Me: I'm really sorry for the delay! Holidays have just started up for me so now, I finally have time to update again. Yay! *throws confetti* Let's get this show on the road!
To Juliedoo:
Me: Thank you for taking the time to read this! I appreciate your feedback! :3
To BizzyLizy:
Me: I am the expert at jokes. Also who knew Kurapika had a joking side? XD And no problem, I aim to please!
To MidoriEmerald13:
Me: When watching Hunter X Hunter for the first time, all I thought was "If I was there I would so be snooping around! There's probably like five cent coins or hotel candy bars hidden in there!" and then when writing this I was like "Well, Chu's a lot like me so…" and then yeah. Overboard thoughts are always welcome here. Damn, I should've made Chu find something weird in the omake! Hey, next time you have overboard thoughts, you tell me and I'll work them into an omake for you, okay? XD Also, Mamapika and Chupapa are things now. I wonder if there's a hashtag…
Chu: *sighs* I think we started something. Probably a cult.
Kurapika: The Mamapika and Chupapa cult?
Chu: Exactly.
Kurapika: *sweatdrops* At least it's not a shipping cult. Question is… *points at your dead body* Where should we bury this one?
Chu: Just sacrifice her body to the cult or something. It'd be too much of a hassle to bury her. The more important question is… what do we do with these? *holds up chocolates and dresses her and Kurapika actually brought you*
Kurapika: *thinking face* Hmm… Give the dresses to Neon and… keep the chocolates for ourselves. It is not as if Midori-san will be needing them in the afterlife and it would be a waste to throw them away.
Chu: *already starting to eat the chocolates* Whatever you say, Mamapika.
Kurapika: -_-
Me: I regret making this a thing now.
To Arrow-chan3:
Me: Just don't die from laughter like Midori-san did! XD Thanks for reading!
Chu: *still eating chocolates* First it was Chupapa and now it's Papachu. You people need to make up your minds!
Kurapika: -_- Will you at least share the chocolate?
Chu: Nope~
To SupremeGeneralJoker:
Me: And you have the best avatar! I'd say we're even! :3
To SmileRen:
Me: Oh man… It's been awhile hasn't it? … Oops?
To Chieko Minamino:
Me: I won't discontinue anytime soon. Thank you for liking my story and even reading it in the first place! Reading praises encourages me! X3
Disclaimer: Hunter X Hunter and its 2011 adaptation belong to Yoshihiro Togashi. I only own my OCs, sub-plots and anything not included in the original series. Enjoy.
Chapter 6: Insecurities X And X Allies
Previously:
Eventually, the wall finally crumbled after fifty five minutes. "We did it!" Gon cheered, dropping his weapon. All of us were dusty and covered in sweat and blisters.
"Let's finish this phase." I said determinedly, "Together!"
Everyone nodded, smiles starting to peak through. We were all in a much better mood.
Dropping my weapon, I took a step through the hole and into the darkness that lay beyond…
… only to scream and slide down yet another slide.
"NOT AGAAAAAIINN!"
Now:
No one's POV
"Kurapika, applicant #404, is the twenty-fourth to pass. Killua, applicant #99, is the twenty-fifth to pass. Gon, applicant #405, is the twenty-sixth to pass. Total time, seventy-one hours and fifty-nine minutes." Beans' voice echoed through the room said three had just entered. All three seemed relieved.
"My butt hurts…" Killua was immediately complaining "I didn't expect a slide for the short and easy path."
"That was really close." Gon said to Kurapika as Beans warned the applicants of the time.
"My hands are covered with blisters." Kurapika responded, holding up his hands.
"Same here." Leorio grunted as he and Tonpa approached the door, the both of them fighting to be the first through.
"Leorio, applicant #403, is the twenty-seventh to pass. Tonpa, applicant #16, is the twenty-eighth to pass. Total time, seventy-one hours and fifty-nine minutes."
The three younger males watched the two older ones until a young voice cut off their grunting.
"Oi, stop taking up the doorway. I wish to pass as well you know."
Within seconds the owner of the voice shoved the two older ones through the door, making them slam face first into the ground.
"Chu, applicant #355, is the twenty-ninth to pass. Total time, seventy-one hours and fifty-nine minutes."
Chu strode through the door, passing the older companions and coming up to Gon's side.
"Was it really necessary to push us through!?" Tonpa growled as he and Leorio got up off the ground.
"Yes. Any second longer and I might've failed." Chu sighed.
