Notes:
I have no self-control. So, here's the next chapter.
Thank you for the reviews, MissLingerie!
As promised, here are Hisoka and Killua. :)
Zaban City is actually a pretty dope place.
I didn't leave my place very often, back in my old life, but when I did, what was there to see? Suburban housing? Maybe a McDonalds? Here in Zaban City, there's a little something of everything that we're walking by. Pretty gems and jewels, painted pottery, and I think I've spotted some shrunken heads, although I can't be entirely sure.
And it's in a glass case that I see my reflection for the very first time.
I sort of could tell what I looked like from the creation menu as well as what I could observe by myself. Slender-ish, long pink hair, short stature, and so on. But catching a glimpse of me in the reflective glass, I don't even recognize myself.
It takes a second to even realize that that is, in fact, me. Or at least, it's Portabella Mushroom, who is apparently me now. I look like the messy result of shoving both Machi and Bisky in a blender and then pouring that into the mold of a pre-teen fashion model. That doesn't really make sense as a description, but that's what I'm seeing in my reflection, and it's jarring to look at.
What the hell was I thinking when I designed me?
I want to keep staring at myself (maybe I am a bit self-absorbed?) but the kiriko navigator is keeping us moving at a steady pace and I have to hurry to rejoin the group. Gon is just as intrigued by things around us as I am, popping off every few seconds to look at a new stall.
"What do you think you're doing, Gon, Bella?" Leorio calls us. I startle at my name and drop the fruit that I was slapping (I wanted to know how it sounded) and the two of us scurry back. Gon looks over and smiles at me, and the pure expression on his face is almost too much for me to handle.
"Here we are. I'm pretty sure that's the building." We're at an open plaza, and the navigator's checking things over with his paper. Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika all look up and eagerly examine the tall, shiny building in front of us.
And of course, their hopes are dashed as we're pushed into the tiny little restaurant next to it. But smells delicious inside and my stomach rumbles, because geez, when's the last time I ate? I do still have those Choco-Robots in my pockets, but I was saving those for my top-secret plan. And I can't eat the tampons, since cotton doesn't taste that great.
We make our way into a back room of the restaurant, a small room with a circular table and some chairs.
"Only one in ten thousand." says our navigator. He's quite dramatic, I'll give him that. "You're very lucky. That's how many ever make it this far. Nice job. You did great for first-timers."
"Thanks for your help!" Gon, ever the adorable child, extends his hand to shake. The surprised navigator shakes back, and he's lowkey good-looking so I have to remind myself that he's actually a transformed kiriko and I'm supposed to be a thirteen year old girl.
"I hope that next year, I can help you again." Then he exits, leaving us four in this little room. The floor rumbles, and like an elevator, we're moving up.
At the table, there are only three chairs, which is a bit awkward for me, so I opt out of sitting and simply stand in the space between Leorio and Kurapika's seats after assuring them it's fine. I still feel hella out of place though, awkwardly leaning over the circular table rim to try and stay included in the conversation.
They're discussing something which I won't relay in full since, um, that's a lot of words and typing, but the gist is something about how becoming a Hunter is a pretty desired occupation. I do also really like it when Leorio calls Gon, "My little friend!" because that's pretty darn cute if you ask me.
"Being a Hunter means making more money than anyone in the world!" Leorio exclaims, standing up for emphasis.
"Wrong!" Kurapika cuts in, also standing up. "People become Hunters to join the world's most noble profession!"
"Shut up, goody-goody!"
"Selfish money grubber!"
The fight's actually pretty charming to watch, but there's one problem, and that's me. I'm dead center between the two, and their faces are leaning so close to mine that I think smoke is shooting out of my ears as I attempt to work my brain. Gon looks a little confused, staring at the two squabblers.
"Hey, Bella! Listen up! And Gon, you too!" I'm surprised as Leorio grabs me by the shoulder, and ohmygod Leorio's touching my shoulder. This is not a drill, he's touching my shoulder. "There's a list of the hundred richest people every year and every single year, there are over fifty Hunters who make the list. That's over half."
His face is so damn close to mine that I'm looking directly into his eyes and I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't do anything because he's right there. RIGHT THERE.
Suddenly Leorio is yanked away from me as Kurapika pulls on the spinning wheel on the table. Leorio's spare hand was holding on to this so he whips back, and I don't know if I should feel thankful or not.
