Day 2: James

6 PM - Two people still on my ass. Have to keep moving.

7 PM - Scouting the island. People still shadowing me. It's a nightmare. This island is huge. They aren't letting me rest. Zetsu and my training aren't good enough. They're better than me at hunting. They're being evasive. Run the moment I try to go after them. Damn it. It's getting dark. Have to-

Nearly hit by an arrow. Stop thinking. Move.

8 PM - Almost hit by an arrow. Pelted by rocks.

9 PM - Found shelter. Two logs on a rock. Surrounded by logs. Cliff's face serves as a wall to my back. River in front. River forces my pursuers to make noise if they want to attack at night. This works.

Midnight- I haven't heard anything for a while. Still feel them. Moving around.

1 AM - Can't sleep. Keep seeing Kyu's dead face. Wide-eyed. Staring at nothing.

2 AM - What if that was me? Would Mayer, Briannaisa, and everyone else remember me? Does anyone even remember James Hartford back home?

3 AM - Kyu was just a guy trying to be a Hunter... damnit...

4 AM - Rocks and the threat of arrows. They're taking turns. Can't sleep. Even if I could...

Now

It was dawn. I was exhausted.

These two applicants... Even Zetsu and staying quiet did nothing. They hunted me using nothing but basic hunting techniques, but their basics were polished to perfection...

These two bastards, bitches, or a combination of the two were relentless. They had me on edge all night. One was Pokkle for sure. The other I had no clue. They seemed to have made a truce or something because they harassed me in shifts. I didn't get any sleep... and they kept at it all night. I only realized they had formed some sort of alliance when the attacks kept changing. They probably wanted to split my two badges between them.

Pokkle didn't shoot often, but he quickly realized my Killing Intent was saving my ass and took advantage of it. He kept psyching me out, shocking my body with sudden bouts of anxiety and dread. The other person harassed me with rocks thrown at baseball pitcher speeds towards my head.

It was a nightmare. The morning couldn't have come any slower.

The stone-throwing reminded me of those goddamn ice monkeys. So I guess it was Sommy, the Monkey Master. That, or maybe Ponzu since it seemed Pokkle had the hots for her. Why do I even notice pointless shit like that? Fuck my life...

I'm in a horrible mood.

My upper back, shoulders, and were in pain from all the attempts to peg my skull. My upper body was tender and bruised. I only transitioned to Ten once all night. When I did, I was getting hit with pinpoint accurate shots to my body. So I had to stay in Zetsu to make sure he didn't beat me senseless. Apparently even normal-ish people can sense Aura subconsciously, to some extent.

Throughout the pitch-black night, I'd feel Killing Intent then a terrifying wind-like wooshing sound. Sorta like 'Fhowmp'. Then I'd cover myself with my arms or dive for cover.

I debated about finding a cave, or something more enclosed as shelter. But I couldn't with these two on my ass. They'd probably smoke me out or something. So I did my best to stay perfectly still behind cover.

I almost regret my choice of going out on my own for this exam. Until I realized that, if the five of us stayed together, it would have been five on twenty-one. Since I was awake all night, I could easily imagine what would have happened. Hisoka would have happened, that's it...

I rubbed my tired eyes as I huddled behind the savior that was this log. It had knicks and dents all over it from the rock assault. The warm sun and the sound of birds chirping all around me felt like mockery. The jeering, yet beautiful sun peered through the canopy. It had to be six or seven in the morning. Right now there was only one person around my cliff face camp that I could sense. I'm positive it was Pokkle since I haven't had a rock thrown at me for an hour.

Actually...

That's odd. They should both be around. This would be a perfect time for them to coordinate. Unless either Pokkle or whoever else secretly knew Zetsu. I doubt that.

I peered over the log like Kilroy...

I could only feel one person vaguely in the branches. Up to my right. Did Sommy or Ponzu leave? Did Pokkle? Or did one of them get caught by another Hunter candidate? Not like I could go up in the trees and ask...

I'm not climbing no fucking tree. So whoever it was could stay up there. Fuck them. I ain't going up a tree ever again...

I yawned.

Damn it... I'm so tired.

I rubbed my face in exhaustion and breathed in deeply. I'm fucking tired. I've been through worse though...

I sniffed the air as I slapped my face to ke-

I sniffed again.

My eyes widened in terror.

I held my breath, whipped my body around, and frantically searched through my bag. I flung it open and found the white shirt I wore on the airship. I jumped over the log, dunked it in the river. I held it against my mouth and forced myself to cough. Violently. Before I knew it, the forest was covered in thick smoke. Brought in by a terrifying breeze that gently and insidiously teased my face like a demon...

Damn it. I kept coughing. Now it wasn't even on purpose.

It was Ponzu. This was all going way worse than I expected.

I didn't have time to think. I quickly grabbed my bag and Stick in my left hand. With a burst of speed, I sprinted to my right with reckless abandon. In the direction where the smoke came from. I could feel the gas starting to affect me...

I had to get upwind before I breathed in enough of this shit to make me pass out. No time for stealth. All that mattered was escaping this gas.

I leaped over logs, rocks, and bushes as I ran as fast as my legs could allow. My bag and sword flopping around my left hand as I desperately ran with my right hand against my face. Balance and equilibrium my opponent more than Ponzu's gas. The rope wrapped around my right arm shifted and rubbed uncomfortably against my limb as I ran.

My concealed knife was tied to the end of it. I had expected to use it the moment I woke up to fight Pokkle. Not fucking poison. Now it was a handicap. It took so much concentration to make sure not to stab myself in the face while holding this shirt. I just bared with it and ran.