"My hands are blistered, but all five of us cleared the tower together." Leorio held out his hands smiling, "All thanks to Gon and Chu!"
He put both of his hands on said people's heads, ruffling them. Chu immediately smacked his hand away before adjusting her hood. Gon just smiled and accepted the praise.
"We entered the long and difficult path. Then cut a hole in the wall, to sneak into the short and easy path." Kurapika recounted as they all looked at the two smiling.
"Man, I can't believe you two actually came up with that idea on the spot."
"I realised that we could break the walls, using the weapons. But it took over fifty minutes." Gon stated happily.
"Regardless, you two came up with something like that on the spot! Without your plan, all of us wouldn't have been able to pass!" Leorio continued to praise his friends.
"You don't have to keep acting like we're the best things in the world." Chu pouted, looking away in embarrassment, "We were just using common sense. And besides, Gon-san's the one that deserves all of the praise. He stayed optimistic the entire time and came up with the plan first. I wasn't nearly as level-headed."
"Eeeeh?" Gon turned to the hooded applicant and started protesting, "You came up with the plan at the same time as me! You deserve just as much credit."
"No I don't."
"Yes you do, Chu! You helped convince everyone to go along with the plan as well! If anything, you did more than me!"
"I didn't do hardly as much as you."
"Does this really matter?" Killua came between the bickering duo, huffing, "We all passed and that's what matters. Stop bickering, you tsunderes."
"Tsundere!?" [1]
Kurapika watched the three fight with a warm smile, relieved and impressed.
"In an extreme situation, you both were able to calmly evaluate our two options and circumvent them."
Killua seemed to have calmed both of them down, making them both agree that they both deserved praise. Though Chu still seemed bothered about being called a tsundere. Gon didn't even seem to care.
"That's what makes you two special."
Chu's POV
A buzzer sounded throughout the room as Beans once again started speaking over the loud speaker.
"The Third Phase of the exam is over. Thirty applicants have passed. One has died."
As soon as he finished speaking a large door slowly opened. One by one we all poured out of the tower. The relief was instantaneous, fresh air filled our lungs. The bottom of the tower was windier than the top, I had to quickly hold onto my hood to keep it on. [2]
In front of us stood a creepily-smiling man with a purple Mohawk and large gleaming glasses. As soon as everyone was out, he spoke. I quickly recognised his voice as Lippo, the examiner.
"Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations on having escaped Trick Tower. Only the Fourth and the Final Phase remain."
"Two more…" #294 remarked. Everyone seemed relieved. We were nearly done.
"The Fourth Phase will take place over there, on Zevil Island. Let us proceed." Lippo clicked his fingers. Instantly, a man wearing a yellow and green outfit rolled up a box of some sort next to Lippo.
"I will need you to draw lots."
The crowd immediately fired questions, murmuring curiously.
"Lots?"
"For what?"
"To determine who will hunt and who will be hunted. In here are twenty-nine numbered cards. In other words, your ID numbers are on the cards. Now, I need you each to draw a card, in the order by which you exited the tower. Will the first person come forward?"
The confusion instantly turned to hostility. We were tense and unsure about the situation.
"So we need to hunt a target, while also being hunted by another person?" I thought as I watched Hisoka stalk up to the box and put his hand in the slot, "This could be bad. I could be stuck with a strong person as my target. Or worse, a strong person with me as their target."
One by one, everyone marched up to the box and took a card. The cards had one red side and one white, a peel-off covering preventing anyone from seeing what was on the white side.
"So, they're keeping the numbers on the cards secret?"
"Are you alright?" Kurapika whispered to me as we watched #53 go up to grab his card, "You've been looking ill since halfway through the Third Phase."
"I'm fine. Just a little apprehensive." I responded before nudging him, "It's your turn."
Kurapika nodded, sending me an unconvinced look before determinedly walking towards the box.
"Do I really look that bad?" I asked myself, watching the blond go up, "My emotions have been awry since that fall. Did I hurt my head? I haven't been able to keep myself as distant or as blank as before ever since then. And I've been more susceptible to fear and anger."
"Oi, it's your turn." Leorio nudged me as Tonpa walked back towards the group. Had I really been spacing out for that long?
"What's wrong with me?"
I silently walked up to the box and grabbed the last remaining card. I was the last person to pass.
"Everyone's taken a card?" Lippo asked as soon as I pulled out the card, "Then, remove the seal from your card."
