"Attention! The fourth phase is now over! All applicants please make their way to the landing site within the next hour! There will be no further exchanging of tags or you will be instantly disqualified!"
Falcon quickly withdrew his Nen, suppressing it back underneath his skin. Then, he looked down and saw Killua pass by beneath him. Without hesitation, Falcon dropped down beside Killua silently.
"Yo." Killua greeted as the two continued moving towards the landing site.
"Hello. Gon's not with you?" Falcon greeted and asked.
"Nope. He should be coming soon with Kurapika and Leorio though. He said something about wanting to help the others once he got all his points." Killua shook his head and said as they trudged through the forest. Falcon hummed before he fell silent. Once the two of them emerged out of the forest and into the landing site, they flashed their tags at the attendant who noted down their numbers.
Finished, Falcon and Killua waited for the others to turn up and show the attendant their collected tags. Then, they filed into the blimp where they were allowed to rest and wander around until the next, and final, phase. Immediately, Falcon and Killua moved in search of Gon, worried and concerned although they would never admit it. On the way, they passed by Kurapika who was also about to approach Gon. However, Kurapika allowed them to go talk to Gon instead as they were all 12 years old.
"Gon." Falcon started first as the two of them settled down on either side of Gon who had been staring out the window before they arrived.
"What happened to you?" Killua continued.
"...I managed to get Hisoka's tag." Gon started. Falcon and Killua stayed silent, sensing more to the story. "And then, someone else got me with a blow dart and took my tag. Hisoka came by afterwards and returned my tag to me. But, he didn't take his own tag back. When I tried to return it to him, Hisoka punched me and told me that the day I was able to punch him back, he would take back the tag. I was really… frustrated. Not being able to hit him back. I felt pathetic and weak after that."
Gon started crying silently as Falcon and Killua looked at him helplessly. Then, Killua grumbled under his breath as Falcon put a hand on Gon's shoulder much like he had done before the start of the fourth phase. Gon glanced up them, wiping his tears away furiously.
"... Idiot. We, including Leorio and Kurapika, only got this far thanks to you. And, whether you intended to do it or not, you also saved the both of us when you decided to become our friend." Killua said. Falcon grinned down at Gon, nodding his head in agreement to what Killua said.
"Thank you." Falcon thanked Gon, pulling down his hood to meet Gon's eyes directly to convey his sincerity. And, Falcon realised, he really did mean it.
Gon had taught him that there were indeed true friends in the world. People who wouldn't turn around and backstab him, who wouldn't betray him just for their own benefits. Gon had saved him from a life of loneliness and solitude where he only chased after his past. For that, Falcon owed Gon a debt that he didn't think he would ever be able to repay.
"Attention all passengers! The president will now be conducting interviews." A speaker crackled to life, disrupting the three boys. "Please report to the reception room when your number is called. First is #38!"
"Well… I'm going to go now." Falcon said awkwardly. Gon and Killua grinned, waving at him as he moved towards the reception room. Standing outside the reception room, Falcon hesitantly knocked on the door. A distracted 'Come in' called out and Falcon slowly pushed the door open, sliding quietly into the room.
"Ah! Have a seat, have a seat." The chairman said pleasantly when he looked up and saw Falcon. Falcon looked around as he sat down on a cushion across from the chairman. "So, let's get right into it shall we? First question, why do you want to be a hunter?"
Falcon paused, unsure whether he should tell the chairman the truth. Then, he mentally shrugged. It wasn't as if he was desperately trying to keep it a secret and the chairman might know something. "I want to be a hunter to find out about my past. I have amnesia and I heard that hunters have access to information not available to the public."
The chairman hummed, writing something down on a piece of paper in front of him. "Ok. Then, next question. Which one of the remaining applicants interests you the most?"
Falcon blinked. This one was easy. "Killua and Gon, or #99 and #405 i guess." Then, a thought struck him and he hastily added. "Oh, #44 and #301 too. They're the strongest of the remaining batch."
"I see. I see. Last question, which one of the remaining applicants do you want to fight the least?" The chairman asked.
"#99 and #405 again. They're my first friends and I don't want to fight them, regardless of who wins in the end." Falcon replied without hesitation.
"Ok! Thank you. You can go now." The chairman said, writing down in the piece of paper. Falcon hummed as he left the reception room, bumping into Hisoka as he did so. Startled, Falcon watched Hisoka warily, still conscious of the bloodlust that Hisoka had released during the fourth phase.
"Don't look at me that way. You're not much better yourself you know." Hisoka purred, glee dancing in his eyes.
"I'm not." Falcon hissed as he stalked away without a second glance. He didn't want to be anywhere near Hisoka at all if he could help it.
"Oh but you are. And I can't wait for you to realise it." Hisoka murmured, staring after Falcon as he left. He turned back around, continuing on his path to the reception room.
"Maybe I should quicken the process a little."
