Hunter x Hunter: Stars Align [IC]

[Sir Salty]

@Cush Almighty @ch0sen1 @Verite

Hunter x Hunter: Stars Align​

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Another death in Yorknew," Zapoh spoke with an unusually broken heart today. Outside the weather had turned sour. A heavy downpour began to pelt the windows and lighting struck across the sky, turning the darkness into hues of purple. An electric storm. They should be arriving soon. Those who wanted to pass the Hunter Exam that is. He wished them safe travels in this kind of weather. Despite the exams being a brutal test of mental and physical will, he wished no one Hunter or prospected Hunter to be caught in weather like this.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Simply put, this was how people went missing. In weather like this. Zapoh sighed, and looked around the room. No one was here. All the Examiners have went out to the field to prepare for the exams before the students came here to Hunter Association Headquarters. They would have to face trial and tribulation. Though there were more worrisome things in the distance. A criminal organization was beginning to rear its ugly head. Something not connected to the Yorknew Ripper.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He heard rumors that a connection to the Yorknew Ripper was here to join the exams. While he had also allowed a member of the Floshade family to enter the exam as well. While there were others with purer intentions. He was particularly stuck and drawn to a young girl also looking for someone missing. His heart went out to that young girl. While there was a mystery to reveal about one of the files he had looked over. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]In fact, wouldn't that be more useful? Where had that former student of his gone? Thinking he could sneak off. No matter. She'd find him. She seemed absolutely enamored by him.[/BCOLOR]

**​

Meanwhile, on a train transporting many candidates to Ezeburg City;

Despite a heavy amount of hope in the air, from the future potential hunters. The train to take them to center of the city where they would sign in for the exams, was being pelted by a heavy downpour. The sky was gray and the train smoke trail followed behind it creating a path. While many were looking around the train, looking for other potential Hunters. In the corner of the train's cart, were two young men.

One's hair was raven. With eyes that looked almost dead and void of all emotion. And other had hair the color of snow, and eyes the color of golden treasures. They were playing a game of cards at the moment, a pile of carded numbers discarded on the table that separated the both of them. The table was decorated with a rose in a small crystal shaped vase and from time to time the stewardess of the train came to check on the two of them.

Ki-Rah did not hesitate in the game of old maid. He grabbed a card in Efarah hand, hoping that his luck could and would continue. Flipping it over, it was a 7. They only had three more cards each. And Ki-Rah was not about to lose a game of cards.

Still Ki took a moment to look out longingly at the window. The sky outside seemed angry. As lighting struck across the sky. The heavy rain sounded like little pieces of metal. And the way the rain drops swirled down reminded him of blood.

"Weather is bad," Ki told Efarah, the first rule and condition of a killer was to assess his environment. To understand it. And to take advantage of your disadvantages, "Wonder what the first exam will be in this kind of weather."

The outside contrast of the card players was quite profane, One's hair a white-silver that looked even whiter compared to his tanned skin. The others hair was black like night and eyes that belonged the abyss, Sometimes one saw his own in them as if he stared back at himself. They played a game called the "Old Maid" which was entirely new to the golden eyed one.

He watched as dark haired Ki-Rah removed a card from his hand, A 7 to be exact. Efarah wasn't worried about the outcome of this game. Win or loss it was all to pass the time. He did notice Ki-Rah looking out the window of the speeding train, His dark eyes looking up the gray rain clouds that blocked the light of the sun above. Then a mighty flash of lighting came that shook the sky. The rain itself was heavy and only sounded worst when striking the roof of the train. He then commented on the weather, "Wonder what the first exam will be in this kind of weather."

Efarah turned his gold eyes back to cards in hand, "Wonder all you like but I fail to see the point in it. Soon we shall be there and they shall tell us. The only thing I wonder about is who shall be there. Not all takers of the Exam are 'good' people like you and me." He then took another look at his hand, A 5 of clubs, 8 of hearts and the Queen of Hearts, The dreaded Old Maid.

Efarah then reaches into Ki-Rah and draw the one from the middle. He looks at his card and sees its a 5 of spades. He puts the two cards together and sets them in the pile on the table in front of him. Efarah then offers him his hand keeping the blank expression on his face. On the left was the Queen of Hearts, The Maid and on the right, The 8 of Hearts. "Choose wisely." He says softly attempting to make Ki-Rah nervous. Efarah eyes then turned to the other men on the train. He asked himself "Which on of these men will take this exam along with us?" As he said a moment ago, He'll learn the answer to that during the exam. "We'll soon find out."

Sometimes Ki-Rah felt like they were children pretending to be adults. Efarah spoke sometimes like he knew more than either of them lead on. His brother would have told him, questions are important when a killer is first learning because it allows them to assess barriers and boundaries.

While their adventure was fun and exciting at first. Ki-Rah felt they ultimately lacked something. Perhaps it was a soul? Ki-Rah looked at Efarah. Whatever technique he was trying to make Ki nervous wasn't necessarily working. Instead Ki got one of his blank stares.

"I bet all of them or most of them," Ki responded to Efarah for no particular reason.

"Excuse me young ones," a voice, crack, and dry like the voice you expect a freshly unearthed corpse to speak addressed them. When the both of them turned to address who might be speaking. There was a man, that even made Ki's blood run ice. His eyes were red wine in color. And his hair was so black, even more black than Ki's. It almost looked like the man's hair was made from the night sky.

The man was deadly, even if he wore a brief, calming smile.


Except Ki wasn't the type of person to lose face. Not in front of a newfound ally. Especially when he was trying to prove how cool he was. A childish habit he knew, but he wanted Efarah to like him. He felt he was too bland. Too boring otherwise.

"What do you want mister?" Ki asked.

"Are you two here for the exam?" the man asked.

"Are you? Because it looks and sounds like your prime time days are over," Ki responded.

The man forced a laugh. And Ki really meant the man's laugh sounded hollow. The man was amused, but not really moved emotionally.

"You have spirit. No, I already have passed my exam. Long time ago, exactly around your age," the man said leaning in and taking a card from Efarah, he revealed the Old Maid, and gave a pathetic look, "Pity that is."

Though something told Efarah the man knew that card was the Old Maid.

In that moment, despite the fact the man's voice was already an audible whispered, it registered several whispers lower when he whispered to Efarah, "A little advice for later. Not all paths in front of you are the right paths. You have to choose which path you want to make your own. Not the path others chose for you."

The man picked himself up and looked around. As if he were trying to escape someone. It wasn't too soon before Ki and Efarah saw a woman with pink hair, in black clothes slam open the door of another cart. And storm down the aisle of their cart.

The man bowed calmly.

"It was a pleasure meeting you," the man said without giving a name. Turned on his heel and tried to out pace the woman.

"Darling! Come back!" the woman shouted after him.

Ki-Rah was left in confusion for a second. Staring at the Old Maid that had touched the hands of the man with slender fingers and pale skin.

