Scenario:Killua - Lessons in the Clouds

Lessons in the Clouds

Following their clash with Andosa, Gon and Killua join (Captain)'s crew. Killua, frustrated with the lack of opportunities to practice his Nen abilities, senses a kindred spirit in Seox and spars with him. Pholia then taunts Killua into a separate bout. Though his high-speed assault is promising, she sends him flying before he can land a hit.

---

Some time has passed since the Nen users clashed over the primal beasts.

Since then, Gon and Killua have joined (Captain)'s skyfaring crew, hoping to continue their search for a way to return home.

Killua: Hmm... Rgh... Mmph...

Killua: This sucks! We haven't found a single piece of intel on primals that can travel between different worlds!

Gon: Too bad (Captain)'s crew seems to be as much in the dark as we are. Information on that kind of stuff is just hard to come by, I guess.

Killua: You guess? What's with you, Gon? We have zero leads. Would be nice to see some urgency.

Gon: I just don't see the point in rushing, you know? We don't need to be home to work on the Nen exercises Bisky gave us.

Gon: Oh, that reminds me! My other Ja Jan Ken attacks have really been coming along! Isn't that great, Killua?

Killua: Good for you...

Killua: Must be nice, Gon, being able to train wherever, whenever. Wish it were that easy for me...

Gon: Why can't it be? Can't you practice Hatsu while we're here? You know, that technique you showed me on Greed Island where you turn your aura into electricity?

Killua: And where exactly do you expect me to charge up?

Gon: Oh... Whoops. I guess electricity's not as common here...

Gon: Wait, I've got an idea! The Sky Realm's made up of countless islands, right? One of them's gotta be covered in electricity!

Killua: We're already having trouble finding a primal that can help us, and now you want us to search for an electric island? How about no.

Killua: Thanks to Alec, I have a way to recharge in case I need it, but I've got a bigger issue.

Killua: No one uses Nen abilities in this world. What kind of experience can I possibly gain fighting people who aren't even Nen users?

Gon: You really think there's nothing you can learn? I mean, sure nobody uses Nen around here, but...

Threo: Heeey! Gon! Killua!

Gon: Oh! Hey, Threo! (Captain)! What's up? Who're your friends?

Vyrn: Ah, right, it's your first time meeting them, huh! This here's Seox. He's an Eternal just like Threo.

Gon: Whoa, he's an Eternal? That must mean he's super strong!

Seox: Today, I'm here as an individual, not an Eternal. But to be frank, I wouldn't have come at all if Threo didn't drag me here.

Killua: Wow... Another Eternal, huh...

Gon: So, uh... Are you an Eternal too?

Pholia: Well... While I'm flattered by the notion, no, I'm not.

Pholia: My name is Pholia. And I assume you two are the so-called "Hunters" I've been hearing so much about?

Killua: You're a child... Is Threo babysitting you?

Pholia: My! The boy thinks I look like a child! Aren't you just adorable!

Killua: Adorable? What's this girl's deal?

Bai Ze: Please forgive us for intruding. My sovereign comes bearing a request, if you would be so kind as to lend her your ears...

Gon: Huh? You want us to help you with something?

Pholia: You see, I'm on a journey to expand my horizons, to see what I can learn from these skies. And when I find myself in need of reliable help, I come here.

Lyria: This time, Pholia wants us to help her find a specific kind of food. From what she's told us, it's pretty rare.

Pholia: Indeed, it is. And challenging to obtain at that. I surmised that I would need all the hands I could hire to find it, hence my visit.

Gon: Okay, so you're on a search for a particular food, huh? Kinda reminds me of what I did for the Hunter Exam!

Threo: Apparently, it's the tastiest thing in the skies! So, you boys wanna help us nab it?

Pholia: I can't yet speak to its flavor, but that's exactly why I want it. Nothing draws the attention of my taste buds quite like the zest of the unknown.

Gon: I'm guessing you need a pretty big crew to find it. Is everyone here going?

