A/N: Hello everyone and sorry this took such a long time. But I decided to write this one up. I think it was the time to wrap up this story arc. What do you think? ;)

I noticed I have a few new subscriptions and such. Thank you very much. :D

But now to the story!

Chapter 8
Orange: Parting the ways

The Orientation was boring to say the least. Sora spent the majority of it by staring idly out of the window from her seat on the back row. She twirled her brand new Hunter License in her fingers. Gon wasn't there yet. But he was most likely awake. Kurapika and Leorio seemed to be ready to make their complaint about Killua being manipulated. But Sora spoke first.

"What is Bodoro-san's condition?" She asked, not turning her gaze away from the windows and rudely interrupting Beans. The secretary blinked a couple of times before glancing at Netero. No one spoke. The girl turned her head slightly and shifted her gaze on the examiners on the front of the room.

"I asked: 'What is Bodoro-san's condition?'." Her voice lacked any emotion and in a way it was more frightening than one full of rage. She flipped her License in the air and caught it again in the similar manner than Hisoka could've handled his cards. Maybe it was due the likeness of use between her knives and his cards that made her play with the License…

"Bodoro is still in a hospital in a critical condition. The immediate danger has passed though." Netero replied calmly.

"Good." Sora stated and turned back to staring out of the window. It was now Kurapika and Leorio's turn to speak.

The door on the back of the room slammed open. Gon walked into the room. His hand was in a sling and he wasn't wearing his green jacket. When people saw him, no one said anything. The boy walked the stairs of the seat rows down and stood right next to Illumi who ignored him. The boy was angry. No, he was beyond furious.

"Apologize to Killua!" The kid demanded. This got the assassin's attention.

"Apologize? For what?"

"You don't know what you did wrong?"¨

"Nope."

"You don't have the right to be his brother."

"Must I earn the right to be his brother?

That, if possible, angered Gon even more. The boy grabbed Illumi's arm and swung him up in the air. Everyone just stared in surprise. The long-haired man landed softly behind the boy and the staring contest began.

"He doesn't need to earn the right to be my friend!" Gon squeezed the assassin's forearm with about all of his strength, gaining even a slight reaction from the man. "Don't bother apologizing. Just take me to see Killua."

"What will you do then?" Illumi questioned.

"That should be obvious… I'm gonna rescue Killua!"

"You make it sound as though I kidnapped him. He walked away on his own."

"But it wasn't by choice. He was manipulated by you people. It's the same thing as kidnapping him!"

"We happened to be discussing this very subject, Gon." Netero stepped in. "Kurapika and Leorio have both lodged committee has been discussing the fairness of Killua's disqualification…"

Kurapika got up from his seat. "Killua had been behaving in strange manner during and since his battle with the man who called himself Gittarackur. I believe that he was hypnotized into committing a murder which Sora-san managed to intercept. I understand that under normal circumstances it would be impossible to use hypnosis to induce a person to kill… However, as Killua was raised in a family of assassins, murder was a part of his life, so it's natural that he would lack the ethical restraint of most!"

"I want to mention that the attack happened during the match between Bodoro and me. It's possible that he was trying to help me." Leorio added from his place from the row behind the Kurta's. "Given that, the one who should be disqualified is me."

"In any case…" Kurapika continued. "Killua was not in control of his own actions thus he should not have been disqualified."

"That is mere speculation." Netero sighed, turning around and returning to his place. "There is no proof. There were no clear signs of manipulation. In fact, I would question the claim that he was hypnotized. I agree that the incident occurred after the battle between Leorio and Bodoro had begun. At that point, both fighters were evenly matched. Bodoro had more experience but in terms of raw combat ability, Leorio was the stronger. There was no need for Killua's interfere."

"True, but that's beside the point. If Killua was indeed hypnotized, the order might've as well been to kill anyone of us. His subconscious just picked the appropriate target." Sora spoke up. There were people who he saw clearly to be better and stronger than him, people he shouldn't go after, like Hisoka, Hanzo or me and naturally Illumi too. Then there were people who he saw at least somehow as acquaintances, meaning Kurapika and Leorio. Plus Gon who he wouldn't hurt in any circumstances. By this process, it left only Pokkle and Bodoro as targets. Since Bodoro was clearly badly injured from his fight with Hisoka it left him an impression of him being easily disposed.