A low branch was in my way, so I just ran right through it like a football player. Head low as I raised my left arm in front of my face, splintering the wood into pieces. The exploding branch sounded throughout the forest with a crack. I didn't have time to care as my eyes burned from the gas. I fought to keep them open as they teared up. I was against the clock...

I felt my body grow more tired by the second...

I barrelled through the forest at speeds that could keep up with a wolf. But the smoky gas was everywhere. I could feel my body start to wilt like a dying flower. My lungs feeling out of breath and the air feeling heavy. Adrenaline doing its best to fight off creeping sleep and limp limbs...

I saw the light filter through the thick fog of poison. So close.

My body tumbled forward like a sprinter for the Olympics passing the line. Smoke and dirt exploding out as I was now in fresh air.

As fast as the whole situation played out, I was suddenly beyond the gas.

I was safe. I was upwind and out of danger...

My mouth gulped instinctively for air as I slapped myself. My throat wheezing and coughing as fresh air entered my lungs. Not completely safe...

The trees around me shifted and moved. Unfocused. Wavy...

The sound of skin hitting skin woke me up as I slapped myself in the face. I was tired and growing worse by the minute.

I breathed too much of the gas. I...I needed to find some plants that had antitoxin properties, or at least something to stop me from falling asleep. I looked around to see where I was, eyes blinking furiously. I think I was near the center of the island. There was a plant nearby...

I forced myself to cough violently. I alternated between covering my nostrils and violently blowing my nose using the now rag in my hands.

I think… yeah, it's too late. I really hope Ponzu didn't cut this gas with something worse... I had done enough to slow down its effects, but I still breathed too much...

Walking through forest... I punched myself in face to keep awake... no way I was falling asleep...

...

i whipped head left and right... shook head... no time... fuck around... think... there... blue priest... grab it...

escape pokkle... ponzu... less people...

...five...two people... stalking three people...

blue... priest... chew...

...


Day 2: Gon & Killua

Killua flicked his captured badge like a coin. He was standing on a tree branch near James' camp. He stared off into the treeline, thinking.

Getting this badge was easy, even if it was annoying catching the monkey guy. It took Gon and Killua an hour of hijinks at the crack of dawn to capture the man. Worst of which was Killua having poop flung in his face by a tiny monkey. He had threatened Gon to never, ever tell James. Killua did this while beating a hanging Sommy with a very long stick. Like a pinata. All Gon did was nod and laugh nervously. He made sure Killua didn't kill the man by accident.

At least the Zoldyck had his badge number. He was assured to pass this Phase. The only issue was figuring out how to get James to activate their Nen. If they could do that, they'd have a chance of grabbing Hisoka's badge. At the very least, Killua might be able to stop the effects of the Needle with Ten...

'In a fight to the death, without Nen, Hisoka would win,' Killua grudgingly accepted, before continuing, 'but this isn't a fight to the death. All we need to do is grab his badge.'

Excluding today, there were only five days left to hunt. If they could activate their Aura... would five days be enough to master Ten, Ren, and Zetsu?

He remembered everything from the notes. Remembered Kurapika's instructions. Studied how James transitioned from Zetsu to Ten. Even if he couldn't see Aura, Killua had felt James' Aura. How it changed the moment he went from Zetsu to Ten. The feeling of Ren...

It couldn't be that hard. Killua refused to believe James was more 'talented' than he was. James had fought stiff and robotic against the prisoner. He didn't even bother kicking until he hurt his right hand! Kurapika could have gotten the prisoner to submit in half the time, and Killua even less than that.

And then Gon won by being stubborn and not thinking! He gets a piggyback ride and celebrated... for what? Winning by accident and with help?

All James had going for him was his ridiculous toughness, cunning, and was hellbent on passing the Exam. All Gon had was his charisma and stubbornness. They both were idiots. Troublesome idiots. It wasn't like they were special or anything...

I worked harder... I don't need them... no that's a lie...

Why did Killua care so much about them?

Why did they care about Killua so much?

'And... friend is a friend, that's it. You don't have to say it, it's in the heart. You just... know?'

Killua frowned.

He sighed. He looked at James' camp far in the distance. Annoyed.

They didn't care what Killua was. But who he was at the present and who Killua wanted to be. Most people reacted with disbelief, fear, rage, or disgust at his past.

Gon didn't care. James understood.

He was... thankful James stopped him from killing the train car full of people. He was thankful Gon had accepted Killua as just another kid, even after he told him about his past...

Why did it feel so wrong to be cared for? To care for others? Was it the needle? Was it his upbringing? He had hated having so many unanswered questions...

...

James sat there, eyes full for respect and admiration, a genuine, goofy small on his face. One he never seems to wear anymore.

"I just think you're a cool kid. Or, like this creepy adult trapped in a kid's body and stuff..."

...

Gon stared at Killua with a brilliant grin and eyes of admiration.

'Everyone thinks you two are bad people, but you're both good people! Even if you guys look annoyed all the time, haha!'

...

Illumi stared at down at the toddler, Killua. Placid as always, "Always do what we tell you Killua..."

"An assassin has no need for relationships..."

...

Evira tone brokered no argument, "You will be asked who you wish to fight. Say you wish to fight James and not Illumi. Forfeit every match until you get to fight him, then forfeit. If you're forced to fight your brother, forfeit. Humor him, but do not go back home. Come to York New City."

Killua scoffed before speaking, "You still haven't told me how to fix... whatever is wrong with me. Sounds like you're just using me to get James to pass."

"I am. One action can serve multiple purposes. Here's something that'll help you for now: You're worthy of living Killua. You are worthy of friends. Do not believe anything your brother tells you. If Gon and James says they're your friends, it's the truth. Gon and James are fools, but they're the type of fools the world needs more of," Evira said, honestly.

...

