Hey everyone, sorry I haven't had a lot of chances to write recently. I want to say thanks for the reviews and I hope you enjoy this story.

The 42 remaining applicants for the Hunter's Exam; after enduring one day with two vigorous exam phases (and nearly failing the second) were taken aboard the airship of the Hunter Association. In a large room, surrounded by glass windows, a wooden floor and nothing else inanimate occupying space. Netero stood in front of the applicants along with the odd figure that looked like a bean.

"Allow me to introduce myself to the forty-two remaining applicants. I am Netero, Chairman of this year's Hunter's Exam Selection Committee."

"I am his secretary Beans."

Sakura bit her tongue hard to avoid giggling when she heard that the bean-shaped figure's name was actually Beans.

"Originally, I planned to make my appearance during the exams final phase; but seeing as I'm already here…."

The room was stiffly quiet, despite being occupied by so many people. Netero was apparently enjoying the tension; saying he was going to remain present for the rest of the exam; after that Beans spoke, explaining their travel plans.

"We are scheduled to arrive at our destination tomorrow at 8am." Beans said smiling, he didn't appear the least bit intimidated by all of the applicants. "You'll find dinner waiting in the dining hall. You are also welcome to get some rest. In other words, you are free to do as you wish until you're contacted."

Sakura let out a breath; finally they were able to take a break before their next phase. It wasn't as if she couldn't take the stress, she had been under far worse pressures in her experience as a ninja-except for being trapped in another world. She began making a list of everything she wanted to do before the night was over, since she didn't know when she was going to get the chance again.

Killua cheered, grinning at Gon and Sakura, "Alright, let's go explore the airship!"

"Yeah!" Gon said immediately, he asked Leorio and Kurapika if they were going to join, but the older teens refused, saying they were too tired from the day's events.

"Guess it's just the three of us." Gon said

Sakura shook her head. "You two can go on; but I want to get something to eat, take a shower and sleep."

Sakura felt one of her writs in a tight grip and realized that it was Killua. He had started pulling her towards the exit, with Gon trailing beside him. "We're going to get food too; come on."

Despite protesting to being dragged around; Sakura didn't really resist (with her strength she could). Although after going in and out of almost every room she wished she had. Killua wanted to see the control room; but Sakura had to drag both Gon and Killua out when they went in despite the 'Do Not Enter' sign on the door. Then they took a walk to the bottom of the aircraft where they found nothing but the landing gear and boxes. Thankfully their trip wasn't a complete waste as Sakura also found the bathroom with showers but unfortunately wasn't able to use it.

"Now where are we going?" Sakura asked, she was literally being pulled now by both Killua and Gon.

'Why am I letting them drag me around again?' Sakura wondered, she could've easily escaped their grips with her strength but at the same time, she found it entertaining. Seeing everything on the airship; though when she mentioned that they were supposed to get something to eat….

"Seriously we're going to steal food from the kitchen?" Sakura whispered leaning against the wall, peering through a door that lead into the kitchen. There were people hurrying about, with trays in hand to be taken to the examiners and applicants. Several chefs were at the cooking stations, their hands in constant motion amongst the ingredients and cooking utensils, the smell of smoke and the indescribably aroma of food filled the three's noses as Gon, Killua and Sakura all peered over the entrance to the kitchen.

"This is so juvenile."

"You said you wanted to eat." Killua pointed out in a whisper

"In the dining hall like we were instructed," Sakura muttered back, shaking her head.

The three stopped bickering when someone walked pass the door from the kitchen. When they were sure it was safe, the three peered back inside.

"The good foods probably gone by now," Killua pointed out,

"That's why I wanted to earlier, but you insisted on checking out the cockpit." Sakura seethed, narrowing her eyes.

"Whatever, we'll just sneak in, grab something and be out."

"I don't want to get in trouble," Gon added nervously, glancing back and forth between the forks in the hallway.

"Fine I'll just go by myself." Killua said, he didn't give Sakura or Gon the opportunity to talk him out of it, because he was already halfway in the kitchen, ducking down so that no one would notice him.

