Chapter 2 Hunter Exam Part 2 and the Airship Battle

~~Asa's POV~~

I sighed as we kept up with Satotz. Jake looked down at me curiously as we stopped "...It's painful..." I said rubbing my arm "What? Where, did you get hurt?" Jake asked worried "No...never mind, you wouldn't understand." I said "Asa, it'd be painful to see her again, wouldn't it?" Jake asked patting my head "Wouldn't it be the same for you, Jake? I'm sure that woman wouldn't recognize you like you are now." I said looking up at him. I pushed his hand away and I walked away. I needed time to myself.

It'll take a while until the second part of the exam to start "Hey." I heard. I looked to see Killua "So you're not with Gon. What do you want?" I asked "You're not a normal person are you? You walk naturally like an assassin but you're very cautious about your surroundings." Killua said his hands behind his head "...I'm not exactly what you call normal but I'm not part of the darker side of society. I'm neither black or white. Well, it doesn't matter, you won't find the answers you want just by talking to me." I said walking away.

Killua didn't follow. I walked towards the forest and I stared into it as the fog slowly dispersed. I didn't like the feel of the forest since I walked into it. It stunk of blood and of killer intent, it also reminded me of so many things. I disliked my past, I really hated it, the only good thing about my childhood is that Jake was with me. I had fun with him while I didn't have any in my village. I could be myself, I didn't have to be a doll. I saw Hisoka carrying someone from Gon's group. I cringed and ran away when he looked at me, I hated his type the most.

I returned to Jake's side moments before the second part of the exam started. The doors opened and I saw two people, a woman with an odd hairstyle and a large, and I mean large, male. The woman was Menchi and the male Buhara, they were our next examiners and if I had to say, this one had to do with cooking. I was a bit surprised by the sound of Buhara's stomach "...Asa..." Jake said "Yeah?" I asked looking at him "I'll leave this to you." He said patting my shoulder.

I nodded my head "Phase Two will involve...cooking!" Menchi shouted. Some made fun of this exam and I shook my head. It should be obvious since there were cooking materials. I was a bit interested in the title Gourmet Hunter, I might do it after my...original goal. We had to get pork. Now I know Buhara could probably eat a lot but...Menchi probably couldn't eat a lot. Jake grabbed me hauling me on his shoulder as he ran through the forest at a fast pace. He slowed down letting me down.

I dusted my shirt off and I looked at him "So, can you smell it?" I asked "Yeah, and they reek of blood, like everything else in the forest. So, do you want to kill one yourself or should I do the killing?" Jake asked walking away "I'll kill my own." I said a step behind him. I saw Gon and many other get chased by huge pigs. I saw one run at me and I lifted my foot up stopping it where it stood "Asa, so strong!" Jake exclaimed jokingly "Why don't you...catch your own!" I shouted grabbing the pig by the snout and tossing it into a tree.

Jake laughed as the other examinees looked at me shocked "So strong and so violent. You'll never marry if you keep this up!" Jake said still joking "Who'd want to marry! I'm only 12!" I shouted tossing a rock at his head "Asa, it's still alive!" Jake shouted jumping in a tree "What are you? A damn cat, you're a wolf act like it!" I shouted tossing the pig to the ground. I saw Gon kill his by hitting it on the forehead. I exchanged a look with Jake and I nodded. Jake jumped down his hand stopping the pig where it stood when it charged at me. I used him as a stepping stone and I landed on the pig's forehead killing it instantly, no wonder I couldn't kill it after the first two tosses, I wasn't aiming for the forehead.

"You're dragging it back." I said walking ahead "Huh? What? I don't have monster strength like you, Asa! You drag it!" Jake shouted pointing at the pig "I killed it! Besides, it's light enough for you to drag. Good luck!" I shouted walking peacefully "This is so unfair." Jake said dragging it behind him. We returned and Jake dropped it on the table. I looked at the different knives "Can I use this?" I asked holding a very large knife "You're scary enough with a small knife, you using a large one is just creepy." Jake said chuckling.

I spun it in my hand and I stared at the dead pig. This is the first time I'll be cooking pig "How do you like your meat, grilled or roasted?" I asked poking the dead pig "Roasted, no other way to eat it." Jake said pointing at the only way to cook it "Right, you mind?" I asked "On it." Jake said. I watched Jake roast the pig and he placed it on the table again. I looked at what we had 'Fruit and vegetables. Not much to work with.' I thought. I grabbed a normal knife and I spun it in my hand slicing it evenly. I placed it on a tray and I looked at Jake as he was slicing the pineapple unevenly placing it in a bowl.

