I continued to take slow and deep breaths as I tried to shove away the malicious intent that surrounded me almost like a blanket. It was obviously something to do with Nen, and whoever was causing it was going to get punched in the face.

I was slowly starting to calms down, the burning feeling retreating back to my core.

Killua obviously felt me relaxing so he untangled my hand from his shirt and dropped it, stepping up beside me slowly before placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey!" He snapped, obviously perturbed by the relentless aura that surrounded us. "Who's there? Show yourself!"

Suddenly a woman rounded the corner and we all tensed, but the tension almost immediately fell away when we realised it was only a member of the staff. The aura had retreated as well.

The staff member smiled at us politely before she spoke. "Killua-sama, Gon-sama and Katallus-sama, correct?"

I didn't have the attention to care that someone had yet again identified me by my heritage because the hairs on my neck were still standing and the fire was still in my stomach. I had an instinctual feeling the danger was still present.

"The receptionist's desk is over here," The staff member gestured to the corridor to our right. "so please register for a 200s match today. You won't be able to register after midnight, so please be quick."

"Was she the source of all that?" Gon whispered from behind us, neither of the boys had yet to let their guards truly down either.

"I can't tell…" Killua whispered back while keeping his eyes trained on the woman in front of us.

"By the way," The staff member spoke up again, still smiling. "There are currently 173 contestants in the 200s class. And starting from the 200, all weapons are allowed in matches. So please use whatever you have."

I flinch as she raised her hands in a subconscious gesture, still on edge. The fire in my stomach was spreading again, making me even more paranoid. Something deep down knew something was wrong. I wasn't letting my guard down until it was completely gone.

"You will no longer receive any prize money in the 200s class either. You will fight only for glory, so please understand-"

I blocked her voice out as my eyes narrowed in on sudden appearance of a small thread of light next to the staff member's head that she seemed to be unaware of. The fire in my stomach flared and my vison tinged red as I snarled in warning just before a card materialized and flung forward towards my eyes.

Reflexed took over and I knocked the card away, causing it to slice into my hand before it imbedded itself in the wall. That wasn't an ordinary card, and who the hell used cards anyway-

"Hisoka." I hissed out, glaring at the clown that startled the staff member from behind, causing her to flee from him. I snarled and lunged for him only to be ripped back by my collar and pulled against Killua's chest before he wrapped his arms around me, pinning my arms to my sided in an iron grip that I couldn't fight.

"Why are you here?" Killua ground out, his grip on me tightening for a moment as the clown turned to face us with a smirk.

Hisoka's smirk grew wider as his eyes flickered over us, lingering only slightly longer on Gon and I. "It's hardly that strange. I love to fight, and this is a temple of fighting. And why-" His eyes flickered to the card in the wall then to me as his smirk widened even more. "Are you here?"

I hissed at him, vision tunnelling as I strained to break free of Killua, only to have his hold tighten to a painful constriction.

"Just kidding…" Hisoka said in an almost playful way. "This was no coincidence. I've been waiting for you. Remember how you ordered airship tickets of the cybernet? With a little effort, it's possible to determine where and when someone will arrive. Well, I knew you would come here eventually. And so, as a veteran, I have a warning for you."

Hisoka's eyes narrowed on me as the boys on either side of me tensed. "It's still too early for you boys to step on this floor." His hand raised and I snarled loudly, ripping free of Killua's grasp just as forceful aura from before ripped forward and knocked the boys back. "However, I can't say the same for you, little dragon."

I growled and lunged towards Hisoka just as I lost myself.

HunterXxXxXHunter

"Now...if you would please let Kuragi-chan go. We will take our leave."

I groaned as I slowly became conscious, whole body feeling strained and tired. "What…"

"Kuragi!"

I shook my head and quickly focused on what was in front of me when I realized Killua had called my name, not at all sounding happy and sounding downright enraged. Gon, Killua, the staff woman and…Wing? Stood in front of me, all of their eyes trained on me as I slowly came to.

"What…where's Hisoka…?"

It was then that I felt a deep chuckle rumble against my back and I froze, blood running cold.

"Back to your senses, little dragon?"

I immediately struggled to distance myself from Hisoka once I realized I was seated in his lap, my wrists pinned above me by one of his hands while his other absentmindedly twirled a card between his fingers.

I growled and got to my feet, trying to pull my wrists from his grip but all I managed to do was make him smirk in amusement at my fruitless effort. I was already sweating from the effort to free myself, limbs aching in protest. Suddenly, Hisoka released my wrists with a small hum and I was sent falling back against Killua's legs, which a joyously pressed back against. I still wasn't far enough from the clown for my liking.

"Ah, glad to see you have calmed down Kuragi-chan, now would you boys come with me?"

I glanced back at Wing as he spoke, feeling the confusion I always felt when I had blacked out and missed events. I was suddenly yanked up none-too-gently by the arm and spun to face Killua who quickly gave me a once over before audibly grinding his teeth and shoving me behind him.