"Is everyone all rested up? Good. Now, the final phase will consist of one on one fights in a tournament format." The chairman announced. All the 10 remaining applicants were gathered in a large, emptied ballroom in a private hotel run by the Hunter Association. Silently, they watched as the chairman removed a cloth and revealed the match-ups for the tournament.
Falcon glanced briefly through the revealed tournament chart, checking his own fights as well as Gon and Killua's fights. Gon was fighting 5 times in total and his first fight was against Hanzo. Killua had a total of 3 fights and was fighting against either Gon, Hanzo or #53, an archer if Falcon remembered correctly, first. Meanwhile, he had 4 fights and was fighting either Hisoka or Kurapika first.
"Only one person passes?" Falcon muttered under his breath in confusion. That seemed a little too harsh even for the Hunter Exam.
"Nope. Only one person fails." The chairman said, having caught what Falcon said. "The winners will get their hunter's license while the losers will advance to the next round. Each of you will get at least 2 chances to fight and win."
"Why are the matchups so unbalanced?" One of the other applicants asked. Falcon glanced over at him briefly, quickly disregarding him, before he focused his attention back on the chairman who was explaining how he made the matchups.
"Basically, those with higher scores have a higher number of attempts. The scores are based on three things. Physical ability, mental fortitude and overall impression. I'm sure that you can figure out what the first two are. The overall impression is, in simpler terms, your potential as a hunter. The opinions of your fellow applicants were also taken into account." The chairman explained. Falcon glanced over at Killua as he clicked his tongue, envy and irritation practically rolling off him in waves.
"The fights end when your opponent admits defeat. You can do anything you like to make them surrender but killing is prohibited. If you kill your opponent, you are immediately disqualified and the other applicants immediately pass." The chairman continued to explain the rules. "If there aren't any questions then the final phase will begin now!"
Falcon grinned, starting to get a little excited. He moved over to the side, standing with Killua by the door while Kurapika and Leorio stood further in front. Nevertheless, they still had a good view of the fight as the other applicants spread out around the large ballroom. Falcon was a little wary though when he noticed that Hisoka and Gittarackur were standing near them.
His focus was dragged to the fight though when Hanzo started smacking Gon around. Falcon clenched his teeth, grinding them together angrily. He didn't interfere though, aware of what the words 'one on one fight' meant. Him, or anyone else, interfering would likely result in Gon being disqualified, something which Gon wouldn't, for lack of a better word, like at all. Like him, Killua had already deduced this and, going by the continuous tensing and untensing of his hands, he wasn't that happy about it either.
Falcon scoffed when Leorio started yelling for Gon to give up, that he still had 4 more tries later. Like what Menichi muttered, no one would willingly give up now that they were in the final phase unless they really saw no other option. However, internally, Falcon was hoping that Gon would suddenly take leave of his senses, something which he didn't really seem to have in the first place, and give up.
Hours passed as Hanzo repeatedly smacked Gon around, trying to get him to give up. Blood and vomit stained the floor around where Gon lay, deathly still. Bloodlust was now coiling dangerously within Falcon, something which Hisoka, Gittarackur and Killua definitely felt, as he silently stared at the fight playing out in front of him. Falcon almost snapped and lost control when Hanzo broke Gon's left arm.
Breathing in and out deeply, Falcon managed to stop himself from charging Hanzo right there and then. Teeth clenched and grinding harshly, Falcon watched as Hanzo did a one-armed handstand, slowly removing all his fingers until he was supporting his entire body with just one finger. Hanzo then did a long commentary about his past and training, boasting about his skills.
"That's not anything to be proud of." Falcon snorted at the same time as Killua when Hanzo boasted that he had already killed by the time that he was 12 years old. They looked at each other in surprise before a loud crash disrupted them. They whipped their heads back around to the fight where Gon was in a kicking position and Hanzo had fallen face-first on the ground. Gon then fell back down and the two of them were now on the floor.
"I let you kick me." Hanzo deadpanned as he stood back up, blood trickling down his face from his nose. Hanzo wiped the blood off his face as he glanced at Gon who was unsteadily getting back up on his feet. He then drew a hidden blade out of the bandages wrapped around his arm. "Anyway, maybe i'm not making this clear enough. I'll amputate one of your limbs instead of just breaking them. A permanent injury should wake you up enough. Maybe a leg? You seem awfully proud of your speed."
"That's a problem." Gon said with a straight face. Hanzo froze, blinking owlishly at Gon. "I don't want to lose my leg, but I don't want to give up either. Let's find another way!"
"Wha- Another way? You are in no position to dictate the terms!" Hanzo yelled at Gon furiously, illusionary steam rising out of his ears. Kurapika and Leorio's mouth dropped open in shock as the other applicants started chuckling slightly. "It's a simple choice with just two options! Either give up or I will slice off your leg. That's it!"
"I don't want that! And it will backfire on you too." Gon replied sternly. Hanzo stared at Gon in confusion, unsure why him slicing off Gon's leg would backfire on him. Gon turned to face the judge. "He loses if I bleed to death right?"