Everyone glanced at him before pointedly removing the seal. I walked back to the others before removing my seal.
132. No one I knew.
"The card indicates your target."
Everyone immediately grew frantic, most people covering their tags with their hands. It was dangerous for people to see your number.
"This box has recorded which card each of you drew. This means that you're free to dispose of the cards if you wish. The objective is to steal your target's ID tag."
"Oh, so we don't need to kill each other." #198 commented, looking relieved. His hopes were dashed when Lippo continued, "Naturally, you're free to use any method you choose to steal the ID tags. Including killing your target and taking the tag off the corpse."
"Get the tag by any means necessary basically. Everyone's life is in danger one way or the other." My thoughts went down a negative road, "Just because I don't know my target doesn't mean I don't know the applicant hunting me. What if I'm Hisoka's or Gittarackur's target? Or one of the four boys I've been working with?"
"That sounds like the fastest way." #197 responded. #198 looked distraught, "S-So that's what this is about?"
"Fool, there's nothing to be scared of." #199 tried to reassure #198. I didn't agree.
"Listen carefully." Lippo commanded, regaining everyone's attention, "Your target's ID tag is worth three points. Your own ID is also worth three points. All other ID tags are worth one point. You need six points to advance to the Final Phase. So while on Zevil Island, you must gather enough ID tags to total six points. That is the condition for clearing the Hunter Exam's Fourth Phase."
"The minimum amount of tags is two while the maximum is six. The easiest way to go about this is to keep my tag safe and collect my target's. If I lose my own or if I fail to collect my target's, it would mean needed to collect individual tags until I have six points." I sighed inaudibly "This is beyond frustrating."
"I'd like to commend everyone on board for their excellent work during the Hunter Exam's Third Phase!"
After being forced onto a boat, we were all sailing towards Zevil Island, the place where we'd hunt each other. The tension on the boat was thick. Everyone had hidden away their tags and no one was letting anyone know any details.
The orange-haired hostess stood in front of us all, smiling cheerfully.
"I will serve as your guide. My name is Khara! It will take two hours for this boat to reach Zevil Island. All twenty-nine applicants remaining here are automatically qualified to take next year's exam! So if you fail this year, don't feel bad. Please try again next year…"
It was as if she was being too cheerful in comparison to the mood we were all in. It was like saying "Hey, you'll all be killing each other within two hours! In the mean time, let's play some Twister!"
She must've noticed how depressing the mood was because her words gradually slowed and her smile seemed to lose its cheerfulness. I almost felt bad for her.
"The battle has already begun." Kurapika commented dryly, examining the boat.
"Yeah, everyone's removed their ID tags, and hid them." Leorio added.
"Well, you're free to do as you like, for the next two hours. Please enjoy the boat ride." Khara quickly waved and left with a forced smile, probably not being able to handle the depressing mood.
"Speaking hypothetically…" Leorio ignored Khara, glancing at Kurapika briefly, "If you happened to be my target, I wouldn't show any mercy."
"Naturally. If you happened to be my target, I would say the same." Kurapika didn't seem fazed by Leorio's words. Leorio started to freak out.
"Am I your target?"
"I was speaking hypothetically." Kurapika responded with a smile.
"Oh, right…" Leorio didn't seem convinced.
"Don't worry. You are not my target.
"I-I see. And you aren't my target!" Leorio panicked as Kurapika got up and walked off. I watched the two converse from the other side of the boat. The relationship between the two was amusing.
I didn't notice Kurapika heading towards me until I felt his stare on me as he sat down. A moment of silence passed between us before I finally broke it.
"You wish to ask me 'Are you alright?' again."
"How did you know?"
"You were staring at silently in concern." I looked over at him, hiding the amusement I felt, "You most likely just didn't wish to bother me again, am I right?"
He nodded, looking curious and concerned, "Your change in behaviour just concerns me. That, and you look very bruised and pale."
"It concerns me as well. I used to be so good at hiding everything away. Now… I don't know." I responded, huffing quietly, "And my bruises aren't as bad as they were at first. There is no need for you to worry so much."
"You are my friend. I have the right to worry." was his quick reply. It made me tense.
"I knew it! I've gotten too close to them! I need to push him away! They'll just get hurt and I'll only end up owing them more!"
I couldn't form the words. My frustration started building.
"I understand that you wish to push me away. That is fine, as well." I looked at him in surprise as he smiled, "That does not change the fact that I, as well as the others, consider you a friend. Please understand this."