I sighed a bit as I placed the sliced meat on a tray "Is this really okay?" Jake asked looking at the bowl of pineapple "Will have to do." I said taking the bowl from him. I mashed it until there was a lot of juice. I separated the juice and the pineapple. I prepped the plate and I made Buhara's side larger than Menchi's. I placed two slices of meat on both trays and I added the juice on top. I shrugged my shoulders, I didn't know how to cook pig so this was the best I could do, I also don't know a lot of recipes.

I carried the smaller tray as Jake carried the larger one "Here, we're done." I said "Eh...You look like you know a bit about cooking." Menchi said tasting hers first. Buhara passed us and I looked at Menchi "Fail. It's not fully cooked, the pineapple's flavor contrasts the pork too much." She said "Damn..." Jake said pissed off "It sucks, come on. We're trying again." I said dragging him away. In the end, no one passed. I sulked in the corner ignoring the uproar that started.

In the end the chairman had to come and everyone got a second chance "Aren't you glad?" Jake asked patting my head once we arrived "Yeah but it still sucks." I said slapping his hand away "Well, you don't know much about cooking anyway. You did good enough." Jake said leaning against my head. I moved towards the edge of the cliff and I smelt something familiar "Spider Eagle." I said recognizing the scent "That's right. This is a nest of Spider Eagles." Menchi said next to me.

I looked down seeing webs "So they build webs like spiders. Sounds creepy." Jake said his ears twitching. I rolled my eyes "There are eggs down there." Gon said "Eh...You're right." I said narrowing my eyes. I pulled out my glasses and I put them on "Those are the eggs of Spider Eagles. They build their webs in deep ravines, to protect their eggs from predators." The chairman said glancing at me "Yeah...It's very hard to obtain them. I heard they're called dream eggs." I said looking at the old man "So we're going to fetch some. Sounds interesting." Jake said grinning "Down, doggie." I said pulling his ear preventing him from jumping in headfirst.

"That's right." Menchi said smiling. She suddenly jumped down grabbing onto the webs below. She hung there for a minute before dropping again grabbing an egg along the way "She's not dead, is she?" the uncle asked "No." I backed up when a strong updraft blew carrying Menchi up with it 'Sounds like fun.' I thought still holding Jake by his ear "This ravine has strong updrafts. That help the hatched hicks fly up to the web." Jake said freeing himself from my grasp "First one to get it and up wins?" I asked with a small grin "Think you can win?" Jake asked back showing his canines.

I didn't answer when everyone started jumping down "You're not going to jump?" Jake asked raising a brow "That many people on those webs...It's bound to snap." I said resting my head in my palm "Ohohoho, you won't take the chance?" the old man asked "Who said I wasn't?" I asked giving the old man an eerily scary blank look. I slid my backpack off my shoulders and onto the ground.

I stretched my arms out waiting for the other examinees to fly up. Jake's tail was wagging in anticipation. They finally came up and I begun to tug my coat off "Asa-chan, didn't you jump with us?" Gon asked staring at us confused "Even two more people would have made that web snap. Jake, I'm heading down first." I said jumping without a second thought "Hey! That's not fair!"

I ignored the shout to concentrate on the webs. I grabbed one and I slung myself to another one, grabbing it. I spun around on it a few times before letting go, landing on the thin web. I held my arms out while I walked towards the eggs. I leaned down and I grabbed ahold of one of the eggs. The web shook a bit when Jake landed and I had almost fallen over. I glanced at my hair and it moved slightly 'About time.' I thought falling backwards. The updraft blew Jake and I back to the top.

I bit into the egg 'It's good.' I thought handing the rest to Jake "Not hungry?" Jake asked licking his lips "Not in the mood to eat when my arms are hurting." I said rubbing my right arm. When we were on the airship I had bandaged my arms up to my shoulders and neck, hell my hands were bandaged up as well. I looked like a mummy with the bandages but I preferred not to show the marks on my skin.

