Assassin of Assassin's

by ImmortalCrow18

What if there was a fifth member in Gon's party during the Hunters Exam and he stuck around. What if this person lost everything to the Zoldyck family and like Kurapika was on a quest for vengeance. Follow my OC Ferev as he adventures alongside the Hunter quartet in the Hunter X Hunter universe. Rated M for language, gore, and brutality (Currently on hiatus due to other projects)

7. Phase Four: The Hunt

Outside the base of Trick Tower 10:00am

When all the remaining 25 applicants made it outside, they were greeted by Lippo in person. Lippo was a short man standing at about 5 feet tall, he wore black dress shoes and grey pants, he wore a black long sleeve jacket with a white collar and zipper, he had big round ears that held his huge square wire-frame glasses on his face, and lastly, he had a long and spiky purple mohawk for hair. He was standing at a cliffside that lead down to a dock, he was standing with his hands clasped behind his back as he said "Congratulations on escaping Trick Tower, everyone. All that remain now are the Fourth Phase and the Final Phase." Lippo then motioned behind himself with his right thumb before continuing "The Fourth Phase will take place right over there on Zevil Island." All the applicants then looked towards the Island that Lippo was motioning to. As the applicants were looking Lippo said "Now, let's proceed." He then snapped his fingers and one of Lippo's guards wheeled out a cart that had a box on it. The box was yellow and had a hole in the center with four red arrows surrounding the hole. two arrows pointed inwards while two others pointed outwards. Once the guard reached Lippo, he set the box next to him and then he stood to the side opposite Lippo.

Lippo then spoke up once again explaining the rules of the Fourth Phase "To begin with I will need each of you to draw lots now." everyone gasped while an applicant with the badge number 53 asked "Draw lots for what? What will that decide?" Lippo just replied with an amused chuckle and said "Hm. Who you hunt, and who hunts you." Lippo then motioned to the box with his right hand before continuing "In this box are exactly 25 numbered cards. Which means, that one of the numbered cards will correspond with your badge. Now, each of you will draw a card in the order you exited the tower. All right, which of you was first?" Hisoka then began walking forward to the box with Ferev and Gon noticing the still bleeding gashes on his right shoulder and left side. As Hisoka walked away Ferev narrowed his eyes at the next applicant who walked up. The applicant who walked up wore an all green outfit, he had on dark green pants and shoes, a tan shirt under a dark green vest that was laced together in the center and shoulders, his skin was a dark grey color and he wore his badge on his left side that read 301, he was mostly bald except for a tuft of blue hair at the top of his head, However the most strange thing about the applicant was that his chest and face were full of what looked like little round knobs. As the next applicant approached, Ferev then thought to himself as his gaze followed applicant 301"There is something familiar about him but I just can't figure out what." Ferev shook his head to clear his thoughts before focusing on the exam as he waited for his turn.

Soon Kurapika, Killua, and Gon got their cards and As Gon made his way back, Ferev approached the box reaching in to grab his card. When Ferev grabbed his card, he took a quick glance at it. The back was solid red while the front had a white sticker that peeled back on it. As he went back to where he was standing Leorio got his card and then Tonpa who needed the guard to grab his card for him. Once it was confirmed everyone had a card Lippo spoke up again saying "Now if you would, please go ahead and remove the sticker." Everyone then peeled back their stickers on their cards. Ferev looked at his card with the number 53 being on it. Ferev then quickly looked around and noticed a short young man with his badge in his hand about to stash it away. Ferev however, was able to get a quick look at it as it read 53. Ferev then started committing the young man's appearance to memory. He was relatively short being maybe 4 foot 8 or maybe 5 feet tall, he wore white pants and brown boots, he had on a white long-sleeve shirt under a red vest, he had a yellow scarf around his neck, he had shoulder length brown hair that was slightly covered by a light purple turban cap, and on his back was a quiver of arrows and a short recurve bow. Lippo spoke up again making everyone look at him "The number that you see is your target." Everyone gasped again before quickly hiding their badge numbers. Ferev who had already put his badge in his coat just kept a close eye on 53 before he saw Tonpa and smirked then made his way over.

Tonpa who was standing near the edge of the cliff looking down the path towards the dock was suddenly grabbed by Ferev. Ferev put him in a head lock while saying "Tonpa old buddy! Since you kind of owe me a favor after everything that went down in there." Ferev then motioned towards the tower with his free hand while Tonpa could only smile nervously in Ferev's grip. Ferev then continued speaking "How about you tell me what that guy's name is over there and what his specialty is. I mean since you're so knowledgeable." Ferev finished while pointing at number 53. Tonpa just stammered out a "sur...sure, no problem. But can you uh loosen your grip a little please?" Ferev eyes widened in fake surprise while mockingly saying "Oh sure buddy, no problem." Ferev then roughly stood Tonpa up while mockingly brushing him off and said "Now, about number 53." Tonpa swallowed nervously before replying "Right. So, his name is Pokkle and he obviously hunts animals on the regular but what most don't know is that he's also a magical beast hunter." Ferev's eyes widened at that before asking "Any confirmed kills?" Tonpa shook his head saying "None that I've heard of but I do know he knows how to hunt them but probably hasn't had the clearance or skill to do so." Ferev put his fist to his chin as he thought before suddenly patting Tonpa on the back making him flinch. Ferev then said "Thanks for the info Tonpa. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Ferev then walked away planning strategies in his head.

Once Lippo noticed everyone had peeled their stickers he spoke up once again. While tapping the box with his right hand he said "This box has recorded the number that each of you drew. Each card was tallied and then stored in memory. So if you like, you're free to dispose of the cards. It makes no difference at this point. The objective is to steal your target's ID badge." An applicant with the badge number 198 one of the Trio brothers Imori then spoke up saying in relief "Oh, good. So we don't have to kill each other, then." Lippo just smirked amusedly before saying "The method is up to you. Procure the badge however you see fit. But if you kill your target, you can take their badge easily." One of the other applicants standing in front of Imori said "Yeah, that sure sounds like the fastest way to me." Imori sounding scared replied "So that's how it's gonna be?" Lippo then held his hand up ignoring the scared applicant as he spoke up again. "Listen carefully! Collecting the ID badge of your specified target will earn you three points. Understand? Your own badge is also worth three points. And all the other badges are worth one point. In order to move on to the Final Phase, you will have to collect six points. So during your time there on Zevil Island, gather enough badges to collect six points or fail the Exam. Only those who do will clear the Fourth Phase of the Hunter Exam." Lippo finished speaking and motioned for his guard to take over. The guard then yelled while waving his arm in the direction of the dock "All remaining applicants follow me I'll escort you to the boat that will take you to Zevil Island." The guard then began walking down the path with the applicants in tow.

xxLine Breakxx

About a half hour later the remaining 25 applicants were all sitting in their respective spots on the deck of a huge steam boat. As the boat sailed to Zevil Island a young woman in her twenties walked onto the middle of the deck and began speaking. "I'd like to commend all of you on your work in the Exam's Third Phase. I'll be your guide. It's nice to meet you. You can call me Khara." As the now named Khara spoke the applicants got a good look at her. She wore what looked like pink croc like shoes, she wore a red skirt that bunched up at her ankles, she wore a yellow sweater vest that had the Hunter's association symbol on the front, she had on a white blouse under the vest, she had honey colored eyes while wearing a headset with a mic, and lastly she had red hair that reached the back of her neck so that her bangs shadowed the top of her face slightly. Khara continued to speak with her right hand raised "It will take two hours for this boat to reach its destination, Zevil Island. All 25 applicants who've made it this far are granted an open invitation to participate again in next year's Exam no matter what!" she then raised both her hands and gave everyone a wink before she spoke up again "So even if you don't pass this time, we really hope you'll try again. Never say die, right... everybody?" All the applicants just ignored her speech not really caring that they could retake the exam. Khara had a sweat drop while she had a blank look on her face. Her mouth was twitching in awkward smile as she thought to herself sarcastically "Wow, that went over well..." She then put on a smile while saying "All right, everyone. For the next two hours, you're free to do whatever you like. Thank you and I hope you all enjoy the rest of the voyage." she then walked away back inside the boat while waving good-bye.

Ferev had been subtly staring at applicant 301 for last half hour while he kept thinking to himself "The more I look at him the more I feel I've met him before." Ferev then noticed Tonpa standing by the railing of the boat and headed over to him. Tonpa was rotating his shoulders finally getting some feeling back in his arms. As he worked his numb muscles Ferev snuck up behind Tonpa before placing his arms around his shoulders and saying "Tonpa good buddy. How are the arms doing?" Tonpa just gritted his teeth nervously as he glanced at Ferev through the corner of his eyes. Ferev just continued speaking not waiting for an answer "So, Listen I need to know about another applicant. You tell me what you know and we are square deal?" Tonpa just gulped before nodding his head yes. Ferev just smiled before saying "Good. Now, tell me everything you know about applicant 301." Tonpa's eyes widened at the applicant's number before tears started forming in the corner of his eyes. Scared of what Ferev might do when he told him what he knew he stammered out his answer "As ssss...soon as he showed up, I stayed away from him. All I knnnnn...know is... His name is Gittarackur." Tonpa just closed his eyes shut expecting pain but all he heard was Ferev click his tongue before he soon felt Ferev's arm leave his shoulder. He opened his eyes noticing Ferev was gone and then sighed in relief. Tonpa then slid down against the railing of the boat till he was sitting down contemplating his ordeal this past exam.