"What was all that about?" Ki-Rah asked.

Efarah heard a voice speak, "Excuse me young ones." Dry like the voice of a man deprived of water. Efarah looked up at the man and noticed his intense eyes. They were the color red wine, The stuff Zaar and his inner circle would drink after a good conquest. The funny thing was that Alcohol wasn't permitted in The Naqia.

The man hair somehow managed to be blacker than Ki-Rah's. The man had appeared out of thin air, Slipping past Efarah's defenses and possibly Ki-Rah's aswell. The air of the man not only bother Ki-Rah but Efarah too. Efarah had an intense feeling of dread which mad his dislike this man rather quickly. He turned his eyes to what lies outside the train but still kept an I on the man.

Ki-Rah was first one to ask the question of who this man was. The man completely dodges the question and Efarah continued to ignore the man. Ki-Rah continued to indulge the man and mocking him while at it. The man simply laughed, A hollow one that is.


The only thing he said that was interesting was this "...I already have passed my exam. Long time ago..." He then leaned over and removed a card from Efarah's hand causing Efarah to give him a glare. As Efarah stared at the man he looked back at him with the same false smile on his face. He then whispered into Efarah's ear, "A little advice for later. Not all paths in front of you are the right paths. You have to chose which path you want to make your own. Not the path others chose for you."

These words were odd and only help to confirm his suspicions. This man might just be one of the examiners. He soon gave his goodbyes and walked off with a woman chasing after him, Her hair pink like chewing gum. Efarah made a mental note of those two, He was confident that Ki-Rah and he would see them again.

Ki-Rah asked "What was that all about?" confused as he looked at the old maid on the table.

Efarah only looked at his friend and shook his head. "Think about it, Chances are that man was one of the Examiners. The woman following I have no input on besides the fact her voice is a little too high-pitched. He also could have been some creep who wanted to bother us but I'm going with the former." He set his cards down and leaned back into his seat put his hand his head. His stomach then growled. "Hmm, I'm hungry." He then looked at Ki-Rah. "How about you? A cheeseburger sounds good right about now...With onions, lots of fried onions."

Do you think they let a man so dangerous be an examiner?" Ki-Rah asked, "Not that I'm afraid of him." he had to add.

Ki-Rah took another look outside. Then Efarah mentioned something about hamburgers. He didn't quite understand hamburgers still. They were messy and got his hands unnecessarily sticky. Was his rich luxurious lifestyle coming out right now? He was use to eating with cutlery.

"Hamburger sounds all right, but no onions," Ki-Rah added. Because onions were gross.

[BCOLOR=transparent]**[/BCOLOR]
​

[BCOLOR=transparent]In another cart, away from the eyes of the boys. The woman extended out her arm and grabbed the man in black clothes. He frowned, she often grabbed him too hard. While he was considered powerful, on the surface the woman looked like bubblegum. But had all the inner beauty of a hairy wrestler with a beard. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"What did you speak to those boys about?" she asked.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]At first he laughed. She raised a brow.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"You worried I gave your precious secrets away about the exam," he said, "Now, why would I do a thing like that? Surely if I did so it would be breaking the rules and those boys would have been disqualified. I simply gave them friendly advice."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Why specifically those two? You could have talked to anyone in the train, but you chose them,"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He gave her a smug smile.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Simple, I liked the look in their eyes," he told her, "Now don't play coy with me Ringo." He moved a lot faster than what she considered he could move. Having her pinned by her neck against a wall in an empty cart. "You're a very skilled Nen user. Out of everyone out of the cart. Which two people would you have your eye on?"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]That's true. She'd naturally would have pointed those two out herself. While it was true, she had her hearts out for this man. The look he was giving her was overboard in blood lust. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"True as that may be," Ringo said, boosting Nen in her arm, to uppercut him in the abdomen, "This is no way to treat your future wife." She got him! Or she thought he did, but she clipped what felt like a physical afterimage and he was several paces away from her.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He liked running from her, but she swore she saw a genuine smile on his face. He seemed to be having fun.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Don't be so pretentious, I'd never be engaged to such a barbaric woman. Keep chasing," he told her before fading into the shadows.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barbaric! [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"It's beautiful to you!" she shouted at the shadows as he was beginning to fade. He simply waved his arm before being swallowed by the portal. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Now then. She should prepare for the first exam. She looked out the cart window. Her eyes back on the two boys. It certainly be interested to see how they handled the situation. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Ah Ringo!" an obnoxious voice from the other side of the cart called out her name. She turned to see her twin. She smiled at him.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Jin! I'm sorry, am I late?" Ringo asked.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"No, but I been looking around for you," Jin finally looks around the cart, and looks a little nervous, "This cart has a certain creepy atmosphere. Ah! Ah! You saw him again!"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Zapoh told me to keep an eye on him," she licked her lips, "And why can't I mix business and pleasure."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Because he's totally a vampire or something!" Jin shouted.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Which makes him 100 percent sexy, desho?"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"You have really weird taste,"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Come on Jin, we have preparations to make,"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Can't wait to tell you all about my super master plan!" Jin celebrated.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"I have some interesting things planned as well," Ringo said, now bouncing towards her twin brother with a girlish giggle. She was excited for the turnout this year. It probably be more interesting. Definitely more interesting. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]**[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ezeburg City Station[/BCOLOR]​

[BCOLOR=transparent]The train had finally squealed to its final destination. And while there were a number of regular visitors traveling to Ezeburg city. There was an optimistic amount of awe, looking at the magic city. Though drenched in a rain that was slowly passing from the storm they had been stuck into to a slight drizzle. There was something still overcast and dark about the future of the Hunter Exams. A group of a 1,000 more individuals were looking around the dazzling, old city, with awe and admiration. There was a pang of guilt on their face though.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]As they were not here on a vacation. No they were determined to get a Hunter License and be able to travel the world. And visit cities like this. To gain experience. To become more powerful than what they once were. To strengthen their resolve.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]While passersby looked at the settling group of a 1,000 candidates, the 1,000 candidates attention was grabbed when they heard a whistle. And two twins stood on a bench in the station. The woman with pink hair, was wearing short shorts, with long black boots. Her hair was flashy, but she didn't look more than anything, but a model.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Meanwhile, the young man standing next to hear simply looked like a dazzling flamboyant rich boy. Neither of them were physically impressive for fighting form. But they had a banner that read, Welcome Hunter Exam Candidates. The crowd of a 1,000 seemed mildly disappointed in the pair.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Hi hi! Everyone!" Ringo shouted through the megaphone nearly blasting the ears of everyone at the station, "I'm Shikikage Ringo des!" the megaphone switched hands to the young man.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"And I'm Shikikage Jin!" the young man shouted through the megaphone.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"And we're you're Hunter Examiners," they said together in unison, in flashy, unison.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"You will shortly be given your first phase exam by us, but please standby. Due to the storm's delay. We want you all to meet us at the Lucky Coin Casino, in an hour, please enjoy the many treasures Ezeburg City has to offer," Ringo said.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Those who do not come to the Lucky Coin Casino in an hour will be disqualified, see you later!" Jin said saluting the crowd.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The crowd all murmured in confusion. Though many them started to take the opportunity to disperse themselves. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Unbeknown to them, the Exam has already begun. Ringo smirked, but jumped off the platform to head to the casino herself.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Everyone is Handed an Unofficial Map of the Town. That gives no known names. As you look at the large city. You realize how much of a daunting task it really will be looking for the [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Lucky Coin Casino[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]. [/BCOLOR]​