Sakura hit her forehead, there were at least twenty people in that kitchen; someone was bound to spot a boy with white hair! "Dammit Killua, get back here!" she couldn't scream at him like she wanted or they would all be caught.

Killua was crouched down on the floor, he turned around, grinning and stuck his tongue out at Sakura before turning back and continuing to make his way through the kitchen.

Footsteps were coming around the station Killua was hiding behind; Sakura and Gon quickly moved out of eyesight in the doorway and Killua hid in the bottom of the station table, he saw two pairs of legs stop in front of him.

One of the servers spoke, "Don't forget, those go up to the examiners."

"Yeah I know, those gourmet hunters can sure pack it in."

"There's two more orders, wait they'll be done soon. So you can just make one trip."

Killua's ears seemed to perk at the mention of the Gourmet Hunters and picked up the pace, he heard a thud right above him and grinned. When the two figures were out of sight, he peaked his head out of the station area; looking back and forth. He saw Gon and Sakura peering form the entrance still.

He drew out his hand and drew it forward repeatedly, telling them to come in.

Gon spoke, "I think he wants us to come to him."

"No way," Sakura whispered, "If we all go in there we're bound to get-

Gon had stopped listening and was already creeping into the kitchen, crawling on his hands and knees until he got to Killua who pulled him into the station. They then peered out to look at the pinkette, gesturing for her to come to them.

"No," Sakura said shaking her head. She pointed to them sharply with her index finger, then to her head before rotating her wrist, and mouthing on repeat, 'You two are crazy.'

However, they didn't let up; Gon was smiling while he waved his hand around and Killua just kept gesturing with his hand for her to come in.

Sakura sighed softly, 'Dammit, peer pressure.'

She crouched down to the ground, glancing left and right to make sure no one was looking before she darted over to the two boys. In a crouched run, she ducked down when she reached Gon and Killua. Crawling into the space they occupied, which proved to be a bit hard since it was now three of them. The three had their legs tucked up and were tightly fitted together.

"Well this is comfortable." Sakura growled, shifting her shoulder that bumped with Killua's. "Why'd you call us here?"

Without a word, Killua peaked back out before he extended his arm up to the top of the table, feeling around for one of the dishes, when he felt one of the plates he grabbed it, uncovering the lid as he brought it down. The smell of mouthwatering meat filled the space; most likely because there was roasted meat.

"This is supposed to go to the examiners," Killua said, "I think they're going to be short what do you think?"

"I think you're out of your mind;" Sakura replied, "Right Gon?"

However Gon was already drooling at the sight of the food, it had been a couple of hours since they had last eaten their Second Phase.

"Here," Killua awkwardly handed Gon the meat, holding the bone. Blowing the steam off, Gon took a bite. Killua then offered one to Sakura. The pinkette frowned but took it none the less. After a bite, her eyes shone in surprise. It was extremely delicious, like she was convinced Menchi might actually approve of it-no wonder.

'Well they did make us fight giant pigs and throw ourselves over a cliff.' Sakura attempted to justify; although her mind was mostly occupied on savoring the food.

"See, what I say." Killua gloated.

Sakura narrowed her eyes but didn't reply. Gon just muttered something as he kept chewing as if his anxiety of getting caught vanished.

'Thank god this will never leave the book,' Sakura thought taking another big bite of meat.

Killua took a bite as well out of his own, before pointing up "I bet they've got something just as good on the other plates."

Sakura's mouth was too full to protest when Killua went to grab another plate, grinning all the while. He was about to open the second dish when their senses went off, alerting them.

Swallowing, the pinkette prepared to say something when footsteps drew near, she shushed the boys. They fell silent, a pair of legs clad in black pants appeared in front of them.

"Wait, we're missing two trays over here!"

The three teens eyes darted between one another; keeping still as another pair of shoes appeared in front of the station.

"But I know I put them right here."

After a bit of shuffling from on top, a head appeared in the small opening that the three had crammed themselves in. A man with a round face, wearing a chef's jacket and hat stared at them with a scowl.