Gon turned to the staff member and asked her a question, but my mind was still too busy trying to catch up to pay attention to him. Instead, I focused on Killua's back to avoid looking at Hisoka who undoubtedly still sat against the wall with an amused smirk.

"What happened?" I whispered to Killua, gently taking hold of his hand. I needed some sort of comfort right now, I was starting to feel nauseated by the fact I had blacked out again.

Killua glanced at me from the corner of his eye before sighing and turning to face me, but not enough that he had his back to Hisoka, before replying. "You lost it and attacked Hisoka, actually got a good swing in."

I peaked at Hisoka in surprise when Killua said that, just now noticing the small trickle of blood dripping from the Clown's nose. Hisoka caught my gaze and licked the blood off of his top lip with a smirk.

"To be honest," Killua continued, forcing my face to turn back to him. "I'm surprised by the fact you aren't just pieces on the floor right now, all he did was pin you and laugh." Killua sneered and sent Hisoka a look before continuing. "I still felt like killing him for even thinking about hurting yo- f-for what he did."

I nodded, not even caring about his sudden cover up. "Okay…at least he didn't try anything…too bad." I glanced back at Wing who was watching us all with a smile, frowning when I noticed his arm was in a sling. "When did Wing get here?"

Killua shrugged and stepped away from me slightly as he shoved his hand in his pocket, surprisingly keeping hold of mine with the other. That I was grateful for. "Almost right after you attacked Hisoka, he's going to teach us about Nen." I opened my mouth to point out that he had already done that, kind of, but Killua saw this and continued. "He isn't going to lie to us this time, he said so. And I believe him because apparently what Hisoka did before, that almost physical form of malice, was Nen."

I rolled my jaw and frowned at that. "I had a feeling that had been Nen…so, are we going with Wing now or what?"

As if overhearing our conversation, Gon spoke up. "Hey, Wing-san. If we go with you now will we be able to learn Nen before midnight? If we don't enter before then Kuragi and I will have to start again and Killua will be disqualified."

I felt Killua give my hand a slight involuntary squeeze at Gon's words. I glanced at Killua with a frown, like hell any of us were going to let Killua get disqualified.

Wing hummed quietly, expression stern. "That…depends on you three."

I swallowed thickly, feeling the anxiety crawling through skin as I glanced at the clock. We had three and a half hours to learn something completely new.

"Oh boy."

The trip to Wing's house only took 11 minutes but still, with every minute that ticked by, I began to get more and more nervous. I glanced up at Killua, who was focused on Wing, in worry. He still hadn't pulled his hand from mine.

"Simply put, this is Nen."

I turned to Wing as he walked over to a vase in the corner before removing the flowers and taking them with him to where he originally stood beside us. I raised a brow, confused, until he held a flower up and it suddenly stiffened and straightened. Before I could open my mouth and question what he had done Wing raised his hand and tossed the flower, almost like a dart, and it imbedded itself into the glass vase, making a small trickle of water drip down.

I shut my mouth, eyes going wide as Gon gasped and Killua's grip on my hand flexed. That was different.

Wing sent us a look before quickly firing off the other flowers in a similar fashion. He dusted his hands as he turned to us and gestured to the whiteboard behind us. "Nen refers to the ability to manipulate your aura, also known as life energy."

I glanced at the board, taking note it had a whole different Nen chart on it now. He had probably cleared the board once we had left last time and began teaching Zushi the real thing.

"Every person possesses a small amount of life energy." I saw Wing glance at me quickly with a hard expression and I quickly looked away, feeling my stomach churn. "But in most cases, it is simply discharged."

I flinched as he turned and brushed past us to the board. 'Most cases' I had a feeling I wasn't apart of those 'most cases'.

"The ability to build up a shroud of life energy is known as Ten." Wing picked up a marker and tapped the board bellow the symbol that read 'Ten.' "You can make your body harder, and considerably slow the effects of aging." Wing uncapped the marker and began to write more Hiragana. "Then comes Zetsu. As you may guess, this nullifies your aura. It is effective for concealing your presence, and recovering from extreme fatigue." Wing capped the pen and turned to us with a small smile at us, probably from Gon's overexcited expression. "Which brings us to Ren. A technique to create an especially strong aura."

I flinched when a flow of aura surrounded Wing, half expecting to blackout. But, surprisingly, I didn't feel any familiar fire. Nothing. However, that still didn't help me relax until the aura faded.

"Did you feel that?" Wing smiled, eyes lingering on me. "Or in Kuragi's case, see that?" I nodded, gripping Killua's hand tighter.

Probably felling my discomfort, Killua spoke up. "Yeah, I can feel the pressure."

"But it doesn't feel dangerous." Gon chimed in.

"That's because" Wing's eyes flickered to me again. "I have no hostile intent. If I had, I doubt I would still be standing here with Kuragi so close."

Wing chuckled quietly but I only flinched and lowered my head when I felt my face flush with shame. He was right.

