Tulips of Truth [Ⓗⓤⓝⓣⓔⓡ Ⓧ Ⓗⓤⓝⓣⓔⓡ]

Chapter 15: Back x Home

The orientation was quick, but it dragged on for longer than she anticipated when Gon scolded a man with long black hair and pale skin for doing something to Killua. Cassandra sat in the back with Kurapika and Leorio, seemingly confused. Who was he? But, after the orientation for the newly minted Hunters concluded, Kurapika found himself standing beside Cassandra, the weight of their newfound status as Hunters hanging heavy in the air between them. With a solemn expression, he turned to her, his gray eyes filled with a quiet intensity. "What are you going to do next, Cass?" Kurapika asked, his voice soft but filled with genuine curiosity.

Cassandra glanced at him, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I'm heading back to Silver Willow Orphanage," she replied.

"I promised the kids that I'd return with my license."

Kurapika nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful. Without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a piece of paper and a pen. Quickly scribbling something down, he handed it to Cassandra with a small smile. "I'm heading with Gon and Leorio to rescue Killua from his family," Kurapika explained.

"That's where we're headed next."

Cassandra's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation, her heart sinking at the thought of Killua being in danger. "What happened?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Why is Gon so resolved to get him back?"

Kurapika's expression darkened as he recounted the events that had led to Killua's expulsion from the exam. "Killua killed one of the applicants; Bodoro. He got eliminated for it," Kurapika explained grimly.

Silence fell between them as Cassandra processed the shocking news, her heart heavy with sorrow for her friend. She watched as Kurapika turned to leave, a sense of determination burning bright in his eyes. But before he could go, Cassandra reached out, pulling him into a tight embrace. Kurapika returned the hug, holding her close for a moment before pulling away. As Kurapika walked away, Cassandra watched him go, her fingers tracing the words he had written on the paper he had given her. A small smile tugged at her lips as she read the message: "If you ever need to talk to me, when you get a phone, I'll be one tap away :)"

With a sense of warmth spreading through her chest, Cassandra tucked the paper into her pocket, knowing that no matter where their journeys took them, their bond as friends and fellow Hunters would always remain strong.

...

"As she set foot through Silver Willow's gates, she was immediately called upon by Mael. He ran to her with open arms, a big smile on his face. "Cassandra! Welcome home!!" Mael exclaimed.

He leaped into her arms, hugging her tightly. Cassandra couldn't help but return his embrace, feeling a rush of affection for her dear friend. Mael had always been there for her, through the good times and the bad, and she was grateful to have him by her side. "Merci," she said, her heart swelling with gratitude.

But Mael wasn't done yet. With a mischievous grin, he reached into a nearby basket and pulled out a tray filled with an array of delicious French treats; pastries, macarons, and tarts, all lovingly baked by him and his friend Kasper. "We made these just for you. Think of it as a celebration of your success," Mael said proudly.

Cassandra's eyes widened in delight as she took in the treats before her. The aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air, and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. "Wow, they look amazing! Thank you, and be sure to thank Kasper for me as well," she said.

Mael grinned, his mood lifting at Cassandra's enthusiastic response. Together, they sat down on the steps of the orphanage, enjoying the treats and basking in the warmth of their friendship. As they laughed and chatted together, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and happiness, Cassandra couldn't help but feel grateful for the people who had become her family; the ones who had been there for her through thick and thin, supporting her every step of the way. As she savored each delicious bite, she knew that no matter where life took her, she would always carry the memories of this moment; the joy of success, the comfort of friendship, and the sweetness of French treats shared with loved ones. Mael then took Cassandra's hand and brought her inside. "Guys, look who came home!!" he called.

A plethora of children ran to Cassandra, hugging her and saying how much they missed her. Of the bunch, Ashlyn walked to her, clinging to her arm. "You had us all worried," she said, her voice muffled by Cassandra's dress.

She giggled and turned Ashlyn so she could properly hug the small child. That's when Madam Chanaret came out, seemingly overjoyed that Cassandra was home. "Oh, it's been months, Cassandra! How was it? Did you do it?" she asked.

The redhead nodded and showed the Hunter's License, hiding the tulip from Kurapika in her tote bag. Madam Chanaret gleefully dragged the girl into the orphanage, giving her an apron and a new dress. "You are a caretaker now, Cassandra. We promised this, and you've done it. Now, go change and start helping out. Dinner will be ready shortly."

...

Later that evening, after dinner, Mael came to Cassandra, who was helping the cooks wash dishes in the kitchen. Her hair was in a high ponytail with some of her hair reaching the floor. "Hey, Cassandra. Madam Chanaret wants to see us," he said.

Cassandra turned to him, putting a plate down. "Of course. Pourriez-vous être gentils et finir de faire la vaisselle? J'ai fait beaucoup de plats, mais mon ami a besoin de moi pour l'accompagner," she said, speaking to the cooks in French.

(Could you guys be nice and finish doing the dishes? I've done a lot of dishes, but my friend needs me to accompany him.)

The cooks nodded and got to work as Cassandra followed Mael through the orphanage hallways and into an almost vacant classroom. Kasper sat at a desk while Madam Chanaret stood at the blackboard. "I think it's time you two start learning something that'll help you progress in life. Now, I know that Kasper and Mael haven't taken the Hunter Exam, but should they, they'd be 10 steps ahead of the rest of the applicants. Let me tell you why that is. "The world we live in is filled with dangers beyond our wildest imagination. There are forces at work that seek to harm and manipulate, and it is our duty to protect ourselves and those we care about."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "That is why I believe you must learn Nen."

Kasper furrowed his brow in confusion, his curiosity piqued. "Nen? What is that?" he inquired.

Madam Chanaret smiled patiently, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of years gone by. "Nen is a powerful technique that allows individuals to tap into their innate energy and harness it for various purposes. With Nen, you can strengthen your body, enhance your senses, and even manipulate the world around you. It is a skill that can mean the difference between life and death in the face of danger," she explained.

Mael's eyes widened with realization as he listened to Madam Chanaret's words, the gravity of the situation dawning on him. "So you're saying that learning Nen will help us protect ourselves and those we care about?" he asked.

Kasper blinked as Madam Chanaret nodded solemnly. "Exactly. In this world, strength is often measured not by physical prowess alone, but by one's ability to adapt and overcome. With Nen, you will have the power to defend yourselves against any threat that may come your way," she responded.

Cassandra listened intently to Madam Chanaret's words, her heart filled with a sense of determination. "I understand. We'll do whatever it takes to learn Nen and become stronger," she said softly.

Madam Chanaret smiled warmly at Cassandra's resolve, her eyes shining with pride. "I do not doubt that you will. Remember, my dear children, knowledge is power. And with Nen, you will possess the strength to face whatever challenges may lie ahead," she added.

With a renewed purpose burning in their hearts, Kasper, Mael, and Cassandra nodded in agreement, ready to embark on the journey that lay before them—to learn Nen and unlock the true potential that lay within.