"Hey," Killua waved, appearing very casual in contrast to the situation. "The meats a little dry."

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"Okay, next time you put yourself in a situation like that Killua, I'm gonna just walk away." Sakura stated, biting the last piece of meat from the bone.

"A situation like what?" he asked,

"Where I know you're going to put me in some sort of dilemma."

He didn't seem like he would mind that.

After getting a thorough scolding, Sakura, Gon and Killua took their leave from the kitchen; with the food they had already bitten into. Sakura had no words, when she was thrown out of the kitchen with Gon and Killua.

"At least we got to eat," Gon said, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. If Killua and Sakura kept glaring at one another, sparks were going to become visible.

"Yeah, relax a little. Boy, I sure hope I'm not this stiff when I turn fifteen."

Sakura felt the vein on her forehead throb "Keep talking and I'll make sure you don't make it to fifteen."

Drawing a few breaths she glanced to the side. Starring at the long line of windows that reflected her image back; there were patches of dirt smeared on her clothes, her hair was still standing from the updrafts in the mountain-she really needed to take a shower.

'Just one day here and I look like this,' Sakura sighed. How was she going to look when this exam was over?

"What's wrong?" Gon asked, looking up at her with genuine curiosity.

"Nothing," Sakura shook her head. It wasn't like her current appearance was something she should complain about, especially when she survived the day's events; others got off a lot worse.

Stepping to the window, Killua pressed his face against the glass "Whoa! Come look at this!"

Gon and Sakura moved closer to the window, pressing their faces up against the glass; darkness down below with multiple trails of light scattered in a careless manner but beautiful none the less. It helped Sakura forget about her dissatisfaction with Killua.

"It's like the ground if covered in jewels!" exclaimed Gon, his mouth agape but smiling.

"Yeah…"

Sakura smiled, it was a view to marvel at.

"Hey, I was wondering Killua…." Gon trailed

"Mmm?"

"Where are your mom and dad?"

"They're alive."

"What do they do?"

"They're assassins." Killua responded, his tone calm as if he was making small talk.

For a second, Sakura's eyes averted to Killua's form before turning back to the window. He had said he was an assassin; Sakura didn't have much reason to doubt him. Sure he was only twelve, but she was only twelve when she started training as a ninja so who could say it wasn't possible?

Gon turned his head away from the window to Killua, "Both of them?" he didn't sound surprised, or as if he didn't believe it; it was that usual curious tone.

Killua started laughing, "That's your first reaction?"

Sakura sat down on one of the many benches that were lined by the windows for people to sit and looked out at the view; she was next to Gon and Killua.

"Why so surprised?" she asked, leaning on her hand "You told me you were an assassin and I believed you. So why wouldn't Gon?"

"You are telling the truth after all right?" Gon added,

Killua leaned against the windowsill, resting his head on his arm as he spoke. "You guys are both so weird, usually people only like me because they can't tell whether I'm being serious or not," he looked back to the outside, "I'm from a family of assassins. And my family has high hopes for me…" he smiled, a kind that seemed to hold vice.

Sakura snickered, covering her mouth, "You must've really disappointed them huh?"

Playing along, Killua nodded straightening up, "Well yeah. When I told them I wanted to plan my own future they all snapped! My mother had tears streaming down her face when she told me I had the potential to be a top assassin." Gon let out a strained laugh as Killua continued "Horrible parents right? It's natural their kid would go bad,"

Sakura wasn't entirely sure if straying off the path of assassination was considered 'bad' but when it was a family business, expectations were probably different.

"We ended up fighting," Killua said, smiling now "So I stabbed my mother in the face, my brother in the side and ran away from home. I'm sure they're out for blood now. But if they find me, I'll send them packing."

Killua's audience of two laughed at his casual behavior to the unusual topic.

"When I become a Hunter, I'll start capturing my family. I'm sure they're worth some hefty bounties."

Waving her hand, Sakura said, "Maybe we could help you out; I'm completely broke right now."

"Sure."

Gon, turned to the pinkette, "Neh, Sakura what about you? Where are you parents?"