 

[Sir Salty]

Ezeburg City​

Spoiler

Spoiler

Your Unofficial Map Handed by the Examiners ​

*Note; do not make fun of your GMs skills of map making. I know it sort of sucks....I think

Spoiler

 

[ch0sen1]

[fieldbox="Lit, pink, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

Neo City.


It was dark, it was brooding. I silently awaited by the train station of the vast ergo-technological city of Neo. I said nothing to no one, I made no movements other than what was necessary. I looked down at my ticket to Ezeburg City, the time of arrival and the place of meeting for the Annual Hunter Exam. I then take out a picture of my little sister. Of Yoake. I refuse to look at it though, I clutch it in my hands and simply picture her beside me right now, looking at me with those bright googly eyes ready to follow me at a moment's step. I lower my head into the darkness, taking deep breaths and reaffirming my resolve. This was the right move. I was ready. Mother was a fierce woman, and I'd like to think I've picked up enough from her to be ready for whatever comes next. The ground begins to shake as I veer my head down the rails to see the train coming up. People grab their bags and gather themselves. I had nothing, nothing but myself and my weapon, which looked like a toy at this point in zipline mode. The doors open, and I meet the conductor coming out, my ticket already in his hand before he knew it. I head to the middle of the train and I select a cart. Seems like I had first dibs. I enter it and I switch the cursor to 'occupied'. I then closed the curtains and simply rested my head against the cold glass, looking into the neon lights of the city one last time.

Conductor: "ALL ABOARD!!"

The engine revs up as the train vibrates mildly. The city begins to set in motion as the train pulls away from my home. Our home. I crack my knuckles, and remove Omni from my holster and set it on a table, looking at it and getting to become familiar with it. I flick the switch once as it extracts into a sword. A few twirls and slashes to get accustomed to the weight and feel of it. Another flick, and it retracts into a double-pistol, the blade encased below for a bayonet. Finally, last flick as the weapon blade rises to inside the barrel, now forming a bladed zipline. I flick the switch once more to rescind it back into a non-volatile form. I sit back in the seat, sighing and looking at the dark sky as rain begins to form, and I could hear thunder in the distance. Figures. I stretch my legs across the other seat and stare at the picture, finally having enough time and courage to look at it.


"I remember when we were little, you'd always follow me everywhere. No matter how many times I told you to back off, you'd stubbornly stick to my hip. Haha, everytime mom came outside she'd see you copying me. And everytime you failed, it was me that had to clean up the mess and make you feel better."

My smile fades as my eyes and nose burns with sadness.

"So there's no reason you'd leave my side now. We're both equally as genius, but you were the one who kept me grounded. You were my smiles and laughs when mom shunned us. I will find you, Yo-Yo. I promise."

I wallow in my sadness until my eyes slowly fade, and my consciousness with it.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I walk up a cliff. There was no sound, no wind. Nothing. The sky was ripe with fire. A pink haired female awaited at the top. My legs were weak, my body was defeated. I crawled and crawled until I could almost reach the woman. She held my weapon, The Omni in her hands, blood dripping from it, a trail going down the cliff and past me. My eyes follow the trail back down the cliff to a sea of about 10,000 dead bodies. I look back to the woman in fear, her eyes now gazing into my soul, petrifying me. It was me, but I was wearing my mother's famous black trench coat. Feet step over my weakened body as the person joins her at the top of the cliff. It was Yoake covered in blood, she stared into my soul as well...

Yoake: "I will always follow you."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRASSSHHHH!!!!!

A flash of light and booming thunder jumped me from my nightmare, as my heart pounded from adrenaline. It was storming pretty bad now, and it seemed we were almost to Ezeburg City. I look at the photo on the desk, and I put it back in my pocket. I unlock the train cart and used the facilities before we get off. The train screeches into a gradual halt, with me already walking towards the doors to exit. I scanned the environment, since I had got on in Neo City it was rather empty when I boarded, but now the train was bustling with people. Some grabbed luggage and items, but the ones who had minimal items to nothing, I knew were here for the exam. The doors open and I walk off with the light rain falling on me. I slowly spotted two people, one with pink hair like myself, and another who was rather preppy looking for a guy. Were they....hunters? They were probably potent, best not to judge books by covers.

Hunters

"Hi hi! Everyone!" Ringo shouted through the megaphone nearly blasting the ears of everyone at the station, "I'm Shikikage Ringo des!" the megaphone switched hands to the young man.

"And I'm Shikikage Jin!" the young man shouted through the megaphone.

"And we're you're Hunter Examiners," they said together in unison, in flashy, unison.

"You will shortly be given your first phase exam by us, but please standby. Due to the storm's delay. We want you all to meet us at the Lucky Coin Casino, in an hour, please enjoy the many treasures Ezeburg City has to offer," Ringo said.

"Those who do not come to the Lucky Coin Casino in an hour will be disqualified, see you later!" Jin said saluting the crowd.

I walk up and take the map, looking at the pink haired girl move swift towards the casino. Like second nature, I instantly begin to follow her. I head in the same direction, to see that she's now gone, but I have a head start on the thick of the applicants, they were still buried in their maps, not realizing they missed their opportunity for pre-emptive time. I then used my map to see the Hunter Association Building AND a Casino with disclosed information was in the same district. I stick to my instincts and continue onward.



[/fieldbox]

 

[Verite]

Norman

"... Hmm."

To say the least, the train ride to Ezeburg City was uneventful for Norman. It wasn't like Yorknew City was a particularly boring or bad place, but after everything that had happened to him over the past several years, he wasn't too sorry to say goodbye to it. He didn't exactly have anyone to say goodbye to, nor did he have much to carry with him. His bags were filled more with clothes, books, and other sorts of items, and seemingly no mementos to speak of. Thus, the ride was boring, in other words, though at least Norman had plenty of time to read up on his studies... which was half the time boring, and half the time only mildly interesting, even for him. He buried his face in his books so much, it was almost as though he wanted to escape something. The fact of being on a train going to some city he'd never been to before didn't help either, but alas, the only person that paid Norman any mind on the train was Norman himself.

