Hey, minna! Sorry for the delay. I've been out of town this whole week, but now I'm back to sweet home America, right on time for 4th of July. This chapter is dedicated to @jo2000MA. Thanks for reading my book and showing your support by voting and commenting. I hope you're not too mad at me. Well, here's the chapter you've been waiting for, so enjoy. One last note, my brand new cover was made by Golden_Darkness67 . The girl's got true talent. Stay awesome! Trouble out.

Throughout the whole period, I couldn't pay attention to anything my teacher was saying, let alone care. Through my ears, I only translated them as meaningless babbling. My rapid pencil tapping was in synch with my foot shaking. I could feel it. Shiki throwing daggers of despise at me. I couldn't believe this was actually happening. If what she said was true, then I would have to see the girl who tried to murder me and go after Killua everyday in school from now on.

"Miss Yuki," my teacher called me out. "Could you please stop making such a ruckus over there?" My feet and pencil halted when I didn't even realize I was doing it so loudly. I apologized and sank back into my seat, hiding my face in embarrassment.

Mr. Okumura continued. "Now, does anyone have the answer to number twenty-four?" The class was quiet without a single hand raised. It was quite obvious that those who genuinely didn't know the answer were the ones staring blankly at the board and at sensei, and those who were too scared to answer avoided eye contact. Before the teacher could start picking out names, the bell rang, and my teacher sighed. "Never mind. Make sure you all read chapters nine and ten tonight, and finish answering all review questions." With that said, everyone started gathering their belongings, standing up and heading out through the door. I wasn't sure if I should call this a good thing so that I wouldn't have to fear Shiki sitting behind me anymore, or a bad thing because of the number of potential witnesses decreasing. Regarding the latter, I still remained in my seat.

"Hey, Yuki." Lizz swung by and leaned an elbow casually on my desk. "Are you okay? You looked like you were ready to run for cover."

"L-Lizz..." I spoke to her nervously, pulling my hands to my lap. "There's s-still some things I haven't told you yet about the weekend that you need to k-know right now."

"Can't it wait until lunch, or after school? We need to head to class." I shook my head and clung onto her arm desperately.

"No, it's very urgent now!" I whined.

"Hi, I'm Shiki! Your new classmate." I nearly fell out of my chair when Shiki appeared next to Lizz. It shouldn't have been a surprise since she was sitting behind me, watching my back the whole time. But I just thought she already walked out. Obviously, I was so worried that I couldn't think straight. She could've heard me talking about her, or she already caught the hint and decided to intervene before I said too much.

"Hello. Welcome to Chesterfield High," Lizz greeted. When they shook hands, Lizz's smile dropped as her hand jolted away, as if the touch shocked her. Shiki was also surprised, but they both recomposed their polite exchange . "Um... I'm Lizz. Hope you'll get used to this school."

"Me too." Shiki giggled. She was clearly pretending to be a different person. She would be acting a lot more rude and loud than this. I should know. "Well, I'm heading out now."

When Shiki left the room, Lizz and I both let out a deep breath. "There's something off about that girl," Lizz said.

"Really? How so?"

"I didn't sense it at first, but right after we touched, I sensed a strong aura from her. She's a Nen user." I was surprised that Lizz was able to do that, kind of like a sixth sense similar to Killua and Gon. I shook that thought out of my head, for was no time to be impressed.

"There's also something else that you need to know," I said, timidly tapping my fingers together.

"What? You know her or something?"

"It's a long story. So you know how I left with Killua to visit his family?"

"How could I forget so quickly. It literally happened a few days ago."

"Well... they weren't the only family of assassins there. There was this one tough chick who had a childhood crush with Killua and tried to..." Instead of finishing the sentence, I slid my finger across my neck to express the message.

"Yikes. Sounded like you had a crazy weekend. She didn't actually try to kill you, did she?" She started laughing, thinking I was over exaggerating, but I wasn't. "Did she?"

I sucked in some air.  She wasn't going to like hearing this. "She's an assassin. She would if she wanted to and she tried to, if it wasn't for Killua..."

