Chapter 2: Past X Exam X Jealousy
Hey, wake up already!
Kallua slowly opens his eyes and rubbed his eyes a bit. He remembers that he lost consciousness during the time he was sucked inside the dimension portal. When he sits up and looks at the scene in front of him, he realizes it is a nighttime and there's wide green scenery that is rich with nature. He never thought he is able to get out from the dimension portal, despite he is glad at this fact. He did not know where he is right now.
I think you need to find out where you are right now
Kallua scoffed, it was obvious that he would do that.
"I know, I know. I better look around and find places where there are a lot of people" Kallua said as he stands up and starts to look around before dashing into a high place he can find. He started to easily jump upwards until reaching the high cliff and look at the horizon, letting out a sigh of relief for he can see a city there.
"Ah, so there is a city nearby here" Kallua said as he looks downwards, seeing a quite a thick forest but it was no problem for him for the city wasn't that far from his position as well.
Good for you, it would be troublesome for me if you die
"You know that I always put my live on the line when I'm doing an assassination jobs. Death is not something I am not familiar with" Kallua said blankly before started jumping down from the high cliff and goes jumping from a tree to another with tremendous speed, making him able to reach the city in less than five minutes.
Good job for still living then
Kallua rolled his eyes at that comment. As he arrived at the city and having so many people still walking around and look at the stalls, he can't help but notice the scenery of the place is somehow feels quite familiar.
"Somehow I think I have ever come to this place before" Kallua mumbled as he walks around.
You did!? Seriously, you are a guy who is having a memory like photographic memory or maybe you are. If you are familiar then you should be sure of it.
"Yeah but there are some differences" Kallua mumbled again as he looks around, seeing there are some people look at him. Seems it is weird for them to see a student walking around by himself at night, he is still wearing his school uniform after all.
Differences?
Kallua whipped out his cellphone and put it on his ear, he didn't want anyone to think he was crazy by talking to himself "Yeah, I swear that there is supposed to be a ramen shop here but now it's a house!?" Kallua look at the house in a blank stare before tilt his head in confusion at his own question.
Geez, did your genius brain turn dumb because of the dimension portal?
"Like hell! And I have just figured out the answer why" Kallua said as he looks at the board in front of him.
Fine genius. Entertain me
"We are in the past" Kallua said simply.
Wait, what? In the past?
"I remember that I came here when I was 7 for a job in a large building that are supposed to be existing here" Kallua said as he walks over to the huge vacant land. "And in this board, it is said that the project of the large building will start next year. That is why this place seems new but familiar, it's because I'm comparing the place from the future to the past" Kallua explained.
Well that sure explains everything, so you know where you are now?
"This is Zaban city" Kallua said before nodded "No mistaking about it, although in more precise, Zaban city that are 18 years ago"
Well, good to know. But what are you going to do now? You are practically stuck in the past and you need to find a way to go back to future
"I'll find a way to go back, even if I have to build a time machine for that" Kallua said in a serious tone.
Well, try and be the first genius to make one then.
Kallua shook his head with a sigh "At least, I need to find a place to stay for now. I think everyone is getting suspicious at me for a student walking around alone at this late of night. I better go before I got reported"
Ha, I would love to see you getting reported, that would be quite a sight to look forward to
Kallua just ignore the voice before he put his cellphone back into his pocket and goes to where he remembers a hotel should be located nearby, it is already exist before long he was born so he just goes there. He was glad that he brought some jenny and able to rent a room despite he is getting some weird looks for his uniform or some other things. Either way, he is thankful he could get a place to stay for few days. As he walks inside his room, he immediately throws himself on the bed.
You know, you could have just use your hunter license to rent a room without using money. To think you are a genius and a three star too.
"Too risky" Kallua answered as he looks at the celling. "The back of every license has serial number that identifies the individual of the card and it would be strange if they check mine, which is given to me 18 years in future"
Fine, you win. So what are you going to do now?
"Isn't it obvious?" Kallua shrugged "I'm going to take a hunter exam in this year"
Seriously?
"Yeah I'm serious. I'm going to submit my application tomorrow and just wait for few days for as I remember on this year, the exam site is in the Zaban city" Kallua said.
Lucky for you
"There is something I need to be careful on though" Kallua voice trailed off.
Wow, how strange for you to be hesitant. Why?