Pholia: Well, that was the plan initially, but...

Seox: I have other business to attend to. Still, I was asked to help, so I thought I could contribute by recruiting the necessary personnel.

Seox: I attempted to ask the other Eternals for their assistance, but Threo was the only one available.

Lyria: It'd be a huge help if you two would come along with us! So, what do you say?

Gon: Count me in! You coming with, Killua?

Killua: ...

Killua: Appreciate the invite, but I'll pass.

Gon: What? Come on, be a team player, Killua! Why don't you wanna come with us?

Killua: I'm not dead set against going. But my training takes priority. Besides...

Seox: ...

Killua: I'm more interested in you than participating in some odd job.

Seox: I thought as much...

Lyria: Oh, umm... What's going on here?

Killua: That girl's not the only one looking to broaden their horizons. How about a practice bout, just you and me? I'd love to see how my skills measure up against yours.

Seox: ...

Pholia: Very well. When a child asks for an opportunity to grow, it is the prerogative of the adult to listen.

Pholia: Besides, I'm interested in seeing what a "Hunter" can do. You have time, don't you, Seox?

Seox: I'd appreciate it if you'd let me make my own decisions. I never agreed to—

Killua: All right, it's on! (Captain), do you mind if we borrow that open area over there? Of course you don't!

Seox: I don't get a say, do I...

Seox: Well, if it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you'll get...

Killua: Yes! Now it's really on! Let's do this!

Killua: Hope you're ready.

Vyrn: What the! Did he just duplicate himself?

Using his Rhythm Echo ability, Killua moves to attack Seox. But the masked Eternal counters with a technique of his own.

Seox: Hmph!

Gon: ...!
Seox made clones too! He's using the same technique as Killua!

Killua: (Not exactly, but close enough. Either way, my intuition was right. He and I come from the same world, so to speak.)

Killua: Perfect. You've got me itching to test out some moves. All right... Let's see how you handle this!

Killua channels energy into his fingertips, morphing his nails into razor-sharp claws, and beelines toward Seox.

Seox: Not a chance!

Using his own claws, Seox responds in kind, trading vicious blows with Killua in a deadly back and forth.

Killua: (Now this is what I've been looking for! Just gotta keep up the pressure until—)

Seox: That's enough.

Killua: What? Says who! We're just getting started!

Seox: Says me. This is a waste of time. What do you stand to learn from engaging someone who fights just like yourself?

Killua: I... I guess you're right. For a second there, it felt like I was going through one of my brother's brutal training sessions...

Pholia: Hm... Interesting.

As Killua wrestles with his frustration over a less-than-productive bout, Pholia observes him with curious eyes.

Pholia: Killua. If you want a fruitful fight, look no further! I will be your next opponent! Come at me with everything you've got!

Killua: Huh?

Bai Ze: Good grief... Not now, my sovereign...

Killua: You're not being serious, are you? You saw what I can do. I'm not exactly a slouch.

Pholia: I may not be the brightest star in the skies, but I have eyes. Believe me, I saw just how strong you are.

Pholia: Oh dear... Are you hesitating because you're scared of losing to an innocent little girl?

Killua: What!

Gon: Uh-oh. She got him right in his pride...

Killua: Fine, you're on! Let's see if you've got the skills to back up that mouth! Just promise not to cry when I beat you!

Pholia: Feel free to use your Nen or whatever you call it. No need to hold back on my behalf.

Bai Ze: Everyone, I must apologize for my sovereign's behavior. She's quite fond of stirring the pot, as you can see...

Gon: It's all right, no harm done. At least for now. How confident are you in Pholia's skills? Killua doesn't exactly pull his punches.

Bai Ze: There's nothing to worry about. My sovereign's not one to engage in hostilities without a strategy.

Killua: Really now? Guess that means I can be as hostile as I want...

An aura pulses around Killua, morphing into crackling electricity that jolts every one of his nerves to life.

Killua: (I'm still fine-tuning this technique, so I'm not sure how long I can keep it up in battle...)