"Eh? Um… yes!" The judge jumped when Gon suddenly addressed him.
"See? That's bad for the both of us." Gon said as he turned back to Hanzo, talking as if he was simply informing Hanzo of something and they were not being involved in a fight.
Falcon and Killua glanced around in confusion, unsure what was happening. Gon was still severely injured and he had also not gotten any stronger. Hanzo was still faster and stronger than Gon, the only part where he lost out was in willpower. But, somehow, the tension in the room had drained away and the other applicants were no longer as tensed as before, some of them even outright chuckling. Gon was also somehow now dictating the flow of the fight despite being in a disadvantageous position.
Hanzo gritted his teeth in anger and swung at Gon. Gon didn't flinch at all, in fact, he didn't even twitch. He stared up resolutely at Hanzo, light reflecting off his clear eyes. Blood slowly trickled down from his forehead where the blade pierced his skin slightly but Gon didn't move.
"You just don't understand it do you? Even if I kill you, I can still reapply next year. But you'll be dead!" Hanzo yelled, sweat dripping down his face. Even so, Gon stared silently and resolutely back at Hanzo, eyes clear. "Why? Why are you going so far? If you reapply next year, you will definitely pass! Is your pride more important than your life?"
"I want to see my father." Gon said. "He's a hunter, one of the best, or so i've heard. I hope that I will be able to find and meet him one day. But, I feel like if I fail this year, I will never be able to meet him. Honestly, you're not giving me a choice at all. I will not give up."
"So you're fine with dying right here and now? You have absolutely no regrets?" Hanzo questioned. Gon didn't reply Hanzo, staying silent. "I give up." Hanzo said as he turned around and stowed away his blade back underneath the bandages. "I can't kill you and I can't think of a way to make you give up. So, i'll just take on the next guy."
"I won't accept that either! Let's have a proper match!" Gon suddenly declared, pointing at Hanzo.
"You won't accept it?" Hanzo asked softly as he turned around and looked at Gon with a raised eyebrow. He strode back in front of Gon, jabbing a finger at Gon in frustration. "And why should I care? You won't give up so what do you want me to do?"
"But I don't want to win like this! We should sit down and think of something together!" Gon retorted heatedly.
"So let me get this straight." Hanzo started. "I give up. But you won't accept that and you want us to fight again but in a way that ensures that you win 'honestly'."
"Yup!" Gon replied cheerfully.
"Dream on!" Hanzo yelled as he punched Gon and knocked him unconscious. Hanzo then turned around to talk to the judges, the previous exam proctors and chairman Netero. Falcon tuned out their conversation, watching as one of the judges carried Gon out of the room and presumably into an infirmary. Then, Falcon moved with Killua into Hanzo's path.
"Why did you decide to surrender?" Falcon asked first.
"Decide to? You're making it seem as if I did it for fun." Hanzo said, glancing down at the two boys who stared back at him.
"It's true though."Killua pointed out. "There were many ways that you could have used to make Gon give up without actually killing him."
"Not that we want Gon to lose." Falcon added. There weren't exactly being quiet about their conversation and the applicants near them easily overheard them. Most of the applicants, like Kurapika and Leorio stared at them in surprise, as if shocked by their bluntness. In contrast though, Hisoka was smirking slightly, a card pressed against his lips thoughtfully as he stared at the two boys, and more specifically at Falcon.
"When I torture someone, I am prepared for my victims to want revenge against me. Even the most disciplined warrior can't hide the anger and resentment in their eyes, at least before it turns to fear. But, there in Gon's eyes, there was nothing. Not even after I broke his arm. Because of that, I started liking the little kid and couldn't really bring myself to continue. So, I surrendered." Hanzo explained, pointing at his own eye for emphasis.
"I still don't really understand…" Falcon muttered, Killua nodding slightly in agreement.
Hanzo started walking away, preventing Falcon and Killua from questioning his further, so the two boys finally returned to their original positions to continue watching the rest of the matches. The rest of the matches went much faster and smoother than the first fight. However, the two of them weren't really paying attention. Instead, they were still musing over Hanzo and Gon's fight as well as what Hanzo had told them.
Hisoka admitted defeat after whispering something to Kurapika. #53, Pokkle met the same treatment that Hanzo gave to Gon but wasn't as resolute and quickly admitted defeat when Hisoka threatened to break his arm. Then, it was Falcon's turn. Killua wished Falcon good luck as he took off his cloak and moved to the centre of the room where Hisoka was waiting.
As soon as the judge signalled the start of the fight, Falcon immediately dashed forwards to Hisoka who jumped backwards and away from his outstretched hand. Falcon frowned as he paused and looked at Hisoka who smirked mischievously at him, waving a finger at him. Then, Hisoka dashed forwards with a card held in between his fingers.
Falcon ducked under the card as Hisoka swiped at him horizontally. When Hisoka next swiped at him vertically, Falcon raised a hand to block and deflect Hisoka's arm. Hisoka was left wide open as his arm was knocked aside and Falcon took advantage of this to punch Hisoka's gut, knocking him backwards with a grunt.