Kallua sighed "Obviously I would have to meet my parents in the past. 18 years ago means my parents are both 12 and they are taking hunter exam"
Nice! Introduce yourself as their future son then everything would go well, right?
"Like hell it would. They would think I needed a mental exam, not hunter exam!" Kallua grunted.
Well you are very similar with your father. So I think it would worth a try
Kallua shook his head "No thanks, last time I took your advice which is 5 years ago, it ended up with uncle Hiei goes berserk"
I hate it when you are right
Kallua looks at the window, in his mind, he hopes that he is able to make his way back to future as he is really worried for his family. He tries to clear his head by willing himself to go to sleep, he just hopes that he is not changing the future with him being exist in the past.
Several days later
It is finally the time for Kallua to take the exam, casually he goes to the exam site which is a steak place that makes Kallua always think that the hunter communities always choose the place that people would never think of. Either way, he goes underground with the lift and got number of 77, lucky number and it is his birthday too.
"You could have taken the exam too you know" Kallua mumbled.
You are asking me? Why would I!? Boring and no fun at all. I'll just have my fun in watching you
"That is so you" Kallua muttered and sit to wait for the other contestants.
As he does so, he senses a guy watching him. He recognizes this presence, although that guy is not letting out killer intent, Kallua knows he is barely concealing it. Even though he could feel the stare intensifies, he forces himself not to look back at him.
That guy is also here huh? Hisoka. He's evaluating you
"Yeah and I don't want to come near him obviously" Kallua muttered in almost audible voice as he rolled his eyes.
You think he would call you ichigo-chan or strawberry-chan as always?
Kallua could feel a bit shiver the moment he heard those nicknames "Enough of that. I don't want to hear those nicknames again. Damn, he is coming this way" Kallua slowly stands and walk away, joining some crowds.
Looks like you have become his target
After getting a stare from Hisoka, Kallua had no more energy to talk. After that, a hand is now tapping on his shoulder, he turned and sees Tonpa, a guy he knows well as a rookie crusher. During when he is 7, he comes on him as well, giving him a laxative can of juice. He drinks it and as he is immune to poison, he had no problems with it. He knows that he is for sure going to play the nice guy and offers him a can of juice again and no doubt, he was right.
Wow, this guy's trick is the same as always
Kallua silently nodded at that before he just drinks the can that Tonpa offered, well, it is free after all and no harm will be done for him. Not to mention he is a bit thirsty too, after he finishes drinking, he gives Tonpa a cold look before walking away from him, who is started to shiver.
Few moments of waiting later, as some people are coming. Kallua heard the sound of wheels coming nearby. He knows immediately who is coming, unconsciously, his body began to be tense.
So, going to introduce yourself to your father?
Kallua narrowed his eyes, there is no way he would do that. He looks at the sound direction and sees his father, Killua that is 12 years old. He is a bit surprised, seeing his father look - well- shorter than him. He thought since they are a same age now, their height should be similar.
As Killua look around with bored look, his eyes starting to meet Kallua's and his eyes widen. Must be because they are quite a similar look alike with the same silver hair and sapphire eyes although different hair style and Kallua looks more mature than Killua who looks childish.
Kallua began to move away, not wanting to interact with his father in the past. He fears that he might change the future, he looks back and sees that Tompa is now talking to Killua and offers him his juice, Kallua mentally smirked, it's obvious his father would drink it and for sure, there would be no harm.
This is getting boring
"No choice. We have to wait until all candidate arrives until the time is over" Kallua muttered before sitting to wait for the time until all candidates assemble, After waiting for another few moments, he looks and slightly widen his eyes at the candidate of number 301, no doubt that is his nen sensei, Illumi in disguise.
Even your teacher is here. Seems that you would have a hard time to avoid interacting from them all. I think you think too much about future of something, a little bit of talking won't change anything.
"Easy for you to say. Just wait patiently for now" Kallua mumbled as he waits in sitting position.
Another waiting then until Kallua is now seeing Kurapika, Leorio and his mother, Gon. Kallua began to move away again but stopped as he sees Killua who is now staring at Gon who does the same.
What? Love at first sight?
"Enough with your stupid jokes" Kallua shook his head even though he is actually amused. He walks around for few moments, again, avoiding Hisoka who is now already killing someone by turning his victim arms into flower petals. He just blankly look at the scene before leaving again without any word, just walks around for few minutes and hopes that the exam is starting already.
