This is unedited! Thank you for the major support and I'm so sorry for the long wait! In a few more chapters I'm going to release something I like to call a 'Thought Song'
this is a special song I've chosen to represent the characters thoughts towards another character or towards himself/herself. Usually it will refer to Ayano and her experiences, but I might be choosing songs/themes for other characters.
Ah. So you've found me.
The question is, what can you do about my existence?
Nothing.
P #2
Well, he's gone. I'm sorry about the disturbance, usually WordWeavers aren't so competitive over one story! I thought I was the only one who knew about Ayano-chan. I suppose you know who I am now. I'm Hisao, Kale's older brother! Yeah I know you were expecting my reveal to be climatic, but half of you are so brilliant that 'revealing' myself would be a waste of time. Especially since you've all figured me out by now! Besides, I'm behind on telling Ayano's tale. Please forgive me for the wait!
As for the boy who crashed the party? I'm not sure who he was. Hopefully he won't come back, and if he does I'll be ready for him! Ok...where were we? Ah yes, we were in the Numere Swamp! My favourite part of the Hunter's Exam!
Oh! Whoopsie, I would like to ask you a question before we begin!
Have you figured out who you are yet? Do you know who you're supposed to be?
It's a hard question, isn't it. Every single person has a galaxy of thoughts and emotions inside of them, manifested into a personality! You're so complex and full of paradox's! You are a one of a kind gem! And yet it's so hard to figure out the darkest corners of your galaxy, or why certain parts of you shine brighter than the rest. It's difficult to have a something so complicated trapped inside your chest huh?
Now imagine holding the entire Universe under your skin. Wouldn't YOU break at the seams?
The sound of sloshing mud and panting were growing weary in Ayano's ears. She had long given up trying to entertain herself with the different noises; dripping, thumping, gasping and squishing weren't fun after a while.
Liquid spray flew around the applicants feet as they ran after Satotz, the air coated in mist. Their puffs of breath mingled with the moisture in the air and made it harder to see. Ayano tried to imagine that she was running in the sloping valley's of Kakuse Island; the mist deeply reminded her of her island home!
"Pay attention now!" The voice of Satotz rose above the crowd. "Be sure to stay close behind me." Satotz's words were met with silence as everyone struggled to keep up with his long, graceful strides. Though the occasional 'hut!' from Leorio broke the silence, everyone was stone faced. The corpse of the man still clung to their minds.
The siren call of a bird made Ayano tilt her head. A small black bird with a forked tongue was softly cooing above them, leisurely following their trail. Immediately a shiver of recognition rattled across her skin; that was Hisano's favourite bird, the Ruse Raven! If she wasn't careful she would definitely fall into its trap.
Deeper into the wetlands they ran with the mist lapping at their heels. It grew dark with moisture and sweat as the applicants continued their course. "The fog is getting thicker." Kurapika's murmur stated the obvious.
Suddenly Killua tensed next to her! Ayano glanced over at the boy, her ghostly eyes narrowed curiously. What was wrong? He must have sensed something for him to be glaring around like that! Then she felt tension behind them and glanced over her shoulder. Several men in blue were hard on Hisoka's heels, determination flickering in their gaze. Misty air caught in Ayano's throat as she watched them. Fools! We're they going to-
"Gon. Ayano." Killua said. Both children looked at him and Gon hummed in confusion. "Let's move up." He told them.
Both Ayano and Gon nodded dutifully. "Yeah," Gon responded. "We don't want to lose sight of the examiner."
"I'm more concerned with increasing the distance between us and Hisoka." Killua mumbled to the pair of them. "Staying to close to him is dangerous. I can smell it in the air." His blue eyes had grown unsettlingly dark but Ayano could understand why; she knew better than anyone how much chaos Hisoka could create.
"Smell?" Gon repeated blankly. Like a hound he tested the air with his own nose before frowning. "Hmmmm. I don't think he smells." Raising his voice he called out to the others. "Leorio! Kurapika! Killua says we should move up!"
Ayano snorted. What was with this kid? Didn't he sense the dark intentions from others? "H-hey! Can't you feel the tension surrounding us?" Killua stuttered, baffled.