The watching applicants gaped, amazed at the skill that both Hisoka and Falcon showed, although they were more amazed at Falcon, considering that they already knew that Hisoka was strong. Meanwhile, Hisoka and Falcon stared at each other silently, not moving a single muscle. Hisoka abruptly straightened up and walked slowly towards Falcon.
He then sped up suddenly, appearing in front of Falcon just as Falcon tried to grab onto Hisoka's shoulder. However, Hisoka clasped his hand around Falcon's wrist and stopped him just before Falcon's hand touched his shoulder. He leaned in close, their heads side by side as he angled his head so that he would be able to see Falcon's expression.
"Do you want to know your past?" Hisoka murmured softly. Falcon froze as Hisoka released his hand. Hisoka then turned his back on Falcon, surrendering once again like he had done with Kurapika.
"Wait! What do you know?" Falcon yelled at him.
"Wouldn't you like to know~" Hisoka purred as he moved back to the sidelines. The judge then forced Falcon to the sidelines and Falcon stalked angrily over to Killua. Killua looked at him worriedly but had to go face Pokkle. However, Killua simply conceded to Pokkle, citing the reason that Pokkle was weak and therefore not fun to fight with. He quickly returned to Falcon's side as the judge called out Hisoka and #191, Bodoro.
"Hey. You okay?" Killua asked softly. Falcon didn't answer, eye focused on Hisoka. "What did he say to you?"
When Falcon didn't reply, Killua sighed and turned his attention to the match between Hisoka and Bodoro, not expecting Falcon to say anything to him. After a while though, Falcon finally replied him. "He knows about my past." Killua turned to look at Falcon in shock.
"Then-?" Killua asked slowly.
"He didn't tell me anything." Falcon replied. "Just asked me whether I wanted to know about my past."
"Next match, Killua vs Gittarackur!" The judge announced and Killua grunted as he got up, hesitantly looking back at the brooding Falcon. He shuffled over to stand in front of Gittarackur, taking his hands out of his pockets.
"It's been awhile Kil." Gittarackur suddenly said before they started fighting. Killua glanced at him, question marks floating over his head. Then, Gittarackur raised a hand and removed all the needles stuck in his face.
As soon as he did so, his face started bulging and shifting for a moment before it quickly settled down. However, his face had changed. Now, he had long silky black hair as well as eyes that were dull and blank.
"I-Illumi nii-san!" Killua gasped, unconsciously taking a step back. Falcon glanced up, taking in Illumi's new appearance.
"Yo. I heard you stabbed mother and Milluki." Illumi said.
"That sounds about right…" Killua said, sweat trickling down the side of his face.
"Mom was in tears." Illumi reported calmly. "She was so happy to see that you had gotten so skilled."
Falcon looked to the side in surprise when he heard a loud crashing sound to see that leorio had fallen over in surprise at Illumi's statement. When he did so, Hisoka shuffled closer to him and was now crouched down beside where he was seated.
"What do you want?" Falcon snapped at Hisoka who smirked back at him.
"Just wanted to help the poor little lost bird in front of me." Hisoka replied.
"I. Am. Not. A. Lost. Little. Bird!" Falcon hissed, glaring at Hisoka.
"Whatever you say. Now, do you want a clue?" Hisoka waved a hand dismissively and asked. There was no doubt as to what clue Hisoka was referring to and Falcon stared back at him warily. Hisoka gestured back at the fight between Killua and his brother.
"There is only darkness in you. It sustains you, draining you of any desire besides causing death to those around you and even that is fleeting." Illumi was saying.
"How does that help me?" Falcon asked Hisoka, eyes still fixed on the match.
"It does! You see, it's your nature as well, from your past. It appears even more prominently in you than little Killua over there. I'm sure that you're already aware of it. The bloodlust coiling within you, the desire to fight and kill running through your veins." Hisoka purred, running the side of a card down Falcon's face. "Pay attention now."
"I want… I want to be friends with Gon and Falcon. I'm tired of killing people. I just want to hang out with them, do normal stuff. That's it." Killua started slowly, staring at the ground. By the end though, he had lifted his head and was glaring furiously at Illumi.
"That's not happening. You can't have friends anyway. You are incapable of seeing anyone as anything but a target. Gon is a novelty who you can't understand and that's why you're fascinated with him. Falcon… he's just like you. You will try to kill them one day or end up dead by Falcon's hands." Illumi said without hesitation. Then, Illumi glanced up and looked past Killua at Falcon. Their eyes met and Falcon flinched back slightly. "You are, by nature, a murderer."
"No!" A loud yell pierced through the air. However, it didn't come from Killua but from Falcon. Startled at the sudden outburst, the other applicants looked over at Falcon who was now standing up and glaring down at Hisoka.
"No?" Hisoka repeated, tilting his head as he looked up at Falcon. He slowly stood up, towering over Falcon. "And how would you know? You don't even remember your past. It's the truth whether you want to accept it or not."
