Chapter 32: Dubitation X And X Attention

"However, the number of players stealing from others has recently increased," a brown-haired man, one of the recruiters, said, "If no one can find a way to beat it, the killing will continue."

After drawing into the conclusion that Killua might get killed by a spell card, a man showed up and explained that there's no such thing as a card that can kill players which gave me relief at that time. I thought Killua will be killed.

Then, he invited us to meet with their allies. They're actually inviting newbies of the game to keep them safe in the case.

"That's why we want to end this mess!" the man who recruited us uttered. I guess I agree with their initiative of stopping the murders of the other players, but when I turned around to see Gon's face filled with anger, I don't think he liked their perspective. I wonder why. Maybe because they're spouting bad things about his father's game.

I looked around the other people who were being recruited and again, I saw the blonde girl with a purple dress sitting and quietly listening. She still didn't make a move, huh. The Puhat guy is also here, too.

"Of course, if you join us," The man with the glasses said to all of us, but he looked like someone who has bad intentions, just like Leorio, "We'll remove any spells cast on you."

I looked at Killua this time, worried about the spell inside his body. Of course, I wanted him to be safe, but I can't trust these people handling him. Any of the players in the game, too.

But I guess I'll leave that to Gon to decide. He is always like our leader every time.

"Sorry, but we won't join your group," Gon said in an irritated expression. Yeah, he's angry at them. Treating this game as dangerous became their bad choice of words.

He immediately took his leave and walked out angrily, with noticeable stomps and swinging arms.

"Well, the boss said so, I guess we won't join you," Killua bid farewell with weak waving hand and followed up to Gon.

I bowed at them, saying goodbye, and ran towards the two boys. I guess Gon and I have the same decision... but I know that we didn't have the same reason.

"Gon, wait up!" Killua shouted at him after catching up. I also stopped running after I'm behind Killua. They're really fast, compared to me.

"Sorry, Killua," Gon said with his sorry eyes while rubbing the back of his head, "This means you'll be stuck with that spell for a while."

"That's fine," Killua said with a smile, crossing his arms behind his back, letting his head lay on them, "Anyway, why are you so mad earlier?"

"Because they had nothing but bad things to say about the game Ging made, like how it's based on killing and stealing," the former answered, "I thought all the players enjoyed playing the game."

"They're just following the rules," Killua said.

"Yeah," Gon responded, lowering his head, thinking about the other side's opinion.

"Though it does still feel lame," Killua said and started to walk ahead of Gon.

"Killua," Gon called, which made him stopped walking and turned around to see him, "I'm glad I got to know you!"

With that compliment from him, I saw Killua's cheeks became red and started to lower his head in order to hide it from us.

"C-Cut it out, stupid! It's embarrassing," Killua shouted and started walking away.

"Eh? But I mean it!" Gon also ran, trying to catch up with him and started throwing some compliments on him.

Then, all of a sudden, I felt an ache in my heart. It's like it's destroying all of my identity. I reached for my chest and grabbed it tightly. Why? Why am I feeling this?

"G-Gon, what about me?~" I said with a wide smile, pointing at myself. I hope they won't notice I'm just faking it. I really don't have the energy to keep a sincere smile.

I saw Killua looked at me with his innocent eyes, but I know what that means. He knew there's something wrong with me.

I don't know why, but I felt like left out. Like I'm not in their presence at all. Like I'm invisible. If I don't make a move, they will forget I'm still here.

Please. Don't leave me hanging... Gon.

"Of course, you too, Secco!" he said with his warm smile.

"Yay!~" I cheered and jumped for joy. Thank goodness, I'm still being noticed. Somehow, that made me relieved. I hope they will still feel the same about me.

With that, Killua and Gon started talking to each other as they walk, leaving me behind again.

Why? Why is this always happening to me? Am I unimportant? Am I just garbage?

