Shadow Puppet Chapter 2, a hunter x hunter fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own Hunter x Hunter, all I own are my OCs and original ideas

Chapter 2

"The First Phase"

This must be an all time low for me. Even when I was first learning the ways of assassination, I was never discovered so quickly. Granted, this was something I hadn't planned on happening... events beyond my control... no... that's not quite right. I could have easily remained hidden, but I chose to interfere... I have no one to blame but myself...

Killua's blue eyes were stretched wide open, mouth agape, shock written plainly on his face. Illumi would scold him for the emotional display, but Illuru found it to be a relief. The mask of an assassin had not consumed him completely yet, as it had with her and Illumi. Killua, at least, could express himself freely when he wished... just as he was now.

"Illuru?!"

Unlike her younger brother, Illuru's face remained perfectly blank, despite the regret and worry currently swimming in her chest. Her plan, when entering the Exam, was to keep her presence unknown to Killua, to let him have this time to himself without knowing that his siblings were there with him, watching his every move. Yet here they were, only one Phase completed, and that plan had already fallen through.

"Killua."

"Wait! You two know each other?!"

Sighing internally and berating herself silently, she turned to the boy that had started it all. Gon's large brown eyes darted between her and Killua, practically bursting at the seams with curiosity. She was aware of Kurapika and Leorio also staring in surprise and of Hisoka chuckling quietly from a few yards away, but she ignored them all, keeping her dark eyes fixed on the young boy.

All of this... because you're already important to Killua... and he's important to me...

A Few Hours Earlier

The sounds of heavy footsteps and even heavier breathing echoed throughout the dimly lit tunnel and became background noise for Illuru. Two hours had passed since the First Phase began, and the Examiner, Satotz, showed no signs of stopping or slowing down. Several people had already collapsed, the simple endurance test proving too much for their bodies to handle, and became mere obstacles for the rest of the Examinees to maneuver around.

Illuru hopped lightly over one such individual and continued on. She had settled in the back of the group, careful to stay out of Killua's sight while keeping her own eye on him. Her feet carried her swiftly and soundlessly, and her breathing was as calm and even than if she were on a stroll- a stark difference to everyone around her. Those at the back seemed to be struggling the most, and many more would give up by the time the Exam was over.

Number four hundred and three, Leorio, looked as if he would soon be one of those people. His breaths were labored, his feet slowing and dragging with every step he took. Exhaustion and defeat were etched on his face, irritation joining in when a certain white haired boy rolled by leisurely on his skateboard.

A vein ticked on his forehead. "Hey! Wait up, kid!"

"Hm?" Killua didn't even turn around, just shifted his eyes to the side.

The lack of attention seemed to irk Leorio even more. "How about you show a little respect for the Exam!"

At that, Killua finally looked fully at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, quit using a damn skateboard. That's cheating!" he yelled, pointing a finger accusingly at it.

It's actually not, Illuru thought idly. Satotz never said that we couldn't use items to help us along, and Killua just so happens to have one that fits perfectly for this Phase. It would be foolish not to use it. Better to save your stamina for something more important than this anyhow.

"How's that?" Killua questioned, bringing her attention back to the conversation.

"How? This is an endurance test, that's how!"

"No, it's not!"

"Huh?" Killua and Leorio turned in unison to face number four hundred and five. Gon was jogging behind them easily, his innocent eyes blinking at them.

"What are you babbling about now, Gon?" Leorio snapped.

"The examiner guy only said we had to follow him," he explained.

Leorio's face scrunched up in frustration. "Hey, whose side are you on anyway?!"

From her place behind them, Illuru watched, intrigued, as Killua slowed to fall beside Gon, staring at him curiously.

"Hey, how old are you?"

"Twelve years old," Gon answered.

Killua blinked, his interest finally peaked, and kicked his skateboard into the air before catching it and tucking it under his arm.

"I think I'll run for a little while," he announced nonchalantly.