Silence stretched between us, I didn't know what to say. I was already aware that Gon felt that way about me, I hurt his feelings before because of this, but I didn't realise I had impacted all of them.
"All I've been doing is helping them and accompanying them in return for their help and company. Does that classify them as my friends? I've tried my best to keep it on a professional, acquaintance basis. Sure, I joked and smiled a little, but is that enough to make them wish to be with me?"
Sensing that the topic needed to change, Kurapika nudged me and tilted his head smiling, "Do you know who your target is?"
Glad the topic had changed, I quickly responded with a question of my own, "Do you?"
"Naturally."
I felt a bit ashamed that I didn't know my target. I hadn't bothered to memorise everyone's numbers and by the time I had thought to check everyone had already put their tags away. I wasn't about to ask Kurapika for anymore help though, I owed him enough.
Deciding to keep my number a secret, I decided to pull a Leorio, "If, hypothetically, I was your target, what would you do?"
"Attempt to take your tag. I wouldn't hold back." His response was very serious.
"If you were my target, I don't think I would try to take your tag."
"Why not?"
"I owe you too much." I didn't want to tell him this, but my lips were moving on their own, "I'm only here because of you and the others. It would be unfair to betray you after all this time. I think I would prefer to take three random tags instead."
Kurapika stayed silent, considering what I had said.
"Why are you telling him this!? Just push him away! Push him off the boat and run! I'm not here to make friends, I'm not here to get close to him! So stop being nice to him!"
"This is why you concern me."
His response confused me. Seeing the look on my face, he continued with a frown.
"One moment, you are acting distant and refusing to admit that we are friends. The next moment, you are acting caring and generous, selflessly trying to help me. Your responses are varied and very bipolar. You intrigue and concern me."
"I concern myself." I responded. I didn't want to be like this. I didn't want to be with him. Why was I making friends with him when I'm trying to push him away so desperately?
Deciding I needed some time alone, he smiled softly and pat my shoulder before getting up and heading back towards Leorio. He knew I was struggling with myself.
"This only started after I met them! This only started when I entered this Exam! I was never like this before!" I berated myself, hugging my knees close to me, "I haven't expressed emotions since the incident. I haven't felt this close to anyone since they…"
I stopped my own thoughts from going any further. I didn't want any more emotions to leak out. I didn't want to appear sad. I just wanted my blank façade to come back.
"I'm here for them. No one else. Just those two. I'll get stronger. I'll find him. I'll do everything for them. Emotions just get in the way."
"Are you okay, Chu?"
I forced myself to stop breaking down mentally, looking up with a cracking blank façade. Gon peered down at me, looking worried and pouting.
"You look like you're about to cry."
I didn't respond, I just stared up at him while my façade continued to break.
Gon plopped down next to me, yawning cutely while smiling.
"I'm a bit tired. Do you mind if I sleep next to you?"
"Aren't you worried that I'll steal your tag?"
"I heard you and Kurapika talking. Doesn't the same apply to me?"
His innocence and naivety struck a chord in me. Before I could even ask him about the other applicants, he had already fallen into my lap, snoring quietly with a content smile. He probably hadn't meant to fall asleep on me, but I couldn't blame him. After when we had gone through during Trick Tower, I could understand his weariness.
I sighed and laid my arm over him lazily. Regardless of my own feelings, this young innocent boy considered me a friend and trusted that I would defend him while he slept.
"Why am I caring about these boys when all I should care about is my goal?" I asked myself quietly, murmuring to myself. Glancing down at Gon's sleeping face, I couldn't come up with an answer.
"I suppose I'll figure it out eventually."
"Why is Gon sleeping? It's dangerous." Killua whined as he, Leorio and Kurapika walked up the two of us. We were approaching the Island and had less than five minutes left on the boat.
"He was tired." was my bland reply.
Nothing had happened during the two hour ride, though I did spot a couple of applicants staring at Gon and I. A man I think was named Geretta kept glancing at Gon, inspecting him. Was Gon his target? A girl that looked around my age with purple hair kept glancing at me worriedly. She seemed scared. Was I her target or was she paranoid, not knowing who would be hunting her? Either way, the both of them avoided looking at us after a quick warning glance from me. If Gon wanted me to protect him while he was sleeping, I would. Even if I didn't consider him a friend, it was the least I could do.
"Well, wake him up. We're nearly there." Leorio nudged Gon's foot as he spoke. Shaking Gon lightly, I called his name quietly. Gon opened his gold eyes and sat up, instantly awake.
