"Why are you impersonating Ray?"

"I'm honestly not! It's just that-" I stopped myself mid-sentence. It's just that I was transported into a fictional world and have no idea what I'm doing here?

Hisoka closed the distance between us, pressing a card into my neck. "Hm? Speak up." A bead of cold sweat trailed down my cheek. He would know I was lying if I tried to fabricate something, what do I do?

"H-How did you know I wasn't Ray?" I admitted in a meek voice, placing a small amount of curiosity in my tone. I knew Hisoka liked to play with his food before he killed it, maybe he'd humour me. I desperately needed every second I could buy…

A triumphant smirk lit his features as he used his free hand to count off the reasons, his long fingers extending languidly. "One, you haven't used zetsu since you got here, and the real Ray wouldn't miss a chance to practice his stealth against me. Two, Ray would not surrender his pride for a piggyback ride, even if it meant failing the Hunter Exam. Three, Ray loves to fight, and you're just a coward." He was now holding three fingers up, watching the colour drain from my face as he continued.

"Four, whilst you mimic his feistiness ever so well, you were obviously scared of me when we first spoke. No amount of acting could hide it. And finally, you wouldn't be here without your brothers." I stared at him blankly as he wiggled his fingers, impressed he managed to figure all of this out. He seemed to know Ra- Me incredibly well, but the personality he described was nothing like mine. This Ray was bloodthirsty, whereas I wouldn't hurt anyone here, even though I knew they were all fictional.

Shit, I hadn't thought of a plan.

I'd been mesmerised by the way his supple fingers had raised as he numbered his deductions, how his gold eyes held mine in their intense gaze, heat blossoming in my chest. I could've sworn he was undressing me with those eyes, stripping down to my very core and exposing the imposter that I was, ready to strike at any second. I dry swallowed, feeling the razor sharp edge of the card nick my skin as my throat bobbed.

"To tell you the truth," I began numbly, my voice coming out thick yet raspy. "I woke up in the elevator to the Exam with no idea who I was. All I know is that I am called Ray and I need to pass this exam at any cost." I spoke slowly, admitting as much as I could without endangering myself too much. Ever since I had arrived, I'd had the hollowing, oddly fatalistic sensation in my stomach which spurred my survival instincts into overdrive. It told me that failing this exam would be signing my death warrant. I hadn't had the time to dwell on the feeling until now, as Hisoka took a small step back to consider my words.

"You're hiding something from me, but you aren't lying…" He placed his hands on his hips, lowering the deadly card and cocking his head to one side as he evaluated me. "Do you honestly have no memories of who you were? Of Us?" A sly smile drew across his lips as the words practically dripped off his tongue. Rose instantly flushed my cheeks: I knew exactly what he was implying.

"N-no I don't!... did we? –I mean, d-did we, you know…?" I was totally mortified as his tongue darted out to wet his lips, an unmistakable lust clouding his honey coloured eyes.

"You're so easy to fluster, it's so exciting~" He cooed, and I resisted the urge to slap myself. Of course he was fucking with me, that's what Hisoka did.

"Asshole." I muttered at him, sticking my lip out in a childish pout. He used his hand to cover his mouth, body quivering with laughter.

"I do believe you're Ray, at heart." He finally said after seeing my immature gestures. "You seem to have amnesia, but I was wrong before: you're definitely Ray." I blinked at him, confused at the sudden change of tone. I guessed some of my actions reminded him of the Ray in this world? I resisted the urge to roll my shoulders in a bewildered shrug.

"I could fill you in on some of your memories, since we spent a lot of time in each other's company…" I would've agreed, had he not been staring at me as if I was naked, a perverted grin stretched across his lips. "But it'll come as a price~" his voice dropped an octave as I suppressed a shiver at his sultry tone. I simply could not comprehend how Hisoka managed to be incredibly seductive yet terrifying at the same time. I had to give him credit: he had the aesthetic down to a polished point.

I shook my head in refusal, disappointment tugging at his features. "A shame… I guess it's time for my other payment then~"

"Wh-!?" The start of my question was silenced as my whole body pounded on impact with something hard behind me, breath forced out of my lungs. But it wasn't the fact that I'd been shoved into a tree that had my attention, it was the fact that Hisoka was kissing me.