"About the manipulation itself… Any proper Hunter with eyes in their heads could've seen what happened. After all it's a known fact that some people are capable of manipulating things or even other people. And it's also known that things that one has a strong emotional bond to are easier to control. So it isn't exactly farfetched to think that Killua was indeed manipulated." Sora finished. People were staring. Some because they understood and were either confused or afraid, some because they didn't understand a word. Either way the silence was… so thick one could practically touch it.

"I probably should read less books…" The girl muttered and averted her eyes from all of them, returning to her gazing out-of-the-window. She hoped that last statement would ease the suspicions of her knowledge. After all she wasn't supposed to know about Nen(probably) and even less about the extent of Illumi's abilities. After that Pokkle was the first one to speak again, pointing out the strangeness of Kurapika's fight. Other applicants put their input too until Gon interrupted once again.

"None of that matters!" The boy shouted. "It's pointless to argue over whether someone should have passed. If you aren't happy about passing, keep working until you're satisfied. If Killua retakes the Hunter Exam, he'll definitely pass! It's unfortunate that he failed this time but it is what it is." He squeezed Illumi's arm again. "What does matter… if you've been forcing Killua to kill, against his will, all this time, I'll make you pay!"

"Make me pay?" The assassin questioned. "What exactly will you do?"

"I won't do anything. Only, once I rescue Killua, I'll never let you see him again!"

At that Illumi reached out with his free hand to touch and maybe also manipulate Gon too. But the boy jumped away, out of his reach.

"Ahem." Netero coughed. "Is everyone finished?" Meddling old man… "Gon is absolutely correct. You must decide for yourselves if you were worthy of passing. You may complain about the results all you like, but we will not be changing our minds. Killua has been disqualified. And the rest of you have passed the exam."

Then it was Beans turn to explain all the stuff the Hunter License could do. Sora tuned out at that. She would just make sure she had enough money and showed around her card and she'd be just fine…

And Netero announced the eight of them officially as the new Hunters. That's it. End of story. Time to write the next chapter…

Sora shrugged on her bag and secured the staff on her back. She also had two pouches on her waist where she had her knives. She made her way to outside where the remaining trio were talking about the Kukuroo Mountain. The blonde approached them.

"Ah, Sora-san." Gon greeted her with his familiar smile plastered on his face.

"Gon-kun." She acknowledged with a nod. "Good to see you up and about."

"Yeah. I heard about your match. It sounded incredible."

"Is that so? Thank you."

"Are you leaving now?" Kurapika asked.

"I am. I need to take a better look on my own abilities and probably find a good teacher…" The girl muttered. She couldn't say too much as the trio wasn't supposed to know about Nen yet. "Not to mention money…"

"Why would you need a teacher?" Leorio frowned. "I saw your match. You were brilliant. So why…?"

Sora chuckled. "Alright. I'll tell you two. Gon-kun and Killua already know but the thing is… I have amnesia. Memory loss is probably a better term but in any case I don't remember anything prior Hunter Exam. I hurt my head and up until now I've recovered some things via flashbacks but they are too far for me to get a good grasp on my past. Which also means that I don't know the real extent of my abilities either and I've worked on via muscle memory and instincts…"

"Oh…" The two were quiet. Apparently this was something they hadn't expected.

"So now I'll need to find a trustworthy teacher to help me so I can get on to work as an Information Hunter."

"How about your family?" Trust Kurapika to ask that question.

"Well… I have an older brother. But my parents are dead. Mother died due some illness and father… Something happened to him too. Right now there's a group of people as good as a family but they don't know. I don't want them to worry. Especially when I don't remember them. It's a bit contradictory, don't you think?" Sora grinned.

"Well, good luck then." The Kurta smiled. The to-be-doctor nodded and the porcupine kid gave the girl a hug. "Let's stay in contact."

