Chapter Text
“Killua please, don’t play tonight. I have a really bad feeling about this and-”
“Enough, Gon. This solo is my best chance to get into Julliard, how can you ask me to just sit it out?”
The blue pleading yet determined eyes pierced right through Gon’s heart but he also couldn’t stand by and watch his best friend unknowingly sink further into a world of hell. Even if everyone ended up thinking he was crazy…even if this ruined their friendship, Gon would get that violin away from Killua.
“I’m not asking you to give up your chance but you refuse to use any other violin! There’s something wrong with that dirty old thing and you know it. It’s possessed or something! Please, just use one of the violins the school provides, you’re just an amazing a player without that cursed thing.”
Gon begged as he followed Killua close behind watching the boy hold the case closely, as something dear to him. Had Gon not known what that blood-red instrument truly was he’d have thought this scene to be touching. He’d always encouraged Killua to play and it hurt him to be begging him to stop now that it could be the gateway to a lifetime of success.
Killua quickened his step, his grip on the case tightening to the point where his knuckles turned white. He was shaking, slightly but Gon could sense the anger building in Killua.
“Don’t be ridiculous, my playing has improved a thousand times over since I came across this violin. It’s like my feelings flow so easily through it, like it understands me. I can feel this power surging through me when I play. It wants me to play.”
Gon’s blood ran cold as he heard his friend’s words, his voice almost lustful. It was odd to think of it that way but it was the only way Gon could describe it. An obsessive love Killua was developing for playing. He knew it was because of the violin, because of the history behind it that was slowly swallowing Killua and it only urged him to bring a stop to it.
He could clearly recall that time he’d walked into their dorm and the truth he’d heard of the violin had finally sunken in. He’d been receiving noise complaints from everyone all day telling him Killua had been playing for almost six hours straight, never a break and no pause lasting longer than five seconds. Everyone enjoyed listening to Killua practice, though he usually did it at ridiculous hours of the day, whenever he had time, but people dealt with it since it was so pleasant to hear. However, lately his music choice had become more morbid and it gave people an uncomfortable feeling of unease. When Gon finally got to their dorm he’d found Killua staring out the window with glossed over eyes and an almost maniacal expression on his face. His fingers where bleeding from the abuse and he seemed short of breath yet his smile was ecstatic. It was one of the most disturbing images Gon had ever seen and at one point he downright thought he’d have to break Killua’s fingers to stop him from playing. It had been a damn challenge to get him to stop, calling Leorio (the school nurse) and Kurapika (their student teacher and dorm counselor) for help. They’d finally managed to rip the damn thing away from Killua well into lat hours of the morning of the next day.
The end of the hallway was nearing, their time together coming to an end. Once Killua entered the practice room Gon, being a non-competitor in the event, wouldn’t be allowed to enter. It’d be the end from here until the concert unless he got Killua to reconsider.
In a last desperate attempt Gon rounded Killua blocking his path and staring at him in the eye. There was little sternness and confidence left in him, his molten golden eyes begging Killua. His hands quivered slightly as he held his friend’s shoulders, his voice suddenly shaky and insecure.
“Please Killua, I’m begging you, don’t play that violin. There’s something evil about it. That power, your infatuation with that violin, it’s unnatural. Haven’t you realized what it’s done to you? Look at your fingers, they’re still injured from the last time you were entranced by it.” Tears threatened to spill over, Gon’s usually warm hands now ice cold against Killua’s pale skin as they cradled his face. “Killua, this violin will kill you. You have to let it go.”
Killua stood still, holding his breath. Part of his mind knew Gon was right, had known that something was wrong the moment the violin had fallen into his hands, but another part of him, the stronger voice, screamed that what Gon was saying was a lie. He needed this violin. His playing had never been better and he would never get into Julliard without it. He’d never become anything without it.
This was a trick. It must be. Gon was just trying to take the violin away from him because he was jealous. Hadn’t he mentioned at some point that he wished he could play an instrument? Hand’t he said he’d wished to have Killua’s talent?! Or was it that other kid who’d tried to steal the violin? His memory was foggy, but still why was Gon so insistent upon making him get rid of the violin? What did he want with it?!
This was wrong! Something was wrong!! They were all after him. They wanted to ruin him…well he wouldn’t let them.
The gentle blue eyes froze over, their clear gleam appearing almost black from the shadows of his bangs as he glared up at Gon. Forceful hands took Gon’s quivering ones with a threatening grip and shoved them off his face. Gon’s breath hitched as he took a stop back, fear clear in his eyes.
“Never, I’ll never let go of this violin. I see through your lies. You’re trying to take it from me. You know what kind of power it has and you want it but I won’t let you. It’s mine, do you understand? It chose me! I’m the one with the talent! And I’m going to play it tonight and show the world just what kind of music we can create.”
Gon stared stunned at the sudden change. He knew, deep within him, that this was just the curse speaking but still seeing Killua’s untrusting eyes looking at him as a traitor, as an enemy, was almost too much too bear.
Finally the few tears had been holding back broke free and rolled down his face. He stood helpless as Killua passed him by not bothering with one last glance or word. Gon heard the practice room door open with the usual screech and slam shut behind him. He collapsed onto his knees soon after feeling as though all the wind had been knocked out of him.
“Killua…”