Killua: (But all I need is a moment to catch her by surprise!)

Vyrn: Whoa! Look at him go!

Tapping into his Nen abilities, Killua explodes into action, rocketing straight toward Pholia.

Killua: Got you!

Killua: Wha!

Though Killua's strike comes close, a mysterious force repels him at the last second, thwarting his assault.

Lessons in the Clouds: Scene 2

Killua struggles against Pholia's invisible barrier, but soon figures out that her companion, Bai Ze, is using magic to cover her spell. Impressed by the boy's trained eye, Pholia concedes, and Killua kicks himself for being too careless before agreeing to help Pholia in her quest to hunt the great electric eal.

---

Killua: Huh? Why didn't that...

Gon: What was that? Looked like something invisible knocked him out of the air...

Killua: What did you just do? There wasn't even anything blocking you!

Pholia: I could tell you, but let me ask you a question: do the people from your world just give away their secrets in the middle of combat?

Killua: ...!

Killua: Right... I suppose not.

Killua: Whatever. I'll figure it out myself!

Wasting no further words, Killua immediately launches another offensive against Pholia.

Killua: Guh!

But he is thwarted yet again—this time stumbling over an unseen obstacle.

Gon: Killua, did you just... trip over nothing?

Killua: Sh-shut up! I don't need you narrating my every move! Something weird's going on, I know it!

Though Killua can sense Pholia's trickery, neither he nor the people watching can identify what she is doing.

Pholia: So, give up yet? Admit defeat and I will give you the answer you seek.

Killua: Never! I'll unravel whatever trick you're playing, just you wait!

Killua focuses his senses and an aura surges around his eyes in response.

Killua: (If Gon and I are stumped, that must mean she's using a power unique to the Sky Realm... Some kind of magic—that's gotta be it!)

Killua: (We may be from different worlds, but that doesn't mean her abilities defy logic! All I have to do is trace the magic back to her!)

Killua: ...?
There's... nothing? That can't be right...

Pholia: Hehehe... Not what you expected?

His every expectation defied, Killua is unable to detect even the smallest trace of magic around Pholia.

Pholia: Well! Since you refuse to yield, I suppose I'll just keep at it until you do!

Killua: Damn it!

Killua: (Not again! A weird squishy substance is stopping my attacks just before they connect!)

Killua: (I know she's doing something, but there's nothing there! How is that even possible?)

Killua: Wait... Hold on.

Killua: Could it be?

Pholia: Frustrated, are you? You could attack me a hundred more times and still get nowhere.

Killua: (I've got it! Now to look out for whatever signal they're using...)

Killua: There!

Out of nowhere, Killua launches his yo-yo at thin air, thoroughly confusing every onlooker.

Gon: Huh? Did something just pop around Pholia? Wait, now I get it! There was an invisible bubble protecting her!

Pholia: Well, color me shocked. How did you manage to detect my magic?

Killua: I figured your magic was like our Nen—and you used it to keep a barrier afloat to tank every hit that came your way.

Killua: But I'm guessing magic has its limits. You don't have the power to keep it from your opponent's sight. So...

Killua: You used your friend's magic to hide it. Correct?

Bai Ze: Impressive.

Pholia: Looks like the charade is up. Yes, I employed Bai Ze's abilities as a primal to conceal my barrier.

Killua: That's all you have to say? Who gave you permission to get help from a friend!

Pholia: Who said we had to fight fair? Dear boy, the only way to win in combat is to have the upper hand, wouldn't you agree?

Killua: Grr... Got me there.

Pholia: That said, now that you've laid my ruse bare, I'm all out of tricks. I concede.

Pholia: Well done, by the way. You've got quite the trained eye!

Killua: Whatever. So, you've got a request for us, right? You can count me in too, I guess.

Gon: I'm happy you decided to come with us, Killua, but what changed your mind?

Killua: I just hate getting shown up.

Gon: But you won, didn't you? Or did Pholia mean something else when she said she's "out of tricks"?