While the two introduced themselves, Illuru tilted her head slightly to the side and blinked slowly as she watched them. She had never seen her brother interact with anyone the way he was with Gon. The ease with which he talked with him, the amusement she could see gleaming in his eyes and the childlike enjoyment on his face... he was running along and chatting with Gon as if they had known each other for years, and it was... odd... she knew Killua. Knew his mannerisms and the way he thought and acted. He had a tendency to almost 'claim' people as his, though that had only ever happened with family, with her and their younger brother. But looking at him now...

She cocked her head a bit more.

They only just met, and yet... he already considers Gon as one of his people... I don't understand... how did he... is it because he's never met someone his age before? No... it runs deeper than that... so why...?

She shook her head softly and finally tore her eyes away from them. There was clearly something she was missing, something that Killua understood that she didn't, but she wasn't going to waste her time trying to figure it out. He had made a connection with someone outside of their family. That was all that mattered.

She was aware of Leorio falling further behind, his will to continue giving out, and of Gon and Killua stopping as well, but she kept moving. The boys would catch up without any trouble, so she picked up her pace until she was in the middle of the group. She could see Illumi and Hisoka running a few paces ahead of her and slowed, keeping the distance between them. She didn't feel like dealing with Hisoka's taunts and teasing and didn't need him bringing any attention onto her either or even knowing she was there for that matter. Whenever she was around the magician, he would spend the majority of the time trying to coax her into fighting him. It was always with that light, jesting tone of his, making it unclear how serious he was about it. And she wasn't entirely sure why he wanted to fight her in the first place. On the few occasions that she helped Illumi and Hisoka with some sort of job, it was always for gathering information. He had never seen her in combat and had never felt the presence of her Nen. There was no reason for him to be so intrigued by her, yet he was.

It's possible that Illumi has said something to him, something to make him think I'm worthy of fighting him, she mused as the smooth ground beneath her feet morphed into stairs. Up ahead, Satotz's strides lengthened, and she adjusted to the faster pace with ease. Or perhaps it's simple curiosity. By never seeing me fight or feeling my aura, he has no way to gauge my power, and the mystery of it interests him.

Her thoughts were disrupted by loud, heavy puffs of air coming from a few steps behind her. Two voices drifted toward her ears, and she recognized them as Gon's companions, Leorio and Kurapika. Clearly, the young boy had somehow convinced Leorio to try and complete the Phase. She paid no mind to them until three words snagged her attention.

"The Scarlet Eyes."

Though her features never changed, her focus shifted to the blond that had spoken.

"Huh?"

"That's why the Kurta Clan was targeted," Kurapika explained, his voice serious, and she could detect the anger in it, though he hid it well. "Scarlet Eyes are a special trait possessed only by the Kurta. When our emotions are heightened, the color of our eyes will change, taking on a shade of scarlet. In that state, the color of our eyes is considered one of the seven most beautiful colors in the world, and they command a hefty price on the black market."

"So, that's why the Phantom Troupe attacked you? Your eyes?" Leorio asked.

"They plucked the eyes from each of my brethren's corpses," Kurapika said. "Not a single one escaped desecration."

A lone Kurta survivor... How did you manage to evade the Troupe I wonder...

"Even now, I can hear them, the anguished screams of their darkened eyes," he continued. "I swear on my life that I will capture the Phantom Troupe. Once I do, I'll avenge my clan by taking back their eyes."

Illuru hummed softly to herself. Capture the Phantom Troupe... that's an ambitious goal. Each one of them is a highly skilled Nen user and fighter. They're feared for a reason. Her eyes slanted to the side, locking onto the determined face of Kurapika as he spoke with Leorio. He has potential, that much is clear. Those calm eyes miss nothing, and his passion for vengeance will make him stronger. He's no fool running after the Troupe on a whim. He's had time to think this through and form a plan and is taking the steps necessary to see it through. Depending on what Nen ability he develops and how powerful he is with it... the spider might just lose a leg or two...