"Then tell me! Tell me who I was before I woke up injured and alone in Meteor City! Tell me who I am!" Falcon yelled, his hand reaching out to grab Hisoka. No longer caring about where he was, Falcon started to release his Nen, intending to force the answer out of Hisoka. Hisoka didn't fight back against Falcon, instead staring evenly back at him as a smirk slowly stretched across his face.
"You were a man, or boy i guess, after my own heart." Hisoka said slowly. "We were both thrill-seekers. We both sought strong opponents to relieve our boredom, to test our strength and get stronger. The only difference between the both of us is that you don't allow anyone to touch those who interest you, those who manage to worm their way into your heart and mind."
"You're lying!" Falcon hissed, not wanting to believe Hisoka.
"Are you sure? The bloodlust you're releasing now seems to say otherwise." Hisoka stated, his smirk widening as Falcon watched Hisoka warily. "But we can play it your way. You're quite the whimsical one aren't you, little bird."
"How do you-?" Falcon's eyes widened as he unconsciously took a step back from Hisoka.
"Uh uh." Hisoka said, waving a finger directly in front of Falcon's face. "You won't believe me no matter what I say so let's focus back on the match shall we? Please continue Illumi~"
"Hmph. Regardless, you have no need to interact with others outside our family. You should return home." Illumi told Killua, dragging attention back to the match and away from Falcon and Hisoka. Leorio stepped forwards angrily at this point, hands stuffed in his pocket as he leaned forwards slightly.
"Killua! Don't believe your brother. Just take him down and pass already! Don't worry, I'm sure that Gon and Falcon are already your friends!" Leorio shouted. Then, he turned to Falcon, pointing at him with a finger. "And Falcon! Don't listen to Hisoka. Regardless of what your past is, or how you were previously, you're better than that now! I'm sure that you consider Gon and Killua your friends too and will protect them no matter what right?"
"Really? Killua is already friends with Gon and Falcon?" Illumi mused aloud. "Then, I guess that I'll have to kill them. Assassins have no use for friends and Falcon is a threat anyway. I'll go for Gon first, Falcon… will take a while." Illumi turned away from Killua and started to walk away. As he did so, he casually asked the judge for their match. "Where is he by the way?"
"Wait! The match is still-" The judge tried to stop Illumi but he was cut off when Illumi shot several pins at him. The pins pierced the judge's face which started to bulge and deform erratically. The judge grunted in pain, gasping slightly.
"Where is Gon?" Illumi repeated, voice growing harsh and stern.
"Thr-Through that do-door. A-And to the ri-right." The judge forced out as he fell to his knees. Illumi moved to exit the ballroom and head to the infirmary where Gon was but paused. Hanzo, Kurapika and Leorio had stepped forwards in front of the door, blocking the way. However, Falcon was still standing by the side, simply staring silently at the events playing out while Hisoka was standing slightly behind him.
"Hmm. This could be a problem. I can't kill or I'll get disqualified. I need the license for my next job and I can't let Killua pass the hunter exam. Oh! And the same thing will happen if I kill Gon. What to do, what to do?" Illumi muttered. "Ah! I can just pass the exam and then kill Gon. There's no rule against that and you won't revoke my license right?"
"It's true. There's no rule against that." The chairman replied evenly.
"You heard that right Kil? There's only one way to save Gon and Falcon. And that is to fight and defeat me. But I highly doubt that you are going to try and fight me. You remember don't you? 'Never go up against a superior opponent', I made sure to hammer that lesson home." Illumi conversed with Killua casually as he slowly moved towards Killua with an outstretched hand. Killua gulped and moved to take a step back but Illumi stopped him. "Don't move. The battle will begin once you do, or when my fingers touch you. It's your choice Killua, either you fight or you surrender. But that is not really a choice is it? You already know the answer. But if you do choose it, Gon and Falcon will die."
"Beat him up Killua! We'll beat his ass if he goes after Gon and Falcon can take him no problem! You saw his match with Hisoka earlier! Don't worry about it and just do whatever you want!" Leorio yelled out. Falcon jumped slightly, staring at Leorio. Right. He was supposed to be their friends. And friends don't backstab each other. He… He needed to go. Go help Gon and Killua, take out the person threatening them.
"Are you going to help your precious… 'friend' little bird? But what are you going to do? Kill Illumi? That will just prove what I said about your past. After all, the past you wouldn't stand for anyone touching your friends right?" Hisoka murmured softly, stopping Falcon just as he stepped forwards. Falcon froze, unsure whether to help Gon and Killua. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Hisoka was right though. If Hisoka hadn't stopped him, Falcon would have charged in and attacked Illumi. In fact, his bloodlust was already starting to escape from his control and spread out from him.
"...You win Illumi. I surrender." Killua gave up, bowing his head and staring at the floor. His hair shifted down with the motion and covered his eyes. Falcon paused, his decision made for him with Killua's surrender and he backed away, breathing heavily. There was a heavy stunned silence in the ballroom as the applicants processed Killua's surrender.