After all, even back then, he didn't exactly stick out all that much. On the train full of prospective Hunters ready for their mettle to be tested, all sorts of intimidating badasses and devious looking fellows, a scrawny bookworm with a young face, even for twenty years old, wasn't going to impress much with just his appearance.

So what made him believe he was qualified to become a Hunter anyway?

Well, for starters, it was easy to say that there was more to him that met the eye. True indeed, Norman was no pushover or doormat. Though he would have preferred it if nobody bothered him (which, thankfully was what happened), the young man figured that he would have been able to stave them off with his tonfa, if not his fisticuffs, and show people just what he was made of. Of course, he was by no means a cocky person. For all he knew, everyone could be exponentially stronger than him. After all, he could imagine that there were going to be at least a few people on board who really were about to become Hunters, and those select individuals who are simply unrealized Hunters at the moment must surely be fearsome in their own right. Then again, what if he did end up becoming a Hunter himself anyway? Did that mean he was going to be categorized in those exceptionally strong and keen individuals? Or was he simply going to be an outlier among beefed up individuals?

Well, perhaps that was what he was here to find out.

Of course, as mentioned before, no one did end up bothering him. Still, Norman couldn't help but take a sigh of relief when the train would come to a stop and he'd be able to step off, taking in the smell of the fresh air. Was it just him, or was it getting pretty stuffy in there anyway? In any case, he was glad to be off. Needed to stretch his legs anyhow.

When the two rather flamboyant so-called Hunters would introduce themselves and talk about the situation, with Norman listening intently, he would take one of the maps provided for everyone in the area. Initially, like everybody else, he'd simply stand in pause and stare at the map, furrowing his eyebrows as he'd try to make sense of it. There was certainly a number of casinos lying around, but which one exactly was... the "Lucky Coin Casino?" Did it even say? Did they forget to include that info, or was he simply too blind to be able to see it? Hmm, possibly the former, as it looked like most everyone else in the area couldn't make heads or tails of where to go either...

... Except for one girl who seemed to look like she knew where she was going. Perhaps he should tag along, and maybe then he'd a least know where he was supposed to go once it was time he was supposed to be there?

"H-Hey there! Excuse me!" Norman would call after the pink haired girl, waving his arm behind her as he'd jog after her, "Do you happen to know where the Lucky Coin Casino is?!"​

 

[ch0sen1]

[fieldbox="Lit, pink, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

"Hmm, this way."

I could see a bunch of signs, and my intuition was giving me good vibes. I wasn't the detective, my mother was, but I had still picked up the similar and necessary skills. A voice called out near me, and I turn my head to assess the source. I turn to lock eyes on a light headed rather sophisticated young man. What was more gripping, he was looking and talking to me.

?: "H-Hey there! Excuse me!"
"Hmm?"
?: "Do you happen to know where the Lucky Coin Casino is?!"

I decided to not reveal as much as I knew. He could be a swindler, I was young, but nowhere near dumb. The Hunter Exam had all sorts of nasty types, and the only thing more dangerous than the apparent killers, were the wolves dressed in sheep's clothing. I discern him for a moment, and then respond.

"Nope. Sorry."

I pressed onward and approached the direction the map took me based on the legend that the Hunters provided. The key was a bit lackluster, but something told me it was intentionally designed that way. Why would there be a slight difficulty in simply meeting the hunters at the Lucky Coin Casino? And then suddenly I felt the pressure of a bear wrap around me, as my eyes jumped in surprise and instinct kicked in. I thrust her head back to pound the culprit, but I hit pure air as my hair starts to get nuzzled. I turn to see the pink haired woman from before smiling in my face.

Ringo: "Are you like a little sister?"

She grabs my hair and I quickly swiped away.

"It's so pink. I've always wanted a little sister,"

Sister... I have a sister. No one or thing will replace her.


She was bubbly and quirky, her optimism would usually be refreshing to me in any other case, but right now...it was rather annoying. In fact, it was starting to irritate me. She hugged me and I swiftly pulled away, looking at her like she was 14 types of crazy.

Ringo: "Let's go shopping"

Ringo grabs me and drags me through the city and the lavish casinos and urban landscape. My now ruffled pink hair unkempt hanging over my face. It seems that when she began to walk, she spotted the man that came up to me. My heart almost throttled at the fact she grabbed him as well. That was the last straw. With half my strength, I push away from her and start to glare at her. Her optimism seemed to fade for a slight moment.

Ringo: "Nay, Boyah, You're coming along too. You're not exactly my type though. I like tall, dark and mysterious. (blush) But you're going shopping with me too."
"No. Please, I don't know you...and you don't know me. But we are NOT sisters. Our hair color does not make us the same. I didn't come here to bury myself in luxury. I'm here for the Hunter Exam, and until I get to that point, nothing else matters right now. Sorry, wish you guys the best."

I turn away and continue to press onward following my gut. I couldn't help but notice how a girl that giddy and slender could have strength that vast. I crack my knuckles as I run my fingers along the decorations on my waist belt. A series of bell-sized spheres and on the other side small needle like incisions. I trace my fingers to my pocket, where I pull out a small, mobile sized device and activate an application on it. I take a picture of the Omni weapon and also of the map I was given. It sparked an idea, but I wanted to keep walking to the destination first. For some reason the device had a hard time registering The Omni, almost as if it doesn't detect it...

"Guess its about time I use this thing."



[/fieldbox]

 

[Cush Almighty]

The train finally coming to a squealing stop which caused Efarah to open his treasure eyes. He hadn't been sleeping but instead resting his them as his father use to tell him when he was very young. Efarah stood up from his seat and grabbed his bag that sat beside him. He put the strap over his right shoulder and the bag rested on his left side. He then cracked his knuckles and neck and looked at his companion. He had a small smile on his face, A rare site indeed.

Current Clothes

​

"Alright Ki-Rah, The time has come for us to get going. I haven't felt this excited in years. We're close, So close to our licenses." And with that, He dashed off and out the train door into the station. This was what he had been waiting for so long, The chance to become an actual Hunter. If he can do this then the world will open up for him and he could bring down Naqia.

He came to an abrupt stop as he almost collided with another potential hunter. Efarah looked ahead of him and saw there was a crowd of at least 1000 other people. Each person that stood in the crowd had come to this city for the same reason, The Hunter Exam. This was surprising, He never imagined so many people would show up, So much competition ahead of him. It didn't make Efarah nervous at all but only encouraged him to do better than all of them.

Efarah waited for his friend to arrive before continuing on. In the meantime, He examined his surroundings, Quite a glorious site was Ezeberg. His city uses to look like this beautiful before dry blood, scorch marks and the dead blanketed the place. Efarah then heard the deafening sound of a woman voice greeting the crowd. The shrill voice was easily recognized as the woman from the train. He looked at the direction of the voice and saw her standing with a man different from last time.

