HxH: The Cyan Eyed Zoldyck

Ch 3: The Past Whispers

Aoi Zoldyck gazed at the barren landscape, his alluring cyan eyes reflecting the crackling storm clouds that rumbled overhead.  Dismembered and mutilated bodies of many powerful Nen users he had vanquished lay scattered around him, their lifeless forms a testament to his unyielding dominance.

Having gotten a rather dangerous association request Aoi for twelve days, had relentlessly pursued and conquered each nen user that got in his way, with unrivaled power.

As he sat atop a rugged stone, the wind tousled his silver hair, and he absentmindedly twirled his staff, which had proven indispensable throughout his quests his most reliable ally. Though the physical toll of battle was somewhat evident in his slightly bruised and bloodied form, Aoi's demeanor remained nonchalant, his impassive gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Another day, another victory," he mused, his voice betraying only a hint of boredom. Over the years up to now, Aoi had spent time honing his skills elevating him to a league of his own, as the thrill of combat had begun to wane. "Perhaps it's time to return home," he quietly contemplated, wondering what had occurred in his absence, relinquishing the title of Heir.

The memory of his initial encounter with Chrollo Lucifer the enigmatic leader of the Phantom Troupe flitted through his mind. Years had passed since that fateful meeting, and Aoi had embarked on numerous solo quests, each one further shaping him into a formidable force to be reckoned with.

"Chrollo Lucifer," Aoi murmured, the name a fleeting whisper on his lips. Their clash had left an indelible mark on him, igniting a burning desire to transcend his limits. He had relentlessly pursued strength, and battle mastering his lightning-enhanced Nen and harnessing the ferocious power of his unique ability—the Beast of the End, which allowed him to channel his aura into natural phenomena.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow upon the desolate landscape, Aoi's thoughts lingered on his latest conquest. Over the course of twelve grueling days, he had systematically subdued over forty powerful Nen users, each encounter a testament to his unwavering determination.

"My lightning dances, my staff strikes, and like the great beast of the end I  devours," he said the phrase reflecting his character as a warrior, a faint smirk gracing his lips. The symphony of power he commanded had resonated across the battlefield, overwhelming his foes with unparalleled ferocity.

Aoi's gaze drifted to the mangled remnants of his adversaries, a silent acknowledgment of his triumph. Yet, amidst the carnage, a spark of introspection ignited within him. "Is this all there is to fighting?" he pondered, a tinge of disillusionment coloring his voice. The thrill of battle, once a consuming flame, now smoldered with a subdued ember.

His thoughts turned to his family, the legendary Zoldyck clan, and the ancestral estate that stood as a bastion of their formidable legacy. A sense of yearning tugged at his heart, an unspoken longing to return to the halls of home.

With a decisive nod, Aoi rose from his solitary perch, his movements carrying the weight of newfound purpose. The time for introspection had come, and the allure of the familiar beckoned to him. As he set out on the journey back to his ancestral abode, the melodic hum of his lightning-enhanced Nen resonated in harmony with the serenity of the twilight.

"Perhaps it's time to adjust my path," Aoi mused, his resolve unwavering. The eternal pursuit of strength had forged him into a formidable warrior, but the realization had dawned that there existed a world beyond ceaseless conflict.

The echoes of his triumphs reverberated across the desolate expanse, a testament to the indomitable spirit that defined him. As he made his way towards the horizon, a renewed sense of purpose enveloped him, eclipsing the fading fervor of battle.

Timeskip

Aoi Zoldyck stood at the entrance of the imposing Zoldyck estate, and without a word said pushed open the entire weighted gate as the familiar scent of the surrounding forest filling his nostrils. It had been years since he had set foot on this ground, and memories of flooded his mind. He absently noticed Mike his family's guard dog from the dark continent observing him with interest, as he thought of his purpose of his return.

On his way to the estate Aoi had made a call to his grandfather Zeno, and learned both Killua and Illumi were gone, but couldn't be told the reason over the phone.

As he made his way through the grand hallways towards his father's chambers, he was met by his younger brother, Milluki, and his youngest brother, Kalluto.

They exchanged greetings and caught up on each other's lives, but Aoi couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air.

"Where is Killua? And where is Illumi?" Aoi asked, his voice tight. "I haven't seen them since I returned."

Milluki shrugged indifferently, while Kalluto glanced away, a glint of uncertainty in his eyes.

"Father hasn't said anything about their whereabouts," Milluki replied with a hint of annoyance, and Aoi picked up on the lie. "As far as I know, they're off doing their own thing."

Aoi's brow furrowed as he processed this information. It was unlike Killua to be absent from the estate without notice, and the fact that Illumi was also missing raised further alarms in Aoi's mind.

"I need to find them," Aoi stated firmly. "I need to know that they're safe."  Aoi would leave the presence of Milluki and Kalluto continuing his walk to his Father's chamber, noticing the subtle changes that had taken place in his absence. The air crackled with an unspoken tension, and the servants scurried about with hushed whispers and fearful glances in his direction.

Finally, Aoi reached the imposing doors of his father's chambers and pushed them open. Inside, the room was dimly lit, with the only source of light emanating from a flickering candle on a massive oak desk. At the desk sat a figure shrouded in darkness, his presence exuding a palpable aura of power.

"Father," Aoi spoke, his voice steady and firm, "I have returned."

The figure at the desk turned to face Aoi, and when the light fell upon his features, Aoi saw that it was Zeno Zoldyck, his grandfather and one of the most formidable assassins in the world.

"Aoi," Zeno rasped, his voice like gravel, "It's been too long. Your father has been waiting for your return."

With that, Zeno led Aoi to the inner sanctum where Silva, his father, awaited. As Aoi entered the room, he could feel the weight of his father's gaze upon him. Silva sat in silence, his steely eyes fixed on his son's face.

"Father," Aoi began, his tone respectful yet firm, "I have come back seeking answers about Killua and Illumi. Where are they?"

"If you wish to know where your brothers are, you will have to prove your worth," Silva declared, his voice cold and unyielding."

Aoi's eyes narrowed in response. He had expected as much. The Zoldyck family's codes of conduct were as unyielding as the mountains that surrounded their estate. Aoi knew he had no choice but to accept his father's challenge.

"Very well, Father," Aoi said, his voice firm and unwavering. "I will face you in combat."

Silva nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. He knew that Aoi had grown strong during his time away, and he was keen to test his son's abilities.

As the Father and son eyes met, their was an understanding and an challenge this battle would not only determine the situation of the Zoldyck family that had occurred in Aoi's absence, but the wills of Father and Son.

Next time on Hunter X Hunter