Whispers of the Sky (Hunter X Hunter)

The Second X Phase X Surprise (Rhode's PoV)

A short respite for the start of the path to tragedy,
Let the curtains rise for the second act...
-*-

-Awhile Ago-

We dashed through the woods, following Gon's astounding sense of smell. Sadly, only Yllina had a knack for calling the wind- something I mentioned to them hence why we resorted to have Gon guide us. Judging by his skill, I'm to assume he lives either within a forest or close to one.

"Neh, what did Hisoka mean when he said that we passed?" In the silence of our journey, Gon finally spoke up. Both Kurapika and I cast a glance at each other, me being the first to look away from him and then back to Gon.

To be honest, the memory of being in his presence still unnerved me. Add to the fact that he had an inkling of who we were only made our situation more complicated. Just who on earth from Soevenia found out about us?

In the silence following Gon's question, Kurapika was the one who answered. "I'd like to theorize that it's probably because he saw the potential in us to become hunters. Although I can't see him as one, his intuition and experience must've told him that it'd be a shame to kill us off now. I know it's a bit rude but-,"

"Mhm. I think I can already understand what you mean. That sensation a while back... Even though it was obvious that I'll probably die no matter how hard I try, I still couldn't help but feel excited... Strange, isn't it?" Gon explained my eyes widening in surprise at his answer.

For someone who hasn't killed a person yet... How could he give such an answer like that without batting an eye at how it sounded to us? This side of Gon is frightening, even for me, as if there is a shadow behind that sunny smile of his.

"Speaking of which, Rhode, how are you? I don't know what Hisoka told you but it was kind of worrying to see you break down like that." Kurapika, ever the perceptive one, asked the one question I tried my hardest to avoid.

Even Gon had glanced back to us, his brown eyes now curiously waiting for my answer. Should I tell them? But after Hisoka, I couldn't afford to let another outsider find out about us, friend or not. Although I trust my gut feeling that none of them would sell us out, the chances that they might get hurt because of us was something I couldn't stomach.

I didn't want Yllina to have to go through it again.

"I'm sorry. It's not something I can easily disclose. I hope you understand." I admit to them, knowing full well that such an answer would warrant nothing but suspicion from them.

"But," I try to continue, hoping somehow that I didn't ruin this small friendship Yllina and I had with them. "When all of it finally blows over then we will tell you..."

"Alright. If it's something too sensitive to say then we won't pry. I can understand why you would want to be cautious. I'm assuming that whatever agenda you have in taking this exam, Hisoka wasn't meant to know anything about it? It would explain why you looked petrified awhile back."

It's amazing how Kurapika could point out such facts from just one observation. I'll have to note to be careful when conversing with him next time. Although, if he understood what it meant to be secretive, did it mean that he too held something back from Gon and Leorio?

"Ah, Yllina and Killua!" Gon finally pointed out, my eyes snapping to the front to see Yllina and the white-haired boy watching us from afar, Yllina's face covered with smudges of dirt and tears streaming down her face.

A small smile makes it way to my lips, looks like I'll be getting an earful from her for what I had just done to her a while back. I know that I'll be forgiven but the guilt of actually making her think that I would leave her was something I couldn't accept.