Shadow of the Hunt

Kilua's breath came in sharp gasps, his body trembling with exertion. He stood his ground, his gaze locked on Illumi, who now stood at the edge of the pit, completely unfazed. Despite the trap's failure, Kilua refused to let despair take root. He couldn't afford to.

"Still playing games, Kilua?" Illumi said coldly, brushing dirt off his sleeve. His voice was calm, almost dispassionate, yet there was a weight to it that spoke of an unyielding resolve. "You're wasting your energy."

"You're wrong," Kilua shot back, his voice tight. "Every second I keep you here is another second we have to escape."

Illumi's lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "You're not running anymore, remember? Or was that just a fleeting moment of rebellion?"

Kilua's fists clenched at the taunt, but he didn't rise to it. Instead, he shifted his stance, calculating his next move. He couldn't outmatch Illumi in raw power or experience, but he didn't need to. His family had taught him well, and now he would use that training against them.

"Come on, then," Kilua said, his voice steady despite the rapid beat of his heart. "Let's finish this."

Without hesitation, Illumi lunged forward, his needles flashing in the moonlight. Kilua dodged the first strike, countering with a swift kick aimed at Illumi's ribs. The blow connected, but Illumi barely flinched. He retaliated with a flurry of attacks, each one forcing Kilua further back.

Above them, Alluka watched in silent fear, her hands clutching the tree branch tightly. She knew Kilua was strong, but Illumi was a force to be reckoned with. Every movement he made seemed effortless, as if he were toying with Kilua rather than truly fighting him.

Kilua's mind raced as he deflected another attack. He couldn't keep this up much longer. Illumi's strikes were relentless, and each one brought him closer to exhaustion. He needed a way to turn the tide—something Illumi wouldn't expect.

Then it hit him.

Kilua feinted to the left, drawing Illumi's attention, before darting toward the pit. As Illumi followed, Kilua skidded to a halt at the edge and turned, his hand crackling with electricity. With a burst of speed, he unleashed a lightning-charged strike directly at Illumi's chest.

The attack landed, sending Illumi staggering back, smoke rising from his clothes. For a moment, Kilua thought he had gained the upper hand. But Illumi recovered quickly, his expression unreadable as he straightened.

"You've improved," Illumi admitted, his tone devoid of emotion. "But you still lack conviction. You hesitate."

"I'm not hesitating," Kilua retorted, his voice fierce. "I'm choosing. There's a difference."

Illumi's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what have you chosen, Kilua? To betray your family? To abandon everything you were raised to be?"

Kilua's heart twisted at the words, but he didn't falter. "I chose freedom. I chose Alluka. And I'll fight anyone who tries to take that away."

The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the sound of leaves rustling in the wind. For the first time, Illumi seemed to pause, as if weighing Kilua's words. But whatever flicker of doubt had appeared was gone in an instant.

"You're naïve," Illumi said, his voice like ice. "Freedom is an illusion, and attachments are weaknesses. You'll learn that eventually—if you survive."

Illumi moved again, faster than before, his needles flying toward Kilua. This time, Kilua was ready. He dodged the first needle and caught the second mid-air, using its momentum to redirect it toward Illumi. The tactic bought him a brief moment to reposition, but it was clear that the battle was far from over.

As Kilua fought to keep up with Illumi's relentless attacks, a new sound reached his ears—a low hum that seemed to vibrate through the air. He risked a glance upward and saw Alluka, her hands glowing faintly as she whispered something under her breath.

"No," Kilua shouted, his voice panicked. "Alluka, stop!"

But it was too late. The glow around Alluka intensified, and her eyes turned pitch black. The presence of Nanika, the otherworldly entity within her, filled the clearing with an oppressive energy. Even Illumi hesitated, his movements slowing as he turned to face her.

"Alluka," Kilua called out again, desperation in his voice. "Don't let it take over. You have to stay with me."

Alluka's lips moved, but the voice that emerged wasn't hers. It was soft and haunting, carrying an otherworldly weight. "Do you wish for help, Kilua?"

Kilua's chest tightened. He knew the cost of making a wish, especially one made in desperation. But the sight of Illumi, momentarily frozen by the sheer force of Nanika's presence, gave him pause. This was his chance to end the fight, to protect Alluka and escape.

"I—" Kilua's voice faltered. He wanted to say no, but the words wouldn't come.

Illumi's voice cut through the tension, cold and sharp. "Go ahead, Kilua. Make your wish. Show her how weak you really are."

Kilua's hands trembled as he faced the impossible choice before him.

........

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