Ferev made his way over to Gon and Killua before taking a seat next to them as he saw Killua smile at Gon while said "Don't worry about it. You're not my target, Gon. I promise." Gon just glanced at Killua from the side as he replied "That's good. Because you're not mine, either." Ferev then spoke up saying "As for me neither of you is my target as well. So, don't worry your both safe from me." Ferev finished with an arrogant smirk. As Ferev sat there with his eyes closed, his arms crossed, and still smiling. Killua just snorted before saying "Yeah right. Like you could keep up old man." Ferev grew a tick mark on his head as he suddenly tackled Killua and put him a headlock while giving him a noogie. As Ferev noogied Killua he yelled "Let's get one thing straight brat! I'm 27! I am not an old man!" Killua just struggled to get out of the man's grip surprised at his strength before yelling "Let go of me already! damn it!" Killua then flipped his body forward forcing Ferev to let go. Ferev just stood there a smile on his face as Killua just stood there before yelling and chasing after Ferev saying "Your gonna pay for that!" Ferev then led Killua on a goose chase throughout the boat. Gon the whole time just laughed in enjoyment watching the spectacle unfolding.

After Killua had calmed down he sat back down next to Gon before asking him and Ferev "Hey, you want to show our numbers at the same time?" Gon just replied with "Okay." Ferev also replied with "I don't mind either." Ferev, Killua, and Gon then said at the same time "Ready, and!" then all three showed their cards Killua's showing 199 and Ferev's showing 53. However, what had both Killua and Ferev in shock was the number Gon was showing. Gon's card read the number 44 and Killua couldn't help but gasp and say "Number 44 is...Hisoka. You've got seriously bad luck." Ferev then said "Out of all the applicants why did you have to draw the short straw." Gon just laughed nervously at the two before saying "Oh, do you think so?" he then paused briefly before noticing Killua's card number and tried changing subjects asking "So, who is number 199, anyway?" Killua then looked at the card himself before saying "I'm not sure, I thought maybe you two might know." Gon replied with a simple "No." while Ferev said "Sorry, all I could find out was info for my target" Killua then placed his card back in his pocket before placing his arms behind his head as he said "If I'd have just been smarter about it, I would have memorized everybody's numbers. Once he explained it, that's when I started paying attention. But everyone had taken off their badges already. Pretty lame, huh?" Killua finished while glancing at Gon and Ferev with his left index finger and thumb pointed up.

During Killua's explanation Gon's breathing had become unsteady. Killua noticed it when he finished talking while Ferev noticed a little sooner. Ferev and Killua thinking they knew what it was about said at the same time "Gon." Gon was shaken from his stupor as he looked at both of them while saying "Oh, what's up?" Ferev smirked while also saying with a little concern "Are you happy or scared right now? Which one is it?" Killua nodded his head in agreement with the question. Gon looked to the sky for a moment before he looked down and said with an uneasy look "Kind of both, I guess. If I had to fight with Hisoka one-on-one, I wouldn't stand a chance against him." Ferev nodded his head agreeing with Gon's assessment. Gon then continued speaking "But if all I have to do is just steal his badge, I don't know, I think I might actually have a real shot." Ferev smiled before saying "I honestly think you do as long as your careful." Gon looked at Ferev before nodding in understanding. He then faced forward again a determined look on his face as he spoke up again "The way it is now, well, at least I've got a chance. And to be honest, it does scare me a little bit. But I think it's worth it." Gon finished while clasping his hands together. Killua just had a content smile on his face before saying "I gotcha." Killua then stood up grabbing his skateboard and began walking away as he said "Don't die, okay?" Gon and Ferev then replied at the same time "Yeah, and same to you." Killua then went to explore the ship while Ferev and Gon remained where they were and talked some more.

Soon the two hours flew by very quickly and the boat docked on Zevil Island. As they lowered the gang plank Khara stood by the exit of the boat with a clipboard and a stopwatch. When she had everyone's attention she spoke up once again "Thanks for being patient, everyone. We've arrived at Zevil Island! Okay then. You will be disembarking in the order you completed the Third Phase, from the shortest to the longest. You'll go ashore one at a time, with two-minute intervals separating each of the applicants, all right?" Killua with a disinterested look said "I guess that means we'll be waiting here a while." Ferev just stood next to him with his arms crossed and a frown on his face. Khara then spoke up again "You'll be on the Island exactly one week. That means you only have seven days to collect your six points and then return to this location." Khara then dramatically pointed towards the sky as she said "First applicant, get ready to disembark now." Hisoka then walked forward off the gang plank and into the forest. After 2 minutes went by Ferev narrowed his eyes as number 301 Gittarackur walked forward and into the forest as well. Soon one by one each applicant was let off the boat after every two minutes.

Soon after what felt like hours Khara finally called out for Kurapika to go, Killua and then Gon soon followed afterwards. Once two minutes went by Khara called for Ferev to go who then made his way quickly off the boat. As Ferev made his way onto the path that led to the forest he thought to himself "From what Tonpa told me since Pokkle Hunts for a living he wouldn't use the normal paths and stick to the tree lines." Ferev then crouched down and looked at the side of the path noticing a small trail that most people wouldn't see. Ferev smirked before following the trail and began tracking his target.

xxLine Breakxx

Gon was leaning on the trunk of a huge tall tree as he sat on one of the branches. Gon had his arms behind his head as he began contemplating how he was going to get Hisoka's badge. He was broken from his thoughts however, when he noticed an applicant walking in the tall grass below him. While Gon watched him he noticed Pokkle hiding behind the other applicant. Realizing what was happening Gon decided to pay close attention trying to see what he could learn from this encounter.

Down in the grass below the first applicant Gon saw was cutting through the tall grass with his sword while looking back and forth. The applicant was average height, he had short brown disheveled hair, his nose was red and swollen with congestion, his shirt was purple and long-sleeved, he had a brown satchel across his shoulder, brown pants, and black boots. A few feet behind the applicant Pokkle was hiding while preparing an arrow. The applicant paused in his work to look behind himself thinking someone was there. After a few minutes he shrugged his shoulders and continued working. Pokkle chose that moment to notch his arrow and take aim at the applicant. As soon as Pokkle had the shot he fired the arrow. The applicant sensing the arrow being shot quickly dodged his body to the right the arrow just grazing his arm.

The applicant then held his sword up getting into a fighting stance as he faced Pokkle's direction. The applicant smirked as he said "That was close. A little too close, even." Pokkle However, just smirked before standing and calmly walking towards the applicant. The applicant still thinking he had the upper hand spoke again "Sorry, pal, but I don't go down that easy." The applicant's words started slurring at the end of his sentence because Suddenly the applicants body began to collapse. Soon he was face first in the dirt his last words being "You bastard..." Pokkle finally reached the applicants body while saying "I coated the arrow with a fast-acting tranquilizer. So you're not going to be able to walk much for about a week." Pokkle then began searching the applicant's bag before he continued speaking "Don't worry, though. There's fresh water nearby. So you probably won't die." Pokkle then grabbed the applicant's badge and began spinning it on his finger while saying "But I'll be taking this, of course. Later." Pokkle then stored the badge away and began walking towards the forest.

Gon who had watched the whole encounter thought to himself "Wow. He was able to hide his presence while he quietly stalked his prey. And his target sensed the shot being fired and was able to dodge it, avoiding what would've been a serious injury. But the stalker had that covered, coating his arrow with poison. So that's how you hunt!" Gon was broken from his thoughts when he saw Pokkle suddenly jump back and notch an arrow in the direction he was once heading. Gon looked at where Pokkle was aiming and his eyes widened in shock because emerging from the tree line was Ferev. He casually walked out into the open his hands in his coat pockets a confident smirk across his face. Pokkle drew his bow back before shouting "Stop right there or I'll shoot!" Ferev humored Pokkle stopping a few feet away from him and taking his right hand out of his coat pocket. Ferev and Pokkle had a short stare down before Ferev spoke up "You know, I'm not gonna lie you hid your trail pretty well. Most people would never have seen a thing. Then again, I'm not most people. Compared to what I hunt for sport regularly you might as well have been leaving breadcrumbs." Ferev then began walking forward as Pokkle let out a grunt before letting his arrow loose. However, Pokkle and Gon's eyes widened in shock when they saw Ferev simply catch the arrow between his index and middle finger with his right hand. Ferev continued to walk forward while speaking up again "I might as well tell you this too. My skills are so beyond your understanding you might as well give up now, because that bow of yours is but a simple toy to me."