Stiffening; Sakura felt her hear beat increase a little. Both of the boys were looking at her now; their eyes focused; waiting for a response. "Well, they're not dead or anything."

"What do they do then?" asked Killua.

Sakura leaned back, starring up at the ceiling; giving it a bit of thought before she decided to respond with what she thought to be the truth. "They're both actually completely normal."

The term normal was used very loosely, given that would define them in her world where majority of her friends parents were ninja's; normal behavior wise was another thing.

"Well kinda normal," Sakura corrected, frowning "My dad's got the worst sense of humor and my mom is always nagging me about stuff like chores, putting my shoes away, folding my laundry…"

"Oh…." Gon said, "Aunt Mito does that with me too, she doesn't like it when I forget to clean my room, or when I stay out too late in the forest without telling her; she always says 'If you forget one more time; I'm never feeding you again!''

Killua threw his head back, chuckling "That's nothing; my mom's so dotting. She always asks for me whenever I came home from missions and it's just so annoying! She always hovers."

Gon, Killua and Sakura continued their conversation; unaware of Netero peering around the corner and catching sight of the trio. They were too engulfed in their conversation, he caught snippets of it and realized it mostly had to do with their parents; comparing and somewhat in competition to see which guardian was more troubling. Netero suddenly glared at the backs of the three and in that instant, their conversation ended, their heads turned to the corner, only to find no trace of a presence they thought they felt.

"Did you guys…?" Sakura didn't finish when she heard a soft clicking noise against the floors.

"Something wrong?"

Their heads turned in the opposite direction, to see Netero walking over to the three. Gon, greeted him first and then pointed to the corner, asking if he had seen anyone there; to which Netero shook his head. Sakura and Killua on the other hand were a little more aware; however they weren't able to comprehend exactly how Netero was able to move that quickly.

'For an old man, he's pretty light on his feet,' she thought.

"You're fast-for an old man." Killua said knowingly.

"That little trick? I barely moved." Netero said; not denying that he was the one watching the group of three.

"If by barely moved, you mean practically teleported across the room, then sure." Sakura muttered offhandedly; she sensed some animosity and realized it was coming from Killua himself who was glaring at Netero.

'What do you want?" he asked the old man. "You don't have anything to do until the last phase right?"

"No need to be so unkind," Netero said, maintaining his demeanor "I was bored and looking for some companions. I meant to ask you three, any thoughts on your first attempt at the Hunter's exam?"

Gon answered right away, smiling back at Netero "Yeah; it's fun! And there haven't been any of the written exams I've been dreading."

Netero then looked at Sakura for a response.

"Interesting….is the word I'd use." Sakura trailed carefully.

"I'm disappointed." Killua stated, frowning deeper "I expected the exam to be far more difficult. I assume the next phase will be more interesting?"

"Well now….I wouldn't know about that" he replied coyly.

Looking at the boy now, it was surprising to see how quickly he was able to change his persona; from grinning troublemaker, to cold and hostile; what's more this was in front of the chairman of the Hunter Committee. Either she was oblivious or Killua was a very talented actor. Made her curious about whether or not one was the real Killua; or both.

Seeming to only get further agitated with the conversation, Killua turned around signaling for Sakura and Gon to follow him. However Netero told them to wait.

"Would you care to play a game with me?" he asked.

"A game?" asked Gon

Sakura held up her hand, indicating she wished to speak "Is this game going to involve a lot of moving around?"

"Probably." Netero responded.

"Then I'm out." Turning on her heel, Sakura gave a side wave as she started to walk away.

"If you win, I'll let you become Hunter's." Netero chimed.

Sakura's footsteps paused, she glanced around her at Netero, "How about it?"

"I'll play!" Gon exclaimed.

"Yeah, me too." Killua said, although he didn't sound as thrilled.

"Sorry, I'm still out." Sakura said waving her hand.

"Huh?" Gon and Killua looked at her; surprised that she was willing to pass up a chance like this.