Gon was suddenly in front of me "Asa-chan, are you hurt?" he asked concern shining in his eyes. The corners of my mouth twitched "...You can say that." I replied "You should get them looked at then!" Gon exclaimed "I'm afraid no doctor can help me. 'sides it's more of a...curse than a disease or illness." I said with a frown. I disliked the thought of returning to my birthplace "Eh?" Gon asked not understanding it "Don't worry so much." I said walking away.

~~Later~~

"Finally! I never thought he would stop talking!" I exclaimed "Asa-chan! We're going to explore the airship, do you want to come?" Gon asked "Eh...but..." I said looking at Jake "Just go. You might as well spend some time with kids your own age." Jake said pushing me towards Killua and Gon "If you say so..." I said. I walked in between the other boys and Killua was staring at my hands "What is it, you have something to say to me?" I asked shoving my hands into my coat pocket "You don't look injured." Killua said looking ahead.

"I'm not. I prefer people not staring at what's under the bandages." I said glancing at the silver haired boy. Gon looked curious at this point "Ne, ne, Asa-chan, will yo-" I was quick to interrupt him "Not a chance. It's creepier than it looks. I prefer it if you didn't see me any differently because of it." I said looking away "I'm curious now..." Killua said "What is under your bandages?" Gon asked "A curse. At least that's how I see it. Generation after generation...gaining this curse...I hate it." I said walking a bit ahead of the boys.

The boys and I continued to wander the airship. When we snuck into the kitchen, the boys grabbed some meat. I was eying the vanilla cake. I heard a bit of shouting and both boys were kicked out the kitchen. The chief looked at me and he gently pushed me out with a slice of cake "I guess my appearance does have it uses." I said enjoying the cake "It's unfair how you got away being guided out the kitchen when we got tossed out." Killua said with a slight whine in his voice "It's because I'm oh so adorable." I said sarcastically.

"Asa-chan is really cute!" Gon exclaimed smiling "...Ah...Now I'm seriously considering saying something to see your reaction..." I said taking a bite out of my cake "Eh?" Gon asked with a slight tilt of his head "Nothing, nothing at all." I said looking away. I looked out the window "It's really pretty!" Gon exclaimed happily "The lights are really pretty." I said with a slight smile "Killua, Asa-chan, where are your mom and dad?" Gon asked "I know my father had died a few months after I was born...as for my mom...I can assume she's dead as well." I said "Why do you assume she's dead?" Killua asked interested.

I frowned and I sat down "I was abandoned as a child, left for dead. I can assume the head had her killed after they found out about my abandonment, well, I don't really know since I didn't go back. I met Jake a few days after I was abandoned but I don't really care either way." I said shrugging my shoulders "That's cold." Killua said with a slight hint of amusement in his voice "I don't have any good memories as a child and I don't remember much about her. I say, if you don't remember 'em who cares about 'em." I said waving off Killua's comment "Then how about you, Killua?" Gon asked.

Killua had to actually think about it "They're alive...probably." He replied "What do they do?" Gon asked curiously "They're assassins." Killua replied without a hint of joking "Eh...Assassins...That doesn't sound very fun." I said leaning back "Huh? Both of them?" Gon asked looking at the silver haired boy. Killua looked at Gon and started to laugh "That's your first reaction?" He asked still laughing "Weren't you serious? I don't think you're joking about it." I said when Killua took a seat beside me "Yeah." Gon said nodding his head.

Killua took a long look at us "What makes you say that?" He asked "Your tone of voice...not to mention I can tell when people lie." I said leaning back a bit "It's just a hunch." Gon said staring at Killua "How weird. People only like me because they can't ever tell whether I'm serious." Killua said slumping against the windowsill "Sou desu ka?" I asked.

Killua began to tell us his story and I felt we were a bit similar. Our lives were planned out for us...his for the life of an assassin while mine...mine would only lead to my death. I began to drift off into thought "...I wonder..." I whispered "Chance!" Killua said grabbing me from behind, both my arms were pinned at my side. I yelped and I immediately began to struggle "Gon, get the bandages from her hands!" Killua shouted while I tried to get free.

I struggled trying to get Killua's arms off and Gon tried pulling the bandages from my hands. I struggled way too much for him to actually get them off "This isn't funny! Get off!" I shouted kicking my legs out. Gon pinned my legs down at my thighs with his knees "Hold still, Asa-chan!" Gon shouted "Not a chance!" I shouted back. The three of us froze and we turned in the same direction, all three of us had sensed something from down the hall "Is something wrong?" we heard.