As Ferev had been speaking Pokkle had continued to fire shot after shot with Ferev simply catching each arrow between his fingers. Pokkle went to reach for another arrow but soon gasped in fear when he felt he was out of arrows. Pokkle didn't have a lot of time to think because soon a shadow came over him. Pokkle looked up and flinched back in fear as Ferev towered over his much shorter frame. Ferev quickly tossed Pokkle's arrows to the side and started jabbing Pokkle multiple times across his body with both his hands. Ferev then stood to side as Pokkle who now had a blank look on his face fell face first into the dirt. Ferev then crouched down and began searching Pokkle's body until he smirked when he grasped what he wanted. Ferev then looked at what he found finding Pokkle's badge, the number reading 53. As Ferev stashed Pokkle's badge into his coat he rested his hands on his knees before saying "Don't worry you're not dead, I just shut down the nerves in your body from the neck down. You should be able to move in about 12 hours. Plenty of time for you to find the required badges you need to pass." Pokkle just moved his head so he could glare at Ferev and say "Fuck you." Ferev just laughed and said "I've heard that one before" before he stood up and started walking back towards the tree line. His form soon disappearing from Gon's view. Gon swallowed the lump in throat after what he just saw and thought to himself "Ferev just how strong are you?" Gon quickly shook himself from his stunned state before hardening his gaze and saying with determination "Okay! Time to train!"

xxLine Breakxx

It had been 2 days since the Fourth Phase began and so far, Ferev had managed to keep himself hidden from the other applicants. Pokkle hadn't decided to come after Ferev since he left him lying face down in the dirt. Ferev right now could be seen by a small creek filling his canteen with water. Ferev took a look at his surroundings while he filled up his water. His back was to the tree line the trees making a wall of sorts, from the tree line to himself was a clearing that had patches of grass here and there but was mostly dirt and sand, in front of him was of course the creek that ran in both the left and right directions, another tree line was making another wall on the other side of the creek and in front of the trees was some tall grass instead of a clearing. Ferev looked back down at his canteen noticing it was full, he then capped it and put it in his coat. As Ferev stood back up he looked straight ahead at the tall grass across from him with a hard gaze and said "You might as well come out. I've known you've been there for a while now." Ferev then pulled his coat to the side and placed his right hand on his revolver ready to draw. Soon after Ferev spoke a man suddenly popped up from the tall grass and began walking forward. When he stood on the other side of the creek Ferev got a good look at him. He had grey hair that was in a ponytail which made his hair spike out behind it, he had grey bushy eyebrows, black eyes, and a crooked nose, He wore a blue cloak that had a blue battle dress under it, he had on white pants with black slipper shoes, and lastly he had a rapier sword on his left side.

Ferev then spoke up again after assessing the man in front of him "Do you mind telling me your name? Since your obviously here to steal my badge I should at least have the right to know who the person is attacking me." The man just stared at Ferev with a hardened gaze of his own before speaking up "My name is Agon and yes, it is as you say. You are my target." Ferev let out an impressed whistle before saying "And here I thought I put my badge away quick enough." Agon just continued to stare and said "I actually have been watching you since the First Phase. I saw what you did to those Monsters in Swindler's Swamp and instantly knew you were someone to watch out for. I made it a point to memorize your badge number in case something like this were to occur." Ferev once again whistled Impressed at Agon's observation skills. Ferev then took his hand off his revolver before saying "Your right to assume I'm someone to watch out for but your mistake is thinking we are on equal footing. Allow me to show you swordsman to swordsman." As Ferev finished speaking he went to grasp the Hilt of his sword with his right hand while his left grasped the bottom of his sheath. Agon seeing this jumped back a few feet and drew his sword in a flash. Ferev got a better look at the blade as the sun glistened off its steel form. It had a blue hilt with a round guard, the blade was about five and half feet long with a double edge and a pointed tip. Ferev then drew his sword however he also pulled the bottom of his sheath out as well. Agon's eyes widened in surprise at what he saw, In Ferev's hands instead of a six-foot-long nodachi like Agon thought, were instead two four-foot-long wakizashi short swords. The sword is his right-hand had a black wrapped hilt with red diamonds designed into the hilt, the guard was a snake that was eating its own tail, and then lastly the four-foot-long blade gleamed in the sunlight as he held it in a forward position the blade facing outwards towards the right with the tip was pointed at Agon. In his left-hand instead of a normal guard the sword had just a wooden handle with no guard at all, and He held the blade in a reverse grip with the back of the blade resting against his arm.

Agon glared while he gritted his teeth and thinking "The bottom of his sheath was actually a hidden blade?! And from the look of his stance he knows how to use those blades as well." Ferev then moved his left blade forward his arm moving to his side as well. Agon thinking Ferev was going to attack tensed up but before he could act Ferev then twirled the sword in his left hand between his fingers before throwing into the dirt blade first. Agon gasped in shock at what Ferev just did thinking "Why would he purposely discard one of his swords? Is he really that arrogant!" Agon just glared at Ferev while gritting his teeth still insulted by Ferev's actions. Ferev placed both of his hands on his remaining sword hilt while crouching slightly and lowering his sword to his left side. The blade facing outwards towards the left this time and the tip was pointed at the ground at a diagonal angle. Agon calmed himself down slightly before straightening his stance preparing himself for the duel that was about to commence. For what seemed like hours neither combatant moved until a leaf suddenly broke from one of the many trees surrounding them. The leaf blew right in between them before slowly falling to the creek below. As soon as the leaf hit the water Agon went for a quick stab rushing forward hoping to end this quickly. However, Ferev simply moved in a circle around the strike before striking Agon's right wrist with the flat end of his blade making Agon drop his sword. Ferev then brought the back side of his blade to Agon's throat making his eyes widen and also making him gasp in fear. Ferev then said with an uncaring gaze "Do you now see the difference? I would suggest that you start working on getting some applicant's other badges because you're obviously not getting mine." Ferev then removed his sword from Agon's throat and began walking back to his other sword. As Ferev was sheathing his swords Agon collapsed onto his hands and knees while looking at the ground with a devastated look. He then started seething in anger as tears of frustration left his eyes before he screamed "DAMN IT!" Ferev just silently disappeared into the tree line leaving a shaken and devastated Agon to wallow in his weakness.

xxLine Breakxx

One more day had passed since the start of the Fourth Phase and Ferev could be seen wandering the forest. Ferev had been searching for Gon for the last few hours now and after taking care of Pokkle and Agon he had grown concerned for Gon's safety. Especially, when he knew Gon's target was Hisoka. Ferev continued to walk through the forest before he stopped mid-stride and looked towards his right sensing three presences in that direction. Ferev then jumped up into the trees and starting jumping from branch to branch in the direction that he sensed the presences were at. While jumping he started using Zetsu completely hiding his presence. When Ferev arrived at the location he quickly hid behind the tree he landed on when he noticed one of the presences was Hisoka. Hisoka himself was sitting against a tree while being surrounded by red butterflies one landing on his outstretched finger. Ferev took a quick glance and noticed that the other presences he felt hadn't shown themselves yet. However, from his vantage point he could see Gon and another applicant which must have been one of the people he sensed hiding in the bushes below. Ferev looked at Gon with wide eyes realizing he hadn't sensed him at all and thought "He's using Zetsu! He must have figured out how to use it on his own and he probably doesn't even know that he's using it. But still to think he has the natural talent to use it without any training." Ferev was broken from his musings when Hisoka spoke up suddenly "Well? Show yourself. I know you're there." Ferev and Gon's eyes widened both thinking "Did he spot me?" Hisoka then stood while saying "If you won't come out, I suppose I'll have to come to you." Hisoka then began walking towards Gon's direction. Ferev seeing this tensed up ready to intervene if need be while Gon got ready as well. but their tension soon vanished when suddenly the applicant who was a few feet from Gon suddenly stood up and Hisoka stopped walking.

As the man stood, Ferev got a good look at him. He had shoulder length black hair and long sideburns with a red headband, he had a black Fu-man-chu mustache that went to his chin, He wore a light green sleeveless shirt with white accents, he had a red sash tied around his waist while he had on black Pants with grey shoes that had a slightly curved toe, and lastly, he carried a fifteen foot long spear. The man grabbed the spear he had been carrying and did a wide horizontal sweep with the weapon cutting the top of the bushes with the blade. The spear had a black shaft with a weighted ball on one end while the other had a 2-foot-long blade attached. Gon had a slight panicked look on his face as he was barely missed with his hair being cut slightly due to the applicant's spear. The applicant held his spear in both his hands as he said with a look of pure determination "I seek a bout with you." Hisoka just smiled slightly while saying "You'll die." The man just grunted before walking forward and getting into a fighting stance. He had his spear held in his left hand posed horizontally while he held out his right hand in front of him. Hisoka just stood there calmly waiting for the man to attack. Seconds passed neither one of the combatants moved until the man grunted with a "Ha!" and dashed forward his spear going for a quick thrust. Hisoka simply jumped back the blade missing him by centimeters as he landed a few feet away. The man roared as he held his spear high and went to stab Hisoka in the face. Hisoka just simply tilted his head back the blade just barely missing his neck. The man continued to make multiple thrusts with his spear aiming for Hisoka's legs, arms, and anything else he could possibly attack. Hisoka just continued to dodge his thrusts with a smile on his face as the blade kept missing every time.

The man made one final roar as he went for a horizontal swipe against Hisoka but once again he dodged the attack. The man's attack cut the tree Hisoka had been sitting against in half instead of Hisoka himself. The sound of the tree falling could be heard kilometers away and as the dust settled revealing the man breathing heavy while still holding his spear. Hisoka was just standing in front of him not even winded and as the man panted, he spoke in-between breaths "I don't get it... Why... Won't you fight?" Hisoka just stared at the man with a smile while saying "I only need to evade and you'll die eventually, yes?" The man gasped in shock and while he tried to get his breathing under control a swarm of red butterflies started to gather around him. Hisoka spoke up once again noticing the butterflies and said "I can tell by the large swarm of Hemotropic butterflies That your wounds are quite serious." Ferev glanced at the man's abdomen and noticed a huge blood stain beginning to form on the front of hist shirt proving Hisoka right. The man suddenly fell to one knee as he continued gasping for air. Hisoka with a smile still on his face said "Someone has already wounded you. Correct? I understand wanting to end your life fighting as a warrior." The man looked up at Hisoka and said "If that's true... and you really do understand... then why? Why do you refuse to fight me and grant me the death I desire?" Hisoka stared at the man with an uncaring gaze as he said "I have no interest in the dead." Hisoka turned around and started to walk towards the fallen tree as the man said while grunting in pain "Wait, what? But I'm- I'm not-" Hisoka turned slightly and said "Do you know how I know you're dead? Your eyes." he then continued walking towards the tree before taking a seat on it while saying "Bye-bye."

