ᴡᴇ ʙᴏᴛʜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ sᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ɢʜᴏsᴛs
ᴡᴇ ʙᴏᴛʜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡᴇ'ᴠᴇ ʟᴏsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏsᴛ
ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ғᴇᴀʀ, ᴀ sɪʟᴇɴᴛ ᴘʟᴇᴀ
ʏᴏᴜʀᴇ ᴊᴜsᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴍᴇ
ʏᴏᴜʀᴇ ᴊᴜsᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴍᴇ
ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ.
-ᴘ #1-
There is an old teaching taught by Un Valley Elders. 'When people gather together the monsters seek their kin. Most often they will not find each other, for they have mastered the art of appearing human.' This is a morbid saying and many tourists tended to avoid the Colosseums for this reason.
After all, vacation is for the ones who can't handle the pain life has to offer. Nobody wants to hear such queer and adverse words! Especially on holidays! Not only that, but who would want the truth shoved in their face? Human's are a prideful race; they will become extremely violent and cruel if their opinion is ridiculed. Who would want to know about the monsters of our world, hidden away beneath human flesh to fester and ache? "Let the monsters wander!" A snarky tourist would shout. "Why would you want them to meet anyways, they would cause destruction!"
But who are humans to judge a monster? How is a monster created? Monsters are ugly creatures that are the pinnacle of fear, angst and dark thoughts. They desire nothing but retribution and claim. That's what a monster is.
Or are they? Maybe a monster is a shell of a human, mutilated and sucked clean of their light by others. In desperation they seek comfort only to be met with an onslaught of hatred and malevolence at their form. So they search for their own kind while hiding their broken selves like a treasure, hoping to be accepted and welcomed.
Tell me the truth. Who are the real monsters of this world?
"I am Satotz, The Phase One Examiner. You must follow me to Phase Two. This is The Exam's First Phase."
The 300 Exam Takers were packed together like sardines as they followed a purple-haired man down the tunnel. Since the five boys (and girl) were at the back, it was hard to see his appearance. But Gon had informed them he that he was mouth-less. Ayano guessed that he had keen eyesight if he could see so well in the dark.
The sound of hundreds of feet hitting earth filled the small space as they raced after Satotz. The Exam Takers bumped one another as they crowded together. This stimulated more tension; being jostled side to side knowing that you were taking a Exam that could kill you created a tense, agitated atmosphere. The smell of sweat and body odour didn't help.
This filled Ayano's head as they ran for the next two hours. It was monotonous, really. She had run all the way from Kakuse Island. She could handle this! To entertain herself she activated her Sixth Sense. At once the noises became crisper. The sound of breathing, cursing, sweat and feet created a boisterous rhythm and she began to think of melodies that could accompany it.
Two hours.
Two whole hours of non-stop running and they had gained thirty kilometres from the start. Several people had dropped out already, their faces contorted as they heaved for air. Ayano didn't find their failure amusing though some did. It was hard work, The Hunter's Exam. It wasn't meant for wannabes or the faint of heart. Many had to train from childhood in order to pass! Nobody had a clue as to how long they had to run. It was tense, difficult and uncomfortable.
'It's a test of endurance as well as mental health,' She concluded. 'The Examinee's have to endure long distance running as well as the strain of not knowing when it's going to end.' Ayano found herself running along side Gon.
The duo's feet were in sync as they jogged down the tunnel. Gon looked at her from the side and smiled, his big brown eyes sparkling. He seemed to be enjoying the run and Ayano found this strangely encouraging! There was no talk between them lest they wasted their breath. But it was a light-hearted atmosphere between the two that filled the silence.
Unfortunately the silence was shattered by a shrill grumpy voice. "Hey! Wait up, kid!" Leorio hollered. Heads turned and embarrassed eye rolls were exchanged as people tried to ignore his yelling. "You should show The Hunter Exam some respect!" He ranted. Ayano looked up to see Leorio in front of them, but she turned away. She didn't want to see what the embarrassing man was up to.
"Hm? What do you mean?" A boy's voice responded. It sounded innocently vacant.
"Why are you using a skateboard?!" Leorio raged. "That's CHEATING!"
"Why?" The boyish voice asked again, all the more vacant sounding. "Why you...this is a Endurance Test!" Leorio's voice became deeper and Ayano knew that the boy was in for a rough one. Oddly enough he didn't seem fazed by Leorio.