"Are we there?"
"How does he do that?" Leorio complained, referring to Gon's sudden energy burst.
"We'll arrive soon Gon. Be patient." Kurapika responded, smiling in amusement.
"Oh, okay!" Gon jumped up cheerfully before spinning and offering his hand to me, "Sorry for sleeping on you Chu! Let me help you up!"
"Don't let them get any closer. Sort yourself out already dammit!"
I stood up silently, brushing his hand away as I walked towards where Khara was laying down a bridge.
"What's with him?" I heard Killua faintly ask as I left them.
"I won't let them any closer until I sort myself out. I'm obviously not myself right now."
"Thanks for your patience, everyone. We've finally arrived at Zevil Island!" Khara cheerfully called, gaining everyone's attention, "Now, please disembark in the order by which you cleared the Third Phase. After each person disembarks, we'll wait two minutes before the next person's turn. You will stay on this island for exactly one week. During that time, you must amass your six points of ID tags and return here."
I watched everyone one by one exit the boat. I was going to be the last to leave.
"It'll be difficult to find my target now. I don't even know who my target is."
Kurapika, Gon and the others flashed me sympathetic looks as they left. They knew I'd be the one with the most disadvantage. Tonpa smirked as he passed by me. I simply ignored him. I had had enough of his games.
"The twenty-ninth person may sta-Huh?" Khara glanced at me sympathetically, "I guess you're the last one. Good luck!"
I nodded, running off the boat as fast as I could. I immediately swirved and zig-zagged as I ran, making my pattern untraceable. I didn't wish to be found. My tag was currently tucked into my bra. No one knew I was female, therefore that would be the last place they'd look. Also, this way, even if I lost my coat I knew my tag would be secure.
"First things first, scout. Then, I need to find #132. In the mean time, all I have to do is focus on staying alive and keeping my tag safe."
Jumping and climbing the nearest tree, I perched myself on the highest branch and glanced around.
"After exploring I should aim for the highest possible point then stay there for the night. Also, I should search for a water source and wash my bruises and cuts. Kurapika-san did raise a point, if I leave it I might get infected or sick. I already look paler than normal. That would be bad, especially since I'm being hunted."
I jumped out of my current tree and headed towards a particularly tall tree I had spotted. I could sleep there for the night.
"I'll sort out the rest of my plan later. For now, I should just keep moving."
"Trees are uncomfortable…" I groaned as I stretched, waking up from my very light sleep. It wasn't the best sleep in the world, but it would do. Now that it was morning, I could spend the whole day with my main adjective – find water and make sure my bruises are taken care of.
Leorio had offered to look at my injuries during the Third Phase, when we had been in that room. I had declined though, I wasn't about to let anyone examine my body. I, myself, haven't examined the bruises either. I just hoped Kurapika's worry was for nothing.
Running around, I couldn't help but shake the feeling that I was being watched. I brushed it off as paranoia, this was to be expected. I was being hunted after all. I shouldn't start to panic just yet.
"After I do this, I should focus all of my efforts on finding #132. Then I just need to spend the remainder of my time keeping myself and my tag safe." I started concocting a plan to find and steal #132's tag. I knew it would require stealth and careful planning on my part. And it would be difficult to even find someone I didn't know.
My plan-making paused abruptly when I felt a faint breeze and heard the sound of trinkling liquid. It could only mean one thing. Racing towards the source of the noise, I spotted a long stream with nice flowing water. The sun beamed down on the water, meaning it wouldn't be unbearably cold. It seemed deep as well, I wouldn't be too exposed if I went in.
"Should I though?" I frowned, sitting on a rock next to the stream, "Someone could come by and see me naked. Not only would that be embarrassing but it would also expose my gender. On top of that, it would mean leaving my clothes unattended. If whoever's hunting me came across me while I'm in there…"
I decided it was worth the risks. My bruises and cuts did need tending to. And as long as I kept a careful eye on my surroundings, I shouldn't get snuck up on, right? I'd only be dipping in for a quick wash anyways.
Going along with it, I stripped and placed my clothes and tag into my bag, then covered the bag with leaves. After camouflaging my belongings enough, I stepped into the stream and submerged myself.
Damn, it was worth it.
My aching body felt a lot better within seconds and I couldn't help but relax and unwind. My bruises seemed to be cleaning themselves.
I stayed there for about two minutes and I was about to get out when…
"Ah! I-I-I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to intrude!"