Killua glared at the memories that played out in front of him. Sharp pain ripped through his skull. He clutched his head and squeezed his eyes. He knew there was something wrong with him. He could feel it. The needle... guiding him... controlling him... every time he cared... every time he was scared…

It was all easier when the Zoldyck didn't care... literally.

Killua felt something bend in his hand. He looked down and saw his captured badge being warped in his grip. He barked a soft curse and let go; the badge going back to normal.

The Zoldyck's ears pricked as he heard Gon come bouncing across the trees and stop next to his friend. Killua looked at Gon strangely.

Gon's face was puffed up from a held breath. With a loud gasp, he let go of his breath. He took a large breath and began chattering frantically.

"James is gone! That girl in the giant hat, uh, Ponzu! Yeah! She released gas around the whole area! I had to leave, but when I came back James was gone!"

Killua frowned. The beethead could run pretty fast when he got going. If the gas was still around, they wouldn't be able to track him. Killua was immune to most poisons. But enough sleeping gas would knock anyone out.

It wasn't a big deal to Killua. They'd find James again. This was mostly to help. Gon was a natural tracker, and with Killua's pointers, became a true bloodhound of a hunter. The green child's training on whale island and natural talent had quickly paid dividends.

The former assassin frowned. For now, all they could do was hope he didn't get too far. All he could hope was James took care of himself...

He shook his head of his dark thoughts. Right now, all he needed to do was to help his... friend Gon.

He sighed and nodded his head. With a fist to his palm, eyes bright with childlike determination, he spoke to Gon.

"All right! Since we can't track down James until that gas goes away, we'll start working on your idea! Time to practice with your fishing rod, Gon!"

With a determined smile, Gon cheerfully nodded.

"OK!"

...

A few hours later they had finished training. A tree full of apples, and a river filled with birds had helped tremendously. Gon had mastered casting his fishing line as an attack. Specifically, hunting and striking something when their guard was down.

"Wow," the Freecss said. He held up a captured bird bound in fishing string, "it'd have taken me a while to figure out how to do this by myself. Thanks, Killua!"

Arms crossed, Killua smiled, his face the picture of smug, "Heh, well it's not a big deal. It's obvious once you understand it," he lifted a finger and looked childish, "An opponent will leave their guard down when they strike. So attack when they attack!"

Gon nodded, taking the lesson seriously. Killua looked away, his appearance almost that of an anthropomorphic cat. In his mind, staring at an imaginary camera.

Man, I'm so amazing! I'm probably a better teacher than Kru-prap-pee-whatever his name is!

Killua truly didn't care much for Leorio (Reeorio) and Kurapika (whatever syllables existed in his head at the time). This would change one day. But not today.

Gon smiled, his eyes shining, "Thanks Killua! You're a great teacher!"

Killua closed his eyes and gave a large, smug smile. His head couldn't get any bigger unless it was physically inflated like a balloon.

"But..."

Killua snapped out of his smugness and looked at Gon with one eye closed. The green boy looked at the bird in his hand with uncertainty and trepidation.

Killua sighed and closed his eyes before speaking, "With Nen, it'll be more than enough. We still have plenty of time to track down Hisoka. Your idea of tracking with butterflies was… eh, ok, but now that you know how to smell blood, we don't have to tie butterflies to our fingers..." the boy said with disbelief in his voice.

Gon frowned slightly, "It sounded like a good idea at the time."

Killua sighed arrogantly, shrugged his arms, and shook his head in disbelief. He wondered how Gon could have done anything without his help.

"Come on. The gas should be gone by now. We should be able to track James."

Gon nodded and took the lead.


Day 2: Leorio & Anita

As the sunset approached, Leorio reflected on his situation as he sat on the log...

Bored and worried! He was supposed to be meditating, but what was the point when other things were on his mind! Like beating up the Amori Brothers! Or trying his luck with Anita...

It took almost an entire day of arguing to convince that stubborn young woman to join up. Kurapika had explained to her every reason to team up. But his abrasive personality only made it seem like he was condescending. Which he was, yes, but he didn't mean to. Even Kurapika's argument skills were worthless when it pissed someone off.

It was Leorio who broke through to her. It caused the teenage woman to really think.

"Come on... We coulda' just took your badge, ya' know? But we didn't. So, even if you hate our guts, at least give us a chance."

Thing is? Anita didn't hate them. She hated the Tao Long and Zoldycks, and all criminals in general. Yet, when Anita saw what control, power, and effect Evira had over the Maifiaso… It had made her question things. While James was an a bastard, Evira was terrifying. The two were nothing alike.

That and Leorio's words made things click.

"James or Killua could have just killed you, you know? So, even if you hate their guts, at least give them a chance."

The world was not all black and white.

But... this was Leorio of all people. She doubted he was aware of how powerful his words were. And she would never admit that. They definitely weren't as powerful as he thought when it came to romance. He kept hitting on her whenever he had a chance and failing. Utterly...

At that moment, Kurapika was stalking the Amori brothers. He had taken yesterday to teach the two how to hunt correctly. Kurapika was a talented teacher and the two quickly improved on their stealth and stalking. Leorio by leaps and bounds, while Anita simply needed to be polished. But they weren't yet ready...

So it was just Leorio and Anita at camp. Much to Anita's annoyance.

"So cutie, what's your favorite color?" Leorio said, sitting across the dead campfire on a giant log.

"Shut up. Shut up is my favorite color," was all Anita said as she sat on the log, checking her equipment. For maybe the hundredth time.

"Uh... how about music? What do you like to hear on a first date?"

"The sweet sound of silence."

Leorio's exaggerated a frown as his eyebrows twitched in annoyance, "Why are you so cold, huh?!"