I felt Killua nudge my shoulder with his and I peeked through my hair at him. He gave me a crooked smile as he released my hand before shoving me by the shoulder.

"You're an idiot." He snickered, making me bristle.

"Excuse me? Say that to my face!"

"I just did, idiot!" Killua smirked. "Or are you deaf now too?"

I growled and bristled more, sending him a glare. "Why you sonova-" I went to lunge at him only to be stopped by Wing clearing his throat.

I shrunk in on myself slightly, blushing in embarrassment. What a good impression I was making on Wing huh? 'Angry little girl'…nice.

I stood next to Killua again, knocking him slightly with a grin. I needed to get some sort of payback, I'd get him better later.

"Aura," Wing continued, eyeing Killua and I. "is an energy that comes from within humans. Which makes it very effective against other humans, for better or worse. If you attack a helpless person," I slouched with a frown before Wing cast me a gentle look. "With ill intent, you can use aura to kill."

My brows furrowed as I bit the inside of my cheek in worry. Use aura to kill? Based off of what Wing that Kurokoo guy had said I already had a slight grasp on aura, on Nen, if I learnt Nen completely would it help or worsen whatever was going on with my blackouts? My 'instinct' as Wing had said. Would I…end up killing someone every time I blacked out? Honestly, I didn't want to find out.

I glanced at Gon and Killua and frowned deeper. If it wasn't for them, I'd back out of learning Nen all together but…I didn't want them to leave me behind.

I focused back on Wing when he moved away from us, facing the wall beside the whiteboard. "Only one thing can protect you from someone who uses Nen. You must also learn to use Nen." He glanced over his shoulder at us briefly before raising his hand to the wall and continuing. "You must use Ten for defence, block the other person's aura with your own. Otherwise…"

There was a sudden shift in the air as Wing gathered his own Nen, the shroud around him thicker than before. The hairs on the back of my neck rose just before Wing sent his aura forward, completely caving in the wall.

Wing turned to use, mouth pressed into a hard line as he observed the two startled boys beside me. "Your body will be crushed."

I suddenly felt faint, making my knees shake. I took a deep breath to calm myself pulling away from Killua, catching everyone's attention as I went and took a seat on one of the couches, burying my face in my hands with a deep sigh. Everything was getting too much.

Did I want that type of power? No, no I didn't. Too much responsibility, too much weight on my shoulders; especially considering this might just help me murder more people.

I began to tremble.

I didn't want any more blood on my hands, innocent or otherwise.

"Kuragi?" Gon questioned softly, he hadn't moved, just turned to look at me.

"Are you alright, Kuragi-chan? Would you like a glass of water?" Wing had come closer, gently placing a hand on my back and moving it almost soothingly.

I sniffled and looked up at him. "Do…" My throat was closing up from nerves. "Do you have a phone I could use?"

Wing frowned when he caught sight of my expression before gesturing to a phone in the corner. "Right there. Do you need anything?"

I shook my head as I pushed myself up and walking to the phone, dialling the number I knew off by heart. "No, thank you." I glanced at Killua and Gon who were sending me mixed expressions. Gon's was worried while Killua's was searching.

"I'll be quick." I assured them just as the phone was picked up on the other end.

"Hello…?" Palm's voice was groggy and thick with sleep. In the background I could hear the familiar sounds of a train, this made me smile.

"Hey, Palm. Listen, I need adv-"

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" I instinctively pulled the phone away from my ear as Palm began to yell. Hopefully, she wouldn't get in trouble for screaming on a train. "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU BEFORE!? YOU JUST UP AND DISSAPEARED! AND WHEN I TRY TO CALL BACK I'M TOLD YOU'RE AT HEAVENS ARENA! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING YOUNG LADY!?"

Oh, it's been awhile since I've heard Palm swear.

There was a tense silence, broken only by Killua's quiet amused scoff, before I heard Palm quietly clear her throat.

"Also, thank you for the money, it's made moving a lot easier on us. Akallu wants to let you know he's brought a lot of books already…you better have kept some for yourself." I was thankful she wasn't yelling anymore.

I pressed the phone back to my ear and sighed, cracking a weak smile. "That's good to hear, he's gonna be a Brainiac by the time I see you two again." My smile turned nervous as I tried to come up with an excuse for Heavens Arena. "And-uh-well….you see….I'm training."

"Training? Training for what?" Palm sounded absolutely appalled. "You promised me you'd stay out of trouble!"

"I don't know, okay. I was just going with the flow, living life to the fullest!" I sighed and thumped my head against the wall. "I'm sorry…"

"Hey…Hey….It's okay. I'm sorry for blowing up at you, you just had me worried alright? Now, what do you need advice for? Is it about why you called me last time?" Palm's tone was much gentler now, she had switched into big sister mode.