Becoming a Hunter; honestly wasn't something she was interested in. It wasn't like she was going to be able to use it. She just wanted to get out of this world and out of this story. She was also tired of today's events; not physical fatigue so much as mental. Getting pulled into a story, having to run through a dark tunnel, then a swamp full of deadly creatures, being swallowed by a giant frog, having to hunt and cook a giant pig that tried to kill you, jumping off the edge of a cliff for an egg and meeting a creepy magician that looked at you like you were his next meal; was more than enough to traumatize a normal person-good thing Sakura wasn't that. Still, she was at her limit of exciting events for one day.

"I'm tired." Sakura said, shrugging; for effect she yawned. "I still want that shower before I sleep."

Turning to Netero; Sakura bowed her head in apology, "I'm sorry; but I don't have the energy for any more activity."

Sakura hoped her lying skills were adequate enough to fool the three males; she could still go on for quite some time without getting tired. It was easy for a ninja to recover their stamina after a few minutes rest, but she personally did not feel like doing any more than she needed to right now

"I understand; the Hunter's Exam is quite taxing." Netero said offhandedly.

"Really Sakura?" Gon asked, pouting "You could get your Hunter's license with us."

Walking away, Sakura continued to look at the three, while making her getaway. "There's no rush right? Good luck you two."

'I have a feeling you're going to need it.'

The hot water hitting her skin invited a relaxing feeling to sweep over Sakura, she closed eyes running her hands through her hair. She felt the water carry all of the heavy particles of dirt on her, slipping them into the drain below. The steam covered the small shower, Sakura shifted her foot against the tiled floors. It was nice to feel clean again; there were times when she had to go a day or two without showering because of missions but she drew a line at a certain point.

'And escaping a frog's stomach is way on the other side of that line,'

Sakura wondered what was happening back at the village; if they knew by now that she was missing. She actually assumed there might be a distortion in the timeline; given that it was night in her world and then when she went into the book, it was morning. For all she knew, it could still be night and everyone would still be sleeping at home unaware of her predicament. Then she thought; it might be better that way; after all Naruto would probably not react well to her disappearing.

After a few minutes of contemplation; keeping her head titled up to allow the water to run down her face; Sakura finally turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. Wrapping herself in the towel that she hung on the wall. She turned to the mirror at the bathroom sink; wiping the fogged up glass meeting her own eyes.

'Will I really get be able to get back home?'

She clutched the towel tighter, her heart gave a painful clench. Homesickness was not something Sakura usually felt when on missions, despite the possibility of not returning alive but it was different when you were trapped in another world where the possibility of returning could be slimmer than death.

She shook her head, "No, don't think like that…I can do this; I know I can."

Because she was already full; not just from the food that she stole from the kitchen, embarrassment also did a fine job at leaving no room in her stomach. Still; she couldn't help but smile thinking back to a little while ago. Those kinds of shenanigans-it was something she hadn't had the chance to do much of when she was twelve herself; at least not with her team mates. Naruto and Sasuke were hardly able to be in the same room for more than a few minutes without arguing or fighting over something. Yet, somewhere along the line; they became friends without realizing.

'Reconciling, how depressing,' Sakura thought, pressing her forehead against the window of the airship. She was sitting along the hall where several benches had been placed; the time was already going for midnight but there was something she wanted to do right before she ended her night.

Reaching into the bag in her lap, Sakura pulled out the little book (with the title she still didn't know) and began reading. From the middle of the Second Phase during the cooking challenge, there was everything that had happened today, narrated perfectly. Leorio, Gon and Kurapika having their cooking criticized and judged by Menchi-everyone failing-the chairman of the Hunter Association appearing-going to the mountain-getting the Dream eggs. With everything she read, she still found it unusual that her name was mentioned on several occasions. It was as if she had become implemented in the story herself.

In the examiners private room, sitting near a small table littered with several empty plates were the three examiners, Menchi, Buhara and Satotz. Speaking about their observations of the exam candidates this year. Despite failing all of them, Menchi claimed to like the particular group especially the rookies; also adding who she thought had a good chance of passing the exam; #294-

'Despite the fact she threatened to knock his teeth out by shoving her hand up his ass.' Sakura recalled the bald man, she had caught him using throwing stars to knock out the pig. She then continued to read further.