Killua: Look, yeah, I might've stayed on top if we kept fighting. But it's not about winning. It's a matter of principle.

Killua: No one said we couldn't have outside help. I made up that restriction in my head.

Killua: Is it making sense yet? I didn't take it seriously because it was just practice. That's on me—no excuses.

Killua: But I know better now. Acting like there was nothing I could learn from this world was just laziness talking.

Killua: It's time to change my mindset—starting with this request. Let's give it everything we've got, Gon.

Gon: Right!

Killua: All right, here we are...

The Three: The beach!

Killua: Why the beach...?

Threo: Come on, Killua! Let's go for a dip!

Lyria: I'm going to get us a nice, cold treat! Who wants some shaved ice?

The Three: Me!

Killua: This place just screams tourist trap! I doubt there's anything here that'd need a whole crew's help to find!

Pholia: We're in the right place, trust me. But I'll forgive your ignorance. This is your first time in Auguste, after all.

Bai Ze: Auguste is equal parts resort town and battleground—where only the fittest survive.

Killua: ...?
I don't see how this place can be both things. There's just no way.

Bai Ze: Surprising as it may be, I suggest you keep a healthy distance from the shore, Lord Killua.

Killua: Hm? Come on, you're joking, right? The water wouldn't even come up to my knees. And the waves are tiny.

Killua: Whoa!

As Killua remarks on the calm Augustean waves, a sizeable albacore breaks out of the water and barrels straight for him.

Killua: Uh-oh! I think I might've knocked it out. This fish isn't a protected species, is it?

Pholia: Hahaha! Out of everything, that's your immediate concern? You're a fascinating character, Killua!

Bai Ze: That is an albacore—a primal beast that typically resides in the deepest depths of the ocean.

Killua: You're lying! This thing's a primal? Looks like a regular old fish to me!

Bai Ze: And it's an edible one at that. Perhaps we can ask Kaz to prepare it for us later.

Killua: You can eat it too? The more I learn about primals, the weirder they get!

Gon: Check it out, Killua! I caught a pretty big one of my own too!

Threo: Me three!

Vyrn: Wow! You guys caught an urkin and a deepflight oyster! Huge ones too!

Lyria: What a catch! Let's get a fire started so we can grill them up!

Alec: Woohoo! Boy am I glad I tagged along to help!

Killua: By your reaction, I'm guessing these primals are just an everyday thing here, huh... Greed Island's got nothing on this crazy place.

Pholia: You might want to save your shock for later. Our true quarry is something far more spectacular than any of these beasts.

Killua: True quarry? Now that you mention it, what did you want us to hunt down anyway?

Pholia: Hehehe... What I want you all to capture is a creature of legend.

Pholia: The great electric eal!

Alec: A bunch of electric eals practically brought Auguste to its knees a while back, right? I heard those nasty buggers were a real pain in the butt.

Bai Ze: The great electric eal is a variant—and it is significantly more aggressive than the eal you know.

Pholia: Even the most seasoned skyfarers struggle to capture it, and apparently the electricity it's capable of discharging far exceeds that of a typical eal.

Gon: So it packs a punch, huh? But I don't get why that makes it such a delicacy?

Pholia: Eals are typically not fit for consumption. Their bodies are mostly comprised of an unsavory fat that insulates them from their own electricity.

Pholia: But the great electric eal is different. The intensity of its electricity facilitates a higher-quality fat that's in a league of its own.

Pholia: And the way it marbles throughout the meat creates an exceptional flavor unrivaled by anything in the skies... Or so they say.

Gon & Threo: Gulp...

Pholia: Got your attention, have I? But I should warn you—procuring this delicacy will be a challenge like no other.

Killua: Good. It'll be just the opportunity to show you what kind of Hunter I am.

???: Aaah! Someone please! Heeeelp!

Gon & Killua: What?