"Sure."

"I was surprised to see that you are such a good friend with them… But considering the circumstances I understand now..." The voice spoke. Sora froze in mid-step. She'd been walking under the archways when passing one of the pillars when she'd been notified about the presence of a second person. She straightened her back and glanced sideways at the person leaning against the stone structure.

"For some reason I'm not surprised at all to know that you know something." She stated coldly.

"Memory loss… It does explain a lot. I was skeptical at first when I looked at you. You knew things, you recognized things… but you didn't identify their connections to you. In the middle of the first Phase was a brilliant example. You knew once again what would happen, I've heard about your 'sixth sense' but at the same time you didn't realize where your place in it was. And I did notice the way you looked at me afterwards. It was confusion, instead of fear."

"Is that so…" Sora muttered quietly. "What do you want then… Hisoka?"

"Nothing." The clown took a step away from the pillar and closer to the girl. She refused to budge an inch. She refused to show how terrified she actually was. "Nothing yet…" A hand was placed on her injured shoulder. Sora still didn't move.

"Then why approach me?"

"With you like this… Things will certainly be interesting." A finger trailed down the bandage. "I just wonder if you have noticed it yourself yet…"

Sora didn't like this at all. Not at all… She took a step, ready to turn around and face the creepy magician, but the hand on her shoulder prevented her from moving. The nails were dangerously close to her neck…

"It's a pity that I'm not allowed to fight you… But there's one rule above 'your family's' coin flipping… And that's 'No one hurts Sora'." The last sentence was whispered ominously to her ear. That sentence made her freeze completely. Not only that rule but also the term… coin flipping.

"No… No, no, no… It can't be true. It's impossible. He must be lying. Just to mess up with my head…"

"Don't worry. I won't tell them about your predicament. It'll be less fun like that. But I trust to see you soon." And with that the hand was away, the presence was away… Sora spun around to see empty archway. Hisoka was gone. And while he hadn't exactly threatened her…

The girl dashed out of the hotel. She needed to get away from the creep as soon as possible. But the things he implied…

"No. It's impossible. He knew I'd react like this. He is a compulsive liar. He doesn't actually know anything…" Sora kept muttering while she ran. "He knows nothing!"

But who was she trying to fool? Only herself. But… Sora stopped to catch her breath. Apparently she was still capable of physical strain occasionally. God only knew what that Troll-Guide was thinking… If even they.

Sora made her way to the high way leading to the airport. It was jammed. Well, had a traffic jam. It was already late evening. The setting sun was dying the sky beautiful burning orange. It was marking the beginning and the ending. The true beginning of Sara's – Sora's – new life. And the end of her previous one. It was time for her to leave behind what she had had and accept what she had now before her.

"Whatever it is… I'm sure I'll be just fine. I'll just be me and live this new life of mine." Sierra chuckled. "Mother, I'm smiling…" She began running the ledge next to the high way down towards the airport. "I'm smiling…

It was some random flight away from the city. Sora didn't pay attention when she bought the ticket. She only wanted out and rest properly. And probably find out where are possibly the rest of her belongings… she possibly couldn't only have one bag of stuff. But at the moment it didn't matter.

Sora leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes slowly. She could as well sleep now. The flight would take several hours after all.

Sora had left York Shin behind some hours ago. She looked down at the scenery so, so small and smiled. It was always equally exiting to travel with an airship. But this time… This time she was alone. All the previous times she'd been with her brother. Or someone else from their 'family'. But she wasn't worried or felt lonely. Actually, she was even more excited. Sora knew it might be odd in some people's eyes that she was already eighteen and this was the first time she travelled alone but she also knew that there were people who'd never travel alone. Those spoiled rich prats flanked by servants and bodyguards. Those bastards who'd never needed to do anything themselves. Sora resented them. They were pitiful. They knew no real pain and acted like even the smallest spot in their 'perfect' world was a worth of a natural disaster. And then they caused everyone else misery just so they could feel better.

"But… while they don't know real pain, they don't know real happiness either…" The blonde mused, still gazing lazily outside.

