Chapter 22: Another Zoldyck?
__________ POV Narration__________
Ashton spent his last day before the attack loitering around the city and eating from various stalls.
The people were still recovering from the 'natural' earthquake that had happened the prior night.
Ashton didn't seem too bothered by the lives he ruined. But deep down some remorse was still present.
He may hold a grudge against humanity, by he could relate to their suffering to some extent.
Having your home in ruins was an experience he knew too well...
He regretted it, but there was nothing he could have done better. The Phantom Troupe was extremely lucky to have lived that encounter.
If Ashton was in a worse mood he would've killed all of them. He would have taken his time with them too.
Walking around the busy street was somewhat calming for the scientist. Having been used to solitude a change of scenery like this was more than welcome.
But the day was quite uneventful. He was certainly not followed around by a strange little girl that he met the prior night...
__________ POV Ashton__________
No seriously, why is this brat following me? Does she think I won't notice it or something?
I could somewhat sense her presence, it's the black-haired one that was wearing a kimono. I guess they want to keep an eye on me?
No, they wouldn't dare to do something that stupid. Especially after last nights experience. I think this might be her acting on her own.
Still, I didn't think Chrollo would have people this skilled in stealth underneath him. She's quite talented, probably even more so than him.
I eventually decided to face the one following me. I didn't really want to run around in circles during my free time.
I jumped on top of the building near me and looked my tail in the eyes. She was on the building across the street from me. A good position for tracking someone, as long as you have enough mobility.
She seemed a bit surprised, I guess she was really confident in her stealth. Too bad these tricks don't work well with me.
I am completely used to countering assassins and thieves. Although very few were even as skilled as her... Really, having these types of skills at a young age reminds me of someone else.
Killua was the only one I could make a comparison to. He was a Zoldyck, so that was to be expected.
I jumped to the same building as her. I'm in a great mood now, I'll hear her reasons at least.
__________ POV Narration__________
"It's quite rude to follow someone around you know?" Said the calm scientist. His eyes were cold, despite his 'great mood'.
Kalluto was quite surprised. He had wanted to find out more about this person. Curiosity got him to follow Ashton around for a bit.
"I was just... Scouting?" A somewhat poor excuse from the young professional assassin.
"Oh, and what would a little girl like you be scouting anyway?" Said Ashton, not even trying to pretend he believed Kalluto's story.
"I am a boy..." Kalluto's words somewhat surprised the scientist. As he chocked with his saliva.
"*Chough Chough* You're what now?" His eyes looked at Kalluto intently.
"*Sigh* My name is Kalluto Zoldyck... I am a boy." Said Kalluto resolutely. Hoping his family name might get him out of this situation that he considered life and death.
Although Ashton had no plans to actually kill the child. Regardless of whether or not he was a girl. Even if the fact that he had made such a mistake disturbed him a bit.
"Another one..." Said Ashton under his breath, releasing a frustrated sigh.
'How many of Zigg's spawns must I meet in the short span of a few weeks?' Were the thoughts going through his mind.
One thing that should be mentioned is that the passage of time was barely noticed by the scientist most times. 'The older one gets the faster time passes for them'. And Ashton was plenty old.
"So... Why were you following me? A Zoldyck doesn't usually seek out opponents stronger than themselves..." Zigg was somewhat different in that aspect.
He loved fighting, that was the reason he and Netero got along. Also, the reason why he went to the Dark Continent.
But Zigg being an exception was not important. Kalluto didn't seem to be one in Ashton's eyes.
"I was a bit curious and wanted to find out more about you..." Was the best answer Kalluto could give in this situation. Lying wouldn't have benefitted him much in that situation.
At this point, he also relaxed a bit. Realising that the mad scientist wasn't going to kill him.
__________ POV Ashton__________
Why is this kid so strange? Who wears a kimono in the middle of the street?
And why am I walking around with him and eating sweets?
Oh well, it's not like I have anything better to do. I can't examine the queen's body without all of my equipment. And I really don't feel like sleeping the day out.
Kalluto has proven to be a strange kid. Maybe because he's a Zoldyck? They are always a bit strange. Crossdressing aside, he is quite a calm individual for his age.
Is it even cross-dressing though? I remember Kimono's being worn by men too now... Maybe I just forgot about it at some point? Although, Kalluto's kimono is certainly not manly...
"Cotton candy is certainly one of man's best inventions," I said in a straight tone. The child nodded in agreement as he stuffed his face with it.
"Say, won't your friends get worried if they found out you spent a day like this?"
The Troupe was scared of me at this point. I think they'd be more than worried if they knew what Kalluto is doing now.
But my question didn't seem to faze the kid. Not that I was expecting them to. If I wanted to get a reaction out of him I'd show him that I know his families techniques.
He just shrugged and said. "Not like we're fighting..." Fair point, it wouldn't be much of a fight anyway...
But walking around with this kid was certainly not bad. It's better if I have someone to talk to besides Netero. A Zoldyck is honestly my best bet in finding another friend.
Where else would I find someone crazy enough?
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