The man continued to strain himself as he slammed the weighted ball on his spear into the ground to help him stand. The man then let out one final roar as ran forward and desperately attacked Hisoka one last time. Tears were falling down his face in desperation and sadness as he posed his spear to strike. Hisoka just continued to sit on the tree with his hands in his lap and his eyes closed. However, just before the man could strike a needle with a ball point flew through the air and struck the man in his adams apple. Then suddenly a swarm of needles came hurling from the forest as they all struck the man's face turning it into a pincushion. The man's face was locked in a state of shock as he fell backwards and died. A distorted voice soon spoke up from the forest where the needles came saying "Sorry. I was careless and he got away." Hisoka didn't move from his position while saying "Don't lie to me. He probably begged you to grant him a last request and you relented. Am I right?" The voice spoke up again sounding closer indicating he was walking forward. As he walked, he said "Well, I may have felt sorry for the man. He was going to die anyway." Ferev narrowed his eyes noticing that the voice belonged to applicant 301 Gittarackur who was the third presence he felt and was now standing next to Hisoka.

Hisoka himself was staring at the corpse of the man while saying "You really need to stop pitying those who serve no purpose." Gittarackur held his hands up at the waist while saying "But your guilty of that yourself. You've walked away from opponents before finishing them." Hisoka just looked away while saying "I do have standards." He then closed his eyes while lowering his head and continued speaking "Why waste time on people who are utterly useless? I only spare those whose premature deaths would be a waste. Well? What about his badge?" he finished while looking at Gittarackur. Gittarackur himself pointed his left index finger up while saying "Oh, I already took it." he then began reaching behind himself while saying "I have six points now, so I don't really need this one. Want it?" He then threw a random badge at Hisoka who caught it. Hisoka looked at the badge while asking "Whose is this?" Gittarackur simply replied "It belonged to someone who tried to snipe me. That pissed me off, and so...well, I killed'em." Gittarackur then started pulling the knobs from his face and head revealing them to be needles like the one's in the dead applicant's face.

As Gittarackur removed the last of the needles His hair changed color from blue to black while growing longer and his face began to contort in unnatural ways. Hisoka noticing what his acquaintance was doing said "Hmm... That's always so much fun to watch." Gittarackur continued to transform as he said "It does take its toll on me, you know." Gittarackur finally finished transforming and his hair had grown all the way to the small of his back, his skin had gone from its dark grey color to a pale white, his face was now more angular, and his eyes were now shaped like sideways diamonds which were black with no pupils. Gittarackur let out sigh while saying in a monotone voice "Ah. That's much better." Ferev suddenly started seething in anger and he barely concealed his bloodlust in time before Hisoka or Gittarackur noticed. Ferev then dug his fingers so deep into the tree that the wood started to splinter due to his strength. He was gritting his teeth so hard blood was dripping down his lips. The reason behind Ferev's anger was right below him was not Gittarackur but the man who helped attacked him and his master 17 years ago Illumi Zoldyck.

Ferev took a calming breath before noticing the now identified Illumi digging a large human sized hole with his bare hands. Once the hole was dug Illumi placed himself in it before saying "Well, I'm gonna sleep until the deadline. Best of luck." He then ducked his head into the hole pushing dirt up to cover it. Hisoka had not moved from his spot for hours to the point that the moon had come out. Hisoka stood up from his seat while saying "Only two points left to go. I guess I'd better start hunting." he then began walking into the forest. Ferev who was still in the tree noticed this and then saw Gon chasing after Hisoka. Ferev not wanting to lose Illumi's location started using IN and focused his aura into his right arm. His aura started to flare out its color being black with a red hue. Ferev's aura then stretched out while coiling around his arm before taking shape. What was once just aura surrounding his arm was now a six-foot-long black Viper with red eyes. Ferev pet the snake with his left index finger while saying to himself "Reaper Snake. A Nen Beast that can be used for attack as well as reconnaissance. So whatever my snake can see I see." He then pointed at the still freshly dug hole where Illumi was before saying "I want you to track the aura in that hole and if he uses any abilities show me." The snake nodded its head before uncoiling from Ferev's arm and slithering down the tree while blending into the shadows of the forest. Ferev then started Jumping through the trees again Flaring out his EN to get an idea of Gon's location. As Ferev traveled his eyes were narrowed as he started to think back about the day he first met Illumi.

Ferev and his master's training ground Meteor City 17 years ago

Ferev's master Kenshiro could be seen fighting the older man of the two figures that entered their training ground. Both combatants were exchanging blows and dealing damage with neither one gaining ground. Ferev who was still standing in the spot his master told him not to move from would every so often move a step forward slightly when he noticed a strike get too close to his master. Soon the older man jumped in the air His right arm flailing limply at his side as he tried to hit his master with a double heel kick. However, Kenshiro dodged and went to attack with straight punch causing a small shock wave to appear. The older man circled around Kenshiro's strike and was finally able to cut him a long gash appearing on Kenshiro's chest as blood poured from the wound. Ferev seeing this leapt into action running towards his master at great speed. Kenshiro noticed Ferev out of the corner of his eye and yelled "Ferev! No!" but Ferev just ignored his master continuing to run towards him. Suddenly the other figure who had shown up with the older man suddenly appeared in front of Ferev. He then suddenly kicked him across the face launching him a few feet back and rolling across the ground. Ferev quickly recovered before looking at the figure who kicked him. He seemed to be a teenager with his hair being long and black that went down to the small of his back, his eyes were shaped like sideways diamonds that were black with no pupils, he was wearing a simple brown jacket with a black long-sleeved shirt under it, His pants were normal blue jeans while his shoes were brown dress shoes. And lastly in his hands were a bunch of ball point needles. Ferev then shouted while sweeping his hand across his body "Get out of my way you bastard!"

The teen just stared at him blankly before saying "What a pain. I was just supposed to stand by as back-up if dad couldn't handle things. But from the looks of things I'm gonna have to teach you a lesson instead." Ferev just grit his teeth before he grunted out a "Ha!" and started moving to strike the older teen his fingers posed to attack but before Ferev could even get close eight needles suddenly embedded themselves in his chest. Ferev's eyes and mouth were open wide in shock as he fell forward landing face first into the dirt. Kenshiro noticing this yelled "Nooooooo!" the older man took that chance to wound him again blood now pouring from his chest and right leg, making Kenshiro focus on the fight instead of his fallen student. The teen then approached Ferev and crouched down before grabbing Ferev's head making him look up and watch the fight between the older man and Kenshiro. The older man made a series of quick strikes aiming for Kenshiro's injured leg and other vital points. Due to Kenshiro's injury the older man would get a strike in here and there causing small gashes to appear on Kenshiro's body. The teen then spoke saying "As you can see you have no chance at saving your master. So, just watch and remember this lesson. Never go up against a superior opponent." as he finished talking Ferev witnessed the older man get below his master's guard and morph his hand into claw before stabbing Kenshiro in the chest. The older man's arm coming out of Kenshiro's back holding his still beating heart before ripping his arm out and dropping said heart. Ferev's eyes widened and began to tear up as the teen let him go making Ferev's face hit the dirt once again. The teen then spoke up while walking away "Well, another job done although it wasn't easy, I'm actually a little surprised dad had so much trouble this time though." he then stopped and looked back at Ferev while readying some needles before saying "Perhaps I should just kill you and stop you from causing us trouble in the future." Just as the teen was about to strike the older man spoke up saying "Illumi. Leave him be he wasn't our job. Our work is finished here, come I need to tend to my wounds." The now named Illumi just shrugged his shoulders while saying "Fine." and then started walking after the older man. Ferev slowly got to knees and started to pull the needles out of his chest his shirt getting tears in the process. Once he had all the needles out, he made a slow trek to his master's side before collapsing to his knees.

Zevil Island Hunter's Exam Fourth Phase Day 3 present day

Ferev gaze hardened when he found Gon breaking him from his thoughts and started heading in that direction. Ferev found Gon hiding in some trees and Hisoka was standing on cliffside a few feet above him. Ferev landed silently behind Gon and placed his hand over his mouth while placing his other hand on his shoulder. Gon eyes widened in shock and was about to yelp when he heard a whispered voice say "Shhhh. It's me Ferev I just didn't want you to alert Hisoka." Gon then turned around while Ferev let go. Gon was about to question Ferev when he suddenly nodded his head towards Hisoka. Gon quickly turned around and his eyes widened because he saw Hisoka was targeting Kurapika and Leorio in the forest below them. Gon looked back to Ferev and Ferev said "I'm gonna go ahead and stay hidden I'll intervene if things get bad." Gon nodded his head saying "Right. But actually, let's avoid a fight if possible. Don't do anything until I give you a signal okay?" Ferev just nodded before taking off into the trees again.