"What?!" Lizz yelled, slamming her hands down.

"Shhh! Keep your voice down." I was afraid if Shiki might possibly hear us. I wouldn't want to get into more trouble with her for talking behind her back.

"This is why you should always tell me what crazy stuff you're up to. I could've came along and protected you." Lizz was sounding really upset about this, mostly offensive for some reason.

"I couldn't tell you because I knew you would try to persuade me not to," I defended. "and someone had to stay here with Gon and Alluka."

"That's not for you to decide!" I was completely silenced by her sudden outburst. She might as well have said that through a megaphone. Lizz realized her rash speech and immediately calmed down. She averted her gaze away shamefully. I couldn't help but notice that she sounded hurt.

"Lizz, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said in a calmer voice. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

Lizz sighed as she carelessly removed her hat to scratch her ears for a moment. Anyways, what does this have to do with... Noooo..." Her voice dropped deep in utter realization, her eyes widening.

"Oh yeah," I nodded. Suddenly, Lizz placed her hat back on and just started marching toward the door without any announcement of where she was going. "Uh... Where are you going?"

"I'm gonna go to this girl and give her a piece of my mind for messing with my BFF."

I got out of my seat to quickly stop her. "Wait!" When I pulled back her arm, she whipped her head around with fury to face me.

"Wait? What do you mean wait? We have a freakin' killer on the loose in our school."

"Exactly. We don't want to start anything without thinking. She's been quiet this far, so let's try to talk to her slowly first, okay?" She did had a point there about being aware of a killer in our school, but Shiki wouldn't kill senselessly without a good reason. Maybe for a selfish one, but she has to have standards at least.

"What did you think I was going to do, beat her up? Okay, maybe a punch or two at first, and then talk to her. All right, fine." She reluctantly yanked her arm away from me. I sighed in relief that Lizz refrained from doing anything stupid. I wouldn't want to risk her getting in trouble for fighting in the school, or even worse. A blood shed in the school. Even more worse, Lizz getting hurt.  Even though she was a Chimera Ant, Shiki's Nen level and fighting experience would squish Lizz under her feet. Things could've also gone ugly if both Lizz and Shiki were exposed for what they are, and if Killua and Alluka got caught in it too, then they would be exposed as well.

I gasped. "Oh no, Killua!" Both Killua and Shiki were in the same building. I couldn't imagine what it would be like if they suddenly bumped into each other. Worst case scenario would be that they might start a fight, or maybe Shiki would take the whole student body as hostages to threaten Killua to go out with her.

"Where is she?" Lizz asked, reading my mind on the situation.

"I don't know. I don't know what classes she's taking."

"Wait a minute. I got it! I can use En to find her," Lizz said confidently.

"En? Is that a Nen thing or an ant thing?"

Lizz grunted. "It's a Nen thing. Basically, I amplify the aura that covers my body into a wider radius. Anything caught in its range I can sense. If I can detect Shiki's Nen in my field of Nen..."

"Then you'll be able to find her location."

Lizz snapped and smiled. "That's my girl." She held her hands and took a deep breath. "It's not perfect yet, but I can still try to go as far as I can." She closed her eyes and became silent. I couldn't tell if she was doing her thing or not, since I was not a Nen user. After a brief moment, Lizz's eyes shot open, and her face shifted into an even more unpleasant expression. "Oh, heck no! Nah-ah. Not in my house," she muttered angrily as she started dragging me out of the classroom.

"Hey! What's wrong? Did you find her?" I asked, concerned.

"Oh, I found her. Along with somebody else." Clearly, I had no idea who she was talking about since I couldn't see like her.

We walked all the way up to the level above us and stopped in front of the door to a third year's class room. This room must have been right on top of ours. Lizz pried the door wide open and growled at the sight. Shiki standing next to a window while socializing with Gon. "Messing with my girl's man is one thing, but getting close to my man? I don't think so."