I turned my head and I noticed it was Netero "What are you boys doing to your friend?" he asked chuckling "You're pretty fast, old man." Killua said releasing me. I pushed Gon off and I stood up "Did you want something?" I asked shoving my hands into my coat "I was wondering what you three thought of the exam so far." Netero said with a small smile "It's been fun and there haven't been any written tests." Gon said smiling "It's okay..." I said shrugging my shoulders "It's disappointing. I expected it to be far more difficult. Will the next exam be more entertaining?" Killua asked.

"Well now. I don't know about that." Netero said smiling "Tch. Let's go, Asa, Gon." Killua said turning "Now wait just a moment. Would you three care to play a game with me?" Netero asked "Game...? Are you that bored?" I asked "Maa. If you three can beat me, I will allow you to be Hunters." Netero said gaining all our attention "Oh...this might be fun after all..." I said with a small smile "Really? Okay, I'll do it!" Gon exclaimed.

The four of us moved to another room, it was quite spacious. It was a simple game of snatching a ball from the old man before the ship arrives at our destination. Killua had gone first and was quite interested in the move he pulled off that created afterimages 'Ah, so it follows a rhythm...' I thought my eyes focusing on the original Killua. I winced when I saw Killua give the old man a low kick to the center of leg "ITAI!" Killua screamed holding his leg.

My eyes widened 'That should have hurt the old man not Killua. He's way stronger than him.' I thought my nails digging into my palms. Gon switched with Killua and I held back a laugh when he hit the ceiling "Gon, the ceiling is too low for your usual jumps." I said while Killua complained. Gon was starting to get tired. I stood up "Gon, switch." I said holding a hand up "Okay!" Gon exclaimed. We high fived and I stared at the old man "Oh, so the cute one's going to take me on?" Netero asked "Don't underestimate me, old man." I said flexing my fingers.

I was pissed off at the cute comment but I didn't show it. I shrugged off my coat and I let it hit the ground. I moved quickly and I attempted to kick the old man in the face, he tilted his head back dodging it. My hand hit the ground and I spun using my other leg to try to get him "Tch." I said both my feet back on the ground "Oh, you're pretty fast." Netero said balancing the ball on his head "I guess I shouldn't hold back then!" I shouted throwing a punch. I wasn't actually going for the ball but if I can get even one punch in I'll have a chance at the ball.

My fist had connected with the wall leaving behind a huge hole "...ITAI!" I shouted waving my hand around "Oi! If you're that strong then you should at least hit him!" Killua shouted at me "S-Shut up! I'm not that good of a fighter!" I shouted small tears in the corner of my eyes "Switch then!" Killua shouted "Fine!" I shouted. We clapped hands and I sat down blowing at my knuckles "Damn that hurts." I said trying to get rid of the pain.

"You're really strong, Asa-chan." Gon said looking at me "It's a family thing, I guess. My father and grandfather had superhuman strength. Something about not having limiters. Well, I broke quite a few bones in my arms and legs because of it but I heal fast so I didn't really care." I said leaning back "Does your hand feel better?" Gon asked watching my rub at my knuckles "Yeah, it just stings at this point." I said nodding my head.

~~Later~~

The three of us attempted to get the ball from the old man but it was no use. Killua and Gon created a distraction for me and I got the old man across the stomach with a kick. I fell to the ground on my back holding my leg "THAT HURTS!" I screamed "Chance!" Killua and Gon shouted "Nope~!" Netero said using his foot to kick it out the way of the boys. I sat on the ground watching the two go against Netero. I would attempt to but I don't think I could walk, let alone run at the moment. Netero was fast, he managed to get the ball before Gon or Killua. I glanced at the ground near me, the old man left behind a dent in the floor.

I sighed and I struggled to stand "I give." I said limping a bit "Oh, did you break a leg?" Netero asked "No, it hurts but it's not broken. I just...can't walk yet." I said heading for the door "I give too." Killua said "Eh, but we still have time. We were really close too" Gon said "Sorry, it'll take a couple hours until I can move properly again...'sides we won't be able to win." I said at the door "Huh?" Gon asked "That old man only used his left hand and right leg. Asa managed to get him to use his right hand but only once in the beginning." Killua said "I hate to admit it but we're all outclassed. We won't be able to beat the old man in this decade." I said.