"Oh good! Now I don't have to fight you!" Illumi said, clapping his hands and acting cheerful although his tone was still blank. "Don't worry, I wasn't really going to kill Gon or Falcon. Hisoka would have killed me if I touched the former and Falcon would have been a difficult opponent, not worth it unless this is a contracted kill. This entire thing was just a test for you."
Illumi leaned in close to Killua, hand pressing down on Killua's head. Meanwhile, Hisoka grabbed Falcon's shoulders and leaned in close as well. Together, they said in unison to the two boys. "You're not qualified to have friends. You'll keep doing what you've always done, killing and destroying people for your own benefit."
Falcon didn't react besides shoving Hisoka away as Killua made his way back to the sidelines silently. Hisoka let him go easily as Falcon moved to stand beside Killua. Killua glanced up at him, eyes dull and blank. Falcon stared evenly back at him, a hint of bloodlust and insanity entering his eyes. Falcon slowly put on his cloak that he had forgotten about after his match and withdrew his bloodlust back within himself.
By the time Falcon finished putting on his cloak, Leorio and Bodoro were facing each other. The judge started the match and backed away quickly, watching the two combatants closely. However, he backed away towards the two boys, unintentionally blocking their line of sight, and their path.
Falcon lashed out at the judge, a hand clamped around the judge's throat tightly as he forced the judge down to his knees with sheer strength. Their eyes met as Falcon then forced the judge to bend over backwards. The judge's eyes widened in shock as well as fear, looking into Falcon's eyes that was a like that of a merciless abyss. Meanwhile, Killua dashed forwards towards Bodoro. At the same time, both Killua and Falcon killed their chosen victims, both by circumstance, the judge, and choice, Bodoro.
Killua stabbed a hand straight through Bodoro's upper right chest, piercing his heart in one strike. Bodoro gasped in pain and shock before he fell limp on Killua's hand which was still pierced through him, the light draining from his eyes. Falcon simply clenched his fist and exerted more pressure on the judge's throat, crushing it. The judge let out a strangled scream as he felt the immense pain from his crushed neck before he was abruptly cut off when the life drained from him and he slumped over, hanging limply from Falcon's hand, dead.
Killua withdrew his hand as Falcon released his grip and they watched dispassionately as their victims collapsed onto the ground at the same time, the thud echoing around the still and silent room.
A moment after 2 bodies were added to the total death counter for the Hunter Exam, both Killua and Falcon strode out of the room, unchallenged by anyone. They paused at the entrance of the hotel, staring up at the sky which was darkening as clouds drifted lazily across it, blocking the light from the sun.
"What are you going to do now?" Falcon asked, basking in the adrenaline rush of his kill.
"Go back home." Killua replied neutrally.
"And whose will is that? Killua's or Illumi's?" Falcon asked, eyes narrowing. There was a pause as Killua turned his head slowly to stare at Falcon, eyes still dull and blank. " Illumi huh? Well, whatever. Just remember this Illumi. Don't force my hand. You know it would take a lot for you to beat me and I can assure you that you will at least lose a limb."
"...Understood. Killua will be released once he reaches home." Killua spoke with the voice of Illumi. "I have a message from Hisoka by the way. He says, and I quote, 'Nice kill little bird. If you want to fully remember your past, follow me after the exam is over.'. What are you going to do?"
"... I'll get my memories back?" Falcon confirmed. 'Killua' didn't reply but Falcon wasn't too bothered and he waited patiently.
"... Hisoka says that there is a 90% chance." 'Killua' spoke after a brief pause. Falcon hummed as he turned around and strode back inside the hotel.
"I'm coming back now. Tell Hisoka to expect an extra passenger after the exam." Falcon said, waving a hand over his shoulder at 'Killua' who had turned and was staring at him. After a while, Killua turned around and walked off, the two boys walking in opposite directions.
Slam.
Falcon glanced up as the door suddenly burst open. After he and Killua had killed the judge and Bodoro, the chairman had disqualified Killua and would have disqualified Falcon too if he hadn't already won his match. Then, the chairman had called a meeting in the conference room which was where they are now.
Falcon stayed seated in the corner, cloak and hood covering his body and face. Gon's eyes swept around the room, stopping on and passing by Falcon after a small pause. He then proceeded to ignore everyone else as he stormed forwards in front of Illumi without hesitation. However, Illumi pretended not to notice him and continued staring determinedly ahead.
"Apologise to Killua." Gon demanded, glaring at Illumi.
"Apologise? For what?" Illumi asked, finally dragging his eyes away and looked at Gon.
"You don't even know? Then, you aren't qualified to be his brother." Gon asked.
"I wasn't aware I needed qualifications to be Killua's brother." Illumi replied evenly. Gon gritted his teeth and swiftly lashed out a hand, wrapping around Illumi's wrist. Without pause, Gon pulled Illumi out of his seat and Illumi landed on the floor softly, staring at Gon in surprise.