"MOOOOROOON!" Leorio's whiny voice made the trio snort with laughter. "If I had the strength, I'd already be there!"
"Don't worry about us!" Kurapika answered their invitation. "Eeehhh?" Gon whined sadly. He looked concerned for the duo running behind them and Ayano peered over her shoulder once more. Hisoka's thin golden eyes swept lazily around him and discomfort riddled her skin with goosebumps!
But if Gon was so concerned for their well being...
"Let's go, Gon, Ayano." Killua demanded and began to pick up his pace. "Wait!" Gon called and ran after him. As he passed Ayano their eyes connected and Ayano nodded to him. Gon blinked once, twice. Then he broke into a smile! "Ok! Thank you Ayano-chan!" He cheered before running after his friend. Ayano watched them go with a faint smile.
Now. Time to babysit the other two! Ayano slowed her pace and cut through the crowd, aiming for Leorio and Kurapika. If Gon was concerned for them, Ayano would make sure that they make it to the next phase in one piece! After all she knew what it felt like to be concerned for your friends well-being.
As she came up to them, Leorio sneered down at her. "Oh. It's you." He huffed. Ayano stuck out her tongue in response before nodding to Kurapika. The blond smiled. "Why aren't you with the other two?" He questioned.
"They're too fast for me." Ayano lied. If she told them she was 'babysitting' them, she was sure that Leorio would flip out. Kurapika nodded before refocusing on the task ahead of them.
"We can't even tell which way we're going." The Kurta said after a while. Leorio shook his head in response. "It's okay!" He said. "As long as we don't lose sight of the guys in front of us-..." The trio watched the shadows of people in front of them earnestly. Suddenly a shadow on the right lost his head! All three made shocked sounds as more and more shadows lost their heads, the images slumping to the floor. Leorio made a shrieking noise and the three of them stopped in their tracks. "What's going on!" He shouted.
Suddenly massive red berries floated from the mist, hovering deliciously in front of them. Ayano's eyes widened a the phenomenon! Floating berries, how? Then she felt the empty pull of her stomach. It had been three weeks since a decent meal (not including the crusts from trash bins and other disgusting things) and those berries looked so...so...
Their skin was so plump and juicy! It looked ready to pop in her mouth with just the faintest bit! Ayano imagined the cool, sweet juice filling her mouth and running down her throat and her mouth began to water. "So hungry~" she whimpered as her hand reached for the fruit.
"GET BACK!" Both Leorio and Kurapika grabbed an arm and tugged her way just as a massive head loomed down. A Noggin Luggin Tortoise! A swamp creature that attracted prey with the ripe red fruit on its shell! Chaos ensued as the applicants scattered.
Multiple tortoises thundered through the group, bending low and snatching applicants from the ground. Terrified screams broke the misted air, harmonising with the crunching of bodies and the pounding of feet. "Look around Ayano-chan!" Leorio cried in Ayano's ear, shaking her to her senses. "This looks bad!" Kurapika spoke to himself. Two tortoises, their necks waving high into the sky, reared above them hungrily. The trio stood back to back as the massive animals leered around them.
Far away the distant wails of pain and terrified cries only meant that more applicants were being killed by unseen forces. Panic gripped Ayano's chest as she heard their pleas for help. But nothing could save them now! Leorio grabbed a stick and began to wave it at the monsters. "Come at me you ugly amphibians!" He screamed, spittle flying hectically
"They're reptiles!" Both Kurapika and Ayano corrected him simultaneously. Before Leorio could respond a tortoise lunged at him, wedging the massive stick in his mouth. Leorio wailed as he was tugged up into the air, clinging to the stick for dear life! "Leorio!" Ayano cried out. The stick was slowly cracking under the pressure and Leorio gritted his teeth. The massive tortoise began to swing him around and around like a toy, it'd beady eyes narrowed!
Ayano sprang into action. Like lighting she was darting across the ground, everything a blur as she launched herself under the beasts belly. Sliding her hands into her boots she tugged loose two letter openers; her Father's favourite's! A hiss of satisfaction escaped her lips as she dug the two knifes into the tortoises legs and underbelly, tearing into its vulnerable flesh.