Spinning around, I stared at the intruder in surprise. It was the applicant that had been staring at Gon and I before. Her light purple wavy hair reached her ankles and matched her light purple eyes. She was really pale and really thin. All she wore was a white long-sleeved dress, white flats and a pair of round glasses that seemed too big for her. Overall, she didn't seem like the type to be a Hunter.
All that could come out of my mouth was a standard and kind of lame question.
"Who are you!?"
"I told you, it is alright! It was just an accident. I shouldn't have lowered my guard like that in the first place. It is not your fault."
The applicant refused to stop apologising. By now, I had redressed myself and rehid my tag. Currently, I was sitting next to the girl. I had questions I wished to ask, but I couldn't get a word in.
"B-B-But it is! I-I should've checked if you were decent before I exposed myself! I should've m-m-made s-sure I wasn't interrupting you!"
I sighed and slammed my hand over her mouth. I had tried being polite with her for the past ten minutes and I had lost my patience. I wasn't angry. I was just embarrassed and confused.
"Stop sobbing. I told you it was fine."
She continued to tearlessly cry, looking at me pitifully.
"If I remove my hand you have to stop crying and answer my questions. Understood?"
She nodded. I could tell she was trying to calm down. Removing my hand, she sniffled and readjusted her glasses while calming down.
"What's your name?" I forced my blank, commanding voice to soften. I didn't want to start her up again. [3]
"L-L-Lavender… Lavender Roots…"
"How old are you?"
"T-Twelve…"
"Why is such a young girl taking the Exam?"
"T-Two of your companions are twelve."
"Touché… Why were you following me?"
"I n-n-need your help…"
I rubbed the girls back awkwardly as she calmed down. She reminded me of Gon. Innocent and naïve.
"Stop it! You're letting her in! Push her away before she gets too close! Don't make the same mistake again!"
"What do you need help with?" I asked politely, ignoring my thoughts for the time being and not wanting to upset her further.
"An applicant t-took my tag. I-I-I n-need you to h-help me get it back."
"Why me? Why can't you do it yourself?"
"I-I can't do it! I-I-I mean, I c-can handle myself… b-but this applicant is too strong! A-And, I believe y-you're strong enough…"
"I suppose. Why me in particular? There are plenty of strong applicants."
"H-He's your target I believe. #132, Boar."
I frowned, considering the options. On one hand, helping her would be placing her in the same category as Kurapika and the rest and would only make me feel worse. On the other hand, it was my target. And she definitely looked incapable of fighting him. That, and I could take his tag in the process.
"Alright, Lavender-san. I'll he-"
"T-T-Thank you so much!" Lavender was instantly hugging me tightly, "You have n-no idea how grateful I am!"
"I might have some idea…" I muttered.
"What have I gotten myself into?"
Turns out this 'Boar' man was pretty elusive. It took a day and a half to find him. Apparently, he was a pretty brawny man with lots of battle scars. I say apparently because I couldn't see him. We were currently hiding in a tall tree well away from where Boar was situated. We had climbed up there for better leverage, Lavender said she had some binoculars to use. It didn't take long for her to find our target. She had described him to me because I couldn't see him myself from here. She had also mentioned a bit of background information on him, including the fact that he's killed before and is only aiming for the Hunter license so he could kill with minimal consequences.
"No wonder you asked for help." I stated blankly after she had described him to me, "He sounds tough."
"E-E-Exactly. T-That's why I need y-your help!"
I looked downwards, towards the grass below our tree. From the description of him, Boar sounded dangerous. I would put him in the same category as that one blonde applicant who tricked me during the third stage. Not as dangerous as Hisoka or Gittarackur but definitely dangerous enough to warrant wariness. If I was going up against him, I'd have to manipulate him first before striking.
"I was c-c-considering a-asking #44 Hisoka and #301 G-Gittarackur for help b-but you understand why I couldn't…" Lavender piped up, causing me to look at her. Of course, Hisoka and Gittarackur would tear her apart! Regardless of her reasoning.
"Why would you consider that in the first place?"
"Boar's scared of t-them."
"I don't blame him…" I muttered but then suddenly perked up. I did say I needed to manipulate him a little. Maybe I could use this.
"I don't particularly like using deceit but… whatever is necessary…" I reasoned before speaking up.
"Do you still have that number plate we got from Lippo-san before?"
"T-The one with our target's n-number on it?" She asked curiously, "O-O-Of course! Why?"