Her gaze remained on his form for a moment longer before looking ahead once more.

How interesting.

"See you at the finish line!"

Gon's bright voice echoed throughout the tunnel, and she watched as he and Killua sprinted past Leorio and Kurapika and disappeared into the crowd ahead, the sound of their laughter bouncing along the walls behind them.

Have I ever seen him so... carefree... before...?

She didn't bother to keep pace with them, choosing instead to stay where she was. Illumi wouldn't make a move, not until the end of the Exam, and Hisoka didn't appear to be too interested in him. Killua would be fine for now.

Only a few more minutes passed before light broke into the tunnel.

"The finish line!"

Cheers and sighs of relief could be heard from all around, and everyone moved toward the opening of the tunnel with renewed energy.

Illuru stepped outside and took a deep breath, the fresh air cleansing her lungs of the stale air from the tunnel. Most everyone was collapsed on the ground, gasping and wheezing, trying desperately to calm their breathing. Exhaustion lined many of their faces, and they seemed completely unaware of the world around them.

Illuru, on the other hand, was only breathing slightly heavier than usual and was taking in the area with careful eyes. Her eyes passed over Killua sitting on the ground next to Gon and moved toward the foggy stretch of land behind Satotz. Her senses were on high alert, already recognizing that danger lay ahead.

"The Milsy Wetlands, also known as Swindler's Swamp."

Everyone's eyes turned to Satotz as he spoke.

"We must cross it to reach Phase Two of the Exam. This place is home to a variety of truly bizarre animals, many of which are crafty, voracious creatures who deceive and feast on human prey. So please, be very careful. If you're deceived, you'll surely die."

Unease rippled through the crowd, and they jumped when something creaked behind them. A metal door fell to the ground, effectively cutting off anyone hoping of still reaching the end of the tunnel.

"These wetland creatures are not to be underestimated," Satotz continued, uncaring of the sudden anxiety stirring on the Examinees' faces. "For they will use every trick in the book to fool their prey. This is an ecosystem in which all creatures hunt by the art of deception. And that is why it's also known as Swindler's Swamp." He turned around, arms crossed. "Now then, please follow me closely so you won't be deceived."

No sooner were the words out of his mouth when a voice called from behind them.

"Don't fall for it!"

From her place at the edge of the crowd, Illuru watched as a man appeared around the corner of the tunnel entrance looking hurt and tired.

"Don't let them fool you!" he shouted.

She sighed quietly and closed her eyes, tuning out the rest of what he had to say. It was clear to her what was really happening, and she was, once again, mildly disappointed by the lack of competition among the Examinees.

Aside from just a small handful, they all believe this man's story so easily... did they hear nothing of what Satotz just said about deceitful creatures?

A small amount of bloodlust trickled into the air, and Illuru opened her eyes to see three cards embed themselves into the man's chest, cutting him off midsentence. Another three were sent toward Satotz at the same time, who caught them with ease.

A chuckle broke the shocked silence.

"I see, I see," Hisoka drawled while shuffling his playing cards lazily. "That settles it then. So you are the real one. The Examiners are Hunters. Each is hand picked by the Exam Committee to do this job without pay. Anyone who holds the title we're vying for ourselves could have deflected that attack. And quite easily, I might add."

"I shall take that as a compliment. Thank you," Satotz said passively. "Still, should you choose to attack me again, for any reason, I will have no choice but to report you for attacking an Examiner and have you immediately disqualified." His face hardened. "Is that clear?"

"Of course," Hisoka smirked.

"So, he was a man-faced ape," Kurapika muttered.

Hearing him, Satotz said, "He was trying to confuse the applicants and lure some of you away. These attempts are to be expected. Please be aware that you will encounter such deceptions on a regular basis. I must assume that a number of you were fooled into suspecting my true identity... Understand, I want to make it abundantly clear that if any of you are to lose sight of me once we enter the fog of the Milsy Wetlands, you have no hope whatsoever of reaching the Second Phase of the Exam. You've been warned. Now, let's begin. Please follow me."