Suddenly Gon piped up next to her. "No, it isn't." He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Ayano sweat-dropped. She was pretty sure that Gon was wrong this time. After all, they were RUNNING. For a very long TIME.
RUNNING and TIME meant ENDURANCE. Hello?
Leorio seemed just as baffled. He tripped on his own feet in a fit of rage. "Huh?! Gon, what are you trying to say?" He was so worked up that his words came out strangled and high-pitched.
Gon stared vacantly at him with wide brown eyes. "The Examiner told us to follow him." He explained. Leorio's eyes bugged out of his head and tick marks were everywhere. "WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON, EH?!" He hollered. Ayano winced. What a child! Even her sister Mei, the spoiled brat of the family, wasn't as bad as this.
The sound of wheels against gravel made Ayano look up and she came face to face with a pair of eyes. They were chips of crystalline ice, sharp and cat-like. Similar to Kurapika's, Ayano observed, though they held the innocence of a child. This was framed by messy snow-White hair. "Eh?" She mumbled. The eyes barely glanced at her and turned to look at Gon.
The world seemed to collect its breath and that's when she heard it. At least, she thought she did. The sound of two souls letting out a stuttering breath as they observed each other. Ayano glanced in between the boy and Gon. What was this feeling? She felt like two puzzle pieces had linked together in front of her. It was obvious to her now; these two were destined to meet.
"Hey, how old are you?"
"I'm twelve years old."
The boy hummed to himself, his large blue eyes blinking curiously. He seemed to be thinking hard about this information and Gon smiled at him. "Huh?" He asked the boy.
The boy's persona changed. Instead of vacant innocence a confident smirk appeared on his lips. With a careless sigh he flipped his skateboard into the air and landed hard on his feet, catching the board in one hand. "Guess I'll run too." He replied with an air of 'whatever'. Gon gasped with delight at his trick and the spark in his eyes burned.
"Wow!" He cheered enthusiastically. "That was so cool!" The boy didn't respond to the compliment.
"I'm Killua." He introduced.
"I'm Gon." Gon replied with a smile. The duo began to run in step together and suddenly a wall slid up between Ayano and Gon. It was so sudden that she felt her heart constrict. What was going on? A tangible force, unseen but felt, told her that she couldn't get closer to Gon.
'Don't you see?' A pitiful voice echoed. 'These two are going to move mountains together. But I'm afraid you can't have what they have.'
'They were meant to be friends.'
A mournful sigh escaped Ayano's lips. She could see it. The world had stopped just for these two. She wasn't going to ruin The Rhythm of Fate. She turned her head to observe the new addition to the group. Killua was the same height as Gon and probably the same age. But they were complete opposites; while Gon reminded her of the warm sun-kissed hills of Un Valley, Killua reminded her of the frigid Ice Island's to the South.
Killua has spiky, silver-white hair, pale skin and gleaming blue eyes. He was lean and thin. He looked pretty fast too. He wore a long-sleeved cobalt turtleneck with a white t-shirt over it. Baggy periwinkle shorts billowed around his thighs while he ran with his maroon boots clicked against the ground.
Killua must have felt her gaze because he turned and glanced at her. Their eyes met; opal white and ice blue.
The world sighed wearily to itself, like it couldn't take the pain anymore. Both of their eyes widened so much that they seemed to pop out of their heads. Ayano felt a phrase run circles in her head and she held her breath. It was there. A tangible connection; the thin line that vibrated between them like a guitar string. The sound was mournful and full of unreleased rage and it was coming from both of them. They continued to stare at each other. Calculating, assessing the risks and wondering if it was worth it to ask. But the feeling wouldn't go away and both children knew it. They were similar. They were the same.
Hello?
Ayano's opal eyes seemed to say.
Hello.
Killua's eyes returned to their normal size, but they were filled with curiosity. "Hey, who's the girl?" He asked Gon. Gon seemed surprised by the question but was happy to oblige. "That's Ayano! She's really nice and has super cool hearing." He introduced. Killua hummed again and continued to stare at the girl. Ayano stared right back.
'I'm going to do it.' Ayano thought to herself. Killua seemed to be thinking the same thing.
Monster? His eyes asked.
Monster. She replied with an unwavering gaze.