From where we stood, it looked like Gon was enjoying his conversation with Shiki, and she was laughing at whatever he said. I was not sure how to take this situation. This looked definitely bad because of Lizz's crush on Gon, who already has a bad start with Shiki. If those two get any closer than from where they stood from each other, Lizz might blow up with jealousy. On the other hand, if anyone could be nice to Shiki and bring her into the light, it would be Gon. Not to mention, he has been best friends with Killua since they were young, so maybe he knows how to handle these kinds of people. However, my best friend comes first, so of course I would not allow them to get too comfortable.

"Hey, Gon!" Lizz said in a forced casual manor, already jumping into the scene. By obligation, I followed her. "There's something I need to talk to you about really quick." She then turned to Shiki with a fake smile. "Excuse me. Mind if I borrow him?"

"Be my guest," Shiki replied nonchalantly. Without a moment to lose, Lizz pulled Gon out of the classroom with him very confused on why he had to leave so suddenly. I stayed behind. 

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked as I crossed my arms at Shiki.

Shiki smirked. "It's all part of my strategy. I get close to Killua's best friend, then he puts a good word out for me. And since he's naive and simpleminded, he's a lot easier to manipulate. I am such a genius."

I cringed at the fact that she gloated about manipulating Gon. "That's sick and so selfish."

"Excuse me?" She cocked her head back.

"Gon is nice to everyone, and likes being friends with everyone. Taking advantage of someone as genuinely kind and innocent as him is a cruel thing to do."

"It's a cruel world. Besides, it's not like I'm the only one benefiting from this. He can hang out with me and be my friend whenever he likes."

I gritted my teeth and clenched my hands. Gon was the kindest, most pure-hearted boy I have ever met. He was Killua's best friend and Lizz's love interest. I could not just stand there and idle as she spoke lowly of my friend. "You just don't get what friendship means. Friends don't use each other. They... they... You know! They care about and help each other."

"Will you help me get together with Killua?"

"No!" I couldn't believe she would even ask me that, let alone consider it. Where did the thought of Shiki actually having a good side come from again?

She turned her head with her chin up. "Then you can't be my friend," she said snobbishly.

"Well good, because I don't even want to try." I crossed my arms while facing the opposite way. "You know, I thought you might have good in you, but I guess I was wrong."

"Hey, I am nice. I spared your life more than I could count today. If you weren't using Killua as your own personal bodyguard right now, I could've ended you a long time ago."

"Not while I'm around," Lizz quickly stepped between us. Shiki's expression on how she looked at Lizz changed differently from when she met her before.

"Who invited the pest?" Shiki retorted. At first I was almost taken by surprised how Shiki already discovered that Lizz was an Ant, but then I remembered that Killua and Gon already picked that up when they first met her. Could Shiki be up in their league?

"This cat dragged herself in." Lizz did not break eye contact as she began rolling up her sleeves. This was not going to turn out pretty. Once Lizz starts something, she always finishes it.

"This is none of your business, tomcat," Shiki said to her scornfully. Lizz growled like a lion. I have never heard I make that sound before.

"Yuki is my best friend, so her physical, social, and mental wellbeing is my business." She placed a hand on my shoulder. "And I will always have her back."

"Really? Let's see if you'll still say that once I cut your tongue out." Shiki moved her hand in her pocket and slowly hinted out a kunai. I was legitimately scared that she actually brought that with her to school. Even Killua have never brought weapons on campus.

"If it's a cat fight you want then it's a cat fight you'll get." Lizz showed her bare claws.

As I watched those two glare at each other with sparks forming, I wondered why I haven't said anything yet. I would interfere if I could, but how could someone as powerless as me stop two girls from potentially killing each other? Before I could utter the word stop, someone knocked at the door. We dropped everything to turn our attentions toward Alluka, who was peaking curiously into the classroom.

"There you guys are," she said as she walked in. I didn't know whether I should consider her entrance having the worst timing or the best timing. When she noticed Shiki was with us, she came closer and stopped in front of her. "So this your first time in our school, right? I used to be the new student too," she giggled a smile, then thrusted her hand forward. "I'm Alluka."