She rolled her eyes, "You've tried to hit on me more than I can remember. Why don't you practice that meditation thing Kurapika told you to do?"

"That's boring. I rather get to know you! Hehehe."

'How does he do that with his nose?', Anita thought.

She growled. Even when he wasn't hitting on her, he was! He had endless determination and audacity, even should quit.

Crack

Their eyes widened.

The sound had been nearly silent. They both sensed it more than heard it. Their minds interpreting the noises of the forest and realizing the danger. It was the sound of fallen branches being stepped on in the distance. Someone was coming, and they weren't even bothering with stealth.

Kurapika had explained to them how to ambush someone. Set up a false sense of security or confidence. Lure them in. Then spring the ambush.

The two black-haired teens pretended to stay calm. Anita continued to check her equipment with feigned concentration. Leorio resting his chin on his hand. She quickly glanced at Leorio. He gave a slight nod. He got up, adjusted his long-sleeved button-up, and sneered.

"Fine. I'm going for a whiz," he said, then walked away.

Anita waited a moment, then stood up to follow she was trained to do. When she did, Leorio was thrown back into the camp with a thud. He rolled on the ground as Anita turned to face the intruder. Her dagger was drawn in her left hand, pointed toward her enemy. Her eyes narrowed...

Kurapika stepped out from behind a tree, brushing his shoulder and sleeves of plant matter. Under his other arm were firewood and kindling.

"You're improving quickly, Leorio. But you should have waited for Anita. Chivalry and bravo will get you killed."

Anita put away her knife in her thigh sheath and sighed.

Leorio rubbed his head, groaning. He shifted himself to a sitting position and glared at Kurapika.

"Is it really necessary to test us like that? You scared the crap out of us..."

Anita reluctantly nodded in agreement. She stood up and put a hand on her waist.

"I hate to agree with him, but he's right. What if we hurt you by mistake?"

"I didn't know you cared so much, Anita," Kurapika said dryly as he walked to the center of their camp. Three logs surrounded two holes in the ground that served as a firepit. Heat escaped from the Fire Hole, but no smoke. It was something that every Kurta learned early on. He placed the firewood down next to the rightmost log and sat down.

He closed his eyes and sighed, tired from stalking. The other two were unnerved. Kurapika's calm demeanor broken.

"Originally, I had planned for the three of us to ambush the Amori Brothers, but they haven't moved from their spot. They're aware someone is stalking them."

Anita frowned in regret, but Kurapika shook his head.

"That isn't your fault. Though you're stealth skills do need some work. You're quite bad."

She stuttered step in place, as though hit by an earthquake, before regaining her composure. Leorio laughed.

Kurapika sighed, "You're one to talk Leorio. As we just saw, you're still nowhere near the level to ambush them. You've both improved tremendously, but it isn't hard to improve when you know very little."

Anita and Leorio grimaced at the bluntness of his words. Leorio rested both arms on his knees as he hung his head.

Kurapika's face shifted to a regretful frown.

"This isn't a matter of your skill levels or strength. Rather, there's. The weakest one is Imori, who is evenly matched with either of you. Umori is twice as powerful as either of you, and Amori is approximately three. I'm capable of defeating Amori... but it wouldn't be fast enough to assist either of you," he said, solemnly.

Kurapika looked down and stared at his hands, deep in thought...

'My target is Umori, while Leorio's target is Imori. Anita's is Amori... If Leorio and I could use Anita as a decoy...'

He closed his eyes and softly shook his head in disgust at sacrificing Anita. He had already betrayed James' good faith, he would not do it to another. What kind of Hunt-

A vicious 'boom' echoed through the woods. It reverberated through the trees. The three of them stared up in confusion, their eyes searching the surrounding forest for any threats or danger. For a moment, nothing...

Then another enormous boom... silence... followed by a titanic, thundering echo.

Kurapika's eyes opened wide. He turned to the other two, voice commanding, "Someone's attacking the brothers. This is our chance."

Anita and Leorio nodded. The moment Leorio got to his feet, they speed off. They were fast and silent as they glided over terrain. Like bandits into the night...


James

Umori ducked as I slammed my left fist into the tree trunk where his head was. Bark exploded into thousands of splinters as my fist dug into the tree as if it was dead and rotten. My right hand shielded my face as chunks of wood peppered my hand and body . Wrapped around my right hand were a rope and my knife. This time useful…

The yellow bastard half-crouched, half-staggered out of the way as he tried to escape to my right. I wrenched my hand of the tree and used the momentum to send a quick, snappy right roundhouse kick out to his leg. It caught him on the side of Umori's ankles with a thud, cutting off his escape. The strength of my kick swept him off his feet, while his upper body and face smashed into the ground with a thud.

The momentum of my kick spun me around. At that moment, Blue Amori struck. With surprising strength, he tackled me from behind and slammed me against the tree I had just punched before. My forehead and forearms hit the tree with a 'crack'. Yet, all I felt was the sudden stop and disorientation of my skull smashing through bark like popsicle sticks. No pain at all. It felt like I had a thick helmet and full-body hockey pads on.

Ten helped tremendously to reduce damage. I felt myself grin.

I'm gonna' abuse the fuck out of Nen.

I reached around with my left like I was grabbing something in the back seat of a car. I lifted Blue Amori by his pants, his legs scraping the ground as he yelped in protest. Transitioning to Ren, I raised him in the air with even more ease; his body weighing almost nothing to me. He shouted in terror as swung him towards the tree like I was swinging groceries against a pillar.

With a grunt, he slammed into the bark. The force of my swing and the his weight tore my the cloth I was gripping from his pants. His ribcage bounced into the side of the tree with a loud boom as he howled in pain, before falling to the ground with a groan.

