I know you already know this but then again, Hunter X Hunter is not mine. This wonderful anime story is owned by Yoshihiro Togashi
CHAPTER 2: DOKI DOKI
"That's weird." Leorio started as they looked up at a big map of the town. As the Captain promised, he passed the four candidates and took them to Dolle Harbor.
Not less than thirty minutes ago, they stepped down from the ship and bid goodbyes to the Captain and his crew. Before parting ways, the Captain had told Gon to take the way over the lone Cedar tree.
This is why they're taking a long stare at the map in front of them. The map tells them that Zaban City is in the exact opposite location.
"What is?" Samara asked before yawning and crouching down. After all, looking at a map doesn't benefit her.
Whatever. She's just happy she's back on land.
"It's strange to go to the mountain because it's in the opposite direction," Leorio answered. "We should just ride the bus. Or maybe it's a shortcut, but if we mess up, we'll walk for nothing."
"Maybe he accidentally pointed this way?" Kurapika suggested, pointing the other way.
Samara released a long sigh before answering, "You do know we're taking THE Hunter Exam, right? I don't know if the Captain's just messing with us or what, but the bus screamed 'TRAP' to me."
"A trap? How can a bus ride be a trap?" Leorio asked angrily as he looked down at the girl.
"It doesn't matter. I'm going that way." Gon interrupted the two before they could start to bicker. The boy pointed the lone Cedar tree over the mountain and walked off. "I'm sure there's a good reason for this."
Sam sighed. Does he ever learn to be suspicious of what people tell him? Gon's too... trusting. And it's worrisome.
It's not like she trusted the Captain. But the ride to Zaban is a bit easy and suspicious itself! They're not taking a ride for a College Entrance Exam! It's an exam for Pro-Hunters!
Leorio tried to convince Gon to ride the bus, but the boy just waved back as he continued to march off toward the tree.
She made another tired sigh before standing up. Sam dusted off her shorts and faced Leorio. "Just feel free to catch up after you convinced yourself that you fell into a trap. That would be so hilarious." She patted Leorio's back, parting him with a mocking grin, and followed Gon as well.
"Wait!" A voice called. It was Kurapika. The girl gave him an acknowledging nod before going on to their long walk.
Sam never even questioned Kurapika's decision. The blonde teen would follow her and Gon. After all, he's not the type to easily fall into traps.
Taking the bus was indeed dumb. They could hear him grumble in annoyance but still said his goodbyes and went to the nearest bus stop.
As the three of them walk side by side, Kurapika can't help but steal glances at the girl.
"Stop staring. You might fall for me." She teased.
That startled Kurapika. He released an embarrassing cough. "I apologize."
"Nah, that's okay. So, do you want to ask something?"
Having the opportunity at hand, he asked right away. "How could you walk as if you know where to go? I would be lying if I say I'm not impressed seeing you can handle everything with ease."
'So that's what bothering him.'
Well, to give him peace of mind...
"Not everything. That's an exaggeration. There are things that I can't handle too. But I will tell you, being blind still leaves me with four perfectly functioning senses. Does that answer your question?" She answered.
He opened his mouth to ask for more but decided to not get into her personal life. "Yeah."
It was just yesterday that Sam confessed to both Kurapika and Leorio that she's blind because SOMEONE can't tone down his voice.
Initially, Leorio and Kurapika thought the two were messing with them but Sam confirmed it. They were stunned in silence.
Maybe they think it was absurd that a blind person would have the wits to join the exam.
Since two other people were somehow introduced to her condition, she didn't have much of a choice but to admit honestly about her eyes.
After the revelation, Leorio would try to wave his hands in front of her or make faces or whatever, making sure she was blind. Well, Samara's not numb.
Barely thirty minutes since they left, Leorio caught up with them.
The brunette arched an eyebrow knowingly and mouthed 'It's a trap' at the oldest member, who scowled and muttered in return. Gon and Kurapika chuckled, making Sam giggle too. She sang the words repeatedly to purposely annoy Leorio as they made their way through the path.
All through the way, Leorio just can't stop blabbering. "Well, I knew you guys would be lonely without me. And it's no fun traveling alone." And when the group almost reached the outskirts of a town, he repeated the same sentence he said a couple of hours or minutes ago.
"We knew it very much Leorio." Kurapika stopped him before he could repeat it.
"But could you stop it? I think I would be happier if you got stuck in the bus instead, rather than listening to you like a broken recorder!" Sam continued.
Gon, as the mediator of the group looked back and tried to calm everybody down. "Come on guys. We're already there."
The bickering only stopped not until they reached a small town.
"Is it deserted?" Leorio asked.
"No, it's not." Sam listened around. Hushed whispers and faint footsteps were hiding behind the walls.
"I don't really like this place," Leorio said, looking around the town. "There's nobody out here."
His comment made Sam shook her head. "I don't think so." She said warily. "Gon, can you sense it? There are people here."
Gon nodded. But that is not what's bothering him. "But why are they hiding?"
"Let's just keep our guard up," Kurapika warned, who also looked warily. The three members silently agreed and continued to walk the empty road.
Seconds later, mask-covered people suddenly came out of the said abandoned buildings and they were carrying musical instruments. One person was unmasked. It was an old lady sitting in front of those masked people, her fingers intertwined in front of her.
"Exciting." The woman muttered followed by those masked people chanting 'Doki-Doki'. Leorio can't help but nervously repeat her words too. After a few seconds, she screamed. "YOU'LL TAKE THE EXCITING TWO-CHOICE QUIZ!"
The four of them were stupefied for a couple of seconds. The masked people at the back gave a random series of claps and played the instruments.