Satotz took off once more with his long, fast strides, and the Examinees hurried to stay close to him, more afraid now than ever of falling behind.

Illuru found herself once more in the middle of the crowd. This time, however, she stayed even closer to Killua, while still keeping her presence unknown. The tension was thick in the air, everyone on edge and willing to do anything it took to not get lost.

Hisoka was running a few yards to her left, and warning bells went off in her head as she felt the air around him thicken to the point that she knew it was not the creatures of the swamp that they should be concerned about.

"Gon." She heard Killua say quietly.

"Yeah?"

"Let's try to move up to the front."

"Right," Gon answered. "The last thing we want to do is lose sight of the Examiner right now."

"I just want to put a little more distance between Hisoka and us," Killua said. "Staying too close is dangerous. I can smell it."

Pride raced though her veins at his words.

He also recognizes who the real threat is here. His senses are as sharp as ever.

...

Minutes later, Illuru was considering taking back her words.

She was currently trailing behind a large, green frog-like creature that had just swallowed Killua and Gon. She had sensed its presence right away and had waited for her brother to notice it as well. Instead, she had stood there and watched as both boys walked right into its open, waiting mouth. As the creature trudged away, she considered killing it and allowing them to escape, but quickly dismissed the thought.

It's his own fault for not paying attention to his surroundings. He can try to get out on his own now.

She followed silently for several minutes before the creature stumbled to a halt, turned blue in the face, and promptly threw up the contents of its stomach. It paused to catch its breath and continued on its way, not seeing the two boys sitting amongst the vomit.

Gon chuckled uncertainly. "I guess he must not have liked the way we tasted, huh?"

"It was this stuff," Killua explained, pulling out a can of the drink that Tonpa gave him.

"Oh, the drink Tonpa had. I guess that's what saved us."

He dropped the empty can carelessly. "Yeah, probably so. But I could have escaped without it."

Gon didn't even seem to hear what he said, too busy scanning the area around them.

"I'm still pretty worried about Leorio and Kurapika," he admitted.

"Forget about them," Killua said, standing up. "We need to keep moving. We can still make it if we start right now."

With that, he took off running once more, and Gon started after him.

Meanwhile, Illuru stayed where she was, hidden among the trees, and watched as Gon then hesitated and stopped. He threw a concerned glance over his shoulder and, without a word to his companion, ran in the opposite direction, quickly disappearing into the dense fog.

Only then did Illuru continue after Killua, who had yet to notice that Gon was no longer with him. They didn't run for long before footsteps and voices could be heard.

Killua stopped and smiled happily. "We caught up with the main group, Gon. Look." He turned around and blinked. "That's weird. He was right here a minute ago."

He paused, looking back and forth between the group running ahead and where Gon should have been. His brows pinched together, and his lips tugged into a frown.

He wavered a moment longer before sighing harshly and making his way toward the group.

"You better make it to Second Phase, idiot."

Illuru's eyes trailed after Killua, her feet refusing to move.

I should be following him, she thought as he moved farther and farther out of sight before the fog swallowed him and the others completely. So why aren't I?

Killua's face drifted into her mind, and she looked down thoughtfully.

Was he... worried... about Gon? Would he be upset... if Gon didn't make it? This is supposed to be a good experience for him. Should I... maybe I should check to see if Gon is alright... and to make sure he completes this Phase... for Killua.

Sighing softly, she turned around and started running in the direction that she had last seen Gon, and it wasn't long before she understood what had happened.

Hisoka's murderous aura filled the air, and the sounds of someone struggling to fight could be heard. She paused behind a tree and took in the sight before her calmly.

Gon was jumping around, swinging his fishing pole through the air, frantically trying to keep Hisoka at bay. But the man maneuvered around it with the utmost ease, slowly closing the distance between them.