"There are some Hunters, sad to say, who seek treasure and wild game." Kurapika's addressing Gon directly, but I get the feeling he's saying it for my benefit, too. "But they're second rate. True Hunters work tirelessly to maintain order in society as well as in nature!"
"Oh, screw that!" Leorio again, and now he's facing Gon so I can quell my beating heart. But when Kurapika spins the table again, Leorio comes crashing next to me, and TOO CLOSE TOO CLOSE! I can smell his cologne and everything.
As they continue to argue, Leorio and Kurapika are facing off, and it really is just like the fics. This group has been together for, what, a day? And I can already sense the chemistry between the three. If I'm included in there somewhere, I don't know- but the bond that I'm witnessing is one that I have the strong urge to protect.
If I can have my way, Leorio and Kurapika aren't going anywhere.
The elevator dings when Kurapika and Leorio are about to pressure Gon into picking a side, and I'm the first one out. And if I thought my first meeting with these three was surreal, standing here in the Exam venue is a whole 'nother experience.
The room is so jam-packed with colors and people and strange smells that I can't even begin to unpack what's going on. I'm stupidly excited, knowing that I'm standing in the same room as Hisoka, Killua, and even Illumi, albeit the latter is in disguise. Hanzo, Pokkle, Ponzu, even Tonpa, they're all here. I want to run right into the crowd, to immediately pick out the characters I know and love, and it takes every ounce of strength I have to keep my feet rooted in place. First things first, first things first.
"Is it me or is the mood here pretty grim?" Leorio walks forward, briefcase slung on his shoulder.
"We saw plenty of other applicants in the city, but these guys are different." Kurapika says.
No kidding, Kurapika.
I finally let my eyes roam free, catching sight first of Illumi- or Gittarackur, as he's known here. I do my best to avoid eye contact but I'm also wistfully envisioning Illumi's stunning, flawless long hair.
The next one I pick out is Pokkle. Then it's bee-girl Ponzu, the only other female from me that I can identify. Still, no sight of Killua, and no sign of Hisoka, which makes me uneasy.
"'Scuse me!" Gon is fearless and walks forward, but his greeting is met only with intimidating glares.
"Hello!" Someone's addressing us, and I pretty much jump out of my skin, because oh my god, it's Beans.
All things considered, I've been handling things here pretty well. Reincarnating into my favorite anime franchise? Just peachy. Stormy ship and a near-death? A-okay. Extremely good-looking males in my vicinity? Only a few heart palpitations.
I thought I was prepared. Then I saw BEANS.
Go ahead, google Beans right now, and then imagine seeing that in real life. This man's head is bright green, shiny, and shaped like a giant bean. Everything about this man looks impossible, and yet he's right here in front of me. I'm sorry, Togashi, but why have you never explained any of this? What even is Beans?
He still looks rather spiffy, though.
He hands us our number badges, and mine turns out to be 406. But the entire time I'm just staring at him, because my brain is simply refusing to understand what the hell I'm looking at. It's like a giant jelly bean, or something. I don't mean to be someone who judges others based on looks, but…
Sorry, Beans. I love ya, man. You had to put up with Ging in the Election arc, so you deserve my utmost respect.
I attach my number plate to my blouse and continue my visual search in the crowd. Please, clown-man, please, where are you? Or soft fluffy assassin boy? Hello? Anyone?
"Don't think I've seen you four before!" My hunt is interrupted by someone I instantly recognize.
"Tonpa!" I can't even stop the words from jumping out of my mouth. In a weird way, I'm really, really excited to meet him. He's sitting up above, on piping or something, with his classic blue shirt and belly, looking iconic as always.
"Do you know me, little girl?" Tonpa asks, still keeping on a friendly facade and smile.
"Umm…" Leorio, Kurapika, and Gon are looking at me with interest and I don't know how to respond. "Um, yeah! You're Tonpa! Tonpa the…"
Should I say it? 'Rookie-Crusher?' Will this change the narrative too much? I'm tongue-tied, and Tonpa grunts as he jumps down from his perch to amble over to us.
"I'm a little famous around here. It's my thirty-fifth attempt, so I can tell you guys are rookies." He says.
I can't believe I'm right in front of THE Tonpa.
He goes on, explaining as he does, and I'm all the while trying to figure out if I should say what I know about him or not. Obviously I'm not going to drink his juice, no matter how hungry I am, but is it really okay for me to out him so early?
But Tonpa doesn't wait for me to speak, he's already re-introducing himself to Gon.