And he wasn't exactly being gentle either. Flashes of pain shot up my sides as firm hands gripped into my waist, digging into the soft flesh. He'd used my confusion to expertly manoeuvre his tongue into my mouth, massaging my lips with his. Everything about it felt sinfully good, mind fully aware that I was indulging in something I shouldn't. He pressed his strong body against mine, demanding I yield to his domineering touch, but I refused to become weak-kneed at his skilful movements. However, this didn't mean I wasn't enjoying the effort. Because damn, he was good.

So I bit down on his lower lip – hard. I was sure it had been enough to draw blood, to make the magician back off, but instead he smirked into the kiss, delving deeper and feeling the coppery taste of blood settling on my tongue as he refused to halt. Sighing internally, I tapped on his shoulders weakly (since when were my arms wrapped around him?) and he took an easy step back, eyes travelling up and down at my flustered appearance. I was sure I would've been beet red if it wasn't the fact I was kinda pissed off.

"That was rude, taking advantage of an amnesiac." I muttered at him, shoving my hands in my short pockets and letting out a huff. I seemed relatively composed, considering I'd just had a serial killer try and suck my face. I guess being pulled into a fictional universe really changes you. I tried my best not to snigger to myself.

"It's not often I see you with such a vulnerable, lost look. I just had to~" He drawled, holding my stare with one of his own before something beeped in his pocket. He spoke quickly, almost barking his response as he hauled the unconscious Leorio over his shoulder. Starting to walk away, his strides were purposeful until he peeked over his shoulder at me, gesturing for me to follow.

"I'll help you get to the second phase site, but nothing more. It'll be more fun to see you figure yourself out on your own." He mused to himself, causing my forehead to crease into a frown. Of course he wouldn't help me, I didn't expect anything else from him.

"You won't even give me a hint?" I mock pouted, batting my eyelids at him. He shrugged, Leorio's body shaking on his shoulder as he manhandled the guy. The wannabe doctor was going to feel awful after this, eek.

"You should use your hands more often, but I cannot say anything more. You're not mine to play with." He said with what seemed to be sadness and disappointment in his tone. Wait, what? I wasn't his to play with? Did this mean I was under the watch of someone else? Just great…

Hisoka didn't open his mouth again after his comment, and I reluctantly trudged behind him to the exam site. Although I didn't want to look like I was stalking Hisoka to the other examinees, it wasn't like I had much of a choice. I'd rather appear as Hisoka's boy toy – or something worse- to other people than get lost and eaten in the Wetlands. When I saw the walled area that would host the next exam and the gaggle of people gathered around it, I broke into a sprint. I would at least try and seem like I'd done something by myself.

Breathing heavily, I sagged against the tree as I allowed myself to finally relax my muscles for a precious few seconds. The only thing I knew that was happening next was that Gon would arrive with Kurapika, and then the next phase would finally begin.

I barely noticed when Hanzo slid down next to me, holding his wrapped wrists close to him as he clearly stared at me, brows furrowing as he considered my appearance. The beginnings of recognition began to form in his eyes before he even spoke to me. I tried not to groan – do I not get a damn minute where people don't bombard me with questions?

"I know you." He stated flatly, but there was an undeniable curiosity to his voice as he leaned even closer, inspecting my face. I was relieved that one of my blue eyes was covered by my fringe, disguising some of my blatant annoyance.

"Sure you do, I've been taking this exam too." I said boredly, picking at my fingernails and trying to ignore his excessive scrutinisation. Had this guy ever heard of personal space?

"That's not what I meant. I know you from outside the exam, don't I?" He insisted.

"Nope." I saw his face fall slightly, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to deter him. He grabbed my shoulders, tightening his palms around them.

"No, I definitely do!" I scowled at him now, resisting the urge to spit at him.

"Listen, I know you're strong, but if you keep your hands on my shoulders I will make sure they're the last thing they ever touch." I'd had the hunch that if Hanzo knew me, it was because he knew me as some sort of monster, or at least as a minor threat to him. My instinct was right, as he blanched a little, familiarity filling his features.