Ferev was in a tree a few feet from the path Leorio and Kurapika were following. He was using Zetsu because Hisoka was across the way leaning against a tree waiting for them. Kurapika and Leorio stopped in their tracks when they saw Hisoka while he simply said "Hey." Kurapika and Leorio tensed up while saying at the same time "Hisoka." Hisoka himself hand his left arm cradle his right elbow while he held one of his deadly playing cards in his hand. Hisoka spoke up again after the surprise left from Leorio and Kurapika's faces saying "What a coincidence meeting you here. How fortunate." Leorio just laughed at the bad luck he seemed to be having while saying "Why do I run into people I don't want to see?" Hisoka lowered his arms and began walking towards Kurapika and Leorio while saying "You see, all I'm lacking is just two more points. I was hoping you might give me yours." he stopped just a few feet from them while Leorio growled out "Give you what? You're crazy. I'm not going to give-" Leorio was cut off by Kurapika who said "Leorio." Kurapika then diverted his attention at Hisoka and continued speaking "You said you only need two points. Meaning neither one of us is your primary target. Am I right about that?" Hisoka placed his hands on his hips while saying "Leave the questions to me, all right?" Hisoka then raised a playing card in his hand threateningly before saying "Will you give me your badges? Answer carefully."

Ferev noticed Gon had shown up at some time and was hiding behind a tree. Ferev turned his attention back on Hisoka and the others hearing Kurapika say "I suppose that depends... Between the two of us we currently have four badges. Mine, my target's, Leorio's, and one that's worth only a single point to either him or me. Of the four, two might possibly belong to your specific target, and only two." Kurapika then held two fingers up before continuing "Mine or the badge that's worth a single point." Hisoka lowered his playing card as he listened to Kurapika who continued to speak "Leorio's number is 403. He was targeted by number 16, Tonpa. And he, number 16, was assigned to me as my target." Kurapika lowered his hand before speaking again "each of us was given a different target so 16 and 403 are out." Hisoka stepped forward saying "Indeed. Neither of those is the target I was searching for. What of it?" Kurapika then said "That just leaves the other two badges. If you're willing to take the badge that's worth one point and leave you are more than welcome to have it." Kurapika hardened his gaze before saying "But I will not allow you to take mine. And the same goes for the other two." Kurapika then threw his satchel aside and drew his wooden swords while saying "If you insist on taking them by force prepare to fight me for them." Leorio then drew his switchblade holding it in a straightforward grip preparing to back Kurapika up if need be.

There was a very long pause and the tension in the air was so thick a sword could cut through it. Finally, Hisoka just held his left hand to his face and began laughing insanely making Leorio and Kurapika gasp. Hisoka finished laughing but still held his hand to his face as he peeked through his fingers and asked "Out of curiosity, what is your number?" Kurapika just hardened his gaze and said "Four hundred and four." Hisoka then lowered his left hand while putting his playing card away with a flourish. Hisoka then placed his hands on his hips while saying "Very well. You have yourself a deal. I'll take the badge worth a single point." Kurapika then grabbed his satchel and started digging through it. He then held up the badge before placing it in a small hole on the tree next to himself while saying "I'll leave it here." Hisoka lowered his eyes and head while saying "don't look so concerned. I'll stay right here until you're out of sight." he finished while crossing his arms. Kurapika and Leorio then began to walk slowly into the forest until they were out of site. Once Kurapika and Leorio were gone Hisoka began to laugh again before saying "In a few short days, they've both grown beyond recognition. But, they have more to learn." he then began to walk towards the tree where Kurapika placed the badge and grabbed it before saying "I wonder... why must unripe fruit be so... tantalizing." He then looked at the badges number while saying "Such a pity. Not the badge I was hoping for." Hisoka then suddenly sighed while letting out an enormous amount of bloodlust making the birds flee from the trees. Up in the tree Ferev was even sweating a little at the amount of bloodlust Hisoka was exuding.

Ferev glanced down and noticed Gon was being affected by Hisoka's bloodlust as well. Gon was gasping for air and he was sweating bullets doing his best to remain calm. Ferev wished he could do something to help but if he were to move right now Hisoka would notice and attack them. Hisoka himself was just standing in the same spot his head lowered as he stared at the ground. Hisoka then groaned while saying "Oh no..." he then licked his lips and said "They had to go and get me stirred up, there's only one thing to do about it now. I have to quell it." he then moaned before hunching himself over his arms hanging loosely in front of him. Ferev and Gon then waited for Hisoka to make a move and they kept waiting until noon the next day the sun high in the sky with Hisoka not moving once from his spot. Gon and Ferev hadn't moved from their hiding spots either but they soon looked towards Hisoka as they heard him turn around and say "Well. Time to go." Hisoka then began walking in a random direction. Gon started to follow him keeping his distance and Ferev jumped down from the tree then began heading in the same direction. Ferev stayed a few yards away from both Gon and Hisoka as he moved silently across the forest ground. Ferev noticed Gon take off ahead of Hisoka so he increased his pace to keep up. Gon then started climbing a tree to get a vantage point Ferev following suit. When Ferev landed next to Gon he asked "So, what's the plan?" Gon continued to scan the area as he replied "Hisoka is going to attack the next person he sees I'm sure of it. So, I need to find his next prey and when he attacks, I'll go for his badge." Ferev nodded his head saying "Got it." then he started scanning the forest as well until Gon said "There!" while pointing in a certain direction. Ferev looked at Where Gon was pointing and saw Agon walking through a clearing before disappearing under the tree tops.

Gon then looked to where Hisoka was at while saying "I've only got about a minute or so before Hisoka spots him. I need to figure out where their paths will cross." Gon then noticed a small clearing and said "Got it!" Ferev nodded his head and then said "All right you get into position. I'll stay a few yards back just in case you need back-up." He then jumped down the tree and took off into the forest. Gon then jumped down as well heading for the clearing and to find a good hiding spot. Gon then slid to a stop at a small ledge that had bushes surrounding it. It directly overlooked the clearing where Hisoka and Agon would be. Gon then crouched down and started to wait for the two applicants to arrive. Gon had a determined look on his face before he closed his eyes and started focusing his senses. He gripped his fishing pole with two hands tense and ready to move at a moment's notice. He could hear both combatants' footsteps as they approached the clearing. Gon suddenly opened his eyes and started panting as he was getting worried about Hisoka finding him. Gon then took a calming breath and started to relax and hide his presence.

Up in a tree a few yards away Ferev watched Gon use Zetsu unconsciously again and smirked before saying "You got this Gon." Gon himself suddenly gripped his fishing pole tighter and readied it to cast as he saw Hisoka and Agon enter the clearing. As soon as Hisoka saw Agon he took off after him. Agon himself sensed Hisoka coming and let a shocked grunt before turning in Hisoka's direction while saying "Hisoka!" Agon then quickly drew his sword pointing it forward and getting into a stance while saying "Damn it. Bring it on!" Hisoka just continued to run forward as his right hand drew one of his signature playing cards. Hisoka Looked like a demented demon his eyes open wide and bloodshot with an ear to ear smile. Agon just stood in place whimpering in fear but still stood his ground. Hisoka then suddenly let out an unearthly wail and prepared to strike Agon. Gon However, reeled his fishing pole back and cast his line aiming for Hisoka's badge. Agon moved to stab Hisoka in the face but he dodged to the left and moved past Agon's guard. Gon's finishing hook then flew right between them just missing Hisoka's badge. Hisoka glanced down for moment noticing the hook before Gon suddenly reeled his fishing rod back again. The hook then grabbed Hisoka's badge as Gon reeled in the line. Hisoka chose that moment to use his playing card to slice Agon's throat and then stand a few feet behind him. Agon's body twisted as he fell down blood squirting from his neck as he died.

Gon caught Hisoka's badge once his line returned and stood there a couple seconds almost not believing he pulled it off. Hisoka just stared at Gon with a look of surprise before looking down where his badge used to be while feeling his shirt with his left hand. In the tree Ferev was hiding in he offered a small prayer for Agon before looking at Gon and thinking "What are you doing! Run Gon!" Hisoka took a small step towards Gon who then gasped before ducking into the bushes and taking off Ferev following after him through the trees.

xxLine Breakxx

Gon was running down a dirt path not believing himself on how he got Hisoka's badge. Suddenly though Gon's body went entirely stiff and he started to collapse forward. Gon landed face first into the ground dropping Hisoka's badge in the process. Gon stared with one eye open trying to figure out what was going on. Suddenly footsteps could be heard approaching Gon and then a black hand picked up Hisoka's badge while the owner of the hand said "About 7,000. Do you know what that number represents?" Gon looked up at the man who attacked him, his hair was in an afro puff style, he wore a heavy short-brimmed hat with laces that went down the center, he had on sunglasses hiding his eyes, around his neck was a white ruffled collar, he wore a light blue long-sleeve shirt, a pair of light blue puffy pants that were tucked into a pair of purple boots with pointed toes, over his shirt he wore a red sleeveless vest with yellow accents, and lastly he carried what looked like a six foot long wooden club with a hole on each end. However, before the man could speak further a bullet suddenly blew his hat off making him drop Hisoka's badge and jump back. Ferev then emerged from the forest his right revolver held out the barrel smoking. As Ferev walked forward he said "I don't care what that number means. Just back away from the kid." The man had a frown on his face as he felt the top of his head feeling some of his hair missing.