Lessons in the Clouds: Scene 3

In Auguste, the crew witnesses people being attacked by the great electric eal. Pholia and Gon attempt to slay it, but only manage to make the beast flinch. Using his sharp eye to spot its weakness, Killua hatches a plan, which works perfectly. While feasting on the eal, Pholia asks Killua if he enjoyed himself, to which he replies that he "managed to learn a thing or two."

---

Killua: Someone's in trouble! Where'd that scream come from?

Gon: Over there! From the water!

Scared Skyfarer: H-help! My friend, he's...

Bai Ze: They look like fellow skyfarers. I take it their attempt at hunting the great eal didn't quite work out.

Vyrn: Oh man, they're in big trouble! Something in the water's chasing 'em! I can see its shape—and it's gigantic!

Pholia: That's it! That's the great electric eal! Our timing could not be any more perfect! I'll take it down right where it swims!

Pholia: Haaah!

Pholia: Impossible! Did that blasted beast just block my attack with its electricity?

Killua: (It's doing exactly what Pholia did with her magic! The people on that boat are as good as dead if we don't do something!)

Gon: Rock... Paper...

Gon: Paper!

Great Electric Eal: ...!

Scared Skyfarer: I-it flinched!

Threo: Grab onto us! We'll get you outta here!

Local Fisherman: Th-thanks for the help. We would've been goners if you all hadn't shown up...

Pholia: Instead of thanking us, I'd much rather you fill us in on what happened.

Scared Skyfarer: Oh, uh... Right. See, we were hoping to make a quick killing by catching us the great electric eal, but...

Shaken Skyfarer: There's no way we were ever gonna catch that thing! We came prepared for its electricity and it still wiped the ocean floor with us!

Bai Ze: Good sir, you're a local fisherman, aren't you? We initially thought of reaching out to you about our request...

Local Fisherman: That I am. The only fisherman in these waters with a vessel specifically outfitted with electric-resistant shielding capable of handling eals.

Local Fisherman: Gotta say though, this one's a real doozy. My baby can handle an average eal no problem... But against a great eal, she was basically a dingy dinghy.

The crew take the fisherman at his word, wincing as they look at his totaled boat.

Vyrn: Yeesh... Judging by the damage, I'm guessin' all that shielding didn't help. This thing's a real menace...

Alec: So, what's the plan now? If this is what it can do to a boat, I don't see how we can even get close to it.

Pholia: Hmm, we've got quite the predicament on our hands...

Pholia: The tricky beast had no problem blocking my attack from a distance. If we can't close the gap, our chances of capturing it are practically nonexistent.

Killua: Actually, I think I know how we can get it done.

Lyria: What? Really?

Killua: If using a boat's a no-go, we'll just have to run up to it.

Killua: Gon and Threo can split the ocean and give me some running room. Think you guys can do it?

Gon: I'm sure we can make it happen. Besides, Threo's practically got enough power for the both of us.

Threo: No problem! Actually... maybe a tiny problem?

Threo: The ocean's kinda... big, y'know? Won't the water just go right back to how it was after we whack it?

Pholia: Still, there's a chance it could work. Funny, we may be more alike than I initially thought, Killua.

Pholia: Don't you think so, Bai Ze?

Bai Ze: I see it too. The gleam in Lord Killua's eyes is strikingly similar to yours when you're up to no good.

Lyria: I just saw it! The great eal! Looks like we're still pretty far away from it...

Local Fisherman: Sorry to break it to you, folks, but this is as close as I'm gonna get. I'd rather not tempt fate twice in one day...

Gon: Don't sweat it! We'll take it from here! Thanks, mister!

Alec: I've given you all the electricity I've got! It should be enough for you to go all out for a good while!

Killua: Appreciate the charge, Alec!

Killua: You two ready to go?

Gon: You bet!

Threo: Readier than ever!

Killua: All right... Let's do this.

Killua refines his aura, transforming it into pure, crackling electricity that shrouds his entire body.

Gon: First comes rock...

Following Killua's lead, Gon builds up his own aura and focuses it into his fist, the raw power sending quakes through the air.