The pair introduced themselves as Shikikage Ringo and Jin, Siblings and also examiners. That part surprised Efarah, Something he never expected...A female Hunter. "This isn't what I had unexpected, Never thought a woman would be able to become a Hunter." He casually mentions to Ki-Rah "She doesn't look that formidable does she? As for her brother, He looks like he's never taken a punch before. Are these two really Hunter or is the organization just pulling our legs?" He knew the answer but was expecting so much more from the examiners. It begged the question, What did these two hunt for a living?

The pair then went on saying that due to the storm their Exam will be put on hold and those wishing to take said exam must find the Lucky Coin Casino with the hour and if you don't they will be disqualified. Everybody in the crowd was then given an unofficial map and everyone went off searching for the Casino. Efarah just turned to Ki-Rah with the map in hand. "One hour should be easy for me and you. This is just to eliminate few people with no sense of directions. With that said, Which way should we go?"

 

[Sir Salty]

[BCOLOR=transparent]At first he wasn't paying attention. Instead he was looking around. Half listening to the shrill voice of the woman, it was deafening loud. She really didn't need the megaphone. The other half taking in his surroundings and the candidates before him. Some were strong. He could sense great power from both the Examiners. And he could sense power from different candidates. All at different levels. Some great. Some pathetic. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Efarah finally registered into his focus. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"One hour should be easy for me and you. This is just to eliminate few people with no sense of directions. With that said, Which way should we go?"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki-Rah snatched the map out of Efarah hands, but not necessarily roughly or ruthlessly. He looked at it and pointed to the shopping district.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"We can eat there, it should take half n hour," then Ki-Rah traced his finger across the map, "Then go to the Hunter Association Building. It's more than likely there to use it as a resource for the candidates. As if we were regular Hunters. And even if the Hunter Association has no information in it, if we're in the shopping district we should hear people talking. We can eavesdrop on their conversations if need be to find the location."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki-Rah handed back the map to Efarah. He took another second to look at Ezeburg city. Something about it made him feel disgusted. Perhaps because the city reminded him of the town painted outside of the window of their house. The city was so far away back then. When he lived in the house. That estate. The city near his home were more like a mosaic painting. Unreachable, untouchable. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]There was a glazed look in Ki's already dead eyes. He had went still for a second. All the sounds of the world had become silent and he could pick out the tiniest of details. The fluttering wings of a bird. The scent of blood. The power of the others surrounding him. And a hideous white noise in the back of his head.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki unlike Efarah often chose simple clothes to wear. Mostly always black, with a baggy sweater, flexible enough pants for him to wear and no shoes. At first Ki may have let a little bloodlust slip out. But he managed to focus back into reality.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Should we go?" Ki asked.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]**[/BCOLOR]​

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ringo frowned. Not good enough. While she sought treasures all her life. Plenty of artifacts and interesting things. She always sought hearts as well. There was something about them, that allowed her to treasure someone's heart the most. For they would always be the rarest jewel in the world. The girl was worrisome black. Her heart sank into darkness. While she knew many people black hearts. And one individual a bottomless, vacuum black hole for a heart. The girl had potential to be so much more. She saw the twinkle of faith and light inside this girl.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]So Ringo bounced back. And went after the girl.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Hey!" Ringo called out to the girl, "I'm sorry if I hit a sore spot and made you upset. They criticize me for being too intense. But I really did want to go shopping with you. Let's make a deal. If you go with me. I'll take you to the casino. No looking needed."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Because the girl reminded her so much of her and her brother. After their parents died. And the village swallowed by a gray sky quite like this one. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Meanwhile, the girl was focused on some kind multitool weapon. Ringo's eyes sparkled a bit looking at it. It was wonderful. Truly was. A treasure not made from any tool.[/BCOLOR]

 

[ch0sen1]

[fieldbox="Lit, pink, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

"Why won't this damn thing work...ugh."

I continued to try to get the application to work on registering The Omni, but for some reason it just wouldn't. I sigh in frustration and mount the weapon back on my spine. I pass by the sounds of laughs and bustling cheers of commerce, with my mind secretly wishing I could enjoy all of this. But I couldn't. I had a mission, more of a duty and drive to complete. Yo-Yo, my baby sister. My little twin. For all I knew she could be dead, but with every thought of that, my instinct told me she was out there...somewhere. She wasn't as tough as me, but the girl could hold her own when needed to be. In a world of bandits, assassins, criminals, and worse beasts... I could only look to the light. I had no choice.

Ringo: "Hey!"

I heard the quick yet scary silent steps approach me as Ringo comes up to me once more. I sighed under my breath, but I remained poised to hear what sort of quirky mess she'd throw at me now. I look at her with indifferent eyes.

Ringo: "I'm sorry if I hit a sore spot and made you upset. They criticize me for being too intense. But I really did want to go shopping with you. Let's make a deal. If you go with me. I'll take you to the casino. No looking needed."

Now that changes things, a lot.

"...!? Hmm?? 0_0 uh. um. "

Lit, remember why you're here. Nothing else matters right now.

"Well... I guess I could eat. I haven't eaten since I left. As long as we get there to the casino on time , I...."

I could hear Yoake now: Just do it, stubborn goof.

"..I accept the deal."
Ringo: "YAYY!! Pink and Pinky on a girls shopping tour!!!"
"...my name. Is. Lit."

You would've thought I offered her 999 billion Jenny and eternal love the way her face lit up with joy. She grasped me again and hugged me as she cheered. Blush forms under my eyes as I swear I could sense steam brimming from off of my head. She let go and recollected herself, with her looking at the Omni on my back.

"Don't worry, it's inactive. It's a custom crafted weapon my father made."

I couldn't help but look at the young gentleman that requested my help earlier, the one Ringo grabbed with me. She must've sensed something in him, because she chose to keep him around. Maybe he wasn't a wolf in sheep's clothing after all. Maybe not even a sheep. I eye him rather briefly and remain silent, walking past him and Ringo and heading to the shopping mall plaza that was there. Might as well get this over with...no telling what was about to come...

----------

Never again. I'm never doing this again. What was left of my dignity and independent will was all but sapped after being with Ringo for 15 minutes, and it wasn't even over yet. Not even close. I loved my look, I didn't think I was beautiful but I was comfortable with my vanity. But as Ringo literally dragged me hand-in-hand around the mall thus far, her optimism and heart have almost pushed me to a point of complete social crisis.

Ringo: "Come on out, Lit! Let's see the outfit!"

I step out, in what was commonly and socially considered women's fashion. I wouldn't say I was a tomboy, but this attire made me feel awkward. Very. Very.

Verily.

Very.

Awkward.

(dressing room)


"Can I take it off now? "

[/fieldbox]

 

[Verite]

Norman

Ringo turns her attention to the boy practically weeing himself speaking. With the girl in her hands. Should she test his resolve as well then?

