Hunting for a way home - Shalnark x Reader

Chapter 6 - Well, Can I see my shadow?

Warning- There is a mention of attempted rape. It genuinely does not go far and results in a brutal murder. 👹

I realized I had a warning on my AO3 posting of this but not on Wattpad. I just didn't want anyone to come across it and be upset.
I also wanted to add I put trigger warnings before and after the scene in case you'd prefer to skip it.

Later they found out it had taken them 15 hours and 57 minutes to make it here. You settled in to pass the time. Only getting up to use the bathroom or get food the examiners had provided. Pokkle and you had formed a friendship of sorts. It was easy talking to him and it helped pass the time. You'd periodically pull out your journal to read over information already jotted down.

The island phase was going to be next and you needed to go over everything you learned with the time provided. Even if the journal would be with you on the island you knew that it would be inconvenient to pull it out along with the fact it would leave you exposed even if briefly. Someone would be hunting you and vice versa. There wasn't room for distractions.

When the blue haired girl named Ponzu passed the 3rd phase you smiled to yourself as you caught Pokkle trying to subtly watch her. As Ponzu walked past you both on the way to the bathroom you nudged Pokkle with your elbow softly winking at him smiling slyly as he met your gaze. A blush briefly ghosted across his cheeks until he turned his attention away and you turned yours back to your book.

You hoped that those two would end up together, that he would keep his promise and the two of them would avoid the Chimera Ants when the time came. You hoped that they'd find a way to have a happy life together. Those thoughts wiped the small smile from your face and you tried not to frown. The time was almost up for the third phase, so you'd had the last three days to essentially get to know Pokkle. People died every day sure but the thought of his brain being picked apart by some ant made you sick to your stomach.

The time was ticking down on the clock. The third phase was coming to a close when you heard someone say "No one else is coming." And "Why are they waiting." Your eyes traveled between the doors and with one minute to spare, the one in the middle opened Kurapika, Gon, and Killua came out as a voice announced them. Quickly getting to your feet and running towards them.

Throwing your arms around Gon to hold him briefly before pulling away. "You guys finally made it!" You looked from Killua and Kurapika. Hand extended to the former and you ruffled his hair. Killua slapped your hand away, annoyed "Keep your hand to yourself hag."

It didn't come out with much of a bite though a part of you thought he secretly enjoyed it because he certainly could have dodged your hand or even broken it if he really wanted to.

"It took a little longer than we would have liked but I'm just glad we made it in time." Kurapika was first to reply and Gon quickly pulled your attention back to himself. "I can't wait to tell you about everything that happened! I was worried when you disappeared. But I'm happy to see you here!"

Leorio and Tonpa were just announced as having passed and headed towards them looking irritated as they dragged each other along. You wanted to talk more but they were now being led outside by Lippo.

As they approached a box beside the examiner you discreetly slipped your badge from your chest and slipped it into your satchel. They waited for the next phase to be announced, being told to pull a card from the box as they waited. "Now that everyone has their cards, it's time to explain!" He gave the rundown about the next phase.

On the card chosen was the number of the examinee you were supposed to hunt. Your badge counted for 3 points and the badge of your chosen target was 3 points. It took 6 points to pass.