"I'm Gon! This is Kurapika and this is Leorio, and that's Portabella! But we call her Bella." Gon says brightly and gestures to each respective person. I wave awkwardly at my name and die a little inside. "You sure have taken this Exam a lot."
Gon asks another question, and Tonpa points out a few people, but I'm still keeping my eyes trained at the heads in the crowd. Come on, where is he…
That's when I see him.
It's only from the back, and I can only just about make out his pinkish hair that seems to defy gravitational laws. But his attire distinguishes him clearly from those around him and I feel every emotion possible rush through me when I see the heart and diamond shapes on the back of his outfit.
I'm frozen in place. He's right there. Right there. Hisoka, Hisoka Morrow, the hot clown, whatever you want to call him. I can see him. With my eyes. And-
There's a scream, and flower petals are floating down. I'm horrified as I watch a kneeling man's arms disintegrate. Everyone's got their eyes on him, similar expressions to mine all over the crowd.
Well, I can't help but let my eyes slide away from the man and towards his attacker, who's finally facing in our direction. And-
"Oh, shit."
I'm not one to swear, as you'll probably have noticed. It's a habit I'd picked up from the workplace as well as from the frequent babysitting of my young cousins throughout high school. But laying eyes on Hisoka for the first time, and I felt like he was worth it.
Because oh, shit. That's Hisoka.
Do I even need to describe his face? Perhaps I'll try and relay what it's like to be in his presence, instead. For starters, I feel like I want to run over to him, but at the same time every nerve in my body is telling me to bolt away. Danger signals are going off in my brain, but the less logical side can't help but want to go closer, to inspect him from up-close, to verify his authenticity. I'm feeling both disgusted by his very existence as well as helplessly attracted to, um, everything else.
This is the man who I died listening to. And I'm getting the feeling that might happen again, if I'm not careful.
"How magical." Oh shit, he's speaking, and just his voice is making me tremble. "His arms dissipated into petals just like that. And I didn't touch him. Just be careful. You must apologize if you run into someone."
Well no shit, Hisoka.
A murmur goes over the crowd. I'm still trying to reorganize my thoughts, which are racing even faster than my heartbeat.
"It's that dangerous guy again." Tonpa says, he of all people being the one to bring my thoughts back to earth.
"You know that guy?" Gon asks, a little confused. Poor Gon- now that I've seen Hisoka in person I'm feeling the incredible desire to protect this cute little boy from what's to come.
"So, does that mean he tried last year?" Kurapika asks.
"Number 44, Hisoka, the magician." Tonpa says, his bushy eyebrows furrowing. "No doubt he was eligible last year, until he almost killed an examiner he didn't approve of."
"Then what the hell is he doing here?!" Leorio shouts. "They're letting him retake the Exam after something like that?"
That's right- Hisoka is a murderer. It's even harder to look at him when I'm reminded of this fact. Perhaps for the first time since I've been reincarnated here… I'm completely and utterly scared.
I get lost in thought again as Tonpa continues his dramatic monologue. I try and keep from staring at Hisoka, but my eyes are inevitably drawn back to the fierce yet graceful man who walks off in confidence.
Oh, and side note, his waist is absolutely snatched. The devil works hard, but Bungee Gum works harder.
"Tonpa!" I say loudly, more to get my mind off the clown than anything. "Don't you have some juice for us?"
Tonpa blinks at me and narrows his eyes, and I glare back. Hit me with your best shot, Tonpa-man.
"A toast to friendship." Tonpa says, digging into his side satchel, where he produces four orange cans. "Whaddya say?"
"Hey, thanks! Yeah, don't mind if I do!" Leorio is the first to grab a drink, and I'm the last.
"Here's to new friends and good fortune." Tonpa raises a can and we all clink cans together with a "Cheers!"
The others pop open their cans. I lift the tab with my thumb and make my decision instantly.
Splash.
Tonpa's standing there, juice running down from his hair and his shirt. And he looks pissed.
Because I've just poured the entire can of juice all over him.
I was aiming for the mouth- a taste of his own medicine, literally. In the process I ended up getting his face and all over the front of his shirt, but I'm still satisfied.
Screw you, Tonpa.
"Oops, I must've spilled. Tee-hee!" I say innocently, setting down the now-empty can on the floor. Then I crush it with the sole of my combat boot.
"What the hell, Bella!" Leorio says.
Tonpa looks real mad though, and now I'm starting to feel a little scared, but I'm already in too deep so I continue on.
"I just thought it would be unfair for him to waste his lovely laxatives on poor little me, since I haven't eaten anything at all!" I say, but my voice isn't nearly as confident as before.