Shiki blinked her eyes as she looked at Alluka strangely. She slowly shook her hand as she still studied her face. "Say, you're kinda cute, and also... familiar." It then occurred to me that Shiki might have never met Alluka before. If that was the case, she didn't know about her powers either. Shiki could clearly see the resemblance of Killua in her, but haven't quite put her finger on it yet. If she didn't know that she was Killua's sister before, then it would probably be best to keep it that way. "Have we met?"

I quickly pulled Alluka to my side. "Nope! That's not possible. Alluka has always been homeschooled up 'til now. Right, Alluka? Eh heh heh..." I tried playing it cool, but Lizz shot a glare at me saying I was acting so obvious and not convincing enough.

Like a little girl taking back her doll, Shiki pulled back Alluka, linking arms. She then beamed an affectionate smile at her. "No kidding! I was homeschooled too. I like you. You're gonna be my new best friend."

At that moment, our mouths dropped as  Lizz and I were both appalled at the sudden change of events. A member of our friendship circle has been captured by the enemy.

"Hold on!" Lizz pulled Alluka back into our side. "You can't just start naming people your friend."

"Why not?" Shiki said as she tugged back. "Alluka doesn't seem to mind, and neither does Gon."

"Not if I have a say in it," Lizz said as it was her turn to pull.

This suddenly turned into a tug war with Alluka as the rope, as Shiki and Lizz continued to bicker. Even I felt awkward about this, as well as sorry for Alluka. Alluka seemed bewildered, and mostly uncomfortable about all this. She had always been very loyal and would still want to stay with us, but she probably also wanted to make friends with a brand new student such as herself. Someone needed to step in.

"Alluka, are you in here?" Killua peaked his head through the door, without knowing what he might get himself into. Oh no. Anyone but Killua. Killua paused to process the situation, analyzing his observations. Lizz and Shiki froze while still stretching Alluka's arms. Everyone was awkwardly silent. Time moved again when Shiki broke the silence.

"Hi, Killua! Did you miss me?" she greeted as she smiled cheerfully with delight.

Killua charged in straight toward Alluka and I. Before I knew it, he put his hands around my waists and lifted me off the ground and hung me over his shoulder. "W-what?! Killua!" I said flustered. Killua then grabbed Alluka a lugged her under his arm like she was extra baggage. As he scurried while carrying the both of us out of the classroom like the wind, the last thing I saw was the confused expressions on Lizz and Shiki's faces, thinking what just happened.

He began running down the hallway with us still being carried. As he passed people, I saw their judging faces when they looked back. I was completely embarrassed. "Killua! What do you think you're doing?"

"We're getting out of here," he panted, not stopping.

"To where?" I argued while kicking my feet in the air.

"Anywhere but here. That creep found me, which means we gotta move away, start fresh someplace else."

"What?"

"Oniichan!" Alluka complained as well. As he passed a corner, Alluka and I quickly grabbed on to the edge. Killua tried fighting, but Alluka and I persisted, combining our strengths to outmatch his.

"Killua, put us down this instant! People are staring." Reluctantly, he gave up and settled us down gently. I took him and Alluka to a vacant classroom so that nobody would hear or see us. Also because I didn't feel like being seen by anybody at the moment.

"You see what I mean? Once she finds me, she won't leave me alone," Killua said in distress.

"She's still chasing you because she still has hope that there's a chance for you two. If you talk to her honestly, then maybe..."

"That won't make any difference," Killua interrupted me. "You saw what she's like, and heard the things that she said. Are you really going to take pity on her?"

"No way! I just want her to get the message once and for all that you are taken."

"Then you can go tell her for me," Killua said as he began walking away with hands in his pockets.

"Fine. Okay... Wait, what?!"

Killua sighed. "I can't handle that that nutcase." He then spun around and gave me the puppy eyes. "So can you do it for me?"

I was getting ticked off by this boy. "Are you kidding? What makes you think I can handle her?" I barked at him.

He opened the window beside him and sat on the frame. "I don't know. You're the one with the people skills, and you're smart, so I believe in you." He winked at me while giving a goofy smile, then jumped out of the window.