The glass was filled with clear water and a small leaf was floating on the surface. Sora sat down on the forest floor and placed her hands either side of the glass.

"Alright. Whenever you are ready, use Ren." A quite young female voice told opposite her. Sora's gaze shifted for a moment on the dark pink dress before focusing on the glass and its contents.

"Yes, Krueger-san…"

Biscuit laughed. "I've told you to call me Bisky."

"I know." Sora smiled before closing her eyes and focusing on everything the younger-than-she-looks woman had taught her this far. Power pulsed through her and the girl opened her eyes. The leaf had begun to move. First slowly around its own axis but then faster and faster, sinking to the water and disappearing. Sora raised her hands of the glass in surprise. "Wha-…?"

"Congratulations, Sora-chan. You are a Specialist." Biscuit told the girl with a smile. "And what it seems, your abilities should lean heavily towards manipulation."

"My brother is a manipulator." Sora stated thoughtfully.

"In some cases the Nen types run in the family." The golden-haired young woman stood up and dusted her dress. "I'll leave you here to think what you would like to do with your Nen. In cases like Specialist the guidelines are always quite vague but I'm sure you can come up with something. I rather not affect your decision."

"Alright. Thanks… Bisky-san."

She trained hard under Biscuit's teachings. She was a fast according to the woman. A polished Aquamarine. Sora didn't know what to make of those gemstone references… After all it had been such an accident that the two of them had met.

But months and months had passed with Sora perfecting her techniques and practicing the advanced techniques. For her luck she was in good shape since when needed, Biscuit could be truly ruthless teacher. It all paid off though. Sora became stronger. She enjoyed it. Being capable of taking care of herself and others if the need was ever to be.

And thus it was time for her and Biscuit to depart and continue their own ways. Sora was confident though that they'd meet again. The woman was good company. Maybe a bit full of herself sometimes but good person anyways. And that's what mattered to Sora. Being a good person. She was a good one. Biscuit was a good one. And as long as Sora was concerned, her family was full of good people too. Sure they had their squabbles and did dubious and illegal things in the eyes of the rest of the world but… they cared for each other, they were family. They joked, they argued, they shared secrets, kept secrets… but most of all… they stuck together no matter what.

For Sora's relief, Biscuit had never questioned her past but she supposed that in the world of Hunters' there were a lot of people who rather not talked about things that used to be. Who knew… maybe some people tried to become Hunters to forget everything bad that had happened to them previously.

"So… Specialist…" Sora muttered once she'd woken up. "This makes things a lot easier."

Since she apparently had trained under Biscuit quite properly prior the Hunter Exam, she felt more confident that before. After all her muscle memory had brought her this far. Now she knew what she was looking for so it should be easier to recover it all.

"I think I have quite a good idea what I made my talent to be." A small smile graced her lips as she recalled the result of her water divination and some of the mangas she'd read back in her world, especially the one of ridiculous and brilliant pirates and one Surgeon of Death.

A/N: Ta-da! Kudos to everyone who can figure out Sora's Hatsu. I kinda hinted it but it was quite obscure... Oh who got the reference in the chapter title? HP or DW fans anywhere?

As you can see, Sora won't be part of the Zoldyck estate arc. Personally I found it tedious one... And I don't really see how she could benefit of the training at all.

And Hisoka was being creep once again. I really want to get away from him. And he quite balantly hinted who Sora is/was. Let's see how that'll turn out then...

Replies to Reviews:

-basecannon:
Oh yes... that'll be a bit tricky. I have plans but mostly she'll try to remain at least somewhat neutral. But she wants answers so...

-witch of blood:
Thank you very much!

-DreameroftheRealm:
Yeah. I think there's no use of denying it anymore... And of course he is the shorty! :D

-Guest:
Thank you. Glad to hear that.

-shugokage:
Thank you. Here's the next chapter. I hope you like this one.

-ryu akai:
Update is here!
I don't know how much I'll actually write up what pairing since romance isn't my forte but this far SoraxKurapika seems the most likely. Although I do like her interractions with Leorio too... Never mind...