And so the two monsters took off their masks and introduced themselves. "Nice to meet you, I'm Killua." He said, holding out a hand. Ayano took it firmly. "Pleasure is all mine. I'm Ayano." Gon watched both of them with warm brown eyes. He seemed happy that the two were talking.
"How old are you?"
"Fourteen."
"Oh. Really?"
"Yes. I'm older than the both of you."
"You could be our big sister, Ayano-chan!"
"Eh? I never agreed to that! And w-where did the 'chan' come from, that's informal!"
"I don't need another older sibling. I've got plenty at home."
Two more hours passed. They had travelled around sixty kilometres.
The trio stayed in rhythm with each other, small talk filling the space between them. Tension had subsided now that the mental strain was kicking in. They had already passed several men mumbling to themselves about failure with wide terrified eyes.
Failure is one of the main fears of man-kind.
Suddenly Gon slowed his jog. Both Killua and Ayano glanced at him as he stopped running and turned around around. Killua stopped too and Ayano obliged as well. The trio stared at Leorio, who was gasping like a fish out of water. He looked more like a monkey now! Ayano huffed in amusement and Killua smirked.
"Hey, forget him." Killua told Gon. "Let's get going." That didn't resonate well with Ayano. She was attached to Leorio even though he was a whiner.
"Wait." Ayano said, curling the word in her mouth. The one word made the White-haired boy glance at her in confusion. Gon continued to stare at Leorio patiently. Slowly, ever so slowly, the man gained his breath. He was sweating like a pig but he seemed more energised!
"Screw that..." He said hoarsely. The trio blinked at him; Gon with his vacant stare, Killua with a skeptical frown and Ayano with a grossed out sneer. She never liked sweat and Leorio was sweating rivers!
Suddenly Leorio took off. His legs and arms were moving at top speed and his teeth clenched in the most comical expression ever. Ayano couldn't help a small smile as he raced towards them while yelling at the top of his lungs. "IM GONNA BECOME A HUNTER!" He bellowed, steam coming out of her nostrils. "D**N IT ALLLLLLLL!"
He shot past them like a rocket with dust coming off of his shoes. The wind tossed the Trio's hair as Leorio ran hectically towards the rest of the crowd.
Gon had the goofiest smile on his face. Ayano realised that she was grinning too; a foreign thing for her. But none the less both of them watched Leorio run with the biggest, silliest grins! Gon laughed. Wielding his fishing rod like a samurai warrior he launched it over to Leorio's suitcase that had been dropped. It hooked on the handle and came whizzing through the darkness towards them. Both Ayano and Killua watched awe-struck as Gon caught it with one hand.
Killua and Ayano grinned. "Cool!" The both said at the same time.
All three took off after the other Examinee's, their smiles uncontrollable. Ayano didn't mind a bit that she was grinning like an idiot. It had been a while since she smiled. "Let me try that later!" Killua said. Gon laughed again. "If you let me try your skateboard, ok?" He asked. Ayano watched them warmly as they conversed.
It wasn't long before they reached the stairs. Without missing a beat the Trio tackled the steps, hopping up without breaking sweat. They had reached the eighty-kilometre mark! Suddenly the people in front of them gasped. Ayano craned her neck to see the distant figure of Satotz leaping up the stairs like a gazelle. The Examinee's began to call him a 'freak'. "This is ridiculous!" One of them shouted.
"Gon, wanna race to see who finishes first?" Killua asked the boy next to him. He didn't seem to be fazed that the pace was picking up. In fact, none of them seemed too worried. Ayano smirked.
"Sure." Gon said, then glanced over at Ayano. "Only if Ayano-chan can join!" Killua snorted at his demand. "Why would we leave her out? Oi, Ayano. You wanna join?" Even though it was silly, Ayano felt glad that they included her. "I'm game!" She replied.
"Loser gets to buy dinner!" Gon crowed. "Okay, your on!" Ayano and Killua jeered. Both of them grinned at each other. Seems like they were in sync today!
"Ready, GO!" The Trio shouted.
'No way am I gonna lose!' Ayano thought fiercely. 'I've been going easy this whole time. There's a reason why Father made be run around Kakuse Island every morning!' Exhilaration inspired her and her legs began to move faster. Both Gon and Killua watched dumbly as she sprinted up the stairs with ease. It was almost like she was Satotz himself. But the gap between the Examiner and the girl's strength was a considerable amount.