"Nay, Boyah," Ringo began, "You're coming along too. You're not exactly my type though. I like tall, dark and mysterious." There was a sign of blushing on her face, "But you're going shopping with me too." She snatches him up by the bicep as well.

"E-Eh? Wha--?!"

Norman, in response, is only able to blink in surprise before the Hunter (or rather, would it be Huntress in this case?) from before named Ringo would suddenly snatch him up, her arm wrapping around him like a snake, and before he knew it, he was suddenly in her grasp! He couldn't even bear to really resist, initially because he was too surprised to even make any movement outside of walking with Ringo and the other girl, and later, because he couldn't really will himself to push a girl away so roughly. Or maybe because she was just plain way stronger than her, which would have been really embarrassing, but it wasn't exactly outside the realm of possibility.

On the other hand, it wasn't like he was entirely opposed to shopping, even though he knew in the back of his head that it probably was something that he shouldn't be doing. After all, he needed to save all his jenny for necessities such as food, so items that he didn't need right away like clothing or whatever else women people in general tended to buy weren't things that were high on his to-get list.

In any case, it seemed like the other girl was quicker to react, more fiery and feisty with the female Hunter as she'd almost seem to be able to make a run for it. But alas, it seemed that Ringo got her way with her charismatic silver tongue. Before Norman knew it, the girl had come back as quickly as she'd left. He remained silent for the majority of the ordeal, internally figuring that there must be some sort of test hidden in here if Ringo were to offer to show them to the Lucky Coin Casino should they accompany her. Seemed a little too easy, assuming that they were deliberately hiding it from them, but... Well, all he could do was find out.

And what an odd 15 minutes that was.

Norman didn't exactly know what to make of the girl named Lit, but he couldn't help but let out a small, good-natured laugh upon seeing her in that sort of outfit. For some reason, he just got the impression that this kind of frivolous shopping didn't fit the girl, and though she was clearly embarrassed, there was something about her, whether because of her clothes, expression, or something else, that he could describe as cute.

Not that he'd dare say that aloud, lest he face the wrath of one of the most terrifying creatures on the planet; an angry, embarrassed woman.

Adjusting his glasses, Norman would clear his throat, before finally speaking. "I mean... Heh, it doesn't look half bad on you. Perhaps you should keep it? Another change of clothes never hurt if you have the money for it, unless you intend to be in the same dirty clothes all throughout the exam," he spoke somewhat casually, maintaining a calm demeanor after the initial shock that was Ringo's odd personality.

"Your name was... Lit? I'm Norman, by the way. Perhaps it's a bit late to say, but better late than never, no?" He'd ask with a smile, extending his arm for a handshake in a continuously friendly manner, "I'd apologize that we couldn't meet under different circumstances, but I suppose that aspect is not in my control."​

 

[Cush Almighty]

"Should we go?" Ki-Rah asked.

"Yeah, Let's get something to eat and find out where the Casino is." He responded. The duo then began to walk the streets of Ezeburg; Taking in the sites and trying to avoid the rain. The two soon arrive at a medium size café with a man standing outside it smoking a cigarette. He's wearing sunglasses, A baseball cap and coat with jeans. As Efarah and Ki-Rah walk by him he mutters something to himself sounding a little annoyed. "...Great...More..." was all Efarah was able to catch. He ignored it and went into the café expecting Ki-Rah to follow. Efarah could use a coffee to wake him up some.

The two take their seats at the counter of the medium size café. Efarah takes notice to the 8 other customers scattered around the place. Efarah spot a woman who looks to be in her mid 30's working the counter with a pen in her ear. The two take walk up the counter and each takes a stool next to each other. The woman takes notice of them and puts on a smile, "Hello boys, My name's Rita and I'll be serving you today." She said cheerfully. "Let me get you two some menus and you guys can figure out what you want."

"That won't be necessary Ma'am, As long as this place serves burgers we won't need those menus." He responded causing the woman to stop.

She pulled a notepad out of her apron and pulled the pen out from her ear. "So two burgers I guess? What would you boys like on them? Do want sides with that and a drink?" She waited for each of their response patiently.

"I would like a cheeseburger with fried onions; French fries on the side and a spear pickle. As for my drink, I'll take a cup of coffee with cream and sugar." She wrote down his order quickly and followed up with Ki-Rah's order. She ripped the page of paper from her pad and gave it to the chef in the back. She then goes to prepare their drinks. As she doing so she strikes up a conversation them.

"What brings you two kids to Ezeberg city? I can tell you two aren't from around here."

Efarah responded when the woman sat his coffee in front of him. "Hunter Exams, First time taking them for me and my friend here."

The woman looked quite surprised. "The Hunter Exams! All most no one ever passes those exams. My dad took it when he was a young man. He never passed and he was there each year trying until he got too old to go. All I can say to you boys is good luck."

"Don't need it." He responded taking a sip of his coffee. "Luck is needed by those who are lacking in skill." He wasn't actually trying to be rude but being direct with the woman. It is all a test of skill, No becomes a hunter off luck. The waitress then gave Efarah a dismissive look. She saw a boy with barely any hair on his chin. Her father, When young was a stout and powerful man, If he failed every year how could some children do it?

Toward the corner on the right in the back was a man, He was fighting and constantly checking his watch. He was wearing a skull cap and sporting a beard that covered most of his face with sunglasses covering his eyes; The same pair as the man outside. The man who was smoking outside walks inside and stands at the door with his back turned. He flips the open sign to closed and turns around pulling a handgun out of his coat pocket. The fidgety man then stands up and follows his lead pulling his own gun out. The smoker then starts to speak.

"Okay, cock suckers! This is a fucking robbery if you didn't notice! Me and my pal here are going to take everything you guys got! If you want to keep your lives I suggest giving us whatever cash and valuables you have! Do I make myself clear!" He shouted no expecting other to answer. "If you under put your hands up and keep them that way. Put them down and end up the front of the newspaper tomorrow!" He then points the gun at the waitress at the counter. "Open up the register for my pal here or get some lead between your eyes! Don't play with me bitch, I'm not joking around here! I got kids to feed" The waitress did as she was told not wanting to die. She rushes register and starts pulling the money out of it.

The fidgety man soon grabs his empty backpack from of his back and goes around collecting. Everyone he went to gave up what they had with resistance until they got to Efarah and Ki-Rah. "Come on now, You heard 'em...Give me your shit! Nothing you got worth your lives." His gun was shaking as he pointed at them. He might fire the slightest movement the nervous wreck.

Efarah looked at Ki-Rah waiting for him to act. As soon as he moved he would deal with the man at the door. "Hey just do as he says Ki! I don't want to die!!!!" Efarah said now shaking him pretending he was scared. "Please sir, Don't kill me!!!"