"Switch with me."
"E-Eh!?"
If I could fake a blank façade, I could fake a panicked one as well. I purposely increased my breathing, which in turn raised my heart rate. I made my face look scared, pale with wide eyes. I even jumped on the spot a lot to give the illusion that I had been running. I was now ready.
I was hiding behind a tree, just a few meters from Boar's position. He hadn't moved at all in the last few minutes. After switching my number plate with Lavender, I had told her to wait in that tree and to watch over Boar while I was gone. I told her to go get any of the four boys I had been travelling with provided my plan didn't work. I didn't stick around to hear her confused questions as to why. If I needed help, they were the only ones I was willing to get it from.
Now that I had prepped myself, it was time to put my acting skills to the test.
"Your blank mask is already crumbling. What makes you think this will work out?" I second guessed myself, but I quickly shook the doubt away, "It's a good thing my insecurities are showing right now. It will make my panic look more believable."
It's show time.
"S-Sir! Please! You've got to help me!" I shouted, bursting into the field Boar was hiding in. Lavender hadn't been exaggerating. He really was a giant ball of muscles. Boar turned to me with an alarmed face before jumping up with a glare, holding a spear in his hands defensively. [4]
"HALT! STAY WHERE YOU ARE!"
I paused where I was and stood frigid in front of him. I forced myself to quiver as he glared down at me.
"Wow, he's tall."
"WHO ARE YOU!? STATE YOUR BUSINESS OR I'LL STRIKE YOU DOWN, PUNK!"
"W-Wait!" I put my hands out in front of me in a defensive manner, "I-I'm not here to hurt you! You're not my target! I came to warn you!"
"OH REALLY? PROVE YOURSELF! DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR PLATE!?"
"Yeah! L-L-Look!" I pulled out Lavender's number plate frantically. #197 was her target, one of the brothers from before.
Boar glared down at the plate threateningly before waving his spear dismissively.
"I SUPPOSE I AM NOT YOUR TARGET! GOOD! NOW, WHY ARE YOU HERE!?"
"I-I told you! I came to warn you! Y-You know #09?"
"OH YEEEAH, THAT LITTLE PUNK… WHAT ABOUT HER!?"
I pointed in a random direction and started to panic even more in front of him, "S-She's enlisted the help of #44 and #301 in order to get her badge back!"
The look on his face was priceless. He dropped his spear and fell to his knees, pale in the face. His dangerous aura immediately cut off and for once he wasn't yelling.
"H-Hisoka and Gittarackur… H-How did that punk…?"
"Y-You have to help me! I'm #44's target! If we w-w-work together, we can protect ourselves during this phase!"
I was getting through to him. He seemed weak at the moment. This is the moment.
"S-Sure… BUT ONLY FOR THIS PHASE, YOU P-PUNK!" He attempted to sound threatening again, but failed. I had scared him with just the thought of both Hisoka and Gittarackur coming for him.
Reaching into my bag while he was busy mumbling to himself, I picked up a big rock I had hid in there prior. Flicking it behind me, it hit the bushes and made a large sound.
"O-Oh no! They're here!" I freaked out, running and hiding behind Boar. He jumped and spun towards where I had thrown the rock, "REALLY!?"
"Bingo."
I reached up and hit a pressure point in between his neck and collarbone. I heard him groan before falling to the ground, passed out. I let out a victorious smile as I reached into his fur coat, retrieving both his and Lavender's tag.
"I hate to admit it, but I owe Lavender now. Her information really helped. This phase was really easy. At least, the getting the tag part was." I thought as I hid the tags with mine and stood up, heading back to where Lavender was quickly. I didn't even bother hiding my emotions again as I hurriedly picked her up, ignored her confused cries, and ran as fast as I could. Boar would only be out for an hour or two. I needed to get us far away before then. Deceit wasn't going to work a second time and I didn't want to actually fight him.
"I apologise for my abrupt actions. I needed to get us as far away as possible before he awoke." I stated after putting the flustered girl down and forcing myself to look neutral once again. Lavender gave me the most incredulous look while smiling.
"I-I don't even care! That was amazing! I c-c-couldn't hear w-what you were saying but your performance was amazing!" Lavender looked so amazed "You're the best!"
"You're the best, Oneechan!"
The sudden flashback caught me off guard. It hadn't had that happen to me in awhile.
Lavender didn't seem to notice my sudden panicked expression as she jumped up and down in celebration.