"Ah!"
Kallua sees Gon tripping and the next thing before he could think, he quickly appears in front of her and holds her so that she won't fall. It's like he is hugging his mother now.
GLARE!
Kallua looks back secretly and he sees Killua is now glaring at him. Kallua casually shrugged as he is used to being glared by Killua in future a lot (the reason is definitely because of Gon) while Gon muttering about how she could be so clumsy by tripping in front of so many people.
"Are you alright?" Kallua asked to Gon as he lets go of her.
"Ah right. Thank you- oh" Gon said as she look up to see her savior and gasp in surprise.
Kallua raise his eyebrow slightly "Is something the matter?" Kallua asked softly.
Gon shook her head "Ah no. I'm surprised that you look similar just like him" Gon said as she looks at Killua who turns away and leave. "Are both of you are siblings?" Gon asked in curiosity.
"No, we are not" Kallua said as he looks at Killua as well.
"Oh right, that reminds me" Gon smiled "What's your name? I'm Gon"
Kallua blinked, seeing his mother is still the same, gentle and kind, full of smiles as well. Kallua begin to smile at that, maybe he is quite a soft to his mother.
"Kallua" He answered simply.
What happen with I don't want to change the future by interacting with them
Kallua sighed from hearing that mocking tone. Well, he deserves it after all, he is way too attracted from the light and the warmth his mother emitted after all.
"Wow, your hair is so long and so silky" Gon said in awe as she takes a handful of Kallua's lower part of his hair and feeling how soft it is.
Kallua blinked "Err, thanks?"
KRIIIIIIINNNNGGGGGGGGGG!
Everyone turned in the direction of the sound (Gon grudgingly letting go her hands that are holding Kallua's hair), the moment it stopped, the gate of the dead end of the place is opened upwards, creating loud vibrations. As it opened, a figure of the tall young man who is now declaring that the entry period is ended and hunter exam has finally begun and any people are free to withdraw if they wish to. As no one is withdrawing, there are 404 people who are participating now.
"Alright, please follow me"
The examiner said as all of the candidates follow him, after a brief introduction of him named Satotz, they have to keep following him as they are running now for the examiner has picked up the pace, they have to follow him until they reach the second phase.
"How long do we have to keep running?" Gon asked as they runs.
Kurapika shrugged while Leorio just focusing on running and Kallua just casually runs beside Kurapika, not long after, sound of wheels approaching them, Kallua can see that Killua glaring at him when he spare him a glance.
Congrats! Your father has starting to hate you
Kallua only look in front of him with a blank stare.
"Oi kid! Show some respect for the hunter exam! This is an endurance test! Skateboard is not allowed!" Leorio yells at Killua who is just leisurely passing him with his skateboard.
"Eh? But the examiner only told us to follow him" Gon said as she heard what Leorio just said.
"Who's side are you on, Gon!?" Leorio points at Gon in anger.
"Oh, you are that boy from earlier, hello there" Gon said as she nodded her head and ignored Leorio.
"How old are you?" Killua said as he skates himself next to her.
"12 years old" Gon answered simply.
`Same old as me' Killua thought before he goes off his skateboard with style and run next to Gon.
"So cool" Gon beamed while Killua internally chuckle.
"I'm Killua" Killua said introducing himself.
"Killua? Wow, your name is almost the same with Kallua! You look similar to him as well" Gon smiled as she turned to look at Kallua who tear his gaze away from her.
"Almost same name and almost similar appearance,. Are both of you siblings?" Kurapika asked as he observed the pair look-alikes.
"We are not siblings" Killua and Kallua said in the same time although Killua said it in irritation tone.
More like we are father and son, right?
`I was about to think of that' Kallua thought as he rolls his eyes.
"I'm Gon. Pleased to meet you" Gon said with a smile causing Killua's irritation to fade completely.
"So, what about you ossan?" Killua asked as he turned his head towards Leorio.
Leorio's eyes twitched immediately as a vein is popping on the side of his head "I am not old! I'm only in my teens just like you guys!" Leorio shouted.
"Eh!?" Killua look shocked.
"No way!" Gon piped in.
"Unbelievable" Kurapika muttered
"…" Kallua already knows so he just stays silent about it.