Kurapika launched above her, his grey eyes dark as he brought out his Bokken; two sharp sticks attached by a string. His teeth bared into a snarl as he brought down the weapon into the animal's left eye! Right on target! The beast roared and released their friend, who landed on the ground with a painful thud! Kurapika, still attached to the monster, was tossed back.
Ayano darted from underneath the monsters belly, climbing up its back to swipe at the soft berries growing on its shell. One, two! Grinning she tucked them away into her coat before clumsily sliding off. "Kurapika!" She called. In response the blond landed skilfully next to Leorio, wielding his Bokken. "Ayano, Leorio, here's our opportunity!" He yelled before dashing off.
Ayano followed suit, tucking the bloodied letter opener's away in her coat. She'd have to clean them later. Leorio caught up to the pair and together the trio ran as fast as they could away from the Noggin Luggin Tortoise. "Well done!" Ayano panted to the other two. "Leorio you were so brave!" She turned to Kurapika and smiled slightly. "And you too Kurapika! That was an amazing leap!"
Both males blinking in confusion before smiling back at her. "Thank you, Ayano-chan." Kurapika huffed wearily. " I was worried for a minute that we weren't going to defeat it." Leorio sighed and wiped sweat from his eyes. "I'll say!" He grumbled. "That thing was an ugly amphibian!"
"They're reptiles!" Ayano and Kurapika corrected him again. Both of them glanced at each other in surprise before Kurapika grinned. "Looks like we're in sync today." He teased lightly. Ayano didn't know how to respond so she buried her face into her coat. "Aw look what you did, Kurapika!" Leorio scolded the blond. "Now shorty is all shy!" At this Ayano lifted her chin defiantly. Short? Short her butt! "I may be short, but I can still kick your tail, old man!" She threatened, the undertone of her words laced with mirth.
"We've lost sight of the front runners." Kurapika said, drawing attention back to the situation at hand. Both Leorio and Ayano glanced around, humming in agreement. There was no one in sight, and the area around them was eerily quiet. "Which way should we go?" Leorio's voice was low and he scanned around before coming up short. "Stop!" He hissed. "Over there!" Kurapika and Ayano stopped, staring at a misty figure not twelve feet away from them. Slowly, ever so slowly, the mist pooled away until the figure was visible for the trio.
"Hisoka." Ayano breathed. The name flicked off her tongue like a snake as she drank in the flaming red hair, wet with misted water and the card symbols on the back of his shirt. The clown was surrounded by the men in blue Ayano had seen earlier and by the looks of it they were threatening him.
Fools! Ayano gritted her teeth. They were standing in the palm of Death's hand! It was unfortunate that their Fate had to be at the hands of this clown. "Get low." Ayano commanded to the two beside her. They didn't hesitant and did as she said. They watched, tension creating beads of sweat on their brows!
Suddenly the men shouted, moving as one to obliterate the lone man standing in their centre. Next to her, Leorio held his breath. In hope? In dread? Who knew? But their Fate was obvious even now as they moved as one towards Hisoka.
Ayano was a master in her own arts. But that never stopped her from watching others in awe, even if their intentions were bad. 'A wise learner learns from his enemies mistakes. A learner in training gains friends of proper challenge. Seek the challenging and become their companion; you will shape each other like rocks tumbling through a stream'. This was a popular saying spoken by the Elders of Un Valley! But Hisoka was no friend. Of course, that didn't mean she didn't admire his skills.
Like a lick of shadow his arms moved upwards, wielding a single card in between his long pale fingers. In a circular motion he moved his card around him, a thin, pure line of Meditation pulsing across the field. A faint blast of air erupted and the tree's echoed with the powerful blast! Ayano felt her throat tremble in fearful awe! This was POWER! Something that she wanted desperately if she wanted to escape her family.
The men stood still, the whites of their eyes visible. Then one by one they toppled like leaves in the wind with blood frothing at their lips and gushing from their necks!
The last man panicked, knees knocking together and lips trembling. Like the fool that he was he let fear take over his body and collapsed. "H-help!" He wailed in a shrill panicked voice. "Help!" Hisoka was on him like a wolf. With a dark gleam in his eyes he slaughtered the man where he lay, golden eyes catching in the half-light. Power!