Threo: Here we go! Let's smack this ocean good!

Gon: Rock... Paper...

Gon & Threo: Rock!

In one coordinated strike, the pair splits apart the ocean, opening a path clear to the bottom and revealing their target.

Vyrn: There it is! It's the great electric eal!

Killua: Godspeed...

Wasting nary a moment, Killua leaps from the boat, body cloaked in electricity.

Harnessing his Nen-enhanced speed, he tears across the bottom of the ocean in the blink of an eye—and latches himself onto the great eal.

Killua: Got it!

Pholia: Don't be so sure! It's about to give you a nasty shock!

Great Electric Eal: ...!

Killua: ...!

As quickly as it was split, the ocean returns to its natural state, sending great waves crashing down on Killua and swallowing him from sight.

Vyrn: Uh-oh... Is he gonna be okay? That was a whole lotta electricity...

From the depths, a pulse of electricity surges up, breaching the surface and tearing through the area. When it fades, an unsettling calm sweeps over the water.

Bai Ze: There's a signal coming through the rope tied to the ship!

Pholia: What are you waiting for, Bai Ze? Pull it up!

Bai Ze: Right away!

Killua: Hehe... It worked. A little more painful than I thought it'd be, but what can you do...

Lyria: Killua! Thank goodness you're all right!

Lyria: I can't believe it... How did you survive that shock?

Killua: It's pretty easy when you're practically immune to electricity. One thing I was definitely not worried about was getting shocked.

Killua: And I was confident that I could get up close and personal with the eal if I used my Nen abilities. The only thing that concerned me was—

Pholia: The barrier of electricity, I assume? Now how did you deal with that, I wonder?

Killua: With help—from you and Gon.

Gon & Pholia: We helped you?

Killua: Gon's Paper ability's a work in progress. In terms of power, it's nowhere near what Pholia can dish out.

Killua: That said, somehow it was still enough to make the great eal flinch. Do you know why?

Gon: Maybe I got lucky and my attack landed where its electrical membrane is weak?

Killua: Exactly. All I did was aim for the same spot and bam—knocked it out cold.

Bai Ze: You learned all of that from observing a single attack? You're perceptive beyond your years, young man.

Killua: To be fair, I wouldn't have been able to suss it out if not for the sneaky antics of one particular trickster.

Pholia: Hahaha! Glad to hear the actions of this "trickster" have done some good! Taught you a fine lesson, didn't I?

Killua: Haha! Maybe. You know, I almost forgot, but another teacher of mine said something like that to me once.

Killua: Anyway, thanks. I actually managed to learn a thing or two on this journey.

Pholia: Well, isn't that splendid! I'm glad it was educational for you, but it's not over yet.

Killua: Huh? What else is there to do?

Pholia: Isn't it obvious? My request isn't just to catch the eal—but to partake in its bounty as well!

The Three: Wooow!

Grilled to perfection, the marbled meat of the great electric eal glistens in the light, rendering the crew speechless for just a moment.

The Three: Let's eat!

Gon: Om... Nom...

Gon: ...!
Whoa! I dunno why, but the fat tastes so sweet! It just melts in your mouth!

Threo: I've never eaten anything so yummy in my entire life! I'm gonna grab seconds before it's gone!

Killua: Whoa... Who would've thought that gigantic thing could taste so delicious?

Pholia: Nothing's tastier than the fruits of your own labor, wouldn't you say?

Killua: Pholia...

Pholia: So, Killua? Did you enjoy yourself today?

Killua: Meh... It was all right, I guess. If anything, it helped me realize I'm a Hunter at heart, no matter what world I'm in.

Killua: Hey, if you need anything else, you know who to ask. Make it worth my while and I just might lend you a hand again.

Pholia: Hehe. I'll keep that in mind.

Stranded in the Sky Realm, Gon and Killua relish this moment of flavorful joy before returning to their search for a way home.

Though the answer eludes them, they will likely find it soon enough. For uncovering the unknown is but one of a Hunter's many talents.