The man then growled and twirled his club while saying "Your gonna pay for that." But before he could move, he gasped and opened his mouth wide and then began to fall forward his sunglasses falling off in the process. When the man hit the ground both Gon and Ferev's eyes widened in surprise when the saw his eyes showed no life in them. Ferev tensed up because embedded in the man's back were multiple playing cards and Hisoka was walking towards them from the forest. As Hisoka approached them Ferev drew his other gun and aimed both at Hisoka while yelling "Don't move! Come any closer and I'll fire!" Hisoka just smiled before putting his hands up in surrender while saying "Now, there's no need for that. That man right there was my target." Ferev raised his eyebrow at that but still didn't lower his guns and said "That may be the case. But that's not why you killed him is it?" Hisoka continued to smile while putting his left hand on his hip while lowering his right. Hisoka then said "Your right. He decided to poison one of my new toys. So, I Killed him." Hisoka then moved towards the man's body using his foot to kick his body onto his back. Ferev continued to point his guns Hisoka never once letting him out of his sights. Hisoka then crouched down and started searching the man before he found what he was looking for. He then placed the man's badge where his used to be and threw his own badge at Gon the badge landing next to his prone form.

Hisoka then stood up with his eyes closed before saying "You can put your toys away; I'm not going to do anything to you or Gon." Ferev narrowed his eyes saying "Why? Gon took your badge and you're a psychopath how can I trust you?" But before Ferev could get an answer Hisoka's badge flew past his face and Hisoka caught it. Ferev looked back at Gon and was surprised to see him standing especially with what Hisoka just said about him being poisoned. Gon was glaring at Hisoka while he grit his teeth as he said "I don't want your badge if I can't get it on my own." Ferev looked at Gon in shock while saying "Gon..." Hisoka chose that moment to move in past Ferev's guard and round house kick him in the stomach. Ferev took the hit full force being launched through two trees and dropping his guns. Gon seeing his friend hurt yelled "Ferev!" before he summoned all his strength and went to attack Hisoka but Hisoka Punched Gon in the face launching him several feet in the air before he skidded across the ground and passed out. Hisoka then walked towards the unconscious Gon before dropping his badge next to his limp form while saying "You can give that back to me. When you can punch me in the face like that." Suddenly though Hisoka heard a voice from behind him say "I'd be happy to oblige." Then suddenly Ferev's right fist collided with Hisoka's left cheek making him slide across the dirt road while still standing. Ferev was then seen standing in front of Gon with his arm still outstretched while he was covered in dirt.

Hisoka just held his right hand to his face and began laughing insanely before saying "Yes! That's what I live for!" he then lowered his hand and looked at Ferev while licking his lips saying "I want to fight you almost as bad as I want to fight the boss." Ferev straightened his stance before asking "Boss? What the hell are you talking about?" Hisoka's eyes widened slightly at his slip before he suddenly straightened himself out then turned around and started to walk away. As Hisoka walked away he said "As much fun it would be to fight you right now, I have more important matters to attend to. But rest assured you and I will fight someday. bye-bye for now." He then continued to walk down the dirt path until he was out of sight. Ferev then reached down and picked up his guns he had dropped when Hisoka Kicked him. He then turned around and picked up Gon putting him on his back piggy back style then also grabbing Gon's fishing pole and Hisoka's badge while heading towards the forest.

Later that night Ferev had managed to find a hollowed-out tree and set up camp for him and Gon. When he had finished setting up camp Gon had woken up but didn't say anything instead he went to sit by the entrance of the tree. He hugged his arms around knees as he glared out into the forest hating how weak he had been. Ferev just looked at Gon before looking down at the ground in shame and thought "Of course he wouldn't want help. how else can he prove he has what it takes to be a Hunter." Ferev then spoke up hoping Gon would hear him "Hey Gon." Gon made no move that he was listening but Ferev continued anyway. "I'm sorry for interfering I should have known better that you wouldn't want help in that situation but I just didn't want to see you get seriously hurt." when Ferev finished there was a long pause before Gon spoke up saying "I'm not upset about that. To be honest I probably would have done the same thing. I just hate that I was unable to see that other applicant coming or that Hisoka had to give me back his badge but I swear I'm gonna find Hisoka someday and punch him right in his stupid face and then I'm going to give this back to him." Gon finished while showing Ferev Hisoka's badge. Ferev laughed and said "And I'll be cheering you on the whole time." they both then let out a hearty laugh as they then started to settle in for the night and prepare for the next day of the exam.

Zevil Island starting point Hunter Exam Fourth Phase day 6

Kurapika and Leorio were scouting around the starting point of the exam to see if Leorio's target may have shown up there. As they looked around from their hiding spot in the bushes Leorio said "Well? See anyone?" Kurapika answered with a swift "No. That is to say, no one who can be easily spotted." Leorio just growled out a "Damn it." Kurapika then made a suggestion to Leorio "Perhaps we should split up and keep looking. But first, we should choose a time and place for us to reconvene." However, before Leorio could reply Gon's voice spoke up from behind them saying "And it will go way faster with three people." Both Kurapika and Leorio turned around and saw Gon drop down from the tree behind them. But before they could speak Ferev's voice spoke up next saying "Make that four." Ferev then dropped down next to Gon in a half crouch and stayed low. Kurapika and Leorio then said at the same time "Ferev. Gon." Gon then spoke up again saying "I guess we all must have had exactly the same idea. Ferev and I have been watching from above and it looks like there are a lot of people nearby." Leorio looked at Ferev and Gon in slight awe and said "Really? From above?" Leorio then cupped his chin with his right index finger and with a puzzled look he said "Now why didn't we think of that?" Kurapika replied with his eyes closed saying "It wouldn't have worked. Without eyes as sharp as Gon's or Ferev's, we'd have never spotted anyone." Kurapika then opened his eyes and looked at Gon and Ferev saying "Gon. Ferev. Were you able to get all the badges you need?" Gon sighed disappointedly before saying "Yeah, I guess." Ferev replied with "What do you think?" he then held up both his badges before stashing them back in his coat.

Leorio after hearing Gon and Ferev had their badges too said "Oh, damn. You guys got yours, too? So I'm the only one left." Ferev just simply said "Well, Who's your target?" Leorio looked at both of them and said "Number 246, a woman named Ponzu. The only thing I really know about her is that she uses chemical weapons. Gon. Ferev. You didn't happen to see any women when you were up there, did you?" Gon simply said "I'm afraid not." Leorio then looked to the side while saying "I see." Kurapika then looked at the others before saying "All right. There are four possibilities we should consider." He then held up four fingers before continuing "She's safe and still in possession of her badge. She's alive but no longer has her badge. She's out of the competition but has held onto her badge. Or she's dead now, and doesn't have her badge." Leorio curiously asked "Do you really think it's likely that she's both out of the running and still has her badge?" Kurapika smoothly replied with "She might have gotten in some kind of accident. Or it's possible that she was defeated after hiding her badge somewhere for safe keeping." Kurapika's eyes suddenly turned serious before saying "If that's the case and she was killed after concealing her badge, her badge may never be found again." Leorio's face looked uneasy as he said "The more you talk, the worse this scenario gets."

Gon suddenly spoke up asking "Hey, do you know anything else about Ponzu? Like, does she wear some kind of special fragrance, like Mr. Satotz?" Ferev's eyes widened realizing what Gon was implying and said with a smirk "Once again Gon you're a genius." Leorio replied with a "Huh?" while Kurapika gasped and said "That's right. Gon might be able to track her by her scent." Leorio still with an uneasy look on his face said "Okay, but she might not even wear perfume, you know, what do we do then?" Ferev spoke up saying "Don't you remember what you told us about her weapon of choice? Gon can track the chemicals she uses. No matter how good you are you can't hide certain smells that chemicals create." Kurapika nodded his head at Ferev's explanation before looking at Gon and saying "Well, Gon?" Gon just had a determined look while saying "Right. I'll give it a shot. After all, it's why I'm here." the group of four then followed Gon hoping to find Ponzu quick.

The group of four traveled to multiple places on the island anywhere Gon had smelled Ponzu had been. As they were making their way through a certain part of the forest Ferev suddenly stopped and covered his eyes with his right hand before saying "Hey guys I'm suddenly feeling really nauseous I need to step away for a minute." Ferev then started to retch slightly while running towards some bushes a few feet away. The others quickly turned around and saw Ferev take off with Leorio shouting "Wait! I have some medicine for that you know!" he finished while waving his briefcase. Ferev made it to the bushes and crouched down while removing his hand from his eyes. When Ferev's hand was gone his eyes were no longer midnight blue but instead they now showed that they were bright red in color with slits for pupils. Ferev's now red eyes widened at what he was witnessing through his Nen Beast. In the forest where he had left his snake to spy on Illumi. The snake was now slithering at fast speeds across the forest floor as if it was running from something. Ferev noticed a ball point needle embedded in the snake's tail and he was about to dismiss the animal when it suddenly slithered up a tree and coiled its body ready to strike. Ferev didn't understand what his Nen Beast was doing until he saw Illumi in his Gittarackur disguise emerge from the tree line below. Ferev then said to himself "I see, thank you my friend I'll remember this." Ferev then watched in rapt attention as his Nen Beast gave him as much information as possible on Illumi and his abilities.