"I-I can't believe it! You knocked him o-o-out! With one chop! Y-Y-Your acting was sensational!"
I ignored her, frowning and holding my fast beating heart. Lavender did remind me of her. So did Gon. But I hadn't had a hallucination like that in awhile. It was a bit frightening.
"What's wrong?"
"What's wrong, Oneechan…?"
Lavender must've finally noticed my lack of blankness. She clicked her fingers in front of my face.
"Y-You're spacing out… Snap out o-o-of it!"
I blinked and shook my head, turning away from the purple-haired girl and resting against a tree.
"It is nothing… I just need a bit of rest…"
I heard her sit a little bit away from me. It was silent for a moment before I heard her respond.
"You know… w-when I mentioned your acting… I wasn't just referring to y-y-your performance in front o-of Boar…"
I chose to ignore her, closing my eyes and acting like I was falling asleep.
"I-I know you hide away your emotions. You're actually r-really broken, a-aren't you? Y-You can't control your emotions even if you try, right? So you hide them a-away, instead…"
I flinched, knowing she was right.
"You p-p-push people away and h-hide your emotions. Your emotions are d-destructive. You refuse to h-hurt others, so you h-h-hurt y-yourself. Isn't t-that right? Those boys y-you work with, they're your friends… but you r-refuse to see t-them l-l-like that…"
"That's it. That's why I'm doing this." I no longer felt confused. It was as if she was answering all of my questions for me.
"H-How do I know? Well… my Oneechan… s-she's the same way. I k-know what you're g-g-going through. But…"
I felt her scooch closer. A moment later, her hand touched my shoulder lightly.
"…J-Just know… It's better to let others in… T-They'll comfort you a-and make you feel better… Your friends… even m-me… We'll h-help you in any way we can… I know y-you feel as though you'll only h-h-hurt us or even l-lose us… But we d-don't care… I know it's hard but… We'll b-be there for you… So… Never feel like you need to hide away… E-Even if it take y-y-you a l-long time to let us in, we believe in you! W-We'll wait for you… I'm sure your friends f-feel the same way I do…"
Her hand slowly retracted and I heard her lean against the tree as well. A moment later, I heard her breathing slow. She had fallen asleep.
I considered her advice and realised she had a point. Everything she had said described me perfectly. But was I really willing to let her in? To let the others in?
"We'll be together forever Oneechan! Forever and ever! Promise?"
Was I really willing to make that mistake again? [5]
Omake: [6]
"Same here." Leorio grunted as he and Tonpa approached the door, the both of them fighting to be the first through.
"Leorio, applicant #403, is the twenty-seventh to pass. Tonpa, applicant #16, is the twenty-eighth to pass. Total time, seventy-one hours and fifty-nine minutes."
The three younger males watched the two older ones until a young voice cut off their grunting.
"Oi, stop taking up the doorway. I wish to pass as well you know."
Within seconds the owner of the voice shoved the two older ones through the door, making them slam face first into the ground.
But before Chu could pass through the door, Beans' voice cut through the room.
"The Third Phase of the exam is over. Twenty-nine applicants have passed. One has died. Everyone else SUCKS!"
"WHAT!? BUT I'M RIGHT HERE!" Chu roared, stomping on the ground.
"Yes, but you didn't pass through the door. Therefore, you fail~ Haha!"
"EXCUSE ME!?"
"Don't feel too bad Ch-"
"DON'T TELL ME NOT TO FEEL TOO BAD, OLD MAN! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!"
[1] – Something you should NEVER call Chu is tsundere. She will harm you. Even if you are an ex-assassin. XD
[2] – I have to write something along the lines of 'hold onto my hood so it doesn't fall off' every single chapter! Dammit Chu!
[3] – Chu has a soft spot for children. AND NOT IN A HISOKA WAY!
[4] – I based him lightly off of Undyne the Undying from Undertale… That was a lot of U's… I'm sorry.
[5] – This is very important. Keep this in mind.
[6] – Not that funny this time considering how sad this chapter got… Woops?
Me: This was a really sad chapter… Pretty short too… I'm sorry! Next chapter won't be as sad! And it'll be longer too! Anyways, quick question, is anyone OOC yet? Am I pacing this weirdly? Also, do you guys like Chu? Or Lavender for that matter? Reading your praise makes me feel like I'm doing a god job but I'd like to ask you guys anyways. There's always room to improve. Anyways, Gon take it away!
Gon: We hope you enjoyed the chapter! Bye bye!