I wanted to follow up with a kick, but my instincts told me to move as Killing Intent came from my right. A controlled leap back and the ground under me exploded. I was gone. I skidded to a crouched stop a few meters away, my hands digging and scrapping into the ground to slow me down faster. Damn, even my controlled movements were too much...

I looked up.

Their leader, Amori, stood next to where I was before. His eyes were wide with surprise. His right arm was elbow-deep where my head was moments ago. A right hand in a stabbing, knife strike that hit empty air. He turned to me with shock on his face from my leap and speed. I didn't care about that.

In his left hand was Stick.

With a circular motion of my right arm, the rope around my wrist unfurled from inside my suit sleeves. With a metal 'tink', my knife hit the ground. Immediately I spun the rope over my head like a whip and brought it down like one. The tip of my makeshift rope dart flew forward with a terrifying whistle. Straight at Amori's left shoulder.

His eyes widened in fear.

Amori gritted his teeth and leaned his upper body backward, becoming a blur. My flying knife barely missing centimeters past his chest and embedding itself into the tree I slammed into. With a growl, the Red Amori grabbed the rope with his right hand and began pulling. An instant later, the Blue and Yellow brother did the same. They draped themselves over the rope and pulled with all their might.

We were suddenly having a goddamn tug of war to the death.

I crouched low and leaned back as much as I could. With all my might, I drove my legs into the ground to gain some leverage. But it was three on one, and the yellow guy was almost as physically strong as I was normally. Even with Ren, it was just too much. I felt like a goddamn bull being dragged into its pen. I fueled more Aura into my Ren, trying to draw more strength. But that wasn't the issue. I might be stronger, but combined they were as strong as me and weighed more than me... I was slowly sliding closer to the brothers...

I dug my heels into the ground and pulled, grabbing the rope and tugging on it like a deep-sea fisherman trying to pull in a giant Marlin. All that did was dig deep gouges into the ground...

The Red Amori dropped Stick and used both hands to pull me in. That fucker was as strong as that beanie-headed asshole. Everything became so much worse. I was suddenly being pulled far faster than before...

The moment they got me in their range they'd dogpile me like they tried before and beat me down like a dirty rug.

I needed to think... if I cut my rope I'd be down two weapons. I couldn't afford that...

My memory of manipulating my Aura to make a pimple came into my mind as clear as day. Maybe I could move my Aura to my feet and legs?

Clenching my teeth with all the strength I had, I shifted to Ten and instantly started being dragged faster. Great. I needed to hurry. I concentrated as best I could while staring at the three Asshole Brothers.

Quickly, but unevenly, I began moving the Aura from the top of my left arm and head down to my legs. My left arm suddenly felt cold again, but I ignored it. I could feel my sliding slow and then stop as my Aura pooled to my legs and feet. I slowly shifted my aura from the tip of my right fingers to-

I shouted in pain and gritted my teeth. The moment I moved my Aura away from my right arm, my wrist was almost ripped off from the force of the Amori Brothers pulling. My body instinctively and immediately covered my arm back in Aura. Anchored to the ground with super friction or something, I had stopped. I couldn't move any more Aura without tearing my right arm off. At least I wasn't being dragged closer. We were at a stalemate.

Sweat ran down my face as I spoke through my teeth.

"How... about you... grr... let go of my fuckin' rope..."

Red Amori was pulling with all his might as he replied, "How... about... you let go... first..."

"It's tied... to my fucking wrist... get the fuck off!"

"Ok."

All three let go as I accidentally launched myself backwards like a slingshot. I flew back with the force of a cannonball as I smashed myself into a tree meters behind me. The thudding impact sounded like a wrecking ball hitting a wall. Dust and tree debris was in the air, blocking my vision and causing me to cough. I could feel my shoulders and lower back embedded into the tree like a Looney Toons character. I could hear the brothers chuckling...

They stopped laughing when I pulled myself out of the tree, annoyed. I had covered my self in Ten at the last second. I stretched my back as though waking up in the morning.

I'm gonna' kick their ass.

I looked at my body covered in Ten. Nen is fucking amazing. It made my already high toughness stupidly tougher. It still hurt, but with Ten it was way less. With my superhuman strength, I had felt like the world was as fragile as packing peanuts. Now that I had Ren and Ten, it really was.

I grinned at the three as I continued to stretch. Amori snapped his fingers, and they dashed to either side of me, keeping a distance of a few meters. Hmm... three. Three meters. They were hesitant.

The range of my rope and knife extended a little past that...

Can't let them get into formation...

Let's play.

"So," I started slowly, "You thought you could steal my badge. It was a real shock waking up to you guys touching my ass."

Red Amori smirked, his voice calm as he spoke, "We're not into date rape, but we are into BDSM. Let's role play, hand us your badge and you won't get a beating."

I made a face, "Ew... This banter's weird and makes me feel uncomfortable. The fuck... I need a shower..." I said, raising my left hand in disgust.

I looked to the other brothers with a, 'What the fuck was that?' kind of face as I pointed to Amori.

Instantly the atmosphere changed...

Blue Amori to my right spoke up, "Y-yeah, that was kind of weird Amori."

Yellow Amori followed up to my left, near my rope, "That wasn't one for your best comebacks, bro."

The leader of the Color-Coded Squad looked at the two of them, betrayed. He pointed at the two of them, one at a time, then spoke, "You bastards! You're supposed to be on my side, idiots!"

I raised my left hand dramatically in the air and waved it as I moved my right hand down to my waist. I spoke with respect and indignation for the two brothers.

"Now, now! No need to insult your family. They're just being honest. Family's important. They you're little brothers. Come on..." I said facetiously. They took my words one hundred percent serious.

