The question hung in the air for a few moments as Killua thought about what to say. Honestly? He wasn’t sure yet. He’d gone from treating this school as some game, to hanging on desperately to this life. Perhaps it was that he’d simply just started growing attachments? No, that wasn’t it. He could still keep in contact with his new friends even if he wasn’t going to U.A anymore. Did he genuinely want to be a hero maybe? No, that wasn’t it either. Killua had no interest in making it big in the hero world.
“I…I don’t know.”
Killua admitted, drawing his knees closer to his chest. His eyes dipped down low. “I don’t have any goals, dreams, desires. I wasn’t raised that way.” All he’d been taught as a kid, was to follow orders. He was taught how to kill, how to perfect his trade. There were no options outside of that. Then his entire world got flipped upside down by some cheerful forest boy. Gon…I can’t just leave him behind. Killua had tried to convince himself he’d made peace with the fact he’d never get to see any of his friends again, but deep in his heart he’d never quite abandoned that hope. I think….I get it now. It didn’t really make a lot of sense, but nothing these days ever did.
It wasn’t something he could ever say out loud though, that was too embarrassing.
Killua gritted his teeth, then met Shota’s eyes once more. However this time, they were more determined. “But I can’t just give up. I can’t just leave him behind.” Killua didn’t elaborate on that, he didn’t even try. He knew Shota wouldn’t understand. Hell, not even he really understood his own motivations. Shota let out a long drawn out breath, his eyes softening slightly as he stared down at Killua. “Listen, Killua. I’m sorry.”
Killua’s eyes widened slightly, the last thing he’d expected was for Shota to apologize to him. He placed a gentle hand on Killua’s shoulder. “I’ve been acting more like your parent than a pro hero entrusted to watch after you.” I never really thought about it like that. I mean sure I’ve made jokes about it before. But… Shota did feel like a father figure to him. And he found that he didn’t mind thinking of him that way. “Yeah it can get kind of irritating. But… I don’t completely hate it.” Killua admitted. “It feels…nice.” Shota let out a soft chuckle. “Can’t say I was expecting that.”
Killua let out a huff, shooting the man a look. “But I can’t stand when you treat me like a toddler. I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions, and looking after myself.” He sighed. “But… I’ll be more careful.” He promised, with a sheepish grin. Shota let out a soft grumble. “You better. I’ll give you another chance, but just like with Midoriya, if you can’t get a handle on your physical capabilities I will remove you from the course.” He said sternly.
Killua let out a groan. “I get it!” Suddenly Todoroki walked in, holding his mask. Killua’s eyes brightened. “Ah! Does it still work?” He questioned, holding a hand out for it. Todoroki handed it to him, staring at him with worry. “I think it does, but you probably aren’t well enough to-” Killua tugged the big clunky plastic mask off his face and tugged his old one on. He took a deep breath in, and out. A little smoke was still trapped inside, but it didn’t affect him all that much. He was trained to breathe in smoke. The only reason why it was such an issue earlier, was because it was on top of air he already couldn’t breathe.
“I’m fine, maybe a bit woozy but I can stick it out for the next thirty minutes or so then rest when I get home.” Killua said, tying the strap of his mask on as securely as he could before getting to his feet. Shota huffed. “Well you better hurry, you’re late.”
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As Killua emerged onto the field, the podium was already set up and fireworks were going off, award ceremony in full swing. Bakugou was on the top, scowling, looking like he was about to snap. The second place spot, his spot, was empty. And On the third podium, stood Tokoyami and Shinso, tied for third. Shinso’s brawl for third had been long and hard, but he’d just barely managed to snag a win. Killua quickly darted over and leapt onto the second place spot, standing up tall and waving to the crowd. “Sorry I’m late!”
There was an accompanying roar for the crowd as he appeared, and Killua got slightly flustered at all the praise. I feel great but I also hate it. He grumbled internally. Bakugou glared daggers at him as he took his rightful spot, and hissed in a low tone. “That wasn’t a fair win. You owe me a rematch.” Killua smirked underneath his mask, staring straight back. “Oh I’d love to get another chance to beat your ass.” Bakugou let out a sneer. “You better give me all you got next time. None of that half assed bullshit.” Killua was about to reply to that, when suddenly Allmight leapt down from the edge of the stadium in a spectacularly dramatic fashion.
“HA HA HA! CITIZENS, I AM HERE WITH THE MEDALS!”
Killua watched in amusement at the theatrics. Allmight grabbed the medals, and one by one gave each winner three things. A few encouraging words, a medal, and a hug. Killua wasn’t too thrilled about the last one but he’d let it happen. “Ah, young Killua.” Allmight started. You worked hard to get here, and no doubt went through countless struggles as a quirkless boy-” Killua rolled his eyes as Allmight kept droning on. He didn’t care much about the whole speech thing. Killua accepted his medal, and the hug, then listened as Allmight spoke to Bakugou.
“Well, you did what you said you’d do in the pledge.” He started. “You’re true to your word.” He said, cheerfully. Bakugou’s teeth gritted, and he growled. “Winning first place this way doesn’t prove I’m the best one here! Even if the world considers me the winner, I refuse to accept it like that!” Killua let out a laugh, unable to control himself. In that moment, he couldn’t help but remember Gon’s match with Hanzo. “WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT?” Bakugou yelled at him, then struggled as Allmight tried to award him his first place medal. “GET THAT TRASH OFF ME!”
Killua only laughed harder. “You remind me of someone.” He managed to say, through his chuckles. “Listen old man, it’s no use trying to force him to accept it. He won’t until he’s won the way he wants to.” Allmight struggled for a few moments to give him his medal, before sighing and turning to the audience.
“HERE THEY ARE! THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S SPORTS FESTIVAL!”
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To Be Continued…
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