"So Kallua is the second oldest then?" Gon said after few moments of silence as she looks at Kallua.
Kallua sighed "I'm only 12 years old just like you"
"What!?" Gon look shocked again
"Seriously?" Even Leorio let his jaw dropped.
"Impossible" Killua said with shock on his face.
"Totally unbelievable" Kurapika muttered again.
"Why!?" Kallua screamed in annoyance, even he is surprised at this fact since he barely screamed as he always kept his cool.
"But you are so tall and so adult looking! You don't look like 12 at all" Gon said in awe.
"I am a fast growth starting when I was 10!" Kallua answered in annoyed tone.
"Well it means I am not the only one who is old looking" Leorio said proudly, didn't even think that he just insult himself as well.
"Oi!" Kallua exclaimed for he doesn't want to be in the same boat as Leorio and now he could hear laughter in his mind.
HAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAAHAHA! As I thought, watching is simply the best!
"Shut up" Kallua mumbled in calm but angry tone.
Few hours later
Leorio is now breathing heavily as he is right now trying his hard to runs again but failed as he is now stopped and trying to catch his breath. Gon stopped and look at Leorio with Kallua do the same while Killua look at both of them in annoyance.
"Oi Gon, let's go already" Killua said and point at the way with his chin.
Gon only stare at Leorio while Kallua only stare at Gon (his mother is much more refreshing to look at rather than the tired and grunting old looking teenager) Killua's eyes twitched at seeing Kallua looking at Gon.
"I-definitely" Leorio grumbled as he tries to control his breathing and narrowed his eyes.
"I'm gonna become a hunter. Damn it all!" Leorio shouted as he run past Killua, Gon and Kallua.
Gon smiled at seeing Leorio's back to his feet again. She realized that Leorio has forgotten his briefcase so she swing her rod and let it takes the briefcase flying towards her.
"Cool" Killua said in awe at Gon's rod trick.
Kallua internally chuckle at that sight. It is the first time he had seen his father look in awe like that. He let both of his parents talk to each other as they run while he follows behind, unconsciously letting out a small smile.
Now they are finally climbing some stairs, Kallua decided to secretly goes ahead and overheard Leorio's conversation with Kurapika. It surprises Kallua to know the reason of Leorio's dream of becoming a doctor since he never bothered to know while he did know about Kurapika's reason of revenge due to his scarlet eyes.
Starting to see him in a new light?
"Yeah" Kallua nodded as he decided to run past them and look behind to see his parents are still engrossed in racing as they climb some stairs. Kallua begin to think that his parents at this age are much more interesting to look at rather than in future ones.
Bright light hitting his face, Kallua begin to smile at that and fastening his pace.
Satotz look behind and sees Killua and Gon arrive in synchronized pace. They started to argue that each of them arrive first and have to buy a dinner.
"Hey Satotz-san, who was faster?" Gon asked as she and Killua looks at Satotz.
"I believe you two crossed the finish line simultaneously" Satotz answerd.
"Ah~" Gon said in disappointed tone.
"Although, I would say he is the fastest since he arrives first than me though" Satotz said as he point at his right direction.
Killua and Gon widened their eyes, seeing Kallua casually leaning against the wall.
"Yo" Kallua said and raise his hand in simple greeting with a blank look.
Killua narrowed his eyes as he points at Kallua" What the- he is the first one!?"
"Sugoi~" Gon said, her eyes twinkle.
Kallua turned away from Killua's glare while Gon seems to remember their race bet.
"Ah right Killua, in that case I would buy you dinner but you will buy me dinner as well" Gon announced.
"I don't get it" Killua said in defeated way.
Before long, some applicants that managed to pass are gathering around. Kurapika looked around and finds Gon , Killua and Kallua are sitting together with Gon in the middle, Kallua on the left while Killua on the right. The group joins together and rest for a minute before the examiner announced that now they are going to the 2nd phase exam and given warning about the Numere Wetlands.
Kallua secretly smiles at that, given he is already learning about the place and the creatures from the hunter school and there is a school trip to go to the Numere Wetlnads for studying, in where Kallua already memorizes the place. The fog is nothing for him as well, he thinks that he had the advantage in this phase.
"Don't be fooled, I am the real examiner!"