Killua's dumb expression turned into a smirk. He glanced at Gon, who giggled and nodded. "Alright!" They both yelled in unison as they raced ahead after Ayano. It was time to give it their all too!
Ayano had finally reached where everyone else was running. As she hurled up the stairs she bumped into Leorio and Kurapika. "Ah!" She winced. Then she gasped.
Leorio was shirtless, his tie swinging hectically around his neck. Sweat poured from his face as he ran purposefully up the stairs. Ayano reeled back in shock. "OI, put a shirt on, Grandpa!" She yelled. "Nobody wants to see that!"
Kurapika chuckled in amusement as Leorio turned around. His eyes bulged dramatically as spit flew from his mouth. "Shut up you living mushroom!" He bellowed. "I'm going to pass this Exam, even if my dignity is smashed to pieces!"
Forgetting who she was, Ayano whined. "But my eyes! They're burning out of their sockets!" She covered her face in her hands. "I can't look." She whispered dramatically.
Leorio stuttered, spit flying as he raged at her. "Don't say that! I'm not ugly, you know! Youre being really mean!"
"Oh sorry Grandad." Ayano felt a smile on her lips. "You're not ugly. You're hideous!"
Leorio fumed. "Shut up!" He hollered, ignoring the turning heads. "At least I don't look like some homeless raggamuffin!" Ayano squeaked, feeling her cheeks burn at the remark.
"R-raggamuffin?" She stuttered. "W-well listen here! It's not my fault that you're not in enough shape to tackle these stairs!" She huffed and tried to fight the blush on her cheeks. She always felt embarrassed when people talked about her appearance!
"Shape? Shape?!" Leorio's voice cracked. "I'M IN PERFECT SHAPE. IM ATTRACTIVE."
Ayano choked on air, then burst into hearty laughter. Both Kurapika and Leorio stared at her dumbly as she cackled away, clutching her stomach for support. "N-no your not!" She giggled. Her voice became playful and light-hearted as she continued. "Do I see any muscles? A six-pack? No. No I don't."
Kurapika seemed to be enjoying the argument because he joined in. "She has a point Leorio-san! Your physical appearance has no appeal whatsoever." He told the shirtless man. Steam came out of Leorio's ears while he stumbled over his words. Both Kurapika and Ayano chuckled together at the mutual teamwork, grinning like a couple of idiots! Looks like they both had something in common; knowing how to tick off Leorio!
"Whatever. You're too young to be interested in older men, let alone have a crush! How would you know what's attractive?" Leorio grumbled. "I'm running ahead. I can complete this Exam if I don't care what I look like!" Huffing and puffing, Leorio sprinted ahead. Kurapika watched him go with a curious smile on his face. Without warning he began to strip off his clothing, stuffing it into his bag. Ayano squeaked and covered her eyes out of habit and the blond glanced at her in amusement.
"It's alright, Ayano-chan!" He told her. "I am wearing a body suit underneath. There is no need for that reaction." The girl uncovered her eyes shyly. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment at her actions. Kurapika nodded at her before looking up at his friend. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to ask him a question about his motives for the Exam." Ayano tilted her head curiously.
"I'll come too!" She replied. "I want to know why you've taken the Exam as well. If you don't mind, of course." She added hastily. Kurapika smiled and nodded, telling her that it was ok. The duo ran to catch up with Leorio. As they came in step with him the man glared at the two. Ignoring the hostility Kurapika began to drill him about his goal for the Exam; Money!
"Leorio!" Kurapika said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Are you really trying to become a Hunter for the money?" Both of them watched as Leorio turned his head away. "You aren't, right?" Kurapika persisted. "We've only been together for a few days, but I know you better than that." Ayano watched spellbound. A few days? No wonder they were all so close. It wasn't her being distant or anything (though that was contributing). It was the fact that they were well acquainted! 'Whatever these four boys have planned, I want in on it.' She thought to herself. 'Move mountains my butt. These four have a future ahead of them and I want to see the end!'
"Sure, you have a nasty attitude and you aren't very bright." Tick marks returned to Leorio's head and he shrieked when Kurapika said this. "But you aren't a shallow person!" The blond finished. Leorio glanced at him in shock. "I've seen many who live for money. You're nothing like them!"