 

[Sir Salty]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ezeburg city made him sick, as they walked on cobblestone streets. Passed by a few cars. People in clothing that only reminded him of people in his storybooks. The ones his mother use to read while sitting on her lap. He knew he should be focusing on the exams. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Though they didn't necessarily worry him because he had been trained all of his life. Preparing all his life to be efficient and precise. He wondered what Efarah must think of bad people like his brothers and sisters or even his father.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]His father brought up the reminder and promise, and the reason why he was here. His father only allowed him here because of the promise they made to each other. Ki-Rah when he was powerful enough, would come back home one day to kill his father.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]That was the plan. But Ki clenched his fist tightly. Would he ever have the strength to do so though? His father was very powerful. Ever since he could remember, about five. He had been treated like the lesser family member. Despite all the things he could. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent] Ki bit his lip. He didn't like self doubt. He didn't feel much. It came and went in waves. But he only really started to think of his family in a little city that reminded him of his storybooks. They ended up in a little cafe. To be honest Ki could have went for anything that wasn't a hamburger, but Efarah butted in; "That won't be necessary Ma'am, As long as this place serves burgers we won't need those menus."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent] "So two burgers I guess? What would you boys like on them? Do want sides with that and a drink?"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Just the cheeseburger plain with nothing else, and orange juice," Ki responded after Efarah ordered. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Efarah began to make conversation. Explained they were here for the exams. Answered the ladies question, but Ki had zoned out again. The white noise in the back of his mind as he began to take in the subtle details of his environment. Several nervous looking people. Sweat dripping down their foreheads a little. Too nervous.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Too unsteady. Not focused enough. The sound of one of the waitresses dropping a fork. Right before;[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Okay, cock suckers! This is a fucking robbery if you didn't notice! Me and my pal here are going to take everything you guys got! If you want to keep your lives I suggest giving us whatever cash and valuables you have! Do I make myself clear!" He shouted no expecting other to answer. "If you under put your hands up and keep them that way. Put them down and end up the front of the newspaper tomorrow!" He then points the gun at the waitress at the counter. "Open up the register for my pal here or get some lead between your eyes! Don't play with me bitch, I'm not joking around here! I got kids to feed" The waitress did as she was told not wanting to die. She rushes register and starts pulling the money out of it.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]A robbery. Just like that. Even in little towns that were like little palaces of fantasy. Ki was not scared. Was not nervous. Instead he was in a complete place of zen. This was all too familiar to him, this flow state. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Come on now, You heard 'em...Give me your shit! Nothing you got worth your lives." His gun was shaking as he pointed at them. He might fire the slightest movement the nervous wreck.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Too nervous. There was nothing, but emptiness where was this man's gull? His bloodlust. Where was his pride?[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Hey just do as he says Ki! I don't want to die!!!!" Efarah said now shaking him pretending he was scared. "Please sir, Don't kill me!!!"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Not even worth your time Efarah to even pretend was not worth your time because these piss ants weren't worth it.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Hey you stupid kid!" the man shouted at Ki-Rah, pointing the gun at him. Ki looked up in the man's eyes. The smell of piss. In Ki's eyes must have been without the shadow of doubt bloodlust. It probably happened so fast, no one really had any time to react at first. Not even scream. In one moment he had managed to silence the whole cafe.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The man about to speak again began to gurgle on blood. His mouth gaping open and close, as a knife had pierced through his throat. The others could not see the very thin piece of wire connecting the hilt of the blade, to a suspension bracelet under his baggy clothes. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Blood began to pool onto the tile. Finally a waitress screamed. The world began to move again. Time came back to reality. And the reality was there was a very dead robber on the tile floor.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The other robbers looked even more possibly shaken. One of them froze in their tracks and when they met the auburn colored eyes of Ki. All Ki could hear was the static and white noise. The world had lost all of its saturation of color. He was focused on only the robbers.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"We'll….give...the stuff back," one of the robbers pleaded, "Please….have mercy."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki stood forward. Barefeet barely touching the tile with very light slaps. He continued to walk forward, but the robbers were visibly frozen by the amount of bloodlust in this teen's eyes and aura. Behind him was no shadow of a doubt a demon. A monstrous aura, trying to free itself from a cage.[/BCOLOR]

 

[Cush Almighty]

Efarah had always pegged Ki-Rah as a little odd. He knew Ki-Rah was like him in a way but different in many. Both had figured life was perfect for either of them. The both have their demons, Both silently acknowledge this in time together. Efarah knew Ki-Rah was a proficient and deft fighter, Fastest he had ever met. Efarah could never neutralize so quick and seamless, A simple movement. He had forgotten about the weapon Ki uses, A knife on a line that was attached to a bracelet. He had seen him uses it before but was prepared for it. This time was different, It was so fast and the feeling flowing from Ki was reminiscent.

Ki-Rah then jumps from his seat, And silently flows towards the robber at the door. Then the sudden surge brought Ki-Rah out it. It was insane, Something that made certain members of Naqia flash by him. The robber who had pointed the gun at Ki-Rah was dead on the floor. The one he killed was a coward who wasn't even worth the act. That was the difference between Efarah and Ki, The concept of mercy. He didn't care the man was dead but the scream of the waitress behind the counter only gave him another reason to be pissed. Ki-Rah had just drawn attention to them and now the waitress was letting the city know.

Efarah knew things had gone to shit. He wanted to curse, Something he rarely did but Ki had just ruined the no attention rule they had going. Efarah only waited to see what would happen next. The monstrous aura he carried was a clear indicator of what would happen next. Efarah has now chosen to play no part in this affair but only try to reach Ki-Rah. "Stop this! These men aren't worth our time. We came here! To this city for one reason, Remember? Let's just leave and let the police handle this, Okay? These guys are too scared to move. They've realized the error of their ways." Efarah stands up and walks toward Ki-Rah, Sweating from the insane aura coming at him. He was lucky not to be the target of it.

Efarah was trying to get him thinking logically, No gunfire had gone off as off yet. "Come on, We can leave and get to where we're going." He withheld details from the people around him, The less they know about them the better. They have avoided names since they walked in and so should their destination not discussed too.

Then robber chimed in, "Come on kid, I wasn't going to kill no one, I swear it, man! You don't want to kill..." Efarah interrupted the groveling man. "You Idiot, Why even say something like that!" It's probably for the best if the man shuts up. Efarah could only hope that Ki-Rah would listen to him.