"I don't need qualifications to be Killua's friend either." Falcon snapped at Illumi before he turned his head slightly to stare directly at Hisoka. "And neither does Falcon." Gon applied more pressure to Illumi's wrist and loud cracking sounds resounded through the room. Falcon leaned forwards, supporting his chin with his hand. "The apology doesn't matter anyway. Just bring me to Killua."
"And then what?" Illumi probed, not moving even as Gon turned around and made to walk away.
"What else? I'll bring him back." Gon declared.
"You're making it seem as if I kidnapped him. He killed and walked out from here by his own choice." Illumi said.
"It wasn't his choice though. You manipulated him somehow and made him do it." Gon retorted. Falcon smirked slightly under his hood.
"That is a point that we were about to examine Gon." The chairman interjected. "Kurapika and Leorio both lodged protests against the final verdict, stating that Killua's actions can be attributed to outside influences."
"Killua was compelled to kill Bodoro earlier. Perhaps by a hypnotic suggestion triggered by his opponent." Kurapika said, standing up and placing his hands on the table as he leaned forwards. "While it may not generally be possible to directly hypnotise someone to commit murder, thanks to his childhood and past, Killua clearly has no qualms about killing."
"There's also the fact that Killua killed my opponent which can be taken as him trying to help me. So, I should be the one failing instead of him." Leorio added.
"Interesting but it is merely circumstantial evidence. You have no concrete proof as to whether Killua was hypnotised or not." The chairman said, stroking his beard. "As for Killua trying to help Leorio, there was honestly no need to. While Bodoro may have been more experienced, Leorio had an advantage in combat skills and he would have won either way. I'm afraid I can't accept it."
"What if we have proof?" Kurapika asked, smiling triumphantly. The chairman stared at him in interest, gesturing at Kurapika to continue. "Falcon also killed, although it was a judge and not a applicant. However, he never showed any signs of being bloodthirsty before this. It can also be deduced that he was hypnotised as well right?"
"It won't work." Falcon said as eyes turned to look at him. Leorio and Kurapika started, previously certain that Falcon would support them.
"He's right I'm afraid. During Killua and Illumi's match, he started exuding bloodlust. As Illumi was focused on Killua at that time, it is unlikely that he had managed to hypnotise Falcon. Not to mention that there was no interaction between Illumi and Falcon at all throughout the entirety of the final phase." The chairman said.
"Since we are on the topic, if we're talking about suspicious passes, then what about Kurapika and Falcon? Hisoka whispered something to the both of you and immediately surrendered after that although all of you were still uninjured. There weren't any threats either, just a one-sided conversation. If you're protesting on grounds of an odd behaviour, then the both of you are equally suspicious." Pokkle broke in.
"I already have my hunter's license." Falcon suddenly spoke up, bloodlust roiling off him in waves. Hisoka grinned in enjoyment while Illumi raised an eyebrow lightly at the hair-trigger temper, unlike his previous nonchalance, that Falcon currently had. Pokkle, as the main recipient, paled drastically. "I would watch my tongue if I were you."
"Stop it, Falcon." Gon said, gazing evenly at Falcon whose eyes were still hidden underneath his hood. Clicking his tongue irritatedly, Falcon retracted his bloodlust after a brief moment. Gon softened a little as he looked at Falcon before his face turned strict again as he looked back at Illumi. " Anyway, this is all pointless. All of us here has passed, whether we are satisfied with it or not. There's no question that Killua would pass if he took the exam next year, it doesn't matter that he failed this year. But, if you forced Killua, or Falcon, to become a killer, then I won't forgive you."
"And what does that mean for me?" Illumi asked.
"It's simple. I'll take Killua away, make sure that he and Falcon don't see either you or Hisoka ever again." Gon said resolutely, giving flashbacks to his fight with Hanzo. Illumi stared at Gon silently for a moment before he slowly reached out a hand to Gon.
"Illumi." Falcon warned, disappearing from his spot in the corner and appearing in between Gon and Illumi. Gon had leapt back away from Illumi when he started reaching out a hand, allowing Falcon to take his place, and Illumi froze.
"Is this all settled then?" The chairman asked pleasantly as if he couldn't feel the tension in the air. "Gon is right, we are not going to overturn our decision just because you are unsatisfied and feel as if you, or someone else, doesn't deserve their licenses. This year, Killua has failed while the rest of you pass. If you would all take your seats, I'll resume the briefing now then. Please be patient as I recap for Gon's benefit as he arrived late."
Falcon didn't move until Illumi returned to his seat. Only afterwards did he step away, moving back to his seat at the very corner as Gon moved to sit by Kurapika and Leorio. Falcon zoned out for the rest of the briefing, thinking about his next move. His first priority would be to regain his memories. He would go on from there depending on his past.
"We now declare the 8 of you as licensed hunters!" Beans, the chairman's secretary, announced. The other applicants got up and started exiting, leaving Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, Illumi and Falcon behind in the room. Falcon was going to follow Hisoka but stopped and hung back when he saw the other three confronting Illumi. Hisoka glanced back at them and smirked but continued moving regardless.