…Satotz then gave his favorite rookie applicant, listing #99 Killua; although Menchi commented he appeared to be nothing more than a spoiled brat; after she turned to Buhara. The gourmet Hunter leaned back against the sofa he barely fit on and mentioned who he believed he favored for passing the exam; however it was no rookie. #44. Mentioning how he was the one on the verge of killing someone during the whole scuffle during the Second Phase. Menchi corrects Buhara in his analysis, saying that #44 Hisoka was like that from the moment they had appeared and partly the reason why she was really on edge during the judging.

Sakura felt a shiver run down her spine; she had kept a distance from Hisoka since their first encounter. He had a different sense from the other enemies she had faced before. Enemies fought because they had a reason to; a purpose. Hisoka looked like he was willing to kill for sport.

Then she went on to read about what else had been going on in the airship, that's when the focus drew back to Gon, Killua and her. Them exploring the airship and such.

'Even what happened in the kitchen,' Sakura could feel the drop of sweat rolling down her forehead, not one of the proudest moments. Flipping the next page, she got to where she, Gon and Killua had separated. She got to the section where the boys were playing against Netero.

Gon and Killua; who had accepted Netero's proposal of winning a game against him in order to get their Hunter's license early; were taken to Netero told Gon and Killua, that if the succeeded it taking the ball he held from him; promising not to attack the boys when they attempted. Given that there were nine hours before the airship would land at its destination; the boys were feeling confident. Unaware that the proposal Netero had made was merely for his own entertainment purposes until they had to depart.

'Get the ball from him….' Sakura raised her eyebrow; reading further about how the boys were struggling to get the ball on their own; apparently it was as she thought. Netero was not going to be easy to win against; in fact after a few hours…

"Huh, Killua gives up?"

"Who gives up?"

Realizing she had spoken out loud and someone had heard her. Kurapika strolled towards the pinkette sitting on the bench; his face giving away nothing to his intention.

"I thought you and Leorio were tired." Sakura said

"I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep," He replied, ignoring her question. He gestured with his hand to the empty space next to her. "Mind if I sit?"

Shaking her head, Sakura shuffled further to the side to give Kurapika more space than needed to sit. Once seated, Kurapika starred out of the window. A thick blanket of awkward silence fell over them. Familiarity was a key factor in comfort; even with strangers. It was then Sakura realized that the only relation she had to Leorio and Kurapika was really through Gon who had acquainted with Killua and in turn her.

When starting up a conversation; you would find something you believe you'd have in common with the next person, in order to incite response. Although, there were times where you wouldn't be able to find a topic sharp enough to break the ice. No matter how obvious it may seem. That was in Sakura's case anyway and no matter how beautiful the scene was from down below; her eyes would drift to Kurapika's silent form. Resting his elbow on the window sill.

'He kinda has a soft face,' Sakura thought offhandedly, taking in a closer observation, and recalling everything she had read about him. He had a similar background to Sasuke in terms of being the last survivor of his clan and seeking revenge. Although he didn't seem as gone. Sasuke had given up everything for the sake of avenging his clan.

'I wonder if his story will turn out the same.' It was a painful thought in general. For someone willing to sacrifice everything, for a single goal like revenge.

Kurapika's head turned and Sakura quickly disconnected from her thoughts, turning to the window in silent hope, that he had not caught her starring.

"Is something the matter?" Kurapika asked

Shaking her head, Sakura turned away from the blonde boy; suddenly content with the silence-which Kurapika now initiated to break.

"How are you finding the Hunter exam so far?"

Sakura responded with the same answer she gave to Netero, "It's interesting."

Because there was no sign of hesitance to answer, Kurapika continued to ask another question, "Is this your first time taking the Hunter exams?"

"Yes, it is." Sakura replied.

"Do you have a reason for entering the Hunter exam?"

Sakura paused for only a second, contemplating on the answer she should give despite already answering the same question; a moment that did not go unnoticed by the Kurta boy.