Everyone turned towards the source of the voice. They see a man claimed to be the real examiner and brought a man-faced ape as a proof for that. Some applicants become agitated as they think they are being fooled by the fake examiner.
Then Hisoka throw some cards that are stabbed the man who claimed to be the real examiner while Satotz catch them in ease. Hisoka gives the applicants an education about the examiner are hunters that should be able to block that easy attack. Turns out that fake are also a man-faced ape while the other man-faced ape is running away.
"Don't let your guard down and follow me closely" Satotz said as he runs again.
Leorio grumbles again at another marathon session while Kurapika runs beside Leorio. As all the applicants run, the fog is suddenly getting thicker. Kallua who is now running near Killua and Gon begin to get a bit tense at Hisoka's slight bloodlust. Kallua knows that Killua realizes it as well since he is suggesting towards Gon to move forward so that their distance with Hisoka is increasing.
Moments later, screaming can be heard in their surroundings. As Kallua, Killua and Gon are running together, Kallua notices the slight difference in the grounds, the frog-in-waiting.
"Look out!" Kallua exclaimed as he jump backwards.
"Eh?" Both Gon and Killua turned behind and stopped and suddenly they are swallowed by the frog-in waiting.
"Ah! Papa! Mama!" Kallua slightly panicked, seeing his parents got swallowed in front of his own eyes even though he knows that his parents are not that weak for dying that easily from that frog-in-waiting. But he is a bit panicking as well at he called them his parents in reflex, he could only hope that both of them didn't hear it.
Wow, it sure has been quite a long time for me to hear you panicking even if it is slightly. What are you going to do now?
Kallua flick his tongue as he looked to see the frog has begun moving. He takes his sword and chase after the frog.
"Looks like I have no choice but to kill it and cut its stomach" Kallua said as he stand in front of the frog and prepares to slice it but stopped as he notices the frog expression changing.
"Huh? Oi, don't tell me" Kallua mumbled in surprise and jump backwards for few meters. How lucky for him to do that since the frog is now throws up and he smile in relief, seeing his parents are out and unharmed.
"Are both of you alright?" Kallua asked Killua and Gon as he put his sword away.
"Hn, because of this. But I could have gotten out of there myself" Killua said while he throws away the can that is given by Tompa.
"Sugoi~ So that is what it feels to be inside its stomach and getting threw up by the monster" Gon said with her eyes twinkling.
Killua and Kallua sweatdrops at the same time, unable to figure out on what is the awesome part on getting swallowed by monster and then getting threw up.
At least Kallua can sigh in relief, knowing that both Killua and Gon didn't hear him call both of them "Papa" and "Mama" just few moments ago.
"Either way, we can still catch up to the examiner. We should go" Killua said as he stood and runs.
Gon look surprised "Eh? But I'm still worried about Leorio and Kurapika"
"Forget about them" Killua said, not stopping as he runs.
However Gon did and begin to run in the other direction. Kallua knows he can't leave his mother alone so he secretly follows Gon, hoping that nothing goes wrong.
Oh, how wrong he was.
`Idiot. Mama! Don't you know what you have done!?" Kallua yells in his mind as he is hiding now and seeing his mother had use her fishing rod to hit Hisoka right on the face to save Leorio. He could even see his mother is shivering right now and gripping her rod tightly.
As Hisoka approaching Gon, Leorio begins to chase after Hisoka but Hisoka gives a punch right on his face.
`Aho!' Kallua thought as he is face palming now.
Not until that, Gon tries to save Leorio again by trying to hit and swinging her rod towards Hisoka but he dodged it in ease even closing his distance towards her, implying he didn't see her as a threat.
`Geez Mama. It's obvious that Hisoka would know about your attack when you are yelling as you are about to attack!' Kallua thought in anxiety as he grit his teeth. He doesn't even know how the heck his mother is still alive as she is now face to face with Hisoka at this time.
Grab
"Ah!" Kallua gasped before narrowed his eyes as Hisoka is now grabbing Gon by her neck with one hand, practically strangling her.
Anger filled his eyes and immediately he dashed towards them and hit Hisoka right on his stomach causing Hisoka to get flew for few metres and letting go of Gon in process which luckily she got caught and carried by Kallua in bridal style.
Gon coughed as she tries to gasp for breath making Kallua sigh in relief that his mother is just fine.