Umori stood up and scratched the back of his beanie covered head as he looked at his brother, "Yeah. No reason to insult us, bro."

Imori was still crouched nervously, but he straightened up a little. Wounded at the idea I suggested, "Yeah. He's right."

Amori looked at the two of them in exasperation before his eyes widened on me and the floor. He yelled a warning at the top of his lungs.

"You idiots!"

Too late. I lifted my right hand and snapped it down.

My rope moved like a sidewinder as it suddenly slithered across the ground, lifted into the air, and wrapped around Umori's right leg. With a quick, hard jerk to my right, the rope tightened. The knife bit deep into Umori's leg as he shouted in surprise, pain not registering yet. The stab of my knife into his leg locked the rope in place and made it even tighter. He grunted, then roared in pain.

I grinned. This. This is why I love playing the fool.

Shifting my Ten so it stuck me to the ground, I struck. A vicious, victorious grin on my face.

A grab, yank, and then a jerk of my rope over my head, Umori was off his feet as he yelled in surprise, fear, and pain. With a roar and with the entire strength of my upper body, Umori flew high into the sky in a sudden jerky, whiplash motion. His hands high above him as he moved around like an extension of my rope.

With all my strength and a roar, I snapped the rope down and sent Umori hurtling towards his red brother, Amori, like a missile.

Quickly I pulled my knife from underneath my right armpit and cut the rope off my wrist. An instant later the rope chased after my Amori Missile that was hurtling towards the Amori leader. A quick glance to my right showed me that Imori was frozen and dumbstruck.

Ignoring Imori, I transitioned to Ren and sprinted after the projectile that was Umori. Ren made each of my steps destroyed the ground underneath me, torrents of dirt exploding out from behind me in a trail of dirt. I stayed as low as I could, almost hugging the grown in a horizontal half-run, half-jumping movement. Progress was made as I avoided zero gravity walking a la Swindler's Swamp.

I felt like a goddamn bullet as I shot forward towards Amori.

Amori was fast, though. He jumped to his left at the last second and avoided being a safety net for his brother. Umori flew towards the tree that started this all and slammed into it with his arms in front of him. The sound was so loud and so bone-crunching I could almost feel it myself.

Umori slid down the tree, unconscious and limp. It looked like his shoulder or left arm was broken. But he was breathing, so that's all that mattered to me. As he slid down, I skidded to a stop myself and grabbed Stick off the ground.

I quickly cut the rope off Umori's leg and grabbed my other knife out of his leg. I wiped the blood off my knife onto Umori's pants and holstered both knives underneath my jacket.

I stared at the two remaining brothers. With Nen I could easily beat the other two. But this wasn't my fight. I just wanted some answers and some revenge.

Standing up straight, I leaned on Stick with two hands and spoke to the brothers.

"So, I'm guessing you guys work for my Aunt. She told me she ordered people to spread information about me."

Both of the still conscious brothers' were shocked. They each settled into nervousness and outright fear. I stared at Amori, who sweated as he spoke.

"Not exactly. We're associates to your Tao Long. Specifically, to Mercutio and his group. York was the one who told us to tell everyone you were coming."

I rubbed my chin and frowned.

"Hmm. So what Tonpa said was a lie? I thought he paid you guys to tell him?" I said.

Amori laughed nervously before answering.

"Yeah, he did. He got nervous that you arrived at the Exam site after he tricked you. When he asked us for information, we saw an opportunity to make some money. We were gonna do it, anyway. Might as well get paid for it too. Like I said, nothing personal."

I tapped my chin and narrowed my eyes at him. He wasn't lying. No tells, no twitches, no hesitation in his voice...

"Why? Why are you telling me this so easily?"

He shrugged and smirked, but sweat rolled down his face, "Old man York told us to tell you everything if you figured it out. His orders. Said you wouldn't kill us."

I rolled my eyes. My frown deepened as I sensed people...

I had one last question.

"Why? Money?"

He shook his head, "York promised us that'd we'd be made members of the Tao Long. Part of Mercutio's enforcers. Who wouldn't take it that deal? Once you're part of a Mafia, you're untouchable."

Enforcers. Mercutio. York. Mercutio leader of Evira's enforcers. York second in command?...

I shook my head and slowly started walking backwards into the head tall bushes. I transitioned to Zetsu and hid my presence. They looked at me in shock as I seemingly disappeared into the foliage. While still looking at me, a pair of twin bokkens bounced across Amori's temples. He fell to the ground, knocked out cold. I saw Leorio slam a branch against Imori's back, knocking him to the ground. Anita of all people pulled a knife on the man and told him not to move.

I smiled as I practically disappeared.

Finally. Everything was working out for me. I got what I wanted. Kurapika and Leorio passed... Things were looking up...


Kurapika lifted a torn apart bookbag. Food, supplies, and a flattened laptop spilled out. James had been here. He stared out into the forest, trying to find any signs of him. But there were no traces of him. He was gone.

Strangely, Kurapika could almost feel a scream of frustration as he looked back at the laptop remains.

"Kurapika!" Leorio said cheerfully.

The man in question turned to Leorio and saw three badges in his hands. The Amori brothers were bound up with rope. All three of them hogtied while two of them nursed giant bumps on their heads. Leorio had been generous enough to splint Umori's arm and bandage his leg. He had suffered a broken left arm in his ensuing flight and crash landing through Zevil Airspace. Anita was checking to make sure they had food and water nearby so they wouldn't die while being tied up.

Leorio whistled threw one of the badges to Anita who caught it with surprise. The teen then held out his badge to Kurapika.

Kurapika sighed and frowned as he took the badge, uncomfortable with his victory. Leorio mirrored Kurapika's frown.