"Killua, you coward!" I yelled down as I looked out the window. I watched as the moron ran away. I turned around to Alluka, who was quietly watching the whole conversation. "Why didn't you say anything to him?"

Alluka shrugged. "I didn't want to interrupt."

"Oh gee, thanks. You're so kind," I said sarcastically. I let my head and arms hang in despair. "I am going to die young."

Alluka patted me on the back. "Don't worry, Yuki-chan. I'll be right behind you. You're very nice, so I know you'll do a great job!"

Alluka's words only gave me a fraction of comfort. I still couldn't believe that Killua would joke around like that. Had he forgotten that Shiki almost killed me last time we were alone? Maybe he plans on stepping in again if Shiki attempts on harming me again. Not to mention, Alluka would keep me company, so I wouldn't be alone this time. She may not be a fighter, but since Shiki has a liking in her, she might not want to hurts with Alluka around.

I straightened up and puffed up my chest. Suddenly, a girl paced around the the corner and noticed us. "Hey, are there any teachers around here?" the student asked urgently.

"No?" I answered back, looking around for them myself.

"What's the problem?" Alluka asked.

"There's a fight going on and I need to report," she replied. When she said that, I instantly knew who was involved.

"That's okay. I'll go get the teacher," I reassured, as well as lied. "Where's the fight happening? Who's fighting?"

"The new girl with some junior. In front of room 3-C."

"Got it. Thanks."

Alluka and I started rushing down the halls as fast as we could. Some students from all around started heading toward the same direction as us. They probably also heard about the fight. Honestly, I had no idea know why I was doing this. Shiki didn't deserve my help. She had been nothing but mean to me and the people I care about. I couldn't care less if she got expelled on her first day of school, but not before I tell her off to leave us alone for good.

As we approached the scene, there was a ring of students surrounding the show. There was so much noise going on. There were large chants for fight, and so little oppositions to stop. I squeezed between shoulders and broke through to see Shiki pinning a guy down on the ground with her foot while pulling one arm back.

"Someone get this crazy chick off of me!" The student groaned in pain. By comparing their sizes, he looked like he could've overpowered her, but Shiki had proven to be the stronger opponent.

"Not until you repent for your actions," Shiki stated as she pulled his arm tighter.

"Agh! I already said I was sorry!"

Some boys were booing at him, calling him a wimp. I stepped into the scene and firmly placed my hands on Shiki's shoulders. "Shiki! What do you think you're doing?"

"This guy tried to set a move on me," she said. "Slithering his slob of an arm around me. How disgusting."

"He didn't know what he was doing. Let go of him!" Some how I managed to yank her away. When she let go of his arm, the boy curled into a ball, holding his arm securely within his body in pain.

Shiki stopped resisting and faced me angrily. "Why did you interfere?" she demanded.

"Because I had to! You were hurting him."

"I was just giving what he deserve-"

"To you, losing an arm may not be a big deal, but here in school it's different. You can't just go off hurting other people when you get mad. This ain't the underworld. You're in my world now."

I was huffing red hot after saying those words. The students around us became quiet. I wasn't sure if they heard or understood what I said, but they mostly seemed confused and afraid at this point. Shiki noticed this when her expression changed. She looked around and saw how all of the students were staring at her. She looked so lost.

"Who here's been picking on my brother!" Someone shouted from behind the crowd. We directed our attentions toward a group of upperclassmen boys who emerged when the group of students dispersed to clear a path for him. I recognized him from being a member of the soccer team. The boys backing him up were probably his teammates, looking pretty buff and upset. When the leader saw his brother on the ground, his eye twitched, then he looked at the both of us furiously. "Which one of you did it? Was it you?" He accusingly pointed at Shiki as he started marching closer to her.

I stepped in front of her. "Please, this is just a misunderstanding."

I tried to be reasonable, but he threw his glare at me with the same rage. "Misunderstand this!" He swung his fist back and was about to bring it forward. I brought my arms up and closed my eyes for impact. I waited, but it didn't come. When I opened them, I saw Shiki clenching onto his fist.