Without this cursed arm, I might just be an ordinary girl with no importance at all. Just walking down the streets with my father, and leaving a normal life in school and in-home.

I'm useless, no matter how you look at it. They're just interested in me because of my arm. They're just looking at my arm, not at me. Without the arm, I'm helpless and weak. Without my arm, I might die any sooner. Without my arm, Gon and Killua will find me useless.

Without my arm... I'm just a scared little girl.

What a beautiful despair!

I heard someone inside my head, talking to me. I turned around my back to see who said those words through my head.

Who is that? How can he get through my head?

Then, I saw a shadow passed by the dark corner beside the houses. I didn't hesitate to run towards, to find out who was that telepathic person that's just messing with my head.

I ran as fast as I can to catch up, as my heart started to beat faster than ever. But why did I bother to follow him? Why?

I reached for the dark corner and saw a man standing in front of me wearing a cloak, only his red shining eyes can be seen. Of course, his creepy smile also, like it was that of a vampire.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me right to him, and used his other hand to hold my chin up to his face.

His cold hands, his heavy presence, and his creepy smiles. They're all shouting danger. I shouldn't go here. Why did I even do that?

Oh yeah. Because I want attention. I want to get Gon and Killua's attention. That they might notice I'm not there anymore. I hope they realized I wasn't there.

"Someday, you'll be mine," he whispered along with creepy laughs.

I felt nervous, my heart still beating faster. The aura this man is giving was tremendous and deadly. With just one glance of his eyes, I felt like I'm gonna be dead.

I have to get away from his grasp. There's no time to wait for their help.

I used Shu to activate my bandages and lift my leg to kick him in his chin. But then, he caught my foot and started to smile widely.

I twisted my body like a tornado to let go of his hand from my foot and tried to kick him once again. But then, he stopped it again and this time, he tried to make his turn.

He reached for me using his hand and tried to grab my head. I sprinted back towards the crowded part of the city trying to dodge his attempted move but it's already too late.

His hand touched my head and it seemed like he was trying to cast a Nen spell towards me. He started whispering words I couldn't understand and it seems like it was an ancient script.

Then suddenly, I felt a voice trying to win over my mind, whispering something to me.

Just kill him. Just kill him. Just kill him.

It repeated these words inside my head. Then, I felt a loss of breath after the voice spitted those words. I couldn't breathe. I felt a grudge and anger towards the man in front of me.

I have to kill him.

"Secco!"

My arm was about to grow to became a monster but then, I heard a familiar voice at my back, so I turned around to see Gon and Killua catching up their breath.

"Looks like I'll have to play with you next time," the man said and sprinted away from us.

The air finally came back and I took short breaths to keep it to my lungs. Who was that just now? What does he want from me?

Without any warning, my legs surrendered and I felt my body falling to the ground.

But thankfully, Killua caught my arms and let me rest on his chest. I looked up to see his eyes and I saw a glimpse of worry written on them. I smiled warmly out of excitement because of his concern.

"Secco, are you okay?" Gon asked me with the same worry in his eyes as Killua.

"Y-Yeah. I'm fine. I'm just nervous because of what happened," I replied and stood up from being supported, showing them I'm completely okay.

"Do you know that guy?" Killua asked me, his face filled with seriousness and anxiety. I think that man really caught their attention.

"I don't know, but I think he wants something from me," I answered as I was thinking deeply about who that man is.

"Maybe it was your arm," Killua said, letting his head lay on the arms at his back again.

"Probably," I uttered, imagining what dangers I might be facing in the future.

"Don't worry, Secco," Gon said with his determine smile as he holds my other hand, "We will protect you!"

"Gon..." The only name released from my mouth. I couldn't help but be thankful for my friends. I guess I'll forget about that leaving out feelings I had earlier. For now, I'm just glad that they're caring for me.

That man who wanted something from me might come back and next time will never show mercy on us. I have to be stronger than ever to prepared for that. To protect Gon and Killua.