"What's the matter?"

Kurapika sighed and reluctantly answered, "It feels belittling. I appreciate James' help, but passing like this..."

Leorio scratched the back of his head and closed his eyes.

"I can't say I don't feel the same way you do... but more than anything, I just want to pass the Hunter Exam..."

He stood straight up, opened his eyes, and gave Kurapika a serious look, "But, you're right. He didn't give us a choice or even talk it over it over with us. It's insulting."

A nasty grin spread across Leorio's face as he raised a fist and stared at it. A large vein popped out of his head as he spoke.

"And I have to pay him back for SLAPPING ME IN THE FACE! THAT BASTARD!"

Kurapika closed his eyes and nodded with a smile.

"Yes, he did give you quite a slap," he smirked and opened his eyes, "and I will give him a piece of my mind as well."

Anita walked up to the three and Leorio gave Kurapika a smirk. She rubbed her arm

"I guess this is it? We got our badges. Even if we really didn't do much..."

Kurapika stared at her.

"Our business together has concluded. Since we associated with a Zoldyck and a Tao Long, I suggest we part ways here and now."

Leorio frowned at Kurapika with 'T' eyes before speaking, "Ya' know, I forgot how cold you were Kurapika," he said while rubbing his chin.

"What?" Kurapika said in surprise.

"Look at her."

Anita was pensive and nervous.

Anita shook her head. She regained her composure and sighed. She grabbed her hip with one hand and gestured with her other arm as she answered Kurapika.

"No... You guys helped me. And, technically, so did James... it wouldn't feel right to abandon you guys now. Plus, it would be safer to work together. Actually... if you three are friends, why didn't you guys team up?"

Leorio shook a fist as his eyes disappeared in rage.

"'Cause he's older than us and thinks he knows better! He thinks he's so mature, but he's not! That reminds me... he knocked me out at the swamp! You know what Kurapika?! You're right! Who the hell does he think he is?! I'm gonna' kick his ass!" he roared.

Anita leaned back, regretting setting off that bomb of a comment.

Kurapika sighed.

He didn't enjoy passing this way... but Kurapika was thankful to finally have someone looking out for him.


Day 2: Ponzu

Ponzu walked through the bushes and over the broken branches as approached the sleeping form. Tall with stringy black hair and dressed like a peasant. It was her target, Shishito. She rummaged through his clothing and found what she was looking for: Badge number eighty-nine.

She flicked it into the air and caught it with a smirk. The sound of feet dropping to the ground behind Ponzu flipped that smirk upside down and sent her into a panic. Bees escaped her hat as she turned around and flashed a small knife in protection.

Ponzu frowned deepened, "Was it really necessary to drop in like that, Pokkle? You could have warned me. Unless..."

Pokkle was crouched down, staring at her. He gave her an easy, mischievous smile before standing and raising his hands in the air.

"Hey now, take it easy! You're not my target..." he dropped his arms and shook his head, "And you're one to talk, Ponzu. Gassing most of the forest like that."

She stared at Pokkle, debating with herself. They had known each other since childhood, yet the Hunter Exam required suspicion and distrust. A long time friend could be an immediate enemy. Ponzu hesitated, before nodding and accepting his words at face value. She sighed in relief and put away her army of insects and her knife. The bees slid back into her giant, pacifier looking hat; the fabric designed for the insects enter and exit

Pokkle had always found her control of bees interesting. She had been a beekeeper's daughter in their village. It was only natural her weapons would something familiar to her.

As he walked closer to Ponzu, he smiled at his friend. He was the son of a hunter in their village, their fathers good friends. They had become close when they were little, always exploring the forest around their village. He always found her fun to be around, if sometimes cold.

The two had been friends all their lives, along with Balda and Pekuba. All four wanted to be Hunters one day. Yet, Pokkle and Ponzu had always been the most talented in the village and were far ahead of their friends. Pekuba and Balda had never even gotten past the first or second phase. Pokkle and Ponzu, on the other hand, had gotten this far in the last Exam.

Unfortunately, finding hidden treasure chests in an abandoned city was beyond them. This environment, a forest, much better suited their strengths.

Ponzu shook her head, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

"This guy is strong. I wouldn't risk a confrontation if I had a chance of losing. Better to overkill then me killed..." she frowned, "It's not like I knew you were around."

Pokkle shrugged and shook his head. He crossed his arms and spoke, "Always so practical. Hey, you want to team up? I'm chasing down that Mafia guy. He has a badge! If I take his badge, I'll have two. Then I just need one more. Come on, it seems like everyone's teaming up!"

Ponzu snorted, but it wasn't unkind. Pokkle could be too enthusiastic, trusting, and outgoing sometimes.

"No. You know he tricking everyone, right? He figured out the monkey before all of us and knew he was being gassed. I saw him run away. He ran through a branch."

Pokkle nodded his head," Yeah, I know that now. I'm pretty sure he's still friends with those kids. Two of them took out Sommy while we were wearing him down."

She shrugged and put away the badge. The green-haired woman turned around, flashed a smile, then walked away.

"Good luck then. I'm going to find a safe and quiet place to hide. See you in the next phase. If you pass…"

Pokkle scratched his head in annoyance but had a soft smile on his face... Unbeknownst to both of them, a man with needles had overheard everything...


Day 2: Hisoka

Hisoka sat against the tree as the orange light of the sunset shined down on the forest clearing. He stared at the hemotropic butterflies with a soft smile on his face.

He heard a sound but didn't stir. A man in green walked out of the forest in front of Hisoka, his movements controlled and nearly robotic. His head shook and chattered with every step.

"Ah. What brings you here? Checking up on me, hmm?"

