*killua is even more shocked when kalluto latches onto him, taking his clinging arms as worry for his brother's safety from the bloodlust of their sister. he brings a hand up to comfort him, combing through his silk-straight hair with a ginger touch.*

it's alright, i'm all healed now, and she's recovering...

*he sighs, ribs pushing against the steel brace of his brother's arms.*

i just... i'd always hoped that she... if no one else, just alluka... could be spared, from all of it...

*he trails off with a mournful shudder in his voice, twisting his fingers in kalluto's locks.*

...but it's too late. she's just as stained as the rest of us...