I took a deep breath to steel my nerves, anticipating another freak out from her once I asked. "No, it's not about that. Though I will call you later to talk about it. Right now, I don't have much time so please give me a straight answer and hear me out until the end. I…I have the option to learn Nen right now, but I'm scared. Scared I'll…" My voice caught in my throat and I exhaled shakely. I could already feel the tears coming. This was why I didn't talk about myself. "I'm scared I'll hurt people, you already know I have and undoubtedly will again but….but is learning Nen worth the risk of killing more people? Do I deserve this type of power?"

There was a tense silence, not only on the other end of the call, but also in the room. Everyone was giving me pitying looks, aside from Killua who only frowned, and I hated it. It was making me feel small, I just hoped someone would say something.

My heart was pounding by the time Palm answered. "Listen to me, Kuragi. Our dad was an amazing fighter, a warrior thousands of people wanted to recruit. You have the potential to become just as strong as him, if not more, and to be honest that has scared me from the moment we lost mom and dad. I don't want the life dad had to become your life, I don't want you to be seen as nothing but a weapon but-" Palm paused, audibly exhaling. "I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice. I expect whoever is going to teach you Nen has explained about our family?"

I sucked in a breath, glad that no-one in the room was able to hear was Palm was saying. "Y-yeah, kind of."

"Then you know, our family's Nen goes back centuries. It is something ancient, raw and wild that has been passed down through hundreds of generations. It's runs off of pure instinct and has such an impact on the users mind that…" Palm sighed, voice becoming quieter. "That it has turned people feral. What we have inside us, our life energy, is almost a completely separate being linked to the very beginning of mankind's existence. And if it's left unchecked, left untamed, can drive us mad or tear us mentally apart. You need to be trained, you need to learn Nen. Hell, I would have taught you myself sooner! But…But I was scared. I barely remember how dad had taught me at your age, and there's always the fact your Nen could be different I-Just…do it, learn Nen."

Suddenly Palm fell quiet and I heard the soft squeal of the train stopping.

"I have to go." My heart clenched in fear at her words. "Just do what I say and learn Nen. Call me later. Get some sleep. I…I love you."

"I love you too." I muttered back automatically, staring blankly at the wall in front of me as I processed everything that I had just been told. Fear settled over me as Palm hung up and I slowly dropped the phone before stiffly turning to face the awaiting people in the room.

All eyes were on me and I felt a sense of grim determination settle over me.

"Teach me Nen, make it quick, because after this I have another phone call to make." I ground out, moving to stand next to Killua.

'Fuck you dad, you left us with too much to handle. Did you even let mom know what she was getting into?'

(I was going to end it here but I know you guys would rather I take longer then drop you off a cliff so…)

"As I was saying." Wing cleared his throat, going to stand in front of us again. "Nen is a power that dwells within every person. However, at present, only a few are capable of using that power. Thus, they are treated as geniuses, leaders, psychics, and mystics, or superhumans."

"A power that dwells within everyone…" Gon mused from beside me.

I quickly spoke up before Wing continued. "Wing, what were the Katallus' considered?"

Wing's expression morphed into one of apprehension before he quietly spoke. "Monsters."

Gon, Zushi, even Killua and I all simultaneously gasped, and all eyes turned to me.

'Monsters.' I mused, rolling my jaw and gritting my teeth. 'We're monsters….how fitting.' I scoffed bitterly before Wing reclaimed everyone's attention.

"Now, there are two means by which to awaken the power within you. The deliberate way and the aggressive way. Zushi underwent the deliberate method, he was a quick learner, and he trained hard. So he was able to master Ten in a very short time…in about 6 months."

I groaned loudly and the boys seemed to share my annoyance. I glanced at the clock and saw it was already 9pm. "We don't have 6 months damnit!"

"Yeah, that's too long!" Killua agreed, agitated. "We need to learn Ten, and pass Hisoka before midnight!"

Wing sighed and adjusted his glasses. "Then you three will have to try the aggressive method."

"Will it be fast enough?" Killua stressed.

"That will depend on you." Wing answered reluctantly. "Can you learn to hold your aura within yourselves before time runs out? That's the key."

Wing raised his hand and I tensed, already feeling what was coming next.

"I will now direct my aura towards you. This is known as Hatsu, which I demonstrated earlier." My eyes flickered to the crushed wall and my tension grew. "Naturally, I will restrain myself, since my object is not to destroy you. However, this way is still perilous, particularly for you Kuragi. I will be attempting to shock your bodies into awakening. I will give your sleeping bodies a jolt, so you can learn Ten more easily."

Wing's eyes flickered to me and I flinched.

"Kuragi, this is not necessary for you. You are already capable of passing Hisoka's Nen barrier. However, if you wish for me to teach you anything more you must allow me to awaken you completely. Do you understand?"

I nodded, not trusting my voice. No backing out now. I was sticking through this, I had no choice.