As soon as Illumi was right below Ferev's Reaper Snake it attacked making a bee-line for Illumi its fangs posed to strike his neck. Illumi just moved his head to side as the viper flew right by and landed on the forest floor. Illumi quickly flicked some needles from his hand at the snake which somehow managed to dodge all but one. The snake hissed in pain as it climbed another tree preparing for another strike. However, Ferev noticed that the snake seemed to be fighting itself it's loyalty to him somehow overriding whatever it was that was making it fight its own mind. The snake coiled up once again and struck aiming for Illumi's neck one more time. This time though instead of dodging Illumi simply caught the snake by its head holding its jaws shut with his thumb. Illumi stared directly into the snake's eyes while saying "Now, who do you belong to. you annoying little pest." Ferev realizing he wasn't going to learn anything else said "You've done enough. Rest now." Ferev then cut his Aura off from the snake making the snake turn into black smoke and ash in Illumi's hands. Illumi just watched the snakes remains disappear before saying "Interesting." and then walk into the forest.

Ferev stood up from the bushes his eyes now back to their midnight blue color and began walking back towards the others. As he was walking back he thought to himself "He can fire off those needles fast enough as if they were bullets and not only that it seems he is able to control whoever or whatever his needles impale. Master was right. The Zoldyck's are definitely not to be taken lightly." Ferev was broken from his thoughts when Leorio's voice suddenly said "There you are. We were starting to get worried and I was about to go see if you were ok." Ferev just rubbed the back of his head with a smile and his eyes closed as he said "Yeah, sorry about that. I guess some rations I ate that I had on me were expired." Kurapika said "I see. Well, if your better now I suggest we keep moving we only have so much time left." Ferev put his arm down then opened his eyes and with serious look on his face as he said "Right!" The group of four then continued on their quest to find Ponzu.

The sun was beginning to set when the group of four now all stood by the entrance to a large cave. Leorio was the first to speak asking as he crouched down "Is she in there, Gon?" Gon replied assuredly "Yep, no doubt about it." Kurapika then lowered himself into a half crouch while asking "What's your plan?" Leorio then placed his briefcase down while saying "I'm going in." He then looked at all three of them and said with a serious face "I want you guys to wait here." He then stood up while grabbing a long stick and began walking to the cave. When Leorio was at the entrance he began poking and prodding different places surrounding the entrance looking for traps. Leorio then threw his stick down the cave tunnel the stick echoing in the darkness. Leorio got on his hands and knees and looked closely at the ground before standing back up and signaling for the others to come over. When everyone was gathered Leorio said "There don't appear to be any traps so I'm going to head inside. Wait until I give the okay Then you three can come in." Kurapika suddenly spoke up saying "Thirty minutes." Leorio replied with a "Hmm?" Kurapika then explained "If after thirty minutes, we haven't heard from you, we're coming to find you." Leorio with a serious look said "No way." making Kurapika and Gon gasp while Ferev just raised an eyebrow. Leorio then continued saying "If you don't hear from me, you three go right back to the start."

Ferev then spoke up saying "Not happening Leorio. I don't care if I have to fight the entire Zoldyck family. your passing this exam." Leorio looked at Ferev shocked his mouth slightly open as he said "Ferev..." Kurapika then spoke up making Leorio look at him "Ferev's right. That's not an option. We have formed an alliance and I will not abandon you now." Leorio looked at all three of his new friends with a sad frown before saying while turning his back to them "Then this alliance is over. I know It's selfish, considering how much you helped me. But I've got to do this alone." Gon then spoke up with a stubborn look on his face "No way." Leorio stumbled a little at Gon's words before suddenly walking right up to Gon yelling "What did you say?" Gon replied stubbornly "We're all staying here because we want to. It's our choice, so is that a problem?" all three then looked at Leorio with Determined frowns. Leorio couldn't believe his friends were willing to risk so much just for him before he sighed and said while turning around "Fine, suit yourself." he then walked away towards the cave while throwing his briefcase at Gon who caught it while Leorio said "Hang on to that for me." he then waved at them from behind as he soon disappeared into the cave.

When thirty minutes was almost up Gon spoke up saying "He's taking too long." Ferev then suggested "Maybe he's fighting Ponzu right now." Gon just continued to stare in worry while saying "So what do you think, is he okay?" Kurapika replied with a Firm "Yes. But his thirty minutes are almost up." However, Leorio's voice suddenly echoed from the cave shouting "Kurapika, Gon, Ferev! Don't come in!" Kurapika and Gon completely ignored Leorio instantly charging into the cave. Ferev held his hand out while shouting after the two "Wait you guys! He said that for reason! Don't just charge in there!" after a few seconds he grumbled before saying "Damn it all." and then ran after Kurapika and Gon. When Ferev arrived at where Gon and Kurapika were he come across a horrifying sight. Leorio was lying face first on the ground and his entire body was covered in venomous snake bites as the corpses of the snakes surrounded him. Ferev looked around the little enclosure in the cave and noticed Bourbon the snake charmer sitting against the wall at the back of the enclosure. Bourbon wore a blue and purple robe that covered his whole body, he wore pointed shoes on his feet, on his head he wore a tan turban, he had a small mustache on his face, and lastly his eyes were black. Gon was desperately trying to suck out the poison with his mouth but Ferev just spoke up saying "Stop Gon. What you're doing is pointless, you won't get enough venom out in time." Gon just looked desperately at Ferev while yelling "Then what am I supposed to do!" Ferev walked over to Gon and crouched down and grabbed his shoulders while saying "We need anti-venom that's the only thing that will save him now. I have this small bit but it's not going to be enough." Ferev then reached into his coat and pulled out a small vial of anti-venom out. Ferev then grabbed an emergency med kit from his coat as well and pulled out a syringe. As Ferev filled the needle he said "This should keep him alive for a few hours but that's all." He then injected the anti-venom into Leorio's arm.

Kurapika then said "Let's stop the bleeding." all three of them then began tending to Leorio's wounds and once they had finished Kurapika said "That should do it." Gon then said "We still need to get him to a doctor." Kurapika and Ferev both nodded before they both each grabbed one of Leorio's arms and headed for the tunnel that lead to the entrance. Suddenly a voice spoke up from the right of the cave saying "I wouldn't advise that." all three of them turned around and gasped just now noticing the extra person in the room. Sitting on the floor of the cave and leaning against the wall was a short woman who they must assume was Ponzu. Her hair was light teal color and covered by a big round yellow hat with white flaps, she wore a long-sleeved salmon colored blouse with white cuffs, pale yellow pants, and orange flats for shoes on her feet. Ponzu continued speaking saying "You aren't getting out so easily." Kurapika asked "What do you mean by that?" Ponzu then replied in an annoyed tone "What I mean is that we're trapped. Whenever someone tries to leave this cave..." she paused as suddenly the sound of hundreds of snakes hissing came flooding into the cave. Ponzu then continued her explanation "...the snakes will attack you en masse." all three of them gasped as suddenly hundreds of snakes slithered up to the entrance to the tunnel stopping them from moving any further. Ponzu spoke again saying "It's a trap set by Bourbon, the snake charmer. If your bitten, you'll end up completely paralyzed, just like your friend here. After that, you die." Ferev and Kurapika turned around to look at Bourbon with Leorio around their shoulders. Kurapika then said "Bourbon, you're looking to collect more badges, right? We'll give you everyone we have. Just please, let us out of here." after a couple minutes with no reply Ferev shouted "Hey Asshole! Did you hear us! let us out and you can have our badges damn it!" Ponzu just looked at the ground while saying "Don't bother. You see, he's already dead." Ferev then leaned forward a little to get a better look and just as Ponzu said there was no life in Bourbon's eyes. Kurapika then spoke up saying "What? You can't be serious."

Ferev then shouted "Are you fucking kidding me! The guy who made the damn trap is dead! How does that shit happen!" Ponzu replied as if it was obvious and said "Well, I killed him. But my methods are a trade secret." Kurapika looked at Ponzu then looked at Bourbons corpse before saying "Hey, Gon. Take Leorio." he then transferred Leorio over to Gon's shoulders and began walking towards Bourbon. Ferev knew what Kurapika was doing but his eyes widened when he saw yellow eyes staring at them from cracks in the wall behind Bourbon. Ferev instantly shouted "Kurapika! No! Stay back!" Kurapika looked back at Ferev before suddenly jumping back as suddenly dozens of snakes poured from the cracks in the wall and ceiling covering Bourbons body. Kurapika looked at the snakes in frustration before Ponzu spoke up making him look at her "It's no use. I'm sorry but you won't be able to search him. The snakes are trained. And if you even try to touch him or you try to leave the cave and escape, every single one of them will attack you." Kurapika looked back at Bourbon and noticed large welts and blisters on his hands and neck. Kurapika putting two and two together said "So, you fought poison with poison." Ponzu gasped at being found out so easily before Kurapika Continued "Judging by his wounds, you must have used Neurotoxic Bees. So, it's likely that he died of anaphylactic shock." Gon looked at the two asking "Anaphylactic? What is that?"

