Chapter 11 – A Different Fate – Third Phase

''You often find your fate on the road you take to avoid it.'' ~ French proverb

When I woke up from another horrifying nightmare, I made no noise nor made any movement. But even under the blankets, I felt cold but oddly enough, I was also sweating. I turned a little and saw a sleeping Kurapika and then a snoring Leorio. With trembling fingers, I removed the warm towel from my forehead and very slowly sat up, my head whirling from the inside. I glanced at the wall clock and squinted at the time – just about 3am.

I scanned my surroundings. It was just the three of us in a room full of flipped tables and various knick knacks scattered about. Breathing heavily, I stood up and let the brown worn blanket that smelled a little dusty and Kurapika's blue and yellow tabard fall from myself. I leaned down to heft my backpack from the floor then closed my eyes tight when my head felt it was going to explode.

''…Gin?'' I glanced over my shoulder and looked down at the waking blonde. He cutely rubbed at his eye and looked up to me, eyes quickly becoming worried.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. ''I'll just go and find Gon. '' I told him and started to walk towards the door.

''Gin.'' Kurapika made to move. I turned to him again, smiling at his worried face.

''I'm fine, Kurapika. I can't sleep anymore without that boy. Knowing him, he probably got into trouble with Killua already. Need to bail them out. Hm. Take a rest.'' I nodded and without another word, I pushed the door and let it close.

3 AM. The ship won't arrive until around 8 AM. Walking on the empty and quiet corridor, I wondered where Gon was. Passing an air conditioner, I shivered as goose-bumps raced up my arms.

I am sick. I smirked darkly. It was my first illness in this life and just my luck, it happened right in the middle of the exams. I knew I should've changed my outfit while on that ship.

I quietly deliberated and analysed my feelings (because it's always nice to describe what you're feeling) – my head was heavy and my eyes felt sensitive, especially towards light, I felt like I was walking with weights strapped on my limbs and there's a painful lump lodged in my throat. In short, I think I have a death sentence.

Quitting was immediately out of the choices I have. In fact, it was either I fight and win, I die trying, or I quit and live. The last choice is so darn tempting but…

My mind promptly provided me with after-images of my nightmare. Predictably, it was about Gon and Hisoka. I knew when I was dreaming it that it was nothing but a nightmare concocted by my fear. But seeing something so horrible in my own head, something disgusting and horrendous happening to my brother and me being too helpless to do anything about it was… was beyond terrorising. My head gave me another stabbing pain and I laid my head softly against the cool wall to ease it.

I tensed and turned sharply just as I felt a strong blast of murderous intent. My hands quickly pulled out my twin knives from their sheaths, my feet ready to spring at whatever direction as adrenaline sent fire into my veins. My ears registered the gentle clacks of his slippers before I saw him.

Chairman Netero came walking down at the opposite direction and paused to look at me. ''Oh my. Something wrong, dear?'' His wizened and ancient grandfather voice didn't do anything but kept me more suspicious. It must've been him. It should. There's no one else here but him.

I straightened up and gave him a small bow. ''Good morning, chairman. I'm sorry for disturbing you.'' I said, not really sorry about anything. If someone was disturbing someone, really, it was him. I wondered what he wanted.

He smiled, looking harmless and amiable. He was too good that I cannot get a read off him. His aura was closed off. If I was a civilian or a foolish applicant, I would think him a normal old man who somehow ended up in this ship. However, he won't be chairman if he wasn't strong, or possibly, the strongest of them all. My head throbbed and I fought not to wince when the force of it seemed stronger than the last one. I saw in my mind's eye a face of a boy – a green boy with a funny helmet.

''Dear, you look pale. Are you sick?'' The old hunter's shoes clacked as he took a step closer to me. Then, I saw a golden statue with many hands behind him.

I held two fingers and pressed them in between my eyebrows. ''No, sir. Thank you for your concern. I am fine. Just a little tired.''

''Ah… yes. It must have been tiring, yes?''

''Yes, sir.''

''Why not quit?'' My fake smile fell as soon as I registered the change in his voice. I wondered briefly if he was testing me. He probably was. But the question was, is the third phase of the exam occurring right now and that's why it was all quiet, or is he just trying to make me feel scared?

But why? Is it because I look weak? Many hunters, and not surprisingly people like him, will likely to test those they meet and humiliate those who won't meet their standards. Although, he didn't strike me as that kind of bully, he isn't really a kindly grandfather material either.