Leorio was sprawled on the grass to her left, unconscious. Movement on the opposite side of the clearing caught her eye, and she turned to see Kurapika stop at the treeline breathlessly. Gray eyes took in the situation, and she saw the realization enter them.

He figured out what was happening and knew that there was no way to come out of this unscathed. Not when facing Hisoka.

Judging by Gon's nature, Illuru was sure that the only reason he was fighting Hisoka right now was to defend Leorio, but why Leorio had been here in the first place, she didn't know.

Gon's yells cut off abruptly as Hisoka's hand snaked forward and gripped his throat tightly. The magician lifted him effortlessly and smiled as Gon struggled.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Kurapika start forward, his face contorted with worry.

Hisoka's smile stretched into a grin, bloodlust flooding the air.

Her body moved before her mind could tell it not to, regret for her decision already rushing through her.

I shouldn't be doing this, she thought as she pulled a dagger from her belt. This is no concern of mine.

But.

Killua's face flashed through her mind once more.

He would be upset... She cocked her arm back and took aim. If something happened to Gon...

She hurled the dagger at Hisoka's wrist with the practiced ease of having done so her whole life.

I don't want to see him upset anymore.

Fear shot through Kurapika like a spear.

He had known, the moment they ran from Hisoka, that Leorio was just foolish and stubborn enough to go back and try to finish the fight even though he knew full well that he didn't stand a chance.

Kurapika had doubled back immediately at the thought, only to find the situation so much worse than he anticipated. Leorio was knocked out cold, and Gon was trying his hardest to fend off the magician. How Gon knew to find them here was beyond him, but that didn't matter. Not when Hisoka snatched him up like a doll and began crushing his throat.

He took a step forward, panic filling him, and was reaching to pull out his two bokken when blood sprayed across Gon's face.

He inhaled sharply, watching with wide eyes as Hisoka's arm jerked back. Gon fell to the ground with a thud, gasping for air.

What- What just happened?

Metal glinted, and that was when he saw the dagger protruding from Hisoka's wrist. Blood streamed down his hand, standing out starkly against the pale skin, and his golden eyes narrowed dangerously.

Kurapika was frozen. The murderous intent coming from Hisoka was like nothing he had felt before, and he knew he needed to get Gon and Leorio to safety. But he couldn't move. He could only blink in shock when someone appeared in front of Hisoka and threw a roundhouse kick at his stomach.

And Hisoka flew.

Kurapika's mouth dropped open, sweat dripping down his face, as Hisoka crashed into a tree, breaking the trunk and sending the tree toppling over. Dust billowed around him, hiding him from view.

"Huh?!"

He whipped his head around to see Gon staring up at the black clad, hooded figure in complete shock, a feeling that Kurapika seconded. He hadn't even seen the dagger until it had already hit Hisoka, and the person had seemed to appear out of thin air. And to land a hit on Hisoka... and one that strong...

Is this an Examinee? I haven't seen them throughout this entire Phase.

A card whipped through air without warning, and the figure jumped to the side only to find another one already flying at their face. They leaned back, the card catching the edge of their hood and ripping it off.

Kurapika made a noise of surprise.

The figure was a young woman, somewhere around his age, maybe even a bit older. Pin straight black hair fell to her chin, and wispy, side swept bangs hung above her right eye. Her skin was an even paler shade than Hisoka's, almost translucent, making the black of her clothes and hair stand out harshly. A form-fitting long sleeve black shirt and smooth black fingerless gloves covered her upper half, the wide hood attached to the shirt now hanging limply down her back. A belt carrying various sized daggers was slung around her waist, holding up a pair of soft, black cotton pants that were loose around her upper legs and clung tightly to her calves and ankles. She wore a pair of black bandage boots, the material wrapping tightly around her lower legs.

But it was her eyes that caught his attention.

Fathomless black eyes were locked onto the spot where Hisoka had landed. They were empty, her face devoid of any and all emotion.