To Ayano's surprise, Leorio made a 'tch' sound. "You and your logic..." He stated, returning to his huffing and puffing. Kurapika seemed taken aback slightly and he glanced at Ayano. She didn't know what to say. But it was obvious that Leorio was hiding something! If he wasn't going to share his reasons for taking the Exam, then Ayano was going to set the guidelines.
Sometimes the only way to make people open up is to share the pain inside of you.
The girl opened her mouth to speak when she glanced at Kurapika. His grey eyes were stone hard, like he had come to a conclusion. 'Let him talk.' She thought to herself. 'They're better friends after all'.
"Scarlet eyes. That's why the Kurta were targeted."
Ayano felt mournful heaviness settle around them at these words. It was a tangible emotion that made her teeth clack together anxiously. Leorio seemed to be affected by this because he gaped at Kurapika. Ayano stared up at the blond next to her in confusion. Kurta? Scarlet eyes? Targets?
Kurapika's voice grew monotonous as he continued, his grey eyes becoming harder with each syllable. "We Kurta are known for our unique Scarlet Eyes. When our emotions are heightened, our eyes turned scarlet, as though on fire. The eyes in that scarlet state are considered one of the seven most beautiful colours in the world. They command high prices on the Black Market." Kurapika's voice lulled to a painful whisper, his lips twisting into a sullen frown.
His words left a morbid bruise on their minds. Hunted and chased for your eyes? Ayano had never heard of such a thing. Leorio seemed humbled as well. "That's why The Phantom Troupe attacked you?" He asked.
No.
It took every fibre of her being not to scream bloody murder at the mention of that name.
The Phantom Troupe. The Phantom Troupe. The Phantom Troupe. The Phantom Troupe.
"They took every single eye from my brethren's corpses." Kurapika said without flinching. The blond then lowered his head. "I can still hear their darkened eyes crying out in anguish..." His voice grew so emotional that it wavered slightly and he clenched his fists in anger. "I swear I will capture The Phantom Troupe!" He vowed. "And I will reclaim the eyes of my clan!" Dark intent crept into his eyes as he spoke these words.
"That's why you want to be a Hunter?" Leorio asked.
"Yeah, if I become a Hunter with rich clients, I'll gain access to Black Market information." Kurapika explained coolly. Leorio sighed and shook his head. "But you'll have to swallow your pride and become the kind of Hunter you despise!"
"The blow to my pride is nothing," Kurapika replied, steel lacing his tone. "Measured against the suffering my clan endured." Leorio didn't respond to this, but his expression was troubled. Ayano looked away from Kurapika and bowed her head. She felt utterly guilty. Why?
'You know why.' She scolded herself. 'You know that you've had dealings with his enemy. There is no turning back once you taint your slate. Well done! You have lost the opportunity of a friend.'
Ayano heard Gon and Killua running behind her, but Leorio's next choice of words stopped her from glancing around. "Sorry, but I have no noble cause!" He said gruffly as he continued to sprint. Both Kurapika and Ayano frowned. "Huh?" Kurapika said.
"I'm just after money!" Leorio tried to end the conversation.
"Don't lie!" Snapped Kurapika, his grey eyes sharp with anger.
"I'm not lying!"
"You really believe you can buy everything with money?"
"You bet!" Leorio shouted angrily. "For the right price you can buy not only treasures, but dreams, hearts, and even people's lives!" Kurapika looked beside himself with fury and Ayano felt the same. Peoples lives? People weren't objects! They were living beings with emotions and dreams, not pawns to be pushed around! Kurapika stuttered. "Take that back, Leorio!" He ordered. "If you're insulting the Kurta, I won't forgive you!"
"Why? I'm telling the truth." Leorio's voice grew weary. "If I'd had money, my friend wouldn't have died!" That sentence flipped the conversation on its head. Kurapika and Ayano gasped softly. Leorio glared at the two of them and turned away, ignoring them completely.
Ayano heaved a shuddering breath. 'So much pain.' She wailed inside her head. 'So much of it. No more, I don't want them to feel this way.' Kurapika watched Leorio sullenly, grey eyes full of conflicting thoughts.
"An illness?" He finally asked. Ayano flinched and tried to stop herself from covering his mouth. What was he doing?
"I-it was a treatable disease..." Leorio's voice was no more than a murmur. "The problem was that the operation costs a fortune. I was naïve!" He raised his voice as he began to blame himself. "I thought I could become a doctor! I wanted to cure kids who have the same disease, and be able to tell them it was free of charge!"