''I have my reasons.'' I told him, not bothering to sugar-coat my tone anymore. At this, the old man smirked but hid it with a laugh.

''Don't we all?!'' he said and I stopped myself from rolling my eyes at his reply. We stood there awkwardly for a moment. I stared smilingly politely at his face whilst he did the same to me. I would've found the situation funny if it wasn't me at the receiving end. His eyes searched for something and I searched him back. I wondered for a second if he had noticed my similarities with my twin.

Most likely, of course. Hunters like him won't fail to notice something so obvious. Therefore, the old chairman was comparing and contrasting me and my brother during the small span of three seconds. He would be likely to do more later. Has he met with my brother? Should I ask him?

''Well, I was off for a cup of tea.'' He started, friendly again. 'Would you like to join me?''

I bowed. ''I am grateful for the offer but I'd have to decline. I am searching for my brother, Gon Freecs. I am afraid I've lost him for quite some time, chairman.'' The fact that I was speaking so formally was awful. I sounded so sick and scripted. ''You haven't, perchance, seen him, have you, chairman?'' I tilted my head innocently to one side. I really don't have any idea how to act in front of those stronger than me. I realised. I kept a note to think about this later.

''Ah well…'' I stiffened. He does. I told myself to be patient. ''Well…''

When he didn't elaborate; ''Sir?''

''Ah… yes! The last time I saw him, he was passed out…'

''What?'' I mumbled to myself, weakly. ''What happened?!... Chairman?'' My eyes widened and my stomach churned as I remembered my nightmare. ''Chairman?'' I looked up, feet begging to be let loose. But I stopped myself. I can't fidget whilst in front of someone like him.

''Calm down, Miss Freecs. We just played a little game of ball and he passed out from exhaustion. I left him in…'' I carefully stilled myself. '' in Room number… Hm…'' I glowered up at him as he held his chin in thought. ''Room number…''

I closed my eyes and sighed as my temper slowly rose. He seemed to revel in it. Patience is key. He's testing you. I told myself.

After what felt like too many minutes, the chairman clicked his finger. ''Aha! Room 117!—''

I took as step back and bowed, ignoring the sharp head pain it brought. ''Please, excuse me chairman. Thank you for your help.'' I said and walked past the old chairman and his aggravating ways.

''Hohoho! You're welcome, dear! I hope you'll feel better in the morning.'' I heard him say. My feet refused to stop and I refuse to acknowledge nor answer his tone because it confuses the heck out of me. Was he mocking me or warning me? Perhaps he was both at the same time.

True to his words, I found my brother in Room 117, a circular room with a shining wooden floor and round windows. He was just there, lying on his back and his arms and legs splayed out around him, snoring like a baby. His jacket and socks were gone and he was in his white vest and green shorts. Entering the dimmed room, I removed my dirty boots and left them beside his. Wiggling my tired toes, I approached my brother and sat beside his sleeping form. After checking his fine form, I laid myself sluggishly beside him. He moaned in his sleep and opened one sleepy eye.

''…Gin?'' I smiled softly when his voice broke. I wondered when puberty will start showing on him. It would be so cute and I can't wait to tease him incessantly.

''Sleep. We still have time.'' I told him. He shifted to his side, facing me then raised his arm and leg over me. I chuckled and kicked his leg off to lay mine over his. We leg wrestled for a bit until I got tired and let him won.

''Did you drink medicine?'' I hummed and snuggled closer to him. His scent was strong after sweating a lot but not unpleasant. It was Gon's plus a hint of old man and if I sniff more, a little bit of Killua.

''Gin. You feel really warm.'' He said, sounding worried.

''I'm fine.' I hummed again and closed my eyes as he started combing my hair out of my ponytail. Come to think of it, I never had the chance to cut it. I sighed when my hair was set loose.

''Killua talked to me.'' He started, voice husky with sleep.

''Hm?''

''He said he may have said 'some rude things to you' '' he quoted.

''Oh yes. He called me a bitch and an airhead.'' I replied, not really bothered about them. But then I smiled, thinking about the silver-haired boy. ''Was he feeling guilty?''

Gon's giggle vibrated from his chest. ''Yeah. He won't admit it though. He told me you're sick.''