"You're heading for the tree on the mountain, aren't you?" The lady started. "First, you have to succeed in getting out of this town. The other paths that could lead you there are like labyrinths, in which reigned by terribly, blood-thirsty monsters."
Demonic Beasts? No one didn't feel like being eaten.
Sam nodded. "We will take the quiz. We have to avoid them." Leorio, Kurapika, and Gon agreed and stared at the old lady, waiting for her quiz.
The old lady continued to speak and gave instructions first. She will ask one question and they have only five seconds to think for an answer. If they fail, their mistake would disqualify them from participating in this year's Hunter Exam. The only choice given is 1 or 2; any other answers will not be valid.
"Hey wait a minute! All three of us will be asked just one question?" Leorio can't help but interject. He points to Kurapika. "So that means I'll be eliminated if he answers wrong?"
Kurapika narrowed his eyes at him. "Unlikely. You getting disqualified is much more realistic and thus making me sick."
"Oh, burn." Sam made a mocking laugh.
"Shut it." Leorio gave a slight bump on her head.
Gon instantly pulled Sam away, who was ready to tackle Leorio. "Guys, I think we should-"
"Common! Hurry up!" A voice called out, interrupting Gon from finishing his sentence.
Four of them stopped and whirled around to find a tall, black-haired man with two swords attached to his back. He passed the four and made his way to the old lady in front. "Well, I'll answer before you." The man declared as he gave an unfriendly chuckle.
"Who are you?" Leorio asked.
"He followed us here, all the way from the port," Gon answered.
"Finally, you finally showed up." Sam pointed out.
"Sorry boy. I heard everything at the port." The man apologized. The rest of the members weren't too glad about the lack of sincerity in his apology.
The old woman asked their decision and the group accepted. It would be a good idea to let him answer first so that they'll know what kind of questions she'll ask.
Sam impatiently taps her foot, waiting for the question.
"Here's the question." The woman started. "Your mother and your girlfriend have been kidnapped by a demon. Only one can be saved. One, your mother. Two, your girlfriend. Who would you save?"
The question made them gape, wasn't expecting that kind of question. Was there even an exact answer to that question? You can't just pick one over the other!
"One!" The man answered, snapping Sam from her thoughts. She admits she was surprised by his sheer confidence.
Sam crossed her arms and waited expectantly for his explanation. The reason is what intrigued her most.
"Oh? And the reason for your answer?" The old woman inquired.
He smirked. "Because you can't replace your mother. But you can find another lover."
Sam seethed. What kind of twisted reasoning is that? What does he think about women? Refundable toys? They're talking about life here! Not to mention they have to include that both were precious to them.
They can't just pick someone by weighing who's more loved and who's not! What an asshole!
The old woman gave him a long stare, "You may go". The mob of masked people made a way to let the man through. The man smirked at the four before saying goodbye to them and went ahead.
Leorio gritted his teeth and made a low growl. "Hey, now! That's all bull! How was that the right answer?!" Leorio yelled. "That question can't possibly have a correct answer and the answer differs according to the person asked!" He turned around, slinging his bag over his shoulder. He was attempting to go back and take a different route. The old woman stopped Leorio before taking another step and warned him if he leaves, he'll be disqualified.
Sam ignored their loud voices and continued to think deeply. Some questions started to bother her. Why say 'you may go' but not you're correct? What's the difference between these two? Why not say 'you're correct' first?
The young brunette let her brain dig up all the possible answers she could find. What does it mean? What do those three words mean?
'You idiot! Even if I say you can go that way, doesn't mean that's the right way!' A sudden memory flashed right into her head. Her crossed arms slightly loosened as she realized what it means. She finally got it!
"Guys-!" Sam called everyone's attention.
"Wait!" The woman stopped her before she could utter anything. "I won't allow any unnecessary speech from now on." She said, staring attentively at the four of them.
This has become troublesome. Beads of sweat started to form on her forehead.
She silently hoped for Leorio to guess what the quiz is all about. Kurapika must have guessed it as well, but he wasn't saying anything. Or maybe he didn't know the answer at all!
As for Gon, she's not too sure if he knew the answer or was still thinking. As long as he stilled his mouth, then it will be fine.
"Here's the question." The woman began. "Your son and daughter have been kidnapped, and you can only save one. Choose 1 for your daughter, 2 for your son."
But Leorio was already seething with rage. He seemed to be the most agitated of them all. Sam heard a few footsteps to her right followed by someone picking a wood and a few swinging.
Sam started to worry. Leorio would fail all of them. As the woman counted to zero, Leorio immediately jumped to attack her.
The girl ran towards the old lady to shield her from Leorio's stick. Lucky for her, Kurapika was there to block his attack. The crows cawed and flew in panic, surprised by him. The masked people at the back could only step backward.
"You two, why are you stopping me?!" Leorio yelled at Kurapika, their stick, and bokken not separating.
"Calm down, Leorio!" Kurapika yelled, trying to get their member back to his senses.
But Leorio was as stubborn as ever. "Well, I'm gonna take this old hag's head to the exam site!"
Their loud shouting continued, making Samara wince. Can't these people be a little bit more considerate of someone who's sound-sensitive? Their voices are constantly giving her a bad headache.
"She's only doing her job. If you hit her, it'll only lead us to more trouble." Despite her not-so-good mood, Sam decided to answer as calmly as possible. Or else she would gladly join their little shouting game and give them a piece of her mind. "Do you seriously want to give up your chance of becoming a Hunter?" Her question confused Leorio and loosened his grip on his wood.
"We answered correctly, Leorio," Kurapika said. "Silence! That's the correct answer."