Leorio huffed. "Then I could have told his parents, too. That was my dream..." Tears were coming to the man's eyes as he relived the pain of his childhood. "What a joke!" He scorned. "Turns out that to become a doctor, you need even more money!" He turned to look at them with fierce eyes. "Got it? The world runs on money, so I want money!"
Kurapika stared at him in shock. Then his gaze turned warm and sympathetic. Ayano felt empathy towards Leorio. Who had known? Who could have known? And to think that she thought of him as selfish and thoughtless about other people's pain when he had his own world of suffering! "See you at the goal, Ayano-chan! Kurapika!" Gon called to the duo. He had appeared suddenly along with Killua. The White-haired boy smirked up at Leorio. "Catch you later, old timer!" He jeered.
"I'm not OLD!" Leorio yelled, spit flying once more. "I'm a teenager just like you guys!"
The information hit everyone like a tonne of pounds.
"Huh?"
"No way!"
"What?!"
Gon, Killua and Ayano were far beyond everyone now. The steady rhyme of feet against stairs filled Ayano's head and she unconsciously hummed to the beat. The sound of Killua's wheels clacking in their bolts, the suitcase banging against Gon's back and the swishing of Ayano's trench coat against the floor created perfect opportunities to make a catchy tune.
"You know, I'm impressed that you guys can keep up with me." Killua stated calmly.
"Really?" Gon asked. He giggled and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, like it was a compliment. Killua shot him a weird look but decided to ignore it. "Who said you were setting the standards here?" Ayano taunted. Killua met her eyes challengingly, but she stuck out her tongue in response. She had enough angst for today! What was wrong with a little banter?
Killua sighed with boredom. "Or maybe it's just that everyone else is too slow." The sauciness in his voice was pretty legit. "Aw, The Hunter Exam is gonna be a breeze! That's no fun." He pouted slightly and Ayano had the urge to squish his cheeks. What was with her today? "Hey, why did you want to become a Hunter?" Gon asked curiously. Ayano tilted her head and stopped humming to listen.
Killua stopped pouting. "Me?" He asked. "I'm not really interested in becoming a Hunter." Both Gon and Ayano blinked vacantly. "Eh?" They said in unison.
Killua's blue eyes narrowed playfully. "I heard the Exam was supposed to be really hard so I thought it would be fun." He smirked. "But this is disappointing. Well, what about you?" He nodded at Gon and Ayano. Gon began to explain his reason as the Trio avoided the bodies of tired people on the steps. "Well, my Dad's a Hunter. So I want to become a Hunter like my Dad." Killua and Ayano hummed curiously.
"So what kind of Hunter is he?" Asked Killua
"I don't know!" Gon replied cheerfully.
Killua seemed startled, but burst into a fit of laughter. "That's kinda weird!" He said. "Really? You want to be like your Dad, but you don't know anything about him?" Gon shrugged. "I was raised by Mito-san, so I've only seen my Dad in pictures."
"Who's Mito-San?" Ayano spoke for the first time in a while. Gon looked at her with glowing brown eyes. "Aunt Mito!" He said cheerfully. "Oh." Killua said. He didn't seem to be impressed, but Ayano was. She didn't know if she had an Aunt. What was an Aunt anyways?
"When he was twelve, my Dad took the Hunter's Exam." Gon continued. "He passed and became a Hunter! Then he left the island." Gon let out a breathy laugh and shrugged. "I want to find out why he chose to be a Hunter over being with me!" Both Killua and Ayano frowned at this. It was a queer thing to be searching for his Dad! If she was in Gon's position, Ayano wouldn't bother. Her own Father treated her badly anyways. Why would she care?
Light from ahead cut through the darkness, landing on her face. It was dazzling to the eye and Ayano smiled openly. "The exit!" She cried. Both Gon and Killua looked up and smiled too. Everyone seemed relieved and began to cheer.
The Trio grinned in unison and launched up the stairs. Darting in between Examinee's, dodging flailing arms and ducking under legs, the three children giggled to themselves as they weaved their way towards the light. Exhilaration made Gon, Ayano and Killua taunt each other as they jogged up the stairs.