"Keep your eyes on me," she said as she stared ghastly into his intimidated brown spheres. When the jock retracted his arm with a cold sweat, Alluka pulled me back into the crowd. Shiki held a stance, preparing to fight.

Before the next actions were taken, two teachers showed up, one of them blowing a whistle. "What in heaven's name is going on here?"

"I heard someone was picking on my brother so I confronted her. She started it." The jock pointed at Shiki.

What the situation appeared to be was not in Shiki's favor. Some students stepped up and spoke that they saw her really did start it all and that the boys were only defending themselves. After the teachers heard enough, they ordered Shiki to go to the principle's office, then dismissed all of the students.

When the hallways cleared up with just me and Alluka, I stood there to contemplate. Did Shiki just save me back there? On purpose? She could've just let that guy hit me with pure rage, but she didn't. If she really hated me, then she would've let me get hurt. She wouldn't care if I got hurt. So why did she bother?

"Yuki-chan. Come on. We'll be late for class."

***

When the lunch bell rang, I walked out of the classroom with my friends to our usual spot. "I hope that girl gets expelled," Lizz commented. "It's only her first day and she's already picking fights with people."

"Well, to be honest, you could've been one of those people. Remember?"

Lizz laughed. "It was all part of my plan to intimidate her. Although, she would've gotten really scared if things continued from there."

I suddenly felt like I was defending Shiki. What was the matter with me?

"Hey, guys. I'm gonna go buy my lunch. I'll meet you at the spot." They nodded and I parted toward the cafeteria. When I reached the front of the line, I bought two sandwiches, just because I was feeling extra hungry today. Probably because of the extra excitement.

As I was walking down the hallway to return to my friends, I saw Shiki walk out of the principle's office with an unsatisfied look as she quietly closed the door. When we locked eye contact, we stood there silently for a moment. I felt like I was in those moments where there was something I wanted to say but forgot.

She swiftly turned her heel and started walking the other direction. "H-hey," I called out. Shiki stopped. "Do you... wanna eat together?" Shiki was about to walk away again until her stomach growled. "I'll take that as a yes."

***

"I didn't know you actually have to buy lunch," Shiki complained, staring at the clouds as we leaned against the wall, sitting next to each other.

"Here," I said as I offered my other sandwich to her.

"What is this?" she asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

"I call it a peace offering." She looked like she still didn't trust me, but she took the sandwich anyway and opened it from its wrapped plastic. We sat and ate quietly on the roof of the school. The clouds floating by only gave us moments of random cool shade. It was all serine and peaceful.

"You know, you didn't have to be so rough on that guy," I said. "Sure he shouldn't have invaded your space, but you didn't have to rip his arm out for it."

"I wasn't going to literally rip his arm. It was his fault in the first place for touching me in a barbaric manor," She defended uptightly. To me, she should see herself talking. She hated the fact that a guy was hitting on her when she was the one constantly flirting with Killua when he already has a girlfriend. Shiki crumpled up her trash into a ball. "I was never... good with people." When I turned to face her, she looked sad, almost defeated. "The closest thing I ever had to as a real friend was Killua. But now that he hates me, I don't know who I have other than my family."

"Killua doesn't hate you. I mean... he can be annoyed by you sometimes, and maybe even can't stand you, but I wouldn't go as far as saying that he hates you."

"Ah gee. I feel so much better now." She rolled her eyes. It was probably not the most comforting pep talk I have ever given, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Not to mention to try to comfort someone you can't stand yourself. "It's so unfair. How could you be so much better with people than me?"

I scratched the back of my head. "Well for starters, I don't give them death threats. Look. You obviously have no idea how to work your way around normal people, so I'll tell you this. I'll promise to help you make friends if you promise to stop stalking Killua."

Shiki turned a nose. "No way."

"Why not?"

She turned back to me, looking at me with those determined velvet eyes. "I made a vow that we would be rivals, and I won't stop until I win Killua's heart."

