For Eternity (Killua Zoldyck x Male!OC)

Trials x Plus x Trials

By the time the boat had pulled into port, Aeron was sick of the ship. He was impatiently waiting for Gon, considering the two decided to travel together to the Hunter's Exam. He was currently chatting it up with the captain and he motioned to the large tree on top of the mountain.

"Okay! Let's go!"

Gon walked up next to Aeron, who shifted to his left foot. "So, what'd the captain say?" "He said to go to the big cedar tree. Apparently that's the right way to the exam site." Aeron nodded his head. Kurapika and Leorio had decided to tag along with the two boys, since it would be easier. They all stood in a square formation as Gon explained what they were supposed to do.

"What? That's stupid. There's a bus heading for the exam site right there!"

Leorio pointed to the crowded bus as Kurapika shrugged. "I'm interested in these two. I want to see how they think." He explained, looking over towards the mountain until Aeron spoke up. "If anything the bus sounds too easy of a trip. For something like the Hunter's Exam, why would they make it easy, you know?" The three males headed towards the path up the mountain and Leorio made a sound of annoyance. "Fine, you guys have fun! I'm taking the bus." He started walking over, until he paused near an alley way, and immediately turned back to walk with the other boys.

"...They said the bus was a trap, didn't they?"

"N-No! I just wanted to travel with you guys!"

"Sure, Leorio. Sure."

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The trek up the path wasn't too bad for the group of four. Aeron kept silent most of the climb; rather than paying attention, he simply messed with the black and gold tag necklace around his neck, twirling the golden chain and rubbing his thumb over the surface. Kurapika eyed the younger boy. "What's the necklace for?" Aeron looked up at the blonde, and back down to the necklace.

"Ah, no specific reason. It was just something my grandma gave me. Apparently my grandfather owned it and it gave him luck, so my grandmother gave it to me so I would have luck during the Hunter's Exam."

Kurapika nodded. "I suppose that's understandable. It looks nice." He smiled. Aeron smiled back and tucked the necklace back into his hoodie. "Thank you. Um, I have a question." Kurapika hummed in response. "...Why did your eyes turn scarlet on the boat yesterday?" He whispered. Aeron didn't know whether he should let Leorio and Gon hear it or not, so he decided it would be best just to be quiet about it.

Kurapika frowned. "It's a... trait of my clan. Our eyes turn scarlet when experiencing intense emotions, so our clan was killed because of their beauty." Aeron murmured an apology under his breath. He didn't know that it would affect Kurapika like this. "It's fine. You were simply curious." Kurapika smiled at Aeron, and the quiet boy was happy to smile back.

"Oi, you two! We're almost to a town."

Aeron and Kurapika looked up. Indeed, a town was coming into view, but it looked completely abandoned. "Is this place just for show...?" Aeron murmured. Kurapika shrugged from beside him. When they reached the center of town, blaring horns and drums scared Aeron out of his wits. He practically jumped three feet in the air and clung onto his hoodie for moral support. Out came a band of people donned in robes, and an elderly woman sitting smack in the middle. A crow on one of the cloaked men's arms let out a caw.

"Welcome to the first part of the trek. You will answer one question. If you fail, you will not be able to pass. If you get it right, you are allowed to continue onwards. Are you four ready?"

Leorio looked disgruntled, while Gon thought in mild curiosity. However, Aeron was still recovering from the trauma resulting from the loud noises. Just as Kurapika was about to speak up, a stranger walked in front of the group with a smirk. "I'll go first, if you guys don't mind." He said. Aeron nervously picked at a loose thread of his hoodie. The loud noises occurred once more, and the black-haired boy squeaked in surprise and pulled his hood over his head to muffle the noise.