Hisoka's thin eyes slithered to where they crouched. "So then..." His sly voice hummed. "Do you wish to participate in my little game of...Examiner?" Hisoka flicked the blood from the card before running his tongue along its edge.
Like a panther he began to stalk towards them with a monstrous gleam in his eyes; Ayano felt surprisingly calm at this notion. He was a monster too. Should monsters fear each other? She didn't think so.
"Leorio, Ayano, on my signal we run in opposite directions." Kurapika intense voice made her glance at him. His grey eyes flicked from Hisoka to the terrain around them. He must have an idea! "What?" Leorio hissed. "Shut up!" Ayano replied. "Just listen!"
"He is vastly more experienced in combat," Kurapika murmured. "The three of us won't stand a chance against him." Ayano had to cover up her scoff. She would probably last five minutes before she would be killed! Them? At least forty-five seconds. Give or take a few. "We cannot afford to squander time in a pointless fight."
Ayano watched Hisoka's pale fingers flick a card from underneath his sleeve. Glistening sweat trickled down their faces and onto the ground. The world around them narrowed and distorted grotesquely as he came closer! But Ayano waited for the signal that Kurapika would give.
Suddenly birds screeched and fluttered into the air! The wind tousled Hisoka's red locks and he raised his hand menacingly! "Now!" Kurapika yelled. As one the trio spilt up; Kurapika running to the left, Leorio running to the right and Ayano turning straight around to the north.
Ayano stumbled through the bush, hands clawing at trees and branches as she gasped for air. Her coat continued to rip and tear at the edges as she got it caught on bushes and thorns. Her lungs were scratched raw with her heavy breathing, a thick liquid building up at the back of her throat as she swallowed and gulped for air. Ayano could hear yelling behind her and fear spurred her on! Her legs bumped into rocks and sharp objects, cutting open her already scarred knees and bruising her. Run! Run run!
As she tried to avoid a tree her head hit a massive branch! Pain erupted behind her eyes and for the first time in a month, a familiar voice filled the depths of her skull. She hissed and doubled over as fresh memories bubbled and frothed to the surface.
"I don't like you. I don't care if Father wants you to watch me because I don't need you!" Eight-year old Ayano sass-talked a group of adults. A few sneers and dark chuckles made her skin crawl but she was done with her Father's business partners!
"Oi, boss. What do you want us to do to this little runt? She's being a pain in the butt." A large, gruff voice complained. Ayano stood firm against the large group of adults, willing to not take anymore crap from them. "Let me handle it." A smooth, fluid voice responded and little eight-year old Ayano came face to face with a dark, attractive young man.
Immediately her little face turned red as she was overcome with shyness. The handsome man wore a large fur coat with a queer symbol on his forehead, and thick mysterious eyes that gazed into Ayano's pale milky ones with interest. "Greetings, my child." The man spoke. His voice was deeply alluring and Ayano felt herself unconsciously leaning towards him. Who was this attractive tall man that Father always had meetings with?
"My name is Chrollo. What would your significance be to this 'household'?" Chrollo asked her. Ayano shuffled under his dark-eyed stare before mumbling her own name. Chrollo nodded and repeated his question. "Who are you to this household?" There was a unprecedented snort as someone replied, "an experiment for the psycho I'm sure." Laugher met their words as the group's shoulders shook in amusement.
"I'm my Father's Prodigy." Ayano mumbled.
Everyone went silent. Chrollo looked down at her, a strange look in his eyes. Was the handsome man impressed by what Ayano had said? The young girl secretly hoped so. "I'm the pride of the Kagami Family," she went on and tried to look important. "I can do anything?"
Chrollo held out his hand to Ayano, a small secretive smile on his face. "I see Ayano-chan." He hummed softly. "Well then I have a question. Do you know how to break bones?" This took eight-year old Ayano by surprise but she nodded slowly. "Hai, Chrollo-sama." She murmured.
"Break my fingers then." Ayano frowned deeply at this order. She didn't want to break the handsome mans fingers! Slowly she grabbed hold of his hand, taking his fingers in her own tiny grasp. Her little hands trembled at the thought of inflicting pain until finally she dropped her hand. "I can't, Chrollo-Sama." She said sadly.