"S-Sorry." He muttered, unlike the proud ninja. "I remember now, nice to see you again." He said, recovering from his stutter and waving at me casually as he sauntered away, completely composed.

What the fuck was that about?

Trying not to scream, I wandered into the next area, eyeing the cooking areas warily. I'd almost forgotten about this part of the exam. Time for me to fail with everyone else, right? Well, I'd have to kill a pig first, but what was the point if it wasn't going to please Menchi anyway?

And it was with that thought that I simply sat on the bench they'd provided us behind my oven, twiddling my thumbs and watching everyone else run into the forest. When the exam area was completely abandoned, the green-haired Hunter was talking rather loudly to Buhara, until he caught my eye. He stared at me confused.

"Aren't you going to get me some pork? I'm starving!" He whined, and I simply gave them a tight-lipped smile.

"I can see in Menchi's eyes that nothing I cook will be delicious enough for me to pass. Call it an instinct if you like, but I can also see the same happening to the rest of the examinees. I thought I'd just wait it out and get to know you two better." I stuck my thumbs out at them in approval. "I personally think Gourmet Hunters are really brave, and I'm not just saying that to butter you up; I already know I've failed." Mechi stared at me, shock crossing her features as she regarded me carefully, almost with suspicion. But Buhara was laughing, rubbing the back of his head with his huge palm.

"Gee Menchi, he has you all figured out!" She huffed, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms.

"He's right, though. It'll take a lot to impress me. That doesn't mean you should've given up, Kid. What kind of Hunter doesn't even try?" She had a point, but I didn't let it faze me. I wasn't giving up, I was just waiting for the next phase and didn't see the point in wasting my time catching a pig she wouldn't eat.

I still smiled at the pair, hearing the low thunder of footsteps heading in our direction; the other examinees must've been coming back already. "I haven't given up, I'll prove myself to you soon enough."

She glared at me, still bewildered. Menchi was obviously considering what sort of game or plan I had in mind, and couldn't work out why an examinee would act so arrogant when they were obviously going to fail.

Shrugging it off, she watched as the others began cooking their pigs. I felt eyes burning into the back of my head and sure enough, Hisoka had taken the station behind me, also confused at my lack of effort. I simply winked at him, placing my hands on my lap smugly and refusing to move another inch. Everything about my demeanour screamed I know something you don't. I tried not to snicker at the dark, borderline murderous scowl I received in response.

And just as expected, everyone failed. Menchi couldn't help but spare a glance at me as she explained this fact, silently admitting that I had been right before she'd even made her mind up. Since that challenge didn't count for anything, she couldn't disqualify for lack of trying. I felt pretty fucking proud of myself as we arrived at Mt. Split-In-Half, but that soon faded as I realised what was going to happen now, replacing my pride with a deep and inescapable sense of fear.

We would all jump onto a spider web which would be a millisecond away from snapping completely - And that wasn't including my weight. It could be possible that if I went with everyone else, I would be consigning us all to our certain death. It was lucky that Gon, Kurapika, Killua and Leorio had made it out alive in the first place. I could go afterwards, but what if all the eggs were gone by then, or all the threads holding them up snapped? I wouldn't get a chance to complete the phase.

Unless…

I cut Menchi's explanation short, just as her toes curled over the edge, limbs poised and ready to jump. She had to physically stop herself wobbling as I piped up in an innocent voice.

"Mind if I show them instead? I'll even grab an extra egg for you!" I was already sauntering over to the cliff's edge, as if I wasn't about to probably leap eagerly to my death. Who knows, I could have the grip strength of a titan and I'd be totally fine. Besides, this was the only option besides failure.

The other examinees stared at me with expressions that were either horrified, confused or delighted. Clearly they all thought I was going to die too. Does nobody have faith in adolescents around here? I wasn't that weak looking…

And with a surprised nod from Menchi, I didn't think twice as my feet lost contact with the earth. I jumped.


A/N: Sorry about the delay! I have returned to uni so conquering my writer's block was hard. There are more chapters on the way!

Now that i've finally passed the bit i personally find boring, things will get more interesting as Ray discovers himself!
Thank you all for the follows, reviews and favourites - they keep me going and they mean the world to me! :)
~Max