"Almost there!" Gon crowed as the light grew. Ayano laughed and darted past Killua, who whined and tried to catch up. A couple more steps and-
"GOAL!" All three shouted, bursting into open air. Laughter spilt from their mouths as they avoided the Examiner Satotz and landed in warm sunshine, their hair tossed in the fresh wind and eyes gleaming. Ayano couldn't stop her smiling. This was what she had missed out on in her life! All of it!
"Yay! I win!" Gon cheered, waving his fist in the air.
"What are you talking about! I was faster!" Killua whined angrily.
"NUH-uh! I crossed first!" Bragged Ayano, her cheeks puffed up.
"I was!"
"No, I was first!"
"No, I was!"
"I was first, so you have to buy me dinner!"
"No, I was first! So YOU buy dinner!"
"Guys guys, it's always ladies first! You both have to buy me dinner!"
"But I was fasteeeeer!"
Gon finally turned to the Examiner Satotz. "Hey, who crossed first?" He asked politely. Satotz cocked his head and stared at the Trio curiously. "I believe you crossed the finish line simultaneously." He answered in a matter-of-fact tone. "I see..." Gon pouted at this. "Well then! I'll buy Killua dinner, Killua buys Ayano dinner and Ayano-chan buys me dinner!" Ayano and Killua sweat-dropped at Gon's plan. "I don't get it." Killua mumbled. Ayano hummed in agreement. Gon looked back at Satotz. "Hey, Satotz-san." He asked again. "Is this where the Second Phase takes place?"
The purple-haired man seemed overwhelmed by the Trio. "Eh, no." He said. "We still have quite a way to go." Gon whined in frustration while Killua and Ayano giggled at him. A little while passed and soon most of the Examinee's were at the top, gasping like fish out of water. The Trio sat by the entrance to wait for the other two they had left behind. While they did this Ayano taught them a handshake, Gon taught them his special promise pinky and Killua did a few tricks on his skateboard!
Finally the two appeared; Leorio sweating profusely and Kurapika left breathless with the run.
"Hey, Kurapika!" Gon called. The blond looked over, panting. He waved at the Trio wearily. "Ah. Is this our destination?" He breathed slightly.
"No, it isn't!" Gon replied cheerfully. Kurapika sighed. "I see." The blond glanced around with keen eyes. "The fog is fading." He pointed out. The group of five all observed the mist seeping away into the ground. Ayano grinned. It reminded her of Un Valley in Mist Season.
"Really?" Gon shot up and stared about. Then he broke into a wide smile, breathy laughter coming from his lips. The mist was melting away to reveal a thick bushy forest! Shrubs and ground vegetation sprung around the tree trunks and the leafy tips were dark with moisture. Birds careened high above them in lazy circles, calling down to them. Ayano giggled and stood up as well, peering into the forest. It was certainly thick! And it stretched on for miles! The misty air was amazing to breathe and she gulped it down. There was nothing Ayano loved more then the taste of morning mist on her tongue!
"The Numere Wetlands. Also known as Swindlers Swamp." Satotz informed the group before him. "We must cross these Wetlands to reach Phase Two of the Exam. This place is home to many bizarre animals, many of them cunning, insatiable creatures who deceive humans and prey upon them."
Ayano felt shudders of excitement roll down her back at the mention of these dangers. This was exciting! She had never been to a swamp before. Keen to get going she tapped her foot impatiently. "Be careful!" Satotz told them all. "If you let them fool you, you're dead." At this, the door to the underground tunnel sold shut, trapping the Applicants who failed inside the tunnel.
"Harsh." Ayano mumbled. Kurapika nodded in agreement.
"These wetland creatures will use every trick in the book to fool their prey." Satotz continued unfazed. Everyone stared blankly at him. "An ecosystem in which creatures obtain their food by deceit. Hence the name Swindlers Swamp!" Satotz turned to face the forest in front of them. "Stay very close to me so you won't be deceived."
A shuddering breath rippled through the crowd and everyone looked at each other darkly. The only one who wasn't taking it seriously was Leorio. He 'tch'ed and smirked. "What a joke." He sneered. "How can they to fool us when we're expecting it?"
"DONT LET THEM FOOL YOU!" A terrified voice rose above the crowd.
Leorio rolled his eyes. "I just said that they can't." He grumbled. The group of applicants all turned to see a scruffy, beat up man crawl from a bush. "D-Don't fall for it..." He whimpered. The man's eyes bulged in his head, hysterical. Everyone leaned away from him in fear. Who was this guy? The man pointed a finger at Satotz and yelled. "He's lying to you! He's an imposter!" He jabbed a finger in his chest. "He isn't an Examiner. I'm the Examiner!"