She was answered with a look of disappointment. "I see. I expected more from you." He said before standing up. Without another word he walked away, the group of people following him loyally.
That was the first time Ayano felt unwanted. Like she was a pest. Her Father never dismissed her that way, even though he was never kind to her! And her sisters never disliked her presence; they got excited when she was around! After all, toying with little Ayano-chan was a fantastic cure for boredom.
A sudden rage seized her little body. How dare they dismiss her?! Ayano's rage was cold, dark and purposeful as she launched herself at the back of Chrollo. Hurt him. Bring him pain. Exercise her power! An animalistic snarl escaped the eight-year olds lips as Chrollo turned around to block her attack. Like a fork of lighting she ducked under his arm, twisting inhumanly to grab his wrist. Hissing with malice she lurched his wrist in an awkward angle, delighted with the disgusting crack that resonated from his bones!
The look of mild shock on Chrollo's face made pride bubble in her chest as she stepped away from him, ghostly eyes staring up at him defiantly. "I can break your arm too, Chrollo-sama." She told him. The man blinked once before stooping to her level and softly caressing her gnarled purple locks. "That was good, you were very fast." He praised her. Little Ayano nearly melted under his quiet praise, anger forgotten completely.
"But your hesitation was weakness." Chrollo retracted his hand from her head, disappointment still obvious. "I don't approve of that." Ayano watched him go miserably. What just happened? Wasn't he proud of her? She broke his wrist, but she hesitated?
"Hesitation is the same as running away, Ayano-chan. Are you a coward?"
No.
Ayano reeled away from the branch, her eyes growing and shrinking at a rapid rate as she tried to control her anger. Coward huh? As if she would run away from a fight! A strange feeling rolled over her body, numbing her clarity and logical thinking. If Hisoka wanted a fight, she was going to give it to him!
The fourteen year-old slewed around, mud and water spraying on her heels as she hurtled back the way she came. Her feet pounding against the muddied turf until it became the rapid, purposeful pit-pat as she whizzed past the tree's and bush, a blur of black and purple! She was going to wield HER power! If Hisoka was wanting bloodshed she'd give him that! Nobody calls her a coward, no-
Ayano skidded to a halt on the edge of the clearing. Her hair whizzed around and smacked her in the face but she didn't notice. She was too busy looking at Leorio's unconscious form on the ground, unmoving and silent. She was too busy watching Hisoka lift Gon off the ground by his throat.
The brown-haired boy struggled feebly, his eyes shut tight as he gasped for air. The clowns long, nimble fingers slowly crushed the young boys vocal cords with a sinister smile, his thin golden eyes full of sadistic excitement! Ayano had seen that look in someone else before, but she couldn't...
Gon opened his eyes and spotted Ayano standing across the clearing. His soft, honey brown eyes were dimming but they cried out to her. It hurts! His innocent eyes were screwed up in pain. Make it stop!
"Kale?" Ayano whispered softly. A sharp tug at her chest caused her anger to take a different direction. So what if she was called a coward? So what if she wasn't that powerful? Ayano noticed Gon's attempts to breath were lessening and some unknown being took control of her body.
The Prodigy moved so fast that her hair cracked in the wind! Her foot was pressed against Hisoka's wrist before the clown could blink, bending in a strange manner before forcibly removing Gon from his grip. Dark, electrifying opal eyes bore into Hisoka's before Ayano whipped around in an attempt to smash her fist into his face.
But Hisoka was not without his own skills! With the speed of a snake he flashed backwards, taking no more than a couple steps away from Ayano as she skidded across the ground on fours like a cat. Gon fell to the ground, rubbing his throat and taking deep gulps of fresh misty air! Without hesitation Ayano put herself between Hisoka and Gon, her eyes bulging dramatically from her sockets.
She was standing between The Sonata of Darkness and Kale in her own mind.
"Touch him and you will suffer." Ayano's voice was purposeful as she lowered into an attack stance. Merely a millisecond of shock was in Hisoka's eyes before he returned to his vague stare. "Miss Ayano~3" He purred, running his fingers through his hair. "Look how much you've grown! Managed to get out of there, I see?"
