The Fog and The Red Rain [A HunterxHunter fan fic]

Walls and surprises

"Well, Netero, I'll see you again at the final phase." I smile, looking back at the blimp as it starts to float away.

I look around for Gon and Killua, for once counting how many participants are left. Theres only thirty, including myself and the three false examinees.

Killua, Gon, and Hisoka.

I finally spot them, and begin walking over and take in the scenery. We were all dropped off at a forest somewhere in the mountains. The air is dry, and the sun is still barely rising. Maybe its the air or the fact that the third phase is supposed to be the worst that's got me this way, I'm not very sure.

"Ah, Sienna! There you are! Wasn't yesterday fun? I didn't think we'd get the ball, but I feel really proud." Gon laughs, and Killua seems to agree as he smiles.

I want to ask. Why did they just decide to stick with me.

"Y-yeah it was really fun. It was surprising to meet Netero so early. Maybe he missed you guys?" I laugh, smiling too.

Ask.

"You think so? Netero seems a bit held back, though... And your ability! Did you already know Netero?"

Answer. Ask. Answer-

"Well nothing can compare to the legs you're born with, Gon. And...sort of, I'm sure you were already told about me from the Association... But the magical beast that bit me had t-to be exterminated. While I was in the hospital, he visited me. A lot of hunters did, actually. It really helped my family's business."

"Why'd they wipe them out? Just because you were bitten?" Killua asked, turning to me.

Just ask.

"Well I really hope you guys never look up what happened, the media got a few photos of me while...well while I was at the hospital and it really freaked everyone out. I myself was really scared, and the details are a little hazy, but I was hoping everyone forgot about the whole thing. The whole chimera thing kinda gave my fame to you guys, eh?" I laugh nervously, feeling them somehow click something in their brains.

"Mm. It was really surprising when all these people would come up to us to take pictures and things like that. A lot of people suddenly thought they could take us too, the idiots." Killua replied after a moment, looking away.

Nah. I won't ask. I'll sound stupid.

"That must've been really hard on you to deal with all the harassment." Gon murmured, looking down.

"Ah, no, not really. My parents really brought down the line when people started to come to the hospital just to see me as a freak show. Once I was able to control my nen and all that, I always held a comfort with hunters. I don't even remember their names or faces, but I remember their voices. They were the ones that took the time to help me, and it looks like Netero never really forgot." I sigh. I look at Gon again, and I almost gasp. I side eye Killua, and even he looks..

Are they, angry...?

I snicker, look away, cover my mouth, but still explode in a fit of laughter. "So you do know what happened...must've been the talk before the ants got out, right?"

"Eh-"

I smile, shaking my head and looking away. They still decided to keep me company? No, that's not right. I think for a moment, and realize they were probably assigned to watch me when it seemed the least obvious...like when I'm taking the exam.

"Why did you guys still decide to do this?" I murmur, sure that they still heard me. I'm greeted with a small silence, the sun meeting my gaze behind my goggles.

"Excuse me, everyone?" A familiar voice calls suddenly, everyone looking over at-

"Kurapika?" I ask, and his eyes land on me as he scans the crowd with a smile before it disappeared.

"Sienna, the-"

"Shh!" I cut Gon off, listening to Kurapika. Everyone waited in silence as they grouped up.

"Now, the third phase of the 289th hunter exam will begin soon. First you must make it the top of this mountain, look for the tent of ten colors, and finally make your way through the phases inside. As many of you have already noticed, this mountain is completely hollow."

Many participants broke out in shocked gasps and some even jumped up and down to see if they could make a hole. Maybe that's what I felt was wrong?

"Ahem. Now, this is because the phases take place in the mountain from the top, and you must go through them until you reach the end of the mountain at the bottom. Now, anyone with even the slightest hesitation must please, stay here and wait after the participants have entered the tent. Someone unfit will certainly die here. Oh, and the animals here have a tendency to attack humans, so please be careful. They like to play with their food. Time limit; eighty hours." He adds, turning on his heel with a wave in our direction.

He was clearly meant to unnerve everyone, and it seems to be working.

I shift my weight from foot to foot as I look up at the mountain.

"Hey, Sienna-"

"Wait wait wait-before this gets all weird let's focus on getting to the top, I'm sure you guys know better then anyone why they gave us so much time."

"S-sure. Okay." Killua finished, looking upset I cut him off.

I gripped the straps of my bag one last time, and started to climb the vertical wall of rock.