Kurapika blinked, wondering how it was possible for someone to have no expression whatsoever.

She just went up against Hisoka... and there's no fear, no anger, no intensity... nothing.

Another blink, and Hisoka was in front of her, his hand a blur. The woman vanished, dodging the punch, and reappeared behind him, elbow flying toward his face. Hisoka ducked, hair swaying from the force of the throw, and swept a leg out, but she was already gone.

His predatory eyes scanned the area and stopped when they fell upon the woman standing several feet away. He stood, pupils dilated as excitement thrummed in his veins.

"You fight just as I expected you would... exquisitely," Hisoka breathed. His left hand spasmed, and he clenched it into a fist, golden orbs fixed on the woman with such intensity it made chills run down Kurapika's spine.

"I wasn't informed that you would be competing in the Hunter Exam this year as well," Hisoka commented, placing a hand on his hip.

"You had no reason to be."

Her voice was so soft that Kurapika almost didn't catch the words.

How is that possible? he thought, forehead creasing. The way she speaks and acts... it's as if she's not even human. There's no emotion, no expression, nothing to suggest that she's feeling anything at all.

He looked to where Gon was still sitting and saw that the young boy was just as entranced by what was happening as he was.

Hisoka chuckled. "I'm actually rather glad that I didn't know. The surprise makes it so much more exciting."

The words were barely out of his mouth when the woman's arm lifted to shield her face, a card gripped between her fingers. Her face never shifted from its blank expression as she brought her hand down and flicked the card to the ground.

"That's enough, Hisoka," she said quietly. "I have no desire to fight you."

But the magician didn't seem to hear her. His eyes gleamed, and he braced his legs, ready to pounce.

Kurapika saw the woman let out a low breath, and his eyes narrowed.

Is she... annoyed? Or... exasperated? With Hisoka?

He wasn't sure if it was an actual show of emotion or if he was reading too much into it. But either way, he quickly tossed the thought out of his head and prepared himself. At the exact moment that Hisoka attacked, Kurapika ran from his spot at the treeline and skidded to a stop next to Gon, who was watching the fight with wide, awe filled eyes. He grasped Gon's arm, ready to drag him away to safety when he happened to glance to the side. His jaw went slack, and he found himself unable to move.

It was like a dance. An intense, deadly dance..

That was the kind of grace and elegance with which they fought. Every move looked planned, every attack had an answer. And to be so smooth and fluid while moving at that speed. Even sitting so close to them, it was almost a complete blur, and his eyes struggled to focus on them. But when they did, he noticed that Hisoka had yet to land a hit on the woman. Not that she had done so either, but only because she choosing not to. The woman hadn't even attempted to strike him. Every move, every step, was dedicated wholly to defense. She evaded the magician with an ease that he didn't think could be possible. And yet, despite what he would have thought, Hisoka wasn't deterred; in fact, it excited him even more. Every punch, every kick, every card was thrown with increasing strength and fervor, the grin on his face stretching wider and wider. Meanwhile, the woman's poker face remained perfectly intact, her large, empty eyes never leaving Hisoka's form.

It was mesmerizing... and it stopped him from seeing the stray cards streaming through the air right toward him and Gon. He felt Gon flinch, taking notice of the cards as well, and Kurapika raised his bokken in front of them, hoping to block at least one of them. But the impact never came. The glint of a dagger shown briefly before piercing the cards and imbedding itself in a tree trunk to their left.

He sucked in a deep breath, heart thumping painfully in his chest.

"Woah! That was incredible!" Gon exclaimed.

I didn't even see her throw it, he thought dazedly.

A noise broke through the air, making Kurapika and Gon jump slightly, and Hisoka and the woman come to an abrupt halt, dust rising beneath their feet. He watched in confusion as Hisoka pulled out a walkie-talkie.

"Hisoka, you should get back here," a stilted voice said. "We've almost reached the sight of the Second Phase."