"This isn't a competition, and your efforts would be futile."

"Well I won't give up. Not ever."

I was getting really annoyed at how stubborn she was on winning over Killua so badly. Even I gave up on winning over Kaito when he started dating someone else. This girl was really testing out my patience. I tried my best to keep my temper at bay. "Maybe you're thinking it all wrong. You don't have to say that you've given up. You would simply be moving on from one goal to a new one. There's nothing wrong with that."

"But that won't do for me. You saw how they all looked at me. They're afraid of me. No one else will like me now. Killua is the only one who doesn't fear me. He's the only one who could be my true friend."

When Shiki said that Killua was the only one who could be her friend because he didn't fear her, I began to understand a little. All Shiki wanted was someone to keep her company. Someone who wouldn't run away from her. She doesn't know that a friend could offer so much more. At that moment, I knew that there might be a chance that I would regret my decision later, but my heart was also telling me this was the right thing to do. I almost hesitated to say it, but I gathered up the courage to do so. "I could... be your friend," I said halfheartedly.

For a moment, Shiki was taken by surprise, but soon shot me an oddly look. "No thanks. I don't need you."

"Oh come on!" I blurted out, almost losing my patience. "You can't be serious. I am willing to offer my friendship to you. How do you expect to make new friends if you don't give people a chance? I am giving you a huge choice here, because as of right now, I'm all you got."

Shiki tapped her feet together, thinking it over really hard. "Ugh! All right, fine. Only until you help me make new friends."

"That's fine by me, but I'll only help you under these conditions. You have to promise not to harm me, my friends, or anyone of this school for that matter."

"Done."

"You cannot bring any weapons to school. That includes smoke bombs."

"All right."

I thought hard for any other inconveniences. "And whatever secret we share with you, you have to swear on your life to not tell anyone." I said this just in case for Alluka's sake. Until we meet up with Killua talk it all over, it will be up to him on how much Shiki should know.

Shiki shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, whatever."

"No. You have to swear it," I said more seriously.

Shiki sighed and placed her hand over her heart. "You have my word. Ninja's honor."

"Good." I moved my open hand toward her. "Welcome to our school." Shiki observed my hand first, as if I was hiding any tricks. Finally, she shook my hand, then laughed.

"Ha. I spent years trying to get Killua to acknowledge me, and then you suddenly pop up out of nowhere. Tell me, what did you do to earn Killua's affection?"

"I didn't earn it. He just gave it to me. Besides, do you really want Killua as a boyfriend? He may be cute and tough, but he can be cocky and arrogant sometimes." Shiki giggled at my comment.

"Yeah. I still think he's really cool, but he always thinks he's better than me at everything. Not to mention he can be a real slob when it comes to cleaning, organizing, and table manors."

"I know, right? He always tells me how I should slow down when I eat when he should really look at himself in the mirror when he chows down."

"Oh, whenever he gets in trouble, he usually finds an escape route to run away from trouble. It gets really annoying sometimes. Don't even get me started on his habit on climbing through windows."

Shiki and I started laughing together. "It's like he always has the need to make an entrance!" I said between laughs. For the first time, I genuinely felt happy with Shiki's company. Our conversation was like talking with Lizz and Alluka, only except she understood the flaws of Killua more.

"See? You can be friends with people if you try. You just gotta be nice, and listen."

Shiki nodded. "I see. You know, you're not as dumb and annoying as I thought you were. You may be a wimp, but I think I now see that you're actually a decent person."

"That's... a start." I think a part of my self-esteem just died. At least now that Shiki and I were in better terms than before, I won't to die young. However, I still had to keep my guard up whenever she is near Killua.

"You know what? I'll do it. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to try to make some real friends," Shiki said with more optimism.

"That's the spirit. The first thing that you should do, though, is to make peace with Killua... and Lizz." Things would be awkward if there was still tension between the two of them. "If you get into easier terms with them, then you'll be able to have more support, and you'll be better friends with them.

"Sure, okay. Just one thing."

"What's that?"

"How can I talk to Killua without him running away from me?"