 

[Sir Salty]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki could hear Efarah calling to him. Trying to reach him, though for Ki it was like drowning in white noise. He was swimming in his own killing intent. Normally he could pull himself out of it, but the man drowning in his blood felt too good. And that's what made Ki snap back to reality. He enjoyed it. He just admitted to himself. Why was here at the Exams? To stop people from enjoying killing people they didn't have to. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki gave the robber a look. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Turn your life around, don't try to hurt others for a quick and successful life," Ki told the man. But that didn't stop the fact that he had killed someone. He had killed other people before. But he had made a promise to someone to take them down. Could he become a good guy? Despite being born from the seed of someone evil? Did evil run in his blood?[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki looked at the waitress.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"I'm sorry for frightening you,"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Except that the waitress who had let out the scream was no longer looking at the both of them as innocent young men. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He noticed one of the ladies behind the counter had a phone in her hand. So the police were going to be here soon. Ki looked at Efarah with apologies in his eyes. He wanted to say sorry. He didn't want Efarah to hate him. They both were suppose to go after bad people. And Ki had ended becoming one of those bad people. His true colors were showing, weren't they?[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He bowed to Efarah first, "I'm sorry." He didn't run, but turned on his heel with a quicken pace. Would his father accept him back? Would his family mock him for coming back and not completing the Hunter Exam?[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He didn't run. Or cry. Because those seemed like unfitting emotions for the circumstance. Logic dictated that he go back to where he belonged and not try to be something he wasn't. As he left the cafe, he bumped into someone wearing black clothes. Though he didn't apologize simply walked past the monstrous aura that consumed even his own.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Babysitting was it now? He didn't understand why he felt the need to take on such a task. While Zapoh, his former teacher would never understand why he requested to somehow be involved in the exams. It was his will to protect that led him here. That had him watching. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Efarah now met the eyes of the man on the train.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Go on now, I'll handle the police and clean up after you two," the man told him, "The Examiners will not hear of this incident. And you will not be disqualified from the exams, as long as you don't talk about this incident and give yourself out." Some guilty men felt the need to spout their regret and shame begging for it to be let out like a caged demon, "Understand the way your friend thinks right now. And make sure he completes the exams."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He let little Efarah run off. While he looked at the mess and assessed the situation. One of the waitress looked at him.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"You let that demon child go," the waitress spat hateful suspicious where she could not understand.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He shrugged. It wouldn't matter what they had to say in a few short seconds. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]**[/BCOLOR]​

[BCOLOR=transparent]Meanwhile, Ki began to navigate his way back to the fountain. He felt buried in childish action. Efarah had taught him better. Efarah had shown him better. And that was all ruined now. He had ruined Efarah chance in the exam as well as his. Should he then head to the police station and give himself in? Give himself in as a member of the Floshade as well, so his father could bail him out with quick intimidation.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]But wasn't that the easy way out? It was his responsibility to seek discipline and consequence for his actions back at the cafe. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]**[/BCOLOR]
​

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ringo sparkled and clapped instead.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Even Norman agrees, it looks good on you," Ringo told her, "You so radiant! Positively!"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ringo jumped off her chair to embrace little Lit. Ah she was really such a cute girl. It brought her back to her days when she was just starting her own exams. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"There really is something special inside of you Lit," Ringo told her, "I'll go ahead and buy the outfits for you. You should keep them."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]She smiled at Norman too. He was ultra shy and adorable too, so she hugged him as well. While also kissing him on the cheek. Seeing his face go pink was a delight. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Now then," Ringo cracked her knuckles, "You have still some time. Don't come too early or my brother will know I gave you the directions. The Lucky Coin Casino is located in the red light district of Ezeburg city."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ringo bounced to the cashier and paid for the outfit for Lit. Then bounced one more time to those two.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Now Norman and Lit you have to promise me you will be good to each other, because there's something both precious inside of you. I have to go, to prepare for your true exam, but it was nice hanging out with the two of you,"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]And with that said Ringo took her leave of the department store. Leaving Norman and Lit to join forces in hopes they'd start their journey together and get to know one another. [/BCOLOR]

 

[Cush Almighty]

He broke through, Efarah words actually got him to stop this display of terror. Sadly the damage had already been done, Shown by the atmosphere in the cafe. Ki might have just ruined the exams, Not just for himself but Efarah too. Ki snapped out of his murderous state and the pressure in the air disappeared as quick as it came. He told the robbers to never try this again and change their pathetic lives for the better. He tried to apologize to the waitress but the look in her eyes was pure terror. Could you blame the woman for being scared of Ki? The two "boys" she had met were anything but. Also, To make matters worse, A waitress was already calling Ezeburg police.

Ki-Rah and Efarah now looked each other in the eyes, Feelings being shared through looks alone. Ki was truly regretful of his actions but Efarah found it hard to forgive him, He wanted to but he was never they type too. He was disappointed, Why do something so stupid and impulsive? Was this the true Ki-Rah? A murderous demon. The demon then bowed, Ki-Rah had bowed trying to express he was actually sorry for his actions.

Efarah didn't know what to do, He was lost at the moment. Things have escalated so fast. If he had never let Ki handle this, Thing wouldn't be so bad. Ki then left the cafe in a hurry seeming depressed. Efarah sat in his stool not sure of his next move. He had given up until a familiar man came into the cafe. It was the shady figure from the train, The man Efarah guessed was an examiner. He was right before him and possessed an aura that surpassed Ki's.

Efarah then began to get angry. He didn't like this man, Something about him rubbed Efarah the wrong way. Why was he even here? What were the chances? He then spoke to Efarah with the same dark voice as before. "Go on now, I'll handle the police and clean up after you two. The Examiners will not hear of this incident. And you will not be disqualified from the exams, as long as you don't talk about this incident and give yourself out. Understand the way your friend thinks right now and make sure he completes the exams."

This was all an order no doubt, Efarah knew it was better to let him handle this now. He obviously had connections, Something this young vagabond lacked. Efarah got off his stool and eyed the strange man. He then went into his satchel, Everyone expecting things escalate further as Efarah pulled something out. What Efarah pulled out was some jenny that he set on the counter paying for his order and Ki-Rah. He then walked passed the man in black, His aura something great. What was this power? Efarah wanted it for himself but knew nothing of it.

Efarah ran to catch up to Ki-Rah, He had vanished so quickly. Where could he have gone? The rain was still falling making things look even more gloomy. Efarah had to think, But the only thing on his mind was his friend. "Where could you have gone?" He kept looking around until he found his way back to the fountain and spotted Ki. He walked up to him and sat down next to him not making eye contact. The two sat for a few minutes, Each focus on the recent events. Efarah then broke the silence.

"Ki, What you did back there was uncalled for and impulsive. I shouldn't have to say that, But here I am saying it aren't I?" He looked at Ki-Rah, A scowl on his face. Who was this person he had been traveling with? "How can I travel with you still? Work with someone who has no self-control! Lethal force wouldn't have been necessary for that filth!" Efarah wanted him to get that this wasn't acceptable. If they are going to keep traveling together he must understand when to kill someone and when not. "What I saw today was something I've never seen from you before. You were like a demon, Something dark and inhuman." Efarah clenched his fist tight, Ki now reminded him of some of the evilest men he had ever met.

Efarah stood up and looked down at Ki-Rah. He wanted to know why Ki-Rah did that and What made him do it. First, he needed to open up to him, Explