Ash, inside his room after learning and copying Illumi trait-wise was fond of his newfound ability. It has so much potential, and he would make it reach the greatest heights possible.
Killua approached Ash, his small frame carrying a burdened expression. Ash observed him silently, his gaze cold.
"What do you want, Killua?" Ash responded in a bland tone, his analytical mind already assessing the situation at hand.
Killua shifted uncomfortably, his voice reflecting the hardened nature of a nine-year-old assassin. "Ash, I need to talk to you about Alluka."
Ash's response was almost instant, "Then get to the point, Killua. I don't have time for idle chatter."
Killua, unfazed by Ash's dismissive demeanor, continued with determination. "Alluka has this being inside of her called Nanika... It can grant wishes, but if the conditions aren't met, it can be dangerous."
Ash's interest piqued, his curiosity overriding his indifference. "Interesting. Go on."
Killua's frustration seeped through his words. "I hate how everyone is scared of Alluka. She's my sister, and I don't want her to be treated like a monster just because of her powers."
Ash's analytical mind absorbed the information, considering the potential implications. "So, you want me to find a way to control Nanika's power?"
Killua nodded, his young face determined. "Yes. I want to protect Alluka and make sure she isn't isolated or seen as a threat."
Ash's response lacked any semblance of warmth or understanding. "I'll look into it. It might prove useful for my research."
Killua's eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of frustration and resignation. "Is that all you care about? Your research?"
Ash's eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance. "Research is what I do, Killua. Don't expect anything more from me."
Killua sighed, recognizing the futility of expecting brotherly affection from Ash. "Fine. Just do what you can to help, even if it's for your own selfish reasons."
Ash's gaze remained unyielding, his curiosity now solely focused on the potential application of Nanika's power. "I'll analyze the situation and see what can be done. Don't interfere with my work."
Killua nodded, accepting the reality of their strained relationship. "I won't get in your way. Just remember, Alluka is my sister, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."
As the conversation came to an end, the air between the Zoldyck siblings remained cool and distant.
Killua, though young and hardened by his upbringing, held a determination to shield his sister from the shadows that lurked within their family.
Ash, driven by relentless curiosity and an unyielding thirst for knowledge, saw the potential in Nanika's power as a puzzle waiting to be solved.
"Let's go." Stated Ash.
Then, as Killua led Ash towards Alluka's heavily fortified room, a voice resounded from a hidden loudspeaker, emanating authority and control. It was Silva, their father, issuing a command.
"State your purpose," Silva's voice demanded, his tone cold and commanding.
Ash stood still, his gaze unwavering, as he responded in a detached manner, "Research and analysis."
Silva's voice fell silent, and the metallic doors to Alluka's room clicked open, granting Ash access. Stepping inside, Ash's eyes focused on the small, innocent figure before him—Alluka.
Confusion mingled with curiosity in Alluka's eyes as she turned to Killua and asked, "Big brother, who is that?"
Killua, maintaining his stoic demeanor, replied, "That's Ash, he's our brother. He's here to help us."
Ash's expression remained unchanged, his lack of emotion evident in his stoic silence. He approached Alluka, observing her closely, as if dissecting her existence with his analytical mind.
Alluka shifted uncomfortably under Ash's penetrating gaze, feeling an inexplicable unease. She whispered to Killua, "Why is he staring at me like that, Killua? It's... creepy."
Killua, protective of his sister, reassured her in his usual cold manner, "Don't worry, Alluka. Ash is here to study your powers. He's not here to harm you."
Ash's attention shifted from Alluka to the room itself, examining the intricate setup and control panel. His analytical mind sought to understand the mechanisms and limits of Alluka's abilities.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense, as if Ash's presence alone cast a shadow over their interactions.
Alluka, sensing the detachment and lack of warmth, couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine.
Unfazed by the discomfort he elicited, Ash finally broke his silence, "Hello, Alluka. I'm Ash. Let's begin our exploration of your powers."
The lack of connection and empathy in his voice echoed through the room, leaving an unsettling impression on those present.
The bond that should have been formed through blood and shared experiences was tainted by Ash's analytical nature and emotional detachment.
Killua, though young and hardened by his upbringing, held a determination to shield his sister from the shadows that lurked within their family.
Meanwhile, Ash's mind raced with possibilities, his thoughts consumed by the puzzle that lay before him.
The enigmatic power of Nanika presented an opportunity for him to explore the depths of human potential and unravel the mysteries of the unknown.
But deep within Ash's psyche, a seed of doubt began to sprout. It was a subtle whisper, a questioning of his own detached nature.
Could he continue on this path of analysis without losing a part of his humanity? Would the pursuit of knowledge lead him astray from the bonds that should have held him together as a human?
As the shadows danced across the room, Ash couldn't help but feel a twinge of longing for something he had never truly experienced: the warmth of genuine connection and the embrace of familial love.
Ash's analytical mind continued to churn, even as the doubts crept in. He took a deep breath, regaining his composure, and turned his attention to Killua and Alluka.
"Killua, Alluka, resume your activities," Ash instructed in his usual detached tone, gesturing towards their toys scattered across the room. "Play, enjoy yourselves."
Killua, grateful for the temporary respite from the tension, obliged and picked up a toy, joining Alluka in a game. Alluka, her innocence shining through, giggled and asked Killua to pat her head and rub her tummy.
As Killua complied with her requests, a radiant smile spread across Alluka's face.
Unbeknownst to Ash, these innocent acts of affection inadvertently triggered the release of Nanika's power. With each fulfilled request, Nanika emerged, her presence growing stronger.
As the entity known as Nanika fully manifested, the room trembled under the weight of her presence. Her form was a convergence of ethereal energy and enigmatic power.
Her facial features had changed, her sclerae, irises, and mouth had turned pitch black.
The room crackled with an eerie energy as Nanika fixed her gaze upon Ash.
Her eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, and in a voice that resonated with ancient power, she uttered a single word.
"Devorator." Nanika stated, her voice carrying the weight of untold amounts of centuries.
In that instant, the fabric of reality seemed to warp and twist. Ancient runes materialized in the air, casting a purple glow that filled the room.
Nanika's body levitated, engulfed in the ethereal radiance of the glowing symbols.
Her words, indecipherable and yet piercing, cut through Ash's analytical mind like a blade, causing an unbearable weight to crash down upon his soul.
Cuts appeared across his skin, and tears formed in his musculature, exposing a crimson tableau of pain.
Blood began to gush from his wounds, cascading down his body. It was a sight that would have crippled a lesser individual, but Ash stood resolute, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Nanika.
Through the agony, his mind raced, analyzing every aspect of the situation.
The runes, the distortions in reality, the surge of power emanating from Nanika, all became data points in his quest for understanding.
'What is the source of this power? How can I mitigate its effects? How does it connect to Alluka?'
With his mastery of musculature control and the aid of his dragon scales, Ash managed to staunch the flow of blood, although not preventing further damage to his body.
His feet remained firmly planted on the ground, his resolve unshaken despite the torment he endured.
As the spectacle unfolded, Killua, unharmed and desperate, called out to his brother, his voice filled with concern and urgency.
But Ash's focus was unyielding, his attention locked onto Nanika. He seemed deaf to Killua's pleas, lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts.
Killua, recognizing the futility of his attempts to reach Ash, turned his attention to Nanika. He pleaded with her, begged her to cease the torment inflicted upon his brother.
But Nanika seemed oblivious to Killua's words, her ethereal form continuing to utter incomprehensible incantations.
The weight upon Ash's soul suddenly lifted as Nanika's words ceased. She descended to the ground, her feet touching the floor once more.
The room fell into an eerie stillness, the remnants of her power lingering in the air.
Killua, seizing the opportunity, attempted to make a wish to Nanika, hoping to protect Alluka and alleviate the danger she posed.
But before the words could leave his lips, Ash's voice broke through, purely authoritative.
"Nanika, grant my wish," Ash commanded, his voice unwavering. "Let Alluka retain her power, but remove the inherent danger.
Let her exist without fear, her abilities concealed from those who would exploit or harm her.
Additionally, the requests asked by Alluka to the next person shall be limited to level 1, insignificant in nature."
"Ai!" Nanika said in a child-like manner, vastly contradicting the indescribable tone she had taken on moments prior.
In that moment, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere. It was as if the very essence of Nanika's power yielded to Ash's will.
The wish was granted, and a newfound equilibrium settled upon the room.
Killua stood in awe, witnessing the convergence of his brother's relentless analysis and the power of Nanika.
Ash's wish had altered the nature of Alluka's abilities, ensuring her safety and placing limitations on the requests granted.
The room fell into a profound silence as the siblings contemplated the consequences of their actions.
The weight of their choices, the echoes of their desires, and the potential paths that lay ahead swirled in the air.
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Also, please use your power stones if you are enjoying :)
I wrote this chapter on my phone, I'm on vacation and I'm still thinking about you guys.