Behind me, Gon spits out his juice.
"Mr. Tonpa, Bella might be right. This juice tastes funny." He says, his cute little face in a sheepish expression. Leorio spews the juice from his mouth, and Kurapika delicately pours his on the ground in a steady stream.
I look back at the juice-drenched Tonpa, waiting for his reaction, but he doesn't say anything. Actually, the look on his face is closer to that of pure fear, and it's directed straight at me. Then I notice he has a hand clamped over his mouth, and I think I understand.
He actually drank some of it?
I want to laugh so badly, but I almost feel bad for Tonpa, who scuttles off with his other hand held protectively over his rotund stomach. If his laxative is really that bad, then even a small amount ingested will ruin him for the next few days.
Maybe I am a little evil myself.
"Woah, Bella." Leorio says, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "How did you know the juice was messed up?"
Kurapika and Gon are looking at me expectantly, and I have no clue how to respond.
"Uhh, it was... Gon!" I point at the green boy, who looks confused. "His face was a little off when he took a sip, so I, um, figured it out from there!"
The explanation doesn't really make sense, but Gon seems to accept it.
"I've tried all kinds of plants and grasses on the mountain back home!" He says eagerly. "So, I can usually taste when something's bad. But wow, Bella! You figured it out so fast!"
I try to chuckle a little bit, but I can tell that Leorio and Kurapika aren't fully accepting my answer, so I pretend I don't see the looks on their faces.
The four of us assimilate a little more into the crowd, and I keep on the lookout for some fluffy white hair, but there's none that I can see.
There's an odd sound of a bell ringing and the wall at the front of the room rumbles and lifts up. All of the attention is focused up front, to one man with a very excellent mustache- it's Satotz, the guy with no mouth, just stache! I jump up and down on my toes, trying to figure out how he's able to talk.
"I apologize for the delay." Satotz says, his mustache wobbling around as he speaks. "Thank you for waiting. The entry period for Hunter applicants is officially closed. So, without further ado, the Hunter Exam will now begin!"
I double-check my shoelaces as Satotz goes on about the dangers of the exam. I'm not looking forward to running at all- I don't know how long I'll really be able to last. But I've got a small plan in mind, and it involves the Choco-Robots I have stashed away in my pockets.
There's a sound of a door opening, and I watch in surprise as Tonpa creaks open the door we entered by and shuffles out. He looks in pain, like really in pain, and I feel both pity and accomplishment as I watch him leave.
"All 404 applicants will now participate in Phase One." Satotz says. And then he starts moving. His form is so odd and strange to look at that I almost forget I need to walk, too.
The walking soon turns into running, and I'm hating every single second of it. If I thought the walk up to the cedar tree was bad, this is a hundred times worse. Within a few minutes, I'm already out of breath and lagging a bit behind.
"Keep running, pal! I'm right behind ya!" Leorio says. I know he's directing it towards Satotz, but even just hearing the words from him motivates me to keep running.
And two hours later, I'm literally about to die.
I'm huffing. Puffing. It takes every last ounce of my strength to stay close to the trio, and even so, I'm moving at a terribly uneven pace. I'm also pretty sure my face is redder than a tomato, and my breaths are raspy and short. I don't think I can keep this up any longer. No, I'm positive that I can't keep this up.
People have dropped out already, lying on the floor in exhaustion, and I am so close to joining them. The only thing keeping me going is the knowledge that soon I'll get to see Killua. Every step is an enormous effort, but with Killua in mind, I could probably accomplish anything.
Leorio's also starting to look fatigued. Compared to the others, we're both a mess, although I am more so.
And then Killua rolls by.
Tears leak out of my eyes when I see him, and it's like my brain is blocking out everything else.
I thought Gon was cute.
But Killua is something else.
Killua is the absolute most precious thing I've ever seen in my entire existence. I cannot fathom his snowy hair, his pale skin, his cat-like blue eyes, and his fresh fit. It takes monumental self-control not to launch myself at him and hug him until he can't breathe.
Gon runs up to us, and I get to see the moment myself. The moment that Gon and Killua look at each other for the first time, the moment that Killua says, "Hey, how old are you?" and Gon replies back "I'm twelve."
I get to see Killua's adorable face when he hears this, and watch him kick off from the skateboard. I get to hear him say, "I think I'll run for a little while."
"I'm Killua."
"I'm Gon!"
I think, if I get killed right now, I'll have died happy.