Wing turned his gaze from me. "I said that your body sleeps because your body's opening, or micropyles, are closed, meaning that your aura flow is stunted. Kuragi's micropyles are opened only partially, which has allowed her to tap into her Nen at random intervals, however they put a strain on her body which causes her to black out and her body to act of its own accord and leaving her exhausted. But this won't happen to you boys, Kuragi was born with vastly different Nen then yours, so don't worry."

I shrunk lower as Wing so casually talked about my Nen, it was giving me an odd sense of embarrassment.

"I will send my aura into your bodies, to open your micropyles. Now, under normal circumstances, you would spend a long time meditating and discovering your own auras, while slowly opening those apertures." Wing adjusted his glasses again before continuing. "Even Zushi, a natural talent, required three months. However you boys could do it in a week…and Kuragi, two or three days. Which is why I find it so unfortunate that we have such little time to work with."

Killua, Gon and I had equal looks of astonishment as we looked at each other.

"Why would it take less for Kuragi?" Gon questioned curiously, and I was glad he had spoken up.

"As I said before," Wing's expression didn't lighten as he answered. "Kuragi was born with vastly different Nen to ours, her's is raw and wild, directly linked to the nature of man and thus more in tune with her mind, body and soul. Tapping into, and awakening, that aura would be as easy for her as opening a door is for us. The process is sped up even more at the fact something has already partially forced open her micropyles."

"I don't really get it…But quick and dirty is always better." Killua hummed and threw his hand behind his head as he sent me a smirk, raising a brow suggestively.

It took me a second to understand the look, but as soon as I did my face burst into an angry blush.

'Did he just fucking-'

"This is a shady, highly frowned upon method-"

I cut Wing off, smirking at his wording. "Now you're talking my language. Shady and frowned upon is my thing."

Wing sighed, obviously getting frustrated at the fact we weren't taking this as seriously as he was. "You will be ignoring the correct procedure. You could even die, if the person using this method were weak or evil."

I stretched, suddenly feeling the bravado from before I'd go on a heist in Meteor City taking over, and smirked. I almost felt giddy. "Hell, this ain't the first time I've risked my life for something ultimately stupid. And besides, I don't have a choice when learning Nen so why take my time when I can just get it over with, huh?"

"And besides, you aren't weak or evil." Gon rationalized, backing me up. "Right?"

I grinned and gestured to Gon dramatically. "See? See? Gon agrees!"

"What? I'm just stating a fact…right?" Gon was starting to get naively confused.

I ignored him and instead grinned at Wing wider.

'Come on, don't be a little bitch, you'll make me second guess myself.'

Wing sighed harder and rested his head in his hand, taking a deep breath. We were starting to frustrate him.

"With what Gon said before." Killua spoke up and I inwardly cheered that he was helping our case. "That's why I want to know…why would you suddenly decide to teach us the true four major principles?"

I deflated. Of course he was just questioning Wing's motives. Of course.

Wing frowned. "I did not want to squander this opportunity. If you were to challenge the 200s, with none of this knowledge, you would suffer greatly. Up there, everyone knows how to manipulate Nen. And they have a special greeting for any newcomer ignorant of Nen, a Nen attack. In other words; they do what I am about to, but without restraint." We all cringed at the thought of that, and Wing's expression got violently dark. "They don't care, even if people die…Only those who survive are allowed to pass. They are the chosen. However, they pay a steep price, that's why I wanted you to be prepared."

There was a brief, tense silence as Wing waited for any of us to back out before he frowned and raised a hand. I could feel him focusing his aura.

"Now, despite my attempts to scare you, I have confidence that this will awaken your power! You have the potential, as well as the ability. Put you belongings down, take of your shirts, and turn your back to me. Kuragi, since I only have two hands you will have to go after Gon and Killua."

Doing as he said, Gon and Killua dropped their packs while I deftly threw off my upper shirt, the boys doing the same shortly after. I waited to the side as Gon and Killua stood with their backs to Wing, whi had removed the sling to gain full use of both his arms. His injed one was still wrapped tightly in bandages though.

"I'll begin." Wing stated, giving the boys a moment to prepare before he was forcing his aura into him.

I flinched and squeezed my eyes shut as the aura intensified and the boys screamed. I was not looking forward to my turn at all.

"Every micropyles on your bodies has opened." My eyes snapped open at Wing's words and they widened once I took in Gon and Killua, who were staring down at themselves in amazement. The aura was so thick around them I could clearly see it, it was almost beautiful. "That's your life aura, or life energy. You two can see it now, because the micropyles in your eyes were also opened."

"It's like smoke, or mist." Gon marvelled, staring at the Nen emitting from his hands.

"It's a bit…mist-ifying, isn't it?" I smirked at my joke, before Killua sent me look that made me shrink. "Right…not the time."

I was definitely getting nervous.

Gon sent me a small amused smile before he spoke again. "It's like steam, rising from the spout of a kettle."

"It's rushing from every part of my body." Killua added, sounding nervous. "It won't stop gushing out." 'That's what she-Kuragi! Not the time!' "Isn't that dangerous?"

Wing remained calm as he answered, despite Killua's observation, "This is your life energy, so if it continues to escape, you will grow tired. If you expend all your aura, you will collapse from fatigue."

I sent Killua and Gon worried glances, bitting my lip. That definitely wasn't something we needed right now.

"Listen to me," Wing spoke sternly. "You must concentrate on keeping your aura within your body. Close your eyes!" The boys quickly followed his instructions, helping ease my nerves slightly. "Use any stance that helps you focus. Then visualize your aura flowing like blood through your body; from the top of your head to your right shoulder, to your hand, before passing through your legs, to the left side. And now visualize that flow beginning to ebb and hovering around your body."

After a moment of silence the intensity of their auras ebbed and became barely visible to me, but I could still see that it had wrapped around the boy like a blanket. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Wing give a nervous smile.

"Slowly open your eyes." Wing instructed. "How do you feel?"

Gon was the first to speak. "I feel like I'm surrounded by some kind of warm mucus."

I involuntarily groaned out loud. "Ewwww."

Killua looked at me before breaking out in the most mischievous smile I had ever seen on him, before he reached an aura covered hand over to touch me. I shrieked and pressed myself as far away from his hand as I could. "Ew no! Don't touch me with it!"

"Ah-hem!" Wing drew our attention back to him loudly. "Continue to maintain those images constantly. Once you've established them, you'll be able to use Ten in your sleep. Now, Kuragi, it's your turn."

I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat and nodded, making my way to Wing as Gon and Killua made room for me. As I turned my back to Wing, Gon sent me a smile and thumbs up just before I closed my eyes. I readied myself for Wing's aura just as it hit.

It took all my willpower to not just leap away and bolt out of the area. His aura was strong and overwhelming, crawling all over my skin and almost stifling me. From the point of impact I could feel a numb burning spread throughout my body, all the way to my fingers and toes. It was the same feeling I got before I blacked out but more…tame.

And just like that, as quickly as it came, it was over.

"That's…unusual."

I snapped my eyes open and lurched at Wing's words, frantically searching myself for what was 'unusual'. It wasn't until I had calmed down and looked at my aura did I notice. The aura wasn't wildly pouring out of my like it had done with Gon and Killua, it was smooth and oval shaped, the aura just leaking out through the point above me. It was almost like…

"A candle flame…" Killua whispered from behind me.

"Pretty!" Gon chirped, making me blush.

"So uh, I just…focus right? Visualize flow and all that?" I stuttered as I closed my eyes, and tried to duplicate Wing's instructions from before. Which didn't turn out too hard, soon I was in between Killua and Gon, my aura blanketed tightly around me. It was a warm, comforting feeling.

"Next, I will use a hostile Nen attack against you!" Wing's aura shifted and became dark, and intimidating. Living up to its hostile nature.

His Nen enveloped the room and I flinched as I felt it push and stab at my own, almost feeling like cold blunt knives prodding uselessly against my skin. It wasn't painful but it wasn't pleasant.

"Previously, it would have been painful for you to stand within this." Wing explained.

"Yeah, I understand you blizzard analogy now." Killua agreed quietly, relaxing.

Wing smiled, a bead of sweat trailing down his neck. "If you can fend off my Nen, you'll be able to break through Hisoka's barrier with ease! Now…here I come!"

We braced ourselves just as Wing's Nen became painfully intense. I had to bite my lip to keep from yelping in discomfort.

HunterXxXxXHunter

Hisoka glanced up at us with a smirk as we stepped into the hall, determination rolling off of us in waves. A slight flare in his Nen was all the warning we got before we were enveloped in the same malicious wall of Nen. None of us budged, even though it was darker then Wing's, it wasn't as bad as it had been before.

Killua grabbed my hand and pulled me forward as he and Gon began to walk, our Nen easily cutting through Hisoka's like a knife through butter. No effort required. As soon as we were within a few feet of Hisoka his Nen completely vanished and his smirk grew even wider.

"Welcome to the 200s." Hisoka greeted, almost smugly. "It appears that I needn't bother with the traditional greeting, what a shame. I was looking forward to your reaction, little dragon." Hisoka liked his lips as his eyes settled on me, I just narrowed my eyes at him before his eyes slid away from me to Gon "Hm, I can guess why you came to Heavens Arena. You intended to train before challenging me…"

"Yeah, but I didn't expect to find you here." Gon answered fearlessly. I felt a swell of pride at his confidence. "That save me time."

Hisoka chuckled, not even concealing his amusement at Gon's demeanour. "You should avoid being overconfident in your ability to use Ten. There is much to learn about Nen." As he spoke he raised his hands and I narrowed my eyes at the pink aura that formed between them.

Spade.

Skull.

What the hell was he playing at?

"To be honest," Hisoka spoke as his aura continued to change, it didn't look like Gon or Killua had noticed the aura either. "At present, I feel no urge to fight you." He paused, his eyes flicker to me briefly before he stood. "Mostly. However, if you manage to win a single match in the 200s, I shall accept your challenge." And with that, he simply walked away.

We watched him go for a while, making sure he wouldn't try anything, before Killua ushered us to move. Just because we had time before midnight, didn't mean we should dawdle.

"Welcome to the 200s!" The receptionist welcomed us warmly as soon as we came into view, handing us forms. "Please fill out these forms here. Would you like to register for a match now?"

"Sign me the fuck up." I stated plainly as I grabbed a form, skimming it over.

"Kuragi." Killua hissed at me disapprovingly.

I shrugged, uncaring. "What?"

"In this class, there is a self-service system" The receptionist explained, smiling down at me. "By which you're permitted ninety days or preparation. You may choose to fight on any day during that time. Of course, you're also free to fight every day, and you can also wait to the very last day to fight. Once you've participated in a fight, you have another ninety days to prepare. However, if you don't fight before those ninety days end you will be disqualified, and your name will be struck from all records."

"Does that mean we'll be fighting in this class multiple times?" Gon questioned, somewhere between exited and apprehensive.

"Yes, you need ten wins to clear this floor. However if you lose four times before ten wins, you'll be disqualified."

"Well that seems hardly fair-"

"And!" I frowned at the receptionist cut me off. "If you win ten times, you have a chance to challenge to Floor Masters! They're the twenty-one strongest fighters here. Each claims one of the floors from 230 to 250. Do you understand now? If you defeat a Floor Master, you become the new master of that floor!"

None of us showed any true enthusiasm for her explanation, making her smile awkwardly and stuttered to think of other things to hype us up with. "Th-that's not all! If you become a Floor Master you earn the right to participate in the biannual celebration of combat, The Battle Olympia!"

Still, none of use showed any enthusiasm. I mean, I would have, if she hadn't so rudely cute me off before.

"No reaction?" The receptionist deflated, frowning.

"Forget that." Killua scoffed. "Is there anything special about the top floor?"

"That's what you want to know!? The champion of the Battle Olympia gets to live on the top floor! I'll have you know, Katallus-sama's relative used to be the Battle Champion! It's an incredible honour!"

I blanched. 'I'm sorry, what?'

My dad used to be the battle champion?

I just pictured him living it up, up top while dressed in a fancy suit and surrounded by babes. Did I want that? Nope.

Killua and Gon looked at me then each other, as unimpressed as I was. Obviously we didn't give a damn about all that Floor Master and Battle Olympia crap, but this lady just couldn't take a hint because she continued to babble.

"A penthouse 1000 meters above the ground, don't you get it!?"

"I have a feeling someone has penthouse envy." I 'subtly' whispered to Killua, making him snicker and the receptionist fume.

"But Killua's house is 3700 meters above ground, right?" Gon ever so innocently stated, making the receptionist practically fall over herself"

"A-and the champion always receives a prize of-" The receptionist enthused weakly, only to be interrupted by Killua.

"What do you two feel like doing? Now that I know the top floor's secret I don't care anymore."

"I just want to fight with Hisoka!" Gon cheered, grinning like an idiot.

"Hm, same." I hummed, sliding my now filled out form to the receptionist. "But first, practice. I want to see what the competition is like on this floor."

"Well, then you'll both need to win a fight. But, you're gonna wait bit first, right Gon?" Killua cast me a disapproving look as he said this and I just shrugged.

If you snooze, you lose. I was not waiting around for all the good matches to get taken up. Fuck Wing and his stupid 'wait two months so I can teach you more' rule, I had the urge to fight NOW.

"Nope, I'm doing this!" Gon answered, making Killua slump. "I have to find out how different these opponents are! Like Kuragi said!"

"Ha! See! The man knows what he's talking about!" I slung my arm over Gon's shoulder and laughed loudly.

"I'll need you to fill out this form as well then." The receptionist huffed, sliding two more forms our way.

I snatched mine up with a grin and began filling it out alongside Gon, just as the sound of wheels on carpet approached. A slimy feeling crawled down my spine, making me shiver and turn. I was greeted by the sight of three handicapped creeps, to put it lightly.

'No arm, no legs, wheelchair, all weirdos.' I smirked. 'Wheelies looks like he does speed. I like speed.'

"You want something?" Killua narrowed his eyes at them. I was glad to know it wasn't just me who immediately disliked them.

"No, not really." Wheels replies flippantly with an odd smile on his face.

"We're simply in line to register for a fight." Armless explained, the same odd smile on his face.

All that came from Legless was a wheezy little chuckle. It was official that I wasn't gonna touch that guy with a ten foot pole. He gave me the same feeling the paedophiles did back in Meteor City.

Killua seemed to sense my discomfort, because he moved in between Legless and I just as the other gave the same creepy chuckles. I shuddered, immediately deciding to stay away from all of them.

"Oh, I get it." Killua sighed, already bored with the situation. "These guys want to fight on the days you do."