"Where is Killua?" Gon asked Illumi.
"Are you going to follow him? It isn't a good idea." Illumi said.
"Don't give me that! Killua is my friend and I'll get him back!" Gon declared.
"Do those two agree too?" Illumi asked, glancing at Kurapika and Leorio as they moved up behind Gon.
"Yes." "You bet!"
Kurapika and Leorio agreed determinedly. Illumi stared at them thoughtfully before he shrugged.
"Okay. I don't think you can get there anyway. Killua has returned home. It's a house on the summit of Kukuroo Mountain." Illumi said, turning and striding out of the room the moment he finished his sentence. Falcon silently followed after him, leaving the other three in the room, and the two of them headed to the gardens where Hisoka was waiting for them.
"You told them? Was that wise?" Hisoka asked as they emerged out into the gardens. Falcon leapt up onto a tree above the two of them, perching silently on a tree branch. He looked around at their surroundings briefly before he sat down on the branch, kicking his legs freely, listening to their conversation.
"I don't really care. It's not like they can pass the testing gate and the servants with the way they are now. It's hardly a secret anyway, the Zoldyck family is famous in the Padokea region anyway." Illumi said dismissively. Falcon froze as he was swinging his legs, events suddenly appearing in his mind.
A sudden ripping sound as pain erupted all across his back. Anger and bloodlust rushing through his veins. Blindly swiping his hands around and grabbing someone's ankle. A surge of triumph as a familiar warm bubble rose up around him.
*You can't use Nen." A growl of pure rage as the world exploded into black around him. A brief moment of lucidity as he woke up and felt someone beside him, someone familiar.
"Dharius? Damn it little bird, don't give up on me! The damned Zoldyck is gone and the others are coming back soon, just hold on!"
"Zoldyck?" Falcon breathed, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden information dump in his mind. His hands reached around and brushed lightly against the rough patch of skin covering the entirety of his back.
"Hmm?" Hisoka hummed as he glanced up at the wide eyed Falcon above them. "Oh. Is that the first time you heard that last name?"
"What's wrong? I highly doubt that he's scared." Illumi asked, tilting his head curiously.
"Your father attacked him and that's why he lost his memory." Hisoka explained.
"My father? But he always kills every single one of his targets. There was only one exception and that was… Ah. I see." Illumi realised as he looked up at Falcon who had regained himself and was staring down at them with narrowed eyes.
"Hisoka? We better be recovering my memories the first thing after we leave." Falcon said.
"Yes, yes. We're leaving soon ok? Don't be so impatient little bird." Hisoka said as he turned his attention back to Illumi. "Your arm?"
"Hmm?" Illumi hummed distractedly, slightly unnerved by Falcon's piercing gaze on the back of his head. He didn't feel this way with anyone else but his father, his grandfather and his great grandfather. Even Hisoka didn't radiate such pure power and Nen, but it was mostly because his was tainted with his own desires and bloodlust. "Ah, this? Yes, it's definitely broken." Illumi replied, looking down at his swollen wrist.
Then, Illumi glanced over at Gon who was slowly making their way towards them with Kurapika and Leorio. Absentmindedly, Illumi wondered if he should try and take out Gon right here and now, before he could mature fully and become a threat. However, Hisoka loomed up behind him as Falcon dropped down in front of him.
"Gon is mine, friend. You make a move on him, you die." Hisoka purred dangerously.
"Remember what I said, don't push me too far." Falcon warned, rage filling his eyes. Illumi didn't move at all but he did pause for a moment. Then, Falcon released him and turned around just as Gon, Kurapika and Leorio walked up to them.
"Falcon! Are you coming with us to get Killua?" Gon yelled out as Kurapika and Leorio stared at Hisoka and Illumi warily.
"I'm sorry. I'm going with Hisoka." Falcon refused. "He knows about my past."
"Hisoka? Why are you going with this creep instead of coming with us to help Killua? Do you really consider Killua your friend?" Leorio yelled in shock, pointing at Hisoka as Falcon flinched back.
"Leorio!" Gon said reproachfully. He turned to Falcon and beamed reassuringly. "Don't worry Falcon. Get your memories and when we meet up again next time, you can tell us all about your past!"
Falcon nodded slowly, hesitantly waving a hand and wishing the three of them good luck as they turned and walked off.
"Shall we go then?" Hisoka asked, moving past Illumi and placing a hand on Falcon's shoulder. Falcon narrowed his eyes and shrugged Hisoka off, turning to face him.
"If you are tricking me, if this doesn't work, then you had better be prepared for the consequences." Falcon warned, eyes gleaming darkly. Hisoka hummed, waving a hand in agreement as he walked off.
Falcon and Illumi followed behind him as they moved to the entrance of the hotel. There, they separated. Illumi headed off on his job, the one that he needed a hunter's license for, while Falcon followed Hisoka.