Ferev answered Gon saying "When a bee stings a human, certain antibodies are produced in an attempt to counter the effects of the bee's venom. But if that person is stung again by the same kind of bee, they will experience an allergic reaction. An extreme allergic reaction is known as anaphylactic shock. Depending on the circumstances, it can be fatal." Ponzu just closed her eyes and said "That's what happened. You got me." Gon and Ferev set Leorio down and Gon asked "So, you killed him with bees?" Ponzu opened her eyes with a serious look and said "Bourbon was who I drew as my target. Once I confirmed he was inside the cave, I sprayed sleeping gas into the entrance then waited until it was safe to go in. When I found him, Bourbon was completely passed out. But he had already set up his traps. And unfortunately for me, there were snakes in the back of the cave, hiding in crevices. I guess the sleeping gas didn't reach them. I was able to jump out of the way just in the nick of time, so I didn't get bitten by them or anything. But that's what triggered my own defenses to activate." Ponzu then tapped her hat and everyone's eyes widened as suddenly a swarm of bees came out of Ponzu's hat. Kurapika asked surprised "that's where you keep all your bees?" As the bees flew protectively in front of Ponzu she said "If I scream, collapse, or anything like that, these little guys will attack anyone nearby. I wasn't expecting him to die, though. How could I have known he was allergic to bees? And the snakes kept me from helping him. Well not like I could've done anything." Ponzu then twirled her right index finger in a figure eight while saying "You can come back now." the swarm of bees then returned to her hat.

Once Ponzu's bees returned she said "The problem is the person who set the trap in the first place died without ever having the chance to deactivate it. And we can't exactly disarm it or ask him for help. We're trapped with no hope for escape." Leorio then grunted and moaned in pain making Gon say in concern "Leorio." Ponzu closed her eyes and said "So, it's hopeless. I gave up. We're stuck until the Exam Committee comes and saves us." Kurapika looked at her questioningly and asked "The Exam Committee? Are you saying they'll rescue us from this cave?" Ponzu looked at Kurapika as if he was stupid and said "You didn't know? Each of our numbered badges contain transmitters. The Examiners know where all the applicants are located at all times, and if someone hasn't returned by the deadline, they go out and look for them. However, if it's lost or stolen, then you're on your own." she then closed her eyes again and said "Luckily, there's only one more day left. Best to just give up for this year and wait for help." Kurapika just walked back over to Leorio saying "We can't do that. Leorio's Condition is worsening. He needs to get to a doctor." Ponzu looked at the group seriously before saying "The Examiners aren't going to budge 'till it's past the deadline. If you don't have your badge, you'll be left for dead." she then looked at Leorio saying "This is his fault, really." Ferev suddenly growled out saying "Tread lightly bitch." Ponzu was taken aback slightly by Ferev's words before placing her hands in a surrender and said "I tried to warn him. All you can do for him is what you've already done and pray that he can manage to hang on until help can arrive."

Gon suddenly stood up saying "Ferev. Kurapika. Take care of Leorio. Ferev slightly worried asked "Gon what are planning?" Gon looked at Ferev with a sure look saying "Don't worry I know he has some." He then started walking towards Bourbon. Ferev's eyes widened once he realized what Gon was about to do and yelled "Gon Don't-" he was cut off as Gon suddenly dug his arm into Bourbons robe causing dozens of snakes to coil themselves around Gon covering his whole body in snakes. Ponzu with a hand to her mouth screamed "He's out of his mind!" Gon just kept digging in Bourbons clothes despite being bitten before he suddenly yelled "Found it!" Gon held his hand up revealing a large vial of antidote and two syringes. Gon then tossed them to Ferev and Kurapika saying "Catch!" Ferev caught the Vial while Kurapika caught the syringes. They both yelled out in concern "Gon!" Gon himself was falling backwards as the snakes slithered off his body and then collapsed on the ground. When Gon hit the floor they noticed he was covered in bites and his left eye was slightly swollen. However, even in his hurt state Gon managed to say "Hurry! Give it... to Leorio!" Kurapika hurriedly grabbed a syringe and filled the needle with antidote while Ferev did the same with the other one. They both then administered the antidote to Gon and Leorio their conditions instantly improving.

When Ferev finished injecting Gon he said "You are crazy. you know that Gon? That was a 50-50 shot that the antidote would have been there." Gon just sat up and smiled at Ferev saying "But it was there. So there's nothing to worry about." he then laughed lightly. Ferev just shook his head at Gon while Ponzu spoke up with a disbelieving look saying "I don't believe it. He jumped into a nest of snakes looking for an antidote he wasn't sure was there!" Kurapika then spoke making her look at him as he said "True, but the odds were in his favor. If you poison someone, you can't bargain unless you have the antidote." Ponzu replied with "Yeah, but it was still pretty risky." Ferev then spoke up saying "Yeah, but he's got more courage than the three of us that's for sure." Ferev then looked at Leorio and said to the group "He's stabilizing. He should be all right now." Ponzu closed her eyes with a smile and said "You must be really good friends." Gon eyes suddenly widened and sat in front of Ponzu asking "Hey! Do you have any of your sleeping gas left over?" Ponzu looked at Gon questioningly before replying "I do." Gon then dug in his pocket and pulled out Bourbons badge while saying "Will you trade it for this?" Ponzu gasped in shock as she cried out "That's Bourbon's badge!" she then moved so she was sitting in the seiza position. Gon lowered the badge and looked at her with a smile saying "And if you had it, it would give you the six points you need."

Ponzu replied with her hands on her knees saying "Yeah. That's right. But, uh... What are you planning to do with it? The sleeping gas?" Gon simply replied with "Use it! We'll put all the snakes to sleep, then we can escape." Ponzu looked at Gon seriously while saying "Releasing it in here would be much more effective than when I used it at the entrance. Within five minutes, the cave will fill with gas, knocking all the snakes out cold. That's five whole minutes! Which is way longer than anyone can hold their breath! I mean, what's the point in trying if we're just going to be asleep anyway?" Ferev and Gon then stood and started stretching with Gon saying "Nine minutes and forty-four seconds" Ponzu looked at Gon asking "What?" Gon replied with a smile saying "My record for holding my breath. Nine minutes and forty-four seconds. You can count on me. I'll get you out of here." Ferev then spoke saying "Ten minutes exactly for me personally." Ponzu looked at both of them as if they were nuts before saying cautiously "Why should I trust you? You're just gonna leave me here and escape by yourself." Ferev then crouched down in front her and looked at her with a serious gaze which made her flinch slightly. He then said "After everything you've seen about this kid. You'd actually think he would leave you here to be trapped?" Gon spoke up again making her look at him as he said "Trust me. I'll get you out. I promise I will." Ponzu stared at Gon for a few seconds before sighing in acceptance with a smile.

A couple minutes later Ponzu set up her sleeping gas canister saying "It's ready to go." Ferev then said "Wait for our signal then release the gas." Gon and Ferev then prepared to hold breaths. Once Ferev and Gon took a deep breath they gave Ponzu a thumbs up signaling her to release the gas. Ponzu nodded her head before turning the dial on her canister filling the room with gas. Ponzu and Kurapika tried to hold their breath but failed and instantly passed out. As the snakes started falling around them passed out Gon and Ferev started counting in their heads "199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205..." Back at the entrance to the cave the sun had set and the moon was out. All that could be seen inside the cave was darkness until two figures started making their way to the entrance/exit. Once they reached the moon light the figures were revealed to be Gon and Ferev. Ferev was carrying both Kurapika and Leorio on each of his shoulders while Gon was carrying Ponzu bridal style. As soon as they left the cave both Gon and Ferev let out a much-needed breath before Gon yelled "All Right!" Gon and Ferev laid both Kurapika and Leorio down on the grass. Ferev checked on Leorio making sure he was ok while Gon set Ponzu against a tree and dug through her bag before finding what he was looking for and saying "Well I'll leave Bourbon's badge here with you. So, the committee will find you." He then held up her badge saying "Yours goes to Leorio. That way, he'll have his six points and he can pass. Consider it a small fee for saving you. Sorry about that." He closed his eyes and stuck his tongue out at her. Ferev just laughed at Gon before saying "Come on Gon. Help me carry these guys to a safe place to hide till the end of the exam." Gon nodded his head grabbing Leorio's arm and started to carry him while Ferev carried Kurapika. As they walked into the forest they began to talk about their group's accomplishment and what the next phase may entail.

xxLine Breakxx

The next morning Khara's voice could be heard throughout the island saying "Phase Four of the Hunter Exam is now officially over! All remaining applicants, please return to the starting point at once! You will be given one additional hour to make your way back. If you still haven't returned by the time that hour is up, you will fail the Exam. Furthermore, exchanging badges at the starting point is prohibited. Any attempt to do so will result in immediate disqualification." Once most of the applicants were back at the starting point Khara spoke up again saying "Now we will check the badges of everyone present here. Number 44, Mr. Hisoka." Hisoka held up four badges in hand showing his proof of passing. Khara continued down her list of applicants saying "Number 53, Mr. Pokkle." Pokkle also held up four badges with gritted teeth as Khara continued with each applicant either holding two or four badges in their hands "Number 99, Mr. Killua. Number 301, Mr. Gittarackur. Number 191, Mr. Bodoro. Number 294, Mr. Hanzo. So only six applicants have passed? Oh wait!" she was soon surprised because suddenly Ferev, Leorio, Kurapika, and Gon walked up to the starting point holding up their badges. Khara spoke up again saying "Four more! You're certainly cutting it close, aren't you? Now the last four! They are... Number 62, Mr. Ferev. Number 404, Mr. Kurapika. Number 403, Mr. Leorio. And Number 405 Mr. Gon. So, these ten applicants have passed the Fourth Phase of the Exam!" Khara then raised her hand towards the sky making everyone look up now noticing Netero's airship in the sky. Soon the airship landed and the remaining applicants were asked to board while a clean-up crew of sorts left the ship and went to scout the island for applicants and corpses. Once Gon and the others boarded they went to stand by a window and watched as they took off in the air towards the final Phase of the Exam.