Netero seemed amused "Oh, so you figured it out." he said with a slight chuckle "Tch, you piss me off." Killua and I said simultaneously "Let's go, Gon." Killua said walking off "I'm going to play a bit longer." Gon said "EH?!" Killua asked looking at our friend "Good luck then." I said limping off. Killua came out a moment later and he looked pissed off 'Wah...killing intent is radiating off of him...' I thought with a sweat drop. Killua was walking slowly at my pace so I didn't have to worry about chasing after him.

I used the wall to help balance myself out but I was still pretty slow "Killua, control your killing intent a bit. It's starting to suffocate me." I said "Eh? Ah." Killua said glancing at me "Wh-What?" I asked stopping when he did "Your leg, it's probably fractured." Killua pointed out "It'll be fine." I said putting a bit of weight on my leg 'Doesn't hurt that badly anymore.' I thought walking on it. Two men walked past us, one of them bumped into Killua "Oi, aren't you going to apologize." One asked "Why apologize when it's your own damn fault." I asked my mood turning sour "Bastard!" they shouted rushing at us.

I blinked and I felt something warm splatter over my face. I looked at my hand to see blood dripping down my fingers and soaking into my bandages "Damn, it's just like that time..." I said staring down at the two dead bodies. I blinked and noticed one was filled with sharp marks like an animals, that wasn't the one I killed. The one I killed had a hole through chest "Killua, should we do something about the bodies?" I asked waving my hand a bit "Leave them." Killua said "...I guess...I'm going to find a shower, I stick of sweat and now I have blood all over." I said wiping away the blood on my cheeks "Ah, I guess I'll do the same." Killua said still trying to calm down.

The two of us found a place to get cleaned up "You can go first, I'll wait here." Killua said "I don't really care. Besides, this is a huge shower room." I said dragging him inside "O-Oi! You're a girl!" Killua shouted "I'm not. I'm a boy too." I said tugging my shirt off "EH?!" Killua asked screaming "Quite frankly, I use the fact people thinking I'm a girl to my advantage." I said undoing my bandages "I thought you didn't want us to see what's underneath." Killua said staring at my back.

The marks had probably grew since I last checked "I don't but I don't think you'll tell anyone what you see." I said tossing the bandages into the trash "Those are some creepy tattoos." Killua said staring at the marks "They're markings, not tattoos." I said. The markings were black and similar to flames but they slowly grew and started spiraling "Markings...Geh, it moved." Killua said backing up "I told you they were creepy." I said.

~~Later~~

"What a nice shower..." I said drying my hair off. Killua sat beside me with a red face "What's with you, why the hell are you so quiet?" I asked "N-No reason!" Killua exclaimed looking anywhere but me "Geez, are you still in shock at the fact I'm a boy?" I asked "I got over that fact but why are your clothes so girly?" Killua asked. My clothing was a simple pair of shorts, long sleeved t-shirt, and a coat with rabbit ears "Oh, a lady gave me these clothes for free. She assumed I was a girl and was more than willing to give me clothing." I said with a slight chuckle "How can you be so calm about that kind of stuff...Geez, if you met my mom..." Killua said before he began to shiver.

I grabbed a towel and I tossed it on Killua's head "Dry your hair, you'll catch a cold if you don't." I said "I don't catch colds that easily." Killua said but still complied with my order "Ah, I heard idiots don't catch colds, does that apply to you?" I asked pulling my hood up "Who the hell is an idiot?!" Killua asked pissed off "It's a joke...though I'm sure Gon has never caught a cold." I said "Maybe." Killua said shrugging his shoulders "I'm going to sleep then. Don't kill anyone." I said "I'm not going to. I already calmed down." Killua said "Is that so...Night then." I said. I found Jake and I sat down beside him "Done already?" Jake asked opening one eye "Yeah, I'm tired so night." I said curling up in a ball near him. I felt something cover me but I didn't bother to open my eyes.

Me: ASA-CHAN! You're so cute! –Hugs the girly boy tightly-

Asa: C-Can't...B-Breathe...!

Me: -Releases immediately- I still think the markings should be a bit different...

Asa: Too late for that, besides I kinda like the idea of black flame markings

Me: -Shrugs- I suppose

Asa: Well thanks for reading and I hope to see a review~!