Leorio looked stumped. "An imposter? What's going on?" Everyone was looking around in puzzlement. Curious murmurs filtered through the group as they shifted on their feet, nervous. Ayano didn't believe it for a second. Satotz had been with them the entire time! It was obvious that he was an Examiner! Besides he hadn't tried to eat the three of them earlier.
"Look at this!" The man cried. He tugged a corpse into the open and everyone reeled back in alarm. It was a hairy monkey man; but it looked exactly like Satotz! It had the moustache, the purple hair and the nose! The only difference was that it had a mouth. "He looks like Satotz-san!" Gon gasped.
"It's a man-faced ape, one of the creatures that dwell in Numere Wetlands!" The stranger explained to them. The name was carried through the crowd like ripples in a pond. Ayano felt anxious. It did look a lot like Satotz. But it couldn't be true!
"Man-faced apes love the taste of fresh human flesh. However, their limbs are long and they are quite weak!" The stranger continued. "That's why they disguise themselves as humans. They trick them into following them into these wetlands! There, they team up with the other animals to kill and devour them."
The stranger pointed a trembling finger at Satotz. "He intends to trap every single applicant!" He wailed.
Ayano was shocked at how quickly everyone turned on Satotz. Shouts of 'bastard' and 'freak' were heard from numerous people as they all took threatening steps towards the man. She was sure that Un Valley Elders had taught something about this before! But her mind went blank in the heat of the moment.
Then she heard it. The familiar sound of playing cards being drawn. Before she could blink, six cards came darting out of nowhere! Three cards smashed into the stranger; one in his chest, one in his neck and the other in his head. The other three shot towards Satotz. He caught them deftly with his fingers like it was nothing but a nuisance.
The stranger fell over with a sick thud. Ayano gaped at the corpse in surprise. He was dead! The sound of cards being shuffled made her whip around. Sweat beaded her forehead as she spotted the clown; Hisoka Marrow.
A chuckle escaped his smirking lips. "I see, I see," He cooed, lowering his voice. "That settles it." Hisoka opened his golden-clipped eyes and grinned wildly. Ayano felt shudders down her spin at the familiar smile. "You're the real one~" He told Satotz. Everyone turned to Satotz in surprise, another gasp rippling through the crowd. They seemed completely dumbfounded and Ayano was tempted to face palm herself.
Grown ups could be so silly sometimes!
"Examiner's are Hunters," Hisoka's smooth voice rose above the crowd. "Selected by the committee to perform this duty without pay. Any Hunter, bearing the title we seek, would have been able to block the attack." He finished with a purr.
Satotz dipped his head towards Hisoka in a formal gesture. "I shall take that as a compliment." He replied. "However, should you attack me again for any reason, I will report you for turning on an Examiner and you will immediately be disqualified." He cocked his head to the side. "Are we clear?"
Hisoka's smirk grew wider. "Sure~"
The crowd watched sullenly as large birds descended from the sky, devouring the corpse of the stranger. Leorio wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Nature really can be brutal to watch." Kurapika nodded. "So he was a Man-faced ape as well." The blond concluded.
Satotz got their attention once more. "He was attempting to confuse the applicants to lure some of them away." He walked forward and spoke a little more, but Ayano wasn't paying attention. "We cannot relax our guard!" Killua informed her and Gon. Both of them nodded. "Yeah."
"I believe that several of you were fooled into questioning my identity?" Satotz called over the crowd. Leorio rubbed the back of his head and cackled sheepishly, red tinting his cheeks. Another applicant that Ayano didn't recognise did the same. Satot turned around and stared hard at everyone. "Do you understand?" He told them. "If you loose sight of me in the Numere Wetland's fog, you will never reach the Exam's Second Phase. Do bear that in mind."
Silence greeted his words. Satotz nodded dutifully. "Then let us be on our way. Please follow me!" As the Applicants careened down the hill after Satotz, the Kakusean Teaching came back to Ayano. She jogged in between Kurapika and Killua while whispering the familiar words under her breath.
'Humanity will always fear what they don't understand. And what they don't understand becomes the victim of their brute fear. Humanity has destroyed itself many times by scorning their own kind. It is their greatest downfall.'