''Ah… you didn't notice.'' I knew then without looking that he blushed.

''I did! But I… I'm sorry, Gin.''

'''S okay.'' I patted his thin chest. ''About Killua. What do you think of him?''

His chest puffed out. ''I think he's great, sis! We played with the chairman but he left early. Think he's tired. We were supposed to get the ball from him but he's just so fast! But in the end, I won because I got him use his right hand!'' I smiled and hummed. It was just so him to find another way to challenge himself.

''…he reminds me of you a little.'' At this, I opened my eyes, eyebrows raising and curling.

''In what way?''

''Well… you're both… reserved, mature and… really smart.'' I grinned.

''Don't sugar-coat, Gon. You're better off straight forward and simple.''

''Fine. You're both closed off, serious and really smart.'' I hummed. ''… and you also have this air of… this air of seriousness or something.''

I chuckled. ''Seriousness, huh?'' I felt Gon scratch his head.

''I'm awful with words, sis. But you get it, right?''

I nodded. ''I think I get ya. Well… I was a rude to him when we first met too. So, it's understandable.'' He nodded. Bastard, you're supposed to say 'you're okay, sis' or at least say 'just a little!'

''…But I never saw you like that before.'' I listened.

''Hm?''

''You… never played with the other kids at all, Gin.''

''We weren't playing, brother.''

Gon laughed softly. ''No. No… You weren't.'' He yawned and made me yawn as well. I snuggled in closer as he pulled me closer and rubbed his warm hands on my exposed shoulder. All of a sudden, he sat up then promptly came back with his green jacket. With a small smile, he laid back down and placed his jacket over me. My eyes stung when I closed my eyes and my throat was hurting me more. I gripped at my brother's shirt and filled my lungs with his scent.

He's safe. He'll always be safe. He'll be strong enough. I will keep him safe.

Then, for the first time since leaving Whale Island, I slept wonderfully.

I woke up again, feeling better at around 6 am in the morning. I untangled myself off my brother and walked towards one of the round windows. Peering outside, the day was just starting and the sun has just risen up. Smiling at the reddish sky, I could tell that today will be a beautiful day. I looked down and found us still high up in the air, meaning we still had some distance to go.

Glancing over my shoulder to my sleeping brother, I contemplated of finding a shower but decided against it because that would mean leaving him alone in here. I bent my knees and let myself slid down the floor.

Crossing my legs and straightening my back against the wall, I slowly breathed in and out. It was harder to concentrate inside the ship, especially in the environment I was in but I tried and tried until finally, I entered my meditation state.

I felt my aura nodes open and my Nen flowed out, surrounding me like the most expensive velvet I ever had (which is like, never ever). I maintained the aura relaxed around me for I don't know how long. I sat there, content and feeling even better in every minute that pass. This was when I realised how heavy my head felt. Bit by bit, I felt it lightened.

I thought about concentrating my aura to my fists, legs or eyes but again, after a little bit more of contemplation, I decided against it. This was an airship full of hunters, who knows who will notice that burst of energy? Also, focusing them at one part of my body creates a soft shrilling noise that could wake Gon. And I really want to stay in this state for as long as possible.

I imagined darkness. Then, in that darkness I imagined a small white round table. On that table, I imagined my X cards. I hovered my hand on the pack of cards and passed my hand to the right. The cards followed my movement and they laid themselves on an overlapping line.

Picking up one card, I found Hisoka with his hand wrapped around my brother's neck. Gon's legs dangled high up from the floor while Hisoka's face just plainly looked like he was having fun. Since I knew the event was finished, I calmly (trembling) placed the slightly crinkled card back on the table. Picking up another, I saw a tall hulking man with a frozen down-casted expression on his face and cold eyes. His hair was blond and he was wearing a plain dirty and old shirt and brown trousers. He was bare-footed. Confused, I placed the card down and drew another card out. This time, I thought the last card made sense. This new card showed another side of Killua. The silver-haired boy looked dark and foreboding as he held a small bloody cloth that contained something shaped like a heart. He was smiling from the card and right at me with shark-like blue eyes. Gulping, I placed the card on the table and took note not to piss off the boy ever again.

A fight. There will be a fight next phase – possibly a death match. I swallowed and controlled my breathing. I was wondering who I was going to fight and who will Gon have to fight when I drew another card. My eyes widened and I scowled in confusion when for some reason the card contained a picture of a scary Tonpa with his hands fisted in front of him.

Well, if I was going to fight him, I'll win.

Smiling a pleasant smile, I thought of Gon. I frowned again. This time, I felt even more confused as I held my imaginary card in hand that had an image of two candles – one short and one small. Candles? My brother will be fighting candles?! Come on! Be a bit clearer!

The card remained what it was. But it wasn't like I was expecting it to do something else. My only new discovery today was that it looks like I could ask questions when using my cards. Only that they'd look more vague than normal if I did. I withdrew another card then found it a picture of an island – a funny looking island resembling a dumbbell, surrounded by a clear blue sea. The third phase of the exam? I thought.

''Apologize for the long wait.''

I opened my eyes to a bright-lit room and closed off my aura nodes. My brother stopped his snoring and promptly jumped to his feet. When he saw me, his eyes brightened his gaze shifted towards the window beside me and leapt to his feet and plastered himself like a monkey to peer out of the sunny window.

''We will be arriving at our destination.

''Wow! Is that were the third exam will be held?'' Gon said, awed.

''Is it an island?'' I asked, smirking. He tilted his head to the side then glanced down at me over his shoulder, looking confused.

''Island? Nope! It's a…'' he looked out again. ''A tower!'' With wide eyes, I pulled myself up and gazed out the window.

''Hmm…'' I hummed while thinking about the dumbbell island I saw from my cards. Maybe that's supposed to be the fourth exam site. I thought.

''Gin! Let's go!''

''… Hm.'' I said and stretched. Tapping my head, I smiled when it felt better – a lot better than before. In fact, my felt as light as a feather! ''Meditation helps…'' I muttered.

When I looked up, Gon was already bouncing on his feet, gazing from window to window, overly excited. I slowly pulled on my black boots and smoothed the crinkles on my clothes in vain.

''Gin! Let's go!'' He called again.

I smiled. ''Yes. Yes.''

As we joined the departing crowd, I kept an eye out. Gon tugged my hand and held it firmly. I turned to him. ''Feel better, sis?'' he asked, his eyes worriedly scrutinising my face.

I smiled and gave him a thumbs up. ''Yes! Thank you, Gon.'' I squeezed his hand. He squeezed back.

''…Gon! There you are!'' I coughed.

''Eh… You're here too. Thought you'd be sick longer.'' He said though his tone was devoid of any guile. In fact, if I look closely, I realise that his face looks softer. Don't get fooled! This guy can rip hearts out in a sec! I smirked at the tiny voice inside me.

''…And you're back being weird, too. Ah… What a pain.'' He complained with his hands deep in his pockets. This time, I full-out laughed.

''…''

''Uh… Shall we go?'' Gon asked with an unsure smile.

I inhaled the sweet fresh air and exhaled. I arched my back and proceeded to do some stretching.

''Oho! Someone's feeling better!'' I turned and grinned at Leorio. Beside him, as usual, was Kurapika. I met them halfway and before I can decide against it, I hugged Leorio around his waist and squeezed. He froze for a second in surprise before relaxing and ruffling my hair. Hiding my blush, I threw myself next to Kurapika who readily and gently held me in his arms. I was just at the right height for my ear to be right against his chest. I bit my lip to stop my smile from getting any wider and listened at the serene beating of his heart.

''Ahem. Everyone the third exam is going to happen here at the top of the trick tower. You have 72 hours to reach the base of the tower alive. I will pray for your success'' Said the secretary of Hunter association. My lips twitched and I tightened my hold on…. I jumped away, face reddening. Somehow, I forgot to let go of Kurapika.

''S-sorry.'' I whispered, looking away. I heard him chuckle.

''No problem.'' He whispered softly back.

Killua shrugged after Gon gave him a questioning look. I took a step beside the silver-haired boy and smiled. He looked away. My smile fell.

''Good luck everyone!'' Shouted Mr. Bean from a microphone as the ship flew away.

I joined and kneeled beside my brother and looked down from the top of the trick tower. ''Uh…'' I scooted backwards a bit. That was high!

''A-are we supposed to climb down?'' Leorio asked uneasily.

''That will be suicide.'' Replied Kurapika. I nodded.

''Huh… To amateurs like you, maybe. But for people like me…'' we all turned to see a tall and muscled man, probably at his late 20s. He was number 86 and he had his arms crossed at us, looking so arrogant.