I narrowed my eyes at Wheels before stepping around Killua. I needed to show I wasn't afraid or these guys would single me out. "Oh, really? Well, anyone who wants to fight me, schedule for tomorrow." I cracked my neck. "I'm eager to see what you got."

From behind me I heard Gon finish filling out his paper work, and then mine for me before handing them over. "I'm ready to go whenever!" He chimed determinedly."There you go." Killua shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"You two have plenty of spunk." Armless grinned, fixing his eyes on Gon as Legless and Wheels chuckled.

The atmosphere was tense as we stared each other down, it almost felt like a fight could break out right here at any-

"Then Gon-sama will be in room 2207." I jumped at the sudden loud voice of the receptionist. "Killua-sama will be in room 2223, and Katallus-sama will be in room 2224." The receptionist handed us our keys and I grinned at the assassin next to me. "We will let you know which day your match is, Gon-sama."

"Thanks." Gon chimed politely.

"Looks like we're neighbours~" I taunted, getting in his face. All Killua did was grin down at me, but that was enough to make my stomach flutter and make me pull away.

"Let's go." Killua grabbed my sleeve and yanked me forward before letting go and walking on, he made sure I was in front of him as he walked away. Maybe those guys set him on edge.

"They must have gone through that greeting Four-Eyes had mentioned." Killua muttered as he kept his eyes on the three creeps who were watching us walk away.

"Probably." I hummed, eating a chocolate ball. "Hmm, one more left…"

"Huh?" Killua turned to me, confused about what I been talking about before he saw the last chocolate ball in my hand. "Speaking of…did you leave that bag of candy in your last room?"

I shrugged. "Eh, yeah. I didn't feel like eating it, besides I'm getting a little fat. "I poked my stomach to prove it. "I don't need all that sugar."

"No you're not." Killua huffed as he walked beside me, snatching the melting chocolate ball out of my hand and popping it in his mouth. "You're not getting fat."

I stared at my empty hand before glaring at Killua. "Why you-"

"Oh! There's my room!" Gon merrily skipped ahead before coming to a stop in front of door 2207 and opening it. As we stepped in Killua went back to his previous topic.

"If we had gone in blind, we would have ended up like those guys." Killua seemed perturbed by it and I couldn't blame him, I was too.

"WOW! This room is huge!" Gon cried, excitedly running into the jointing bathroom.

"Hey, are you listening to me?" Killua scowled after Gon.

I chuckled and thumped him on the back. "Come on, cut us some slack, we aren't rich and used to huge rooms like this like you are."

I ran past him and took a running jump into the king bed, engulfed by the plush pillows with a laugh. "I've only ever seen stuff like this in magazines!" I squirmed around in the bed, getting comfy with a sigh. "Man, this bed is comfy!"

"I've never seen such a big bed!" I was suddenly joined by a madly giggling Gon, which made me laugh loudly.

"Hey! This is my bed! Get your own!" I playfully shoved Gon off the bed, only serving in making him laugh louder.

"What!? No way! This is my room!" Gon pouted, pouncing on me and fruitlessly trying to tickle.

"Not anymore it's not-"

Suddenly, our roughhousing was cut short by the TV lighting up, emitting shrill beep. Gon and I sat up, frowning at it.

"You're battle has been set for 3pm, March 11th…" I read aloud slowly, grinning. "Looks like you and I have some asses to kick tomorrow."

"What!? Tomorrow?" Killua exclaimed. "That was fast."

Gon hadn't been listening though, he had focused on his aura, making it more prominent. "I probably won't be able to win tomorrow…But that's okay! I need the experience, and I need to discover what I can do with this power!"

I flopped back on the bed, smiling widely. "Boy, where did you buy your optimism? Cause I gotta get me some of that…"

HunterXxXxXHunter

Killua and I had stayed in Gon's room for a bit more before Killua dragged me out, saying we needed our sleep for tomorrow. I didn't put up a fight, I had been falling asleep on Gon's bed anyway.

"Night Killua!" I called as I fumbled with the keys to my door.

"Kuragi…"

I stun around, startled that Killua's voice had come from right behind me. He was so close is chest was all most touching mine. He leaned down, eyes fixated on mine as his had come to rest beside my head.

My heart started pounding in my chest, despite my best efforts to calm down. He was way too close for comfort.

"Y-yeah…?" My face heated up at my stutter as my eyes involuntarily flickered down to his lips then back up.

Was he going to kiss me? What that what this is!?

"Careful." Killua's voice was low, quiet. "Be careful tomorrow."

And with that he was out of my face and into his room.

"Y-yeah…" I whisper, heart still pounding and face still red. "Okay…"

BOOM! And that's how you do it baby!

So Question time!

What do you think Kuragi's Hatsu is now that her Nen has been more thoroughly explained?

What do you think of her Nen?

And Whhhhat? Killua's being really nice right now? Why do you think that is huh?

How do you think Kuragi's match is going to go?

Anything else catch your attention in this chapter?

Got any questions for me? Ask away!