Ayano didn't answer. "Don't play with me, Mr. Clown." She mocked her own innocent name for him. "I won't let you take him away!" Hisoka's shoulder's shook softly as he chuckled. What was so amusing about her? Shouldn't she be the slightly intimidating at least? Ayano felt her sudden spur of the moment dim as Hisoka's chuckles grew louder, making her feel uncharacteristically small. "It's cute~ that you think you can fight me by yourself." Hisoka taunted.
Suddenly a hand was placed on her shoulder. The girl jumped in surprise, looking over her shoulder to see Gon! He was alright! Soft blue bruises were visible underneath his shirt but the boy stood tall next to Ayano. "She isn't alone. Friends fight together!" He yelled defiantly, his voice echoing across the field.
Ayano had never seen such fire in someone's eyes. The strength and untainted courage that Gon held made her feel relieved, but she was still concerned for her friend. "Gon," she murmured while placing a hand over his. "You mustn't-"
His fire burned into her eyes as he turned to look at her. Ayano felt the air in her throat catch once more. What was this power? He was weak, she knew that! He wasn't anywhere close to Ayano's level of strength let alone Hisoka! So why did she feel daunted by him?
"Friends fight together." He told her, the grip on her shoulder tightening. "Don't think I'll back down!" His honey gold eyes blazed warmly and Ayano couldn't help but nod purposefully. "Friends fight together." She repeated.
Hisoka had stopped laughing at their pathetic attempts. Now he was watching them, thin eyes alight. "I see." He hummed softly. Without another word he turned and walked towards Leorio's unconscious body, tossing him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "H-hey!" Ayano started, distrust coursing through her veins. "Where do you think you're-"
Hisoka turned and gave them a friendly smile. "You passed~3" he purred. "All of you have reached my expectations. As for your other friends? They pass as well!" He cocked his hip to the side, resting a hand on it. "Well, grow up and become fine Hunter's!" Suddenly a soft ringing was heard and Hisoka paused, looking down at his pants. Flipping out a phone he held it to his ear. "Hello~" he hummed as he began to walk away.
"Oi!" Ayano called out to him, ready to sprint after their friend. But Gon placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him again and noticed sweat trickling down his face, his lips trembling from shock. Ayano had almost forgotten how vulnerable Gon was! Stupid girl! "Hey," she murmured and put an arm round his shoulder. "He's gone now. Take deep breaths, it helps."
If the boy heard her, he didn't show any sign of it. But he closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing, the tremble in his lips slowly vanishing as he soothed his own fear. Finally he opened his eyes and nodded. "Thanks." Ayano smiled slightly. "No worries."
"Gon!" The sound of feet against wet grass was heard as Kurapika slowly came into view. "Are you alright!" Gon continued to breath as steadily as he could while Ayano answered. "He's ok!" Kurapika stopped in front of them, blond locks wet and plastered to his face with mist. He breathed a deep sigh of relief before observing Gon's state. "He's shaken up." He concluded and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Ayano nodded.
"Let's go. We don't have much time."
As the trio ran off again, Ayano stayed close to Gon. Over the last 24 hours she had developed a protective feeling for him; something about the way his eyes glowed reminded her of Kale. Gon led the way with his nose, a expressionless stare fixed in his gaze as they raced along the dirt path towards the next phase.
"Ayano-chan." Kurapika whispered to her as they padded along in silence. "What happened back in the clearing? I have a feeling that what Hisoka did was traumatising."
Ayano's gaze was fixed on Gon as she replied, "That clown was strangling him so I showed him what for. I don't think he's ever experienced that kind of violence." Kurapika stared at her for a moment then sighed.
"This way." Gon called to them as they winded down the path. The thick mist had lessened drastically and the road towards the next phase was more obvious than before. Kurapika cocked a brow. "How are you so sure?" He asked the boy. Gon hummed softly. "Leorio's cologne is very unique. I can smell him from a few kilometres away."
Ayano dead panned at this. How the heck could he smell his cologne? It's a little weird. Then again she could hear droplets of sweat rolling down people's backs so technically her way of tracking was grosser! "Ne, Kurapika, Ayano," Gon said after a while. "What do you think Hisoka meant when he said that we passed?"
Kurapika paused for a moment. Ayano could almost hear his brain working as he replied, "Hisoka was acting as a judge."
"A judge?"
"Hm. He must have his own benchmarks for evaluating power. It was possible he was ascertaining each applicants strength. Apparently, you, Leorio and Ayano must have met his standards." Ayano licked her lips at the mention of 'standards'. The only reason that Hisoka let her pass was because of their history! She was hardly worthy to become a Hunter since they were noble fighters, but it was family tradition and she had nowhere to start.
"I see." Gon said. The glow in his eyes weren't present which made Ayano's stomach churn. Hisoka must have gotten deep under his skin! She didn't like that at all! After a moment, Gon spoke. "But I was powerless to do anything against him."
Ah. So that's why he was so silent.
"Didn't you land your first hit on him?" Kurapika inquired.
"Only because I took him by surprise, and Leorio-san passed even though he lost..."
Kurapika hummed softly. "Perhaps he sensed you were kindred spirits."
Ayano cocked her head. "Kindred spirits?" She asked.
Kurapika nodded. "I seriously doubt that Hisoka could qualify as a Hunter. However, I must admit that he did impress me with his superhuman agility and graceful technique. It is quite common that those possessing special talents are drawn to others with unique gifts." Kurapika tilted his head to the side and went on. "Most likely Hisoka's instincts and experience told him that you had the skill and potential to become Hunter's."
"Killing you now would have been a waste, that was his perspective." Kurapika finished his short speech. Ayano nearly smiled with delight! How clever was this boy? She had been tempted to spill everything she knew about the clown yet it was clear that Kurapika had more to him than meets the eye.
"Hisoka is a master in his own right." Ayano hummed and the other two glanced at her. "But that doesn't blind him from the fact that there are different levels of mastery in each person. It's also possible that he saw you as a better opponent in the future. His desire for a powerful enemy also spared you from death."
Gon didn't respond to either of them, and the silence stretched longer. Kurapika's grey eyes widened in realisation. "Oh! I'm sorry!" He apologised swiftly. "Was that insensitive on my part?"
To their surprise, Gon shook his head. "Mm mm. But I was pretty excited as well." Kurapika made a shocked sound as Gon continued. "I was so scared, I wanted to run away! But I couldn't. And at the same time, I was excited!" He turned around and the light in his eyes finally ignited! "Isn't that strange?" He grinned, a breathy laugh escaping him.
Ayano felt a foreign warmth boil in her chest and she chuckled. "Not at all, Gon!" She said. "That's the rush of adrenaline in your veins!" A bright smile made her pale olive face glow in the half-light. "Embrace that feeling, Gon! Because it will be something you will experience more in the future." Gon's eyes sparked with anticipation at the prospect of the same rush and Ayano felt excited for him. Was that his first battle?
Interesting!
As they pounded down the trail towards the next phase, Ayano reflected on what Gon had said. It was a little sad that he had to experience fear at the hands of Hisoka. But maybe, just maybe, it was good for him. The warmth tickled her skin and she found a persistent little smile on her lips, jogging contentedly alongside Kurapika and Gon.
Was she their friend now?
She hoped so. Because she wanted nothing more than this.
Then a soft, nearly unnoticeable force pressured against the inside of her skull and she felt her throat convulse. The pressure grew and suddenly the girl recognised the feeling. "Voice?" She whispered to no one. Gon turned his head around and tilted his head quizzically. "Did you say something Ayano-chan?" Ayano felt her skin grow cold as she shook her head nervously. "Ah! No Gon, of course not!" She tittered awkwardly. Gon shrugged and turned back around, dismissing her strange behaviour.
Bitter bile-like liquid formed in her throat as she continued to run alongside the boys, warmth abandoned. How could she have forgotten what was inside of her? The creature that was the symbol of her Father, the violent, cocky being inside! As much as she wanted to have companions she knew that The Voice Inside a Her Head would prevent that. Even if they did want her, how could they want The Voice when it was...it was...
No. She couldn't let them know about her. As the next phase came into view, the fourteen-year old prayed to any spirit, God or mythical beast that The Voice would stay dormant for the entirety of the Exam. She couldn't risk letting the Monster loose from its cage.