Hisoka sighed deeply, the tension in his body melting away, and lifted the device to his mouth. "Okay, be right there."

He looked back to the woman standing several feet away from him and sighed again. "It appears this will have to wait... how unfortunate... I was having so much fun..." He turned around, facing them, and Kurapika's hand tightened on Gon's arm as Hisoka's predatory gaze passed over him and fell on Gon. "Don't worry; I didn't kill your friend. He's going to be just fine. And that's because he passed." His lips curled into something reminiscent of a smile. "And you pass as well. Now go and become a good Hunter."

With that, he strolled over to Leorio and tossed his limp body over his shoulder, causing them to tense. He looked over his shoulder. "Can you find your own way back?"

Gon nodded silently.

"Good boy."

Hisoka started to walk away but stopped suddenly and turned a mocking apologetic look to the woman who had been standing quietly this whole time.

"Oh! I do hope we can continue our fight in the future and that you will actually put in your full effort next time..." He began walking once more and had nearly disappeared into the fog when he called back, "And good luck in the rest of the Exam... Illuru."

"Illuru?" Gon mumbled. "Is that her name?"

Kurapika felt the tension leave his body and let out a long breath. "I would assume so." He got back to his feet, pulling Gon up with him. The moment he was standing, the young boy broke free of his hold and darted toward the woman.

"Gon!"

"That was amazing!" Gon praised, coming to a stop in front of the woman- Illuru- who blinked down at him. "You dodged all of his attacks and made it look so easy! And you showed up right in time too!" He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Thanks for that, by the way. I don't know what would have happened if you weren't here."

"He wouldn't have killed you."

Her voice broke in softly, the utter lifelessness of it startling Kurapika once more as he moved next to Gon.

"Huh?"

Her dark eyes locked onto Gon's.

"Hisoka," she elaborated. "If he wanted to kill you, he would have. I imagine once he saw you try to fight him was when he decided you passed his 'test' and decided not to kill you."

Gon sweatdropped. "Yeah... I don't quite understand what he meant by that..."

She considered him for a moment before answering. "You're an investment to him. Hisoka's only desire in life is find powerful opponents and fight them. He saw the potential in you and decided to spare your life in the hope that you will one day become strong enough to be a challenge to him."

Gon's eyes lit up with understanding.

"You seem to know Hisoka well," Kurapika said neutrally.

Those depthless black eyes finally turned to him, and chills skittered down his spine.

It isn't natural, he thought uneasily, this level of apathy.

"I've run into him on a few occasions," she said. "It doesn't take long to understand how he thinks." Her gaze slid from his to the direction where Hisoka went. "We should get moving."

Gon started. "Ah! You're right! If we don't hurry, we won't make it in time. Just follow me, I can get us to them! Leorio wears a unique cologne, so I can track his scent."

Kurapika blinked in surprise while Illuru remained unfazed.

"Okay."

Minutes later, they were running along a dirt path with Gon in the lead. Kurapika stayed a few paces behind him, watching carefully as Gon conversed happily with Illuru. He was doing most of the talking, Illuru interjecting at times, telling her about Whale Island and why he wanted to become a Hunter.

Kurapika listened mindlessly, more busy trying to figure out what it was about the woman that put him on edge. He knew her personality had a bit to do with it but not much. It was odd, of course, to meet someone that appeared to not have any emotions, but there were plenty of strange personalities in this Exam. And the fact that she had gone out of her way to protect Gon spoke to her character.

So what was it that was bugging him?

A fallen tree lay in the middle of the path, and they all hopped over it, stray twigs crunching underneath their feet. Something clicked in his head, and he closed his eyes, focusing his attention on the sounds around him. Footsteps echoed in his ears.

That's it, he thought, opening his eyes. There are footsteps belonging to only two people, not three. He looked toward the ground in front of him. Her feet are touching the ground, but they're not making a sound. Actually, besides her voice occasionally, there are no sounds coming from her at all.

And that was what had put him on edge. Her footsteps, her breathing, her clothes rustling against each other... he could hear none of it.

If it wasn't for the fact that I could see her right in front of me, I wouldn't even know she was here.

No wonder he hadn't noticed her during the entirety of the Exam so far. He looked away and frowned thoughtfully.

Just who is she?

Illuru was both relieved and disappointed to reach the sight of the Second Phase. Relieved because it meant an end to Gon's endless babbling and questions, and disappointed because she knew what was about to happen- and it was all Hisoka's fault.

And good luck in the rest of the Exam... Illuru.

The magician had known exactly what he was doing by saying her name. After taking his attention from Gon, she had planned on leaving before any questions could be asked and go back to being unseen and unknown. But by saying her name for them to hear, and by letting them see her face, Hisoka had effectively ruined all of her plans. Because even if she had still left the way she intended, there was no doubt in her mind that Gon would end up telling Killua all about what happened. And the second Killua heard her name, it would all be over. Better to face him now and get it over with.

But even as she thought that, her stomach turned uneasily.

How will he react? He'll be shocked, of course... angry?

Their small group slowed to a walk as Satotz and the other Examinees came into view. Gon and Kurapika immediately began looking for Leorio and gasped when they saw him sitting up against a tree with a large lump on his cheek and a dazed look in his eyes. They moved toward him quickly, and she followed them slowly, dread and resignation filling her when a familiar shock of white hair appeared beside Gon.

"Gon!"

"Killua!"

"I was starting to think you weren't gonna make it here," Killua remarked. "Or that you didn't make it at all."

Gon smiled. "I just followed the trail of Leorio's cologne."

"You tracked his scent? That's how?" Killua looked dumbfounded for a moment and sweatdropped lightly. "Man, Gon! You really are weird, aren't you?" He rolled his eyes and looked away from Gon, his eyes passing over her before doing a double-take.

She sighed quietly, dark eyes watching as he comprehended that she was actually there.

"Illuru?!"

"Killua."

"Wait! You two know each other?!"

All of this... because you're already important to Killua... and he's important to me...

"Yes," she said simply.

As Gon became more confused, Killua snapped out of his shock.

"She's my older sister."

It was Gon's turn to be surprised. "Seriously?!"

She turned back to Killua to find him frowning up at her, brows creased.

"You've been here the whole time?" he questioned.

She nodded, and his frown deepened, something like fear crossing his face.

"You're here to bring me back home, aren't you?"

"Hm?" She blinked and tilted her head slightly. "I didn't stop you when you left... why would I do that just to bring you back now?"

His face flushed faintly as he realized how silly it sounded. "But... Then why are you here?"

"To make sure you don't get into too much trouble." Not a lie, just not the whole truth.

Hope sparked to life in his eyes, making them light up just as they had when he left home, and her heart constricted at the sight.

"Really?"

Nodding slightly, she said, "If you're okay with it."

A grin spread across his face. "Why wouldn't I be? It'll be just like the old days!" He crossed his arms haughtily. "Not that I need your protection though; I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

She didn't let her immense relief show and instead hummed softly, "Of course you are."

Her face never changed, but she knew from the light roll of his eyes that Killua had heard the teasing in her words. He opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by Satotz.

"Excellent work, everyone! The Second Phase will take place here, in the Visca Forest Park. So I shall now take my leave. I wish you all the very best of luck."

And just like that, the Second Phase was underway.

Author's Note

Do an exercise every time Illuru 'hums' or 'sighs'... you'll be fit in no time!

HUGE thank you to those of you who have left a review! I'm so glad that you're enjoying the story so far!

Next chapter will be the Second Phase and at least part of the Third Phase as well. But now that Killua knows that Illuru is there, she has no reason to hide from them... how do you think she'll fit in with the core four? ^.^

Don't be afraid to follow or favorite this story if you enjoy it, and reviews are always much appreciated! They seriously make my day!

Until next time:)

~Dreamer