"Because I was curious," she finally replied, feeling her heartbeat jump a little with each passing moment.

It was hard to miss that glimmer of disbelief that flashed in Kurapika's face. "You were curious?"

Sakura nodded at the half-truth. While these questions would have been the best way to get to know any of the exam applicants. Sakura got the impression that Kurapika wasn't asking just to strike up a random conversation. He seemed to have a particular goal in mind, Sakura just couldn't figure out what it was exactly.

And the reason she couldn't figure it out was because the Kurta wasn't entire sure himself; but he wouldn't tell her that. He had wanted to wait when she wasn't with Gon; because though the boy was curious; he wouldn't press for answers if she wasn't willing to give them and he would probably stop anyone else from questioning her if she showed any discomfort.

"That's an unusual reason to want to become a Hunter," Kurapika said,

Sakura shrugged, she couldn't point that she didn't want to become a Hunter or that would lead to more questions she might need to lie about. Piling on lies was like stacking an uneven tower; trying to build it higher and higher, becoming more and more unstable, until eventually it falls and crushes you.

"I have to say, I was impressed earlier."

Sakura titled her head to the side, "Huh?"

Kurapika turned his body so that he was facing Sakura fully, "When you suddenly appeared in that tree and then ran ahead of me to find Gon."

"Thanks…." Her tone grew wary, raising an eyebrow at Kurapika. "Though I don't really deserve praise for it; I was only running really fast."

"It must take a fair amount of training; to be able to practically dematerialize yourself like you did."

Sakura was certain now, that Kurapika had a different motive for speaking to her. His voice had a hidden undertone that slowed down indicating suspicion. "Well I had a good teacher,"

"Where are you from? If you don't mind me asking."

She twitched with discomfort, averting her eyes back to the outside. She had minded him asking for a while now. "Actually I do mind."

"And why is that?" Kurapika persisted.

Frowning, Sakura rested her chin back, trying to touch her throat "You know usually; before you ask someone personal questions, you offer something up of yourself so that the exchange isn't one sided. Conversation is supposed to be give and take."

With words, coming out sharper than intended, Sakura felt the atmosphere thicken around the two once more. Both now held eyes filled with hostility for the other.

"I'd be more than willing to comply with those conditions," Kurapika stated, interlinking his fingers "Ask away."

Narrowing her eyes further, Sakura spoke "Why are you asking me all these questions?"

Kurapika didn't hesitate in his answering, "I simply wanted to strike up conversation; perhaps get to know you a bit more."

Deciding to take a risk and go for a bold statement, Sakura responded "It feels more like you're trying to interrogate me. I can't imagine why though."

She watched as Kurapika crossed his arms, "You want me to give you a straight answer?"

"Yes,"

Emerald met grey, "It's simply to satisfy an irking feeling; that you're hiding something." Sakura didn't wince at his words, "I thought that questioning you would lesson that suspicion; however your vague responses only deepened it. I know you were lying about healing Leorio earlier as well."

Eyes closed, Sakura stood up; she didn't turn to look at Kurapika despite knowing he was still watching her. Kurapika was defiantly someone to look out for now; he was sharper than the others and he clearly wasn't willing to turn a blind eye to anything. Not even those who wanted to be his ally.

'Suppose he's like Sasuke in that way too.'

At that moment, she knew the safest option would be the turn away from him without giving any reason to chase after. Silence was key.

'Though I'll have to stay on guard around him from now on.'

An hour and half passed in what felt like minutes to Sakura; that sleep she had so desperately wanted continued to elude her; so she kept on walking aimlessly through the large aircraft in hopes of tiring herself out with her thoughts. She considered going to look for Gon and Killua, but her conversation with Kurapika kept bringing her to a halt. She didn't even feel like reading about their doings.

Then she found a quiet area; she sat down figuring that it was better than a crowded room full of applicants.

'Dammit,' Sakura narrowed her eyes, her throat becoming dry.

That the end for this chapter I'm afraid. I've been working on the other stories as well.

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