Gittarackur reached up and pulled the golden needles on his head. One after another. A combination of mechanical whirring, chattering, and fleshy sounds started the moment the last needle came out. His skin, bones, and muscles began bulging and shifting as his head changed shape.

"Hmm... That's always so much fun to watch."

"It does take its toll on me, you know."

No longer was there a vaguely old, mohawk'd man standing there. Instead, a young blank-faced man stood in Gittaracuker's place.

"That's much better. Have you acquired your badge yet?" Illumi said.

Hisoka smiled.

"No. I guess I should start on that."

Illumi reached into his back pocket and held a badge to Hisoka.

"I've already acquired my badge, so I don't really need that one. Want it?"

Illumi tossed Hisoka a badge. The jester grabbed it.

"It belonged to someone who tried to ambush me after I acquired my badge."

Illumi crouched down and began digging into the ground, his fingers serving as spades. His face and voice never changed. Cold, even, and somehow rising to a haughty tone at the end of each of his sentences.

"My target was capable of using Nen. It wasn't anything dangerous. Just some Manipulator who tried to trap me in a cave full of snakes. I changed his mind," he said.

He continued to dig with efficiency.

"That badge belonged to a green swordsman who tried to ambush me the moment I left the cave. That really pissed me off."

"So I killed him."

Hisoka stared at the badge. His fingers moved ever so slowly to reveal the black number on white...

Number... thirty-four.

Hisoka continued to smile.

When Illumi finished digging the hole, he took a step in and crouched down.

"By the way, you should know that I've felt someone else on this island use their Aura. The Tao Long heir Killua has grown attached to. I overheard he has a badge. If you kill him, you'd have three."

Hisoka continued to smile. Oh, Illumi was good, the jester would give him that.

"Well, I'm gonna sleep until the deadline. Best of luck," Illumi said without a hint of emotion.

Like a mole, he stuck his body deeper into the hole and closed it up. All that was left was a mound of dirt.

Hisoka gently tossed the badge up and down. Flipping it and catching it with ease.

"Only two points left to go. I guess I'd better start hunting."

Let's see how much he's learned...

Hisoka stood up. Smile ever on his face. He began walking into the fading sun.


Day 3: James

Midnight

I sat on the sole log in at my camp. I had my jacket off as I tried to relax. The warmth of my hidden fire kept away the cold night air. Two holes dug into the ground making a Fire Hole, with the biggest hole covered by rocks to make a small kiln thing. Barely any smoke escaped. What little light escaping my campfire almost trapped by the abyss of darkness around my camp. If I walked too far away, in all honesty, I wouldn't be able to find my way back.

Densely packed trees surrounded my camp. The small clearing was barely the size of an average bathroom in space (without the tub or shower and stuff). There was an enormous tree with a deep pocket at the base of it that served as my hobbit hole to sleep in.

I stared at the barest light escaping my makeshift kiln. Mentally tired. What a day...

I survived being gassed. I fought the Amori brothers. And I shook off whoever was following me. All in all, not too bad. My sleep cycle is messed up, but, eh. I had worse inconviences.

My backpack was gone. My supplies were gone. I used up my remaining rope to make as many traps as possible around the area. So no more rope dart trick. Laptop dead. At least I grabbed some fruits to eat. But I'd need to find something more substantial and nutritious when the sun came up.

I dropped my hands onto my lap. There had to be downs to my ups, I guess. I just got to keep my head up.

I sighed... I lost my precious Master Control Program (that's the name I gave my laptop). May he rest in pieces...

Ah well. I stood up and dusted my pants.

Time to move on to bigger, better, brighter things!

Excitement welled up in my stomach and chest...

Finally, I'm free! I get a little alone time!

No one is here but me... ooh yeah baby... hehehe

...

I finally get to practice Nen!

I laughed.

Fuck, I'm so excited. I get to practice Nen. Magic!

I'm positive there is no one around. I've felt no Aura. No one to snitch to Kurapika.

My fight with the Amori brothers showed me I can move around my Aura... I knew Ten, Zetsu, and Ren. I can do it again...

Hatsu is using the other three to make something. A special move like Briannaisa or Panza's Casper shit. Let's see...

Mmmm. That's not gonna happen tonight. But let's see if I can make a Hadouken... Pew pew beams?... Nah, let's start slowly. Settle for a really strong punch.

First, some tests.

I straightened my spine and stood up as tall as I could. I extended my arms and shifted from Zetsu to Ten. It was getting easier and faster with every try. I didn't even feel a viscous sensation anymore, I just got used to it.

I tapped my arms with my fists, feeling the resistance of my Ten. It was a strange feeling of having my Aura slow down my arm and absorb the blow. I felt my fist and Aura simultaneously resist each other. If I pushed too much, I felt my Aura being shoved back into my body when too much force was applied. But I also felt it messily dissipate from the force. Like trying to push toothpaste back into a tube.

Does that mean I could strengthen it? Right now it felt like I had soft padding around me. Hitting Briannaisa and Kalvin was ridiculous. Like fucking steel walls. They're both more naturally durable than me, but with more mastery of Ten. Cheating cheaters...

That means, dollars to donuts, I could make Ten stronger.

I also needed to control my movement with Ren...

I rubbed my chin as I thought everything over. I still needed to track down Agon or get two more badges...

I have a lot to learn and only a few days left...

Hmm...

I can find Agon later... He'll be easy to track...

Nen. Nen. Nen!

I took a deep breath.

I began practicing the flow of my Aura. Moving it around my body, slow and steady...


Hello dear readers! I hope you are all doing well and continue to do well!

We'll see more of the Amori brothers later on. Not in this Arc though, but Color Squad ain't done yet.

Thank you for all of you who reviewed!

See you next chapter.

Rondo out!