I raised an eyebrow. 'People who smirk like that often end up dead' I thought but watched the man as he started climbing down, faster and faster every time. ''Huh. It seems like I'll reach the ground the fastest.'' He bragged.

My ears perked up and I turned towards the sound of flapping wings and bird cries. My eyes widened. ''Oy! Old man! Come back up!'' Every one turned to me. The man stopped for a moment. ''I… I don't think that's the right way up. Come back up.'' I added more calmly. I blinked as the older man just smirked and resumed his way down.

''Huh. Stop squeaking, squirt. I will reach the end before anyone else—''

Squawk!

Everyone turned towards the sound. I gasped as suddenly, large bird-like creatures started flying rapidly around the tower. The older man glanced up to me, eyes desperate and scared. He looked at me as if I can do anything to help him. ''H-help…'' his voice broke but he didn't move. He was frozen in his place.

''Come back up! Now!'' I ordered, leaning down, my hands gripping tightly at the edge of the tower.

''He-help!'' The man managed to move his hand as if to climb back up when a large fanged mouth came flying up, swallowing him. The sight stole my breath away, literally.

''HELPPPP!'' We all stared dumbly after the departing flock of giant birds. His cried eventually faded out.

''Uh… I guess no climbing down for us.'' Leorio said.

''Uh.'' Agreed Kurapika.

I blinked and looked around. I frowned. Something was wrong because there were fewer people at the top of the tower. And people were walking around, knocking and looking down at the floor. I stared at them.

Secret passage? I looked up, meaning to ask Kurapika when I found him a few feet away with Leorio. I looked for Gon and found him with Killua. Feeling a little bit left out, I walked towards my brother.

''Gon.'' I called and took a few steps towards the boys when…''Kyaaaaa!''

The floor below me suddenly gaped open and I fell. ''Gi—''

''Ahh!'' I landed on my bottom on something painfully hard that could only be a floor. I dumbly stared at the hard floor beneath me for a moment and then up. What… What… What just happened? What… OMYGOD!

Killua blinked while Gon stood up, arms outstretched. ''Gin!'' he shouted in shock as he watched his sister drop and disappear in front of him. With large steps, he kneeled on the floor where Gin had disappeared into and knocked. ''Gin!'' He called out again. When no one answered back, he then stared at his friend, mouth open and completely horrified.

''D-did…''Killua started, blue eyes wide in disbelief. ''Did she just say… 'Kyaaaaa!?'

Gon stared for a two seconds more at his friend then he shut his mouth. He swallowed. His throat dry. He looked down at the floor.

''S-she did.'' He nodded, voice breaking and big brown eyes affixed on the floor. Then, his face lifted up to a dopey smile. ''Gin's so cute…'' was all he said.

''Oh?''

This must have what a sheep will feel when it finds itself in a cage with a tiger.

I froze, literally. I felt the blood in my veins freeze up and suddenly, the room felt even colder. Like a doll, I, most hesitantly, and shakily turned my stiffed neck to the side. To that side where I heard that familiar slick and cold voice. I swallowed and watched him take note of it.

''…Hisoka.'' He grinned without showing teeth, as innocent as a snake, tilting his head to the side.

You know, this would have been very funny if it wasn't me at the receiving end.

Author's note: Life is so full of plot-twists. *Sigh*

Here's another update because I love Gin! What do you think?! Thanks everyone! To Every Shadow has its twin, well, you just have to keep on reading! I'm glad you find it interesting! Any thoughts about it? To havanatitiana, thank you for your review! I thought about your review and I think you're right! He was really mean, wasn't he?! I hope you like this chapter. There isn't much Killuaxgin but if ya squint, it's there ;) And if you'll squint harder, you may guess what Killua dear is thinking! Hahaha. To animagirl, hey girl! (assuming you are a girl LOL), Hahaha! Maybe I'll write an extra or something (wink).

Thanks so much for your reviews! They keep me going and I'm glad people are following and favouriting the story! I hope you enjoy this chapter because I am grinning here like an evil goddess! HAHAHAHA Oh dear, so much for avoiding, Gin! Don't you just love the quote above? I think it fits this chapter well! BWAHHAHHA

If you were Gin, what would you guys do?! Tell me! What do you think will happen after?! Tell me!

xoxo

Abby D,