"As I thought, you are wonderful as well~"
Kallua begin to shiver at that voice and tone, now Hisoka is definitely set his sight on him.
Kallua turned and look at Hisoka with a cold look but that only excite Hisoka more. Hisoka starting to walk closer towards both of them makes Kallua unconsciously hugging Gon in a protective way while Gon slightly cower from Hisoka's gaze.
"Don't worry, I won't kill your friend. He passed and the same goes to you too. Grow up and become a fine hunter" Hisoka said and smiles in joker way.
As Hisoka let his gaze meets Kallua, he licks his lips "I can't wait to taste you"
Kallua shivered inwardly, even Hisoka at this time managed to make him do so. However, he needs to stay strong now for his mother.
A beeping voice is heard and Hisoka takes out his device. Kallua recognizes the voice on the other line as it was the voice of Illumi in disguise, it makes Kallua remember that Illumi keep telling him that he doesn't have a friend but Hisoka claims that both of them are friends. Maybe he would find the truth later, right now his mother is his top priority who is now trying to stay strong.
Hisoka carries Leorio and leaves while Gon still breathless before she is seems in trance as she still looking in the direction on where Hisoka is leaving. Moments later Kurapika came, relieved that both of them are alright but still raise his eyebrows.
"How long are you going to carry her in bridal style, Kallua?" Kurapika asked in annoyed tone.
Kallua blinked" Ah, sorry but I think she still hasn't recover yet since she is still deep in her mind" Kallua lets Kurapika look at her which is true that Gon is right now look like she is in daze.
In the end, Kallua still carry Gon bridal style as they run towards the place where the exam of the 2nd phase is held.
"How do you know that this is the right way?" Kurapika asked as he runs next to Kallua.
"I used to come to this place and I remember every corner of this place as well. It is not a problem for me to find the exam place even if I have to run with my eyes closed" Kallua said.
"Just what are you doing in a place like this anyway?" Kurapika asked in confusion since it is weird for Kallua to come to this place and even remembering it.
Kallua shrugged "It's nothing interesting for you"
Gon grunted a bit that caught Kallua and Kurapika's attention. Moments later, Gon blinked and out of her daze, looking surprised.
"Eh? What's happening?" Gon asked in surprise since she is still being carried by Kallua.
"Gon, you are finally out of it! You sure surprise us, being in a daze and all" Kurapika said.
"Ah, sorry" Gon said sheepishly before suddenly sniffing around and beamed at the recognizable smell "Oh, it's Leorio's cologne"
Kallua slightly sweatdrops at that. He knows that his mother has a keen sense of smell but rarely demonstrate it for him. So it does catch him a bit off guard with that.
"I'm surprised that you can know by the smell" Kurapika said.
"Leorio's cologne is very unique so it's easy to tell even from few kilometers away. We are on right track" Gon said as she smiles.
"So you really know about this place well after all, Kallua" Kurapika said, a bit impressed.
"Eh? Really?" Gon asked in amazed way.
"Well, it's not something to be proud about anyway" Kallua said and noticing some applicants are right in front of few meters of them. "We have arrived"
And indeed they have.
They started looking around, wondering where Leorio is. That is when Gon and Kallua realizes Hisoka position and sees Hisoka who casually points at his left, smiling again in joker way. They immediately come over to Leorio's side, relieved that he is safe and sound.
It's good thing that only his face that is injured although Kurapika thought it was the same as usual while other than that, there is nothing serious.
As Kallua turned around while still carrying his mother, his gaze is meeting a very angry looking Killua and glaring at Kallua.
"Ah, Killua" Gon smiled as she sees Killua.
However Killua still maintain his glares, silent for a while before he spoke in a very cold voice "What's with the bridal style carrying?"
"Ah right. Sorry Kallua, you can put me down now" Gon said, not realizing that she is still being carried by Kallua.
"Sure" Kallua said simply as he puts Gon down.
Immediately Gon running over Killua's direction who is still glaring at Kallua before glaring at Gon as well although the look he gives to Gon is much softer. Kallua slightly chuckle at his father stubborn personality as Killua tries to ignore Gon who is trying to make him talk to her.
Not only you. Seems those two are quite interesting as well.
"Had to admit I thought the same" Kallua mumbled with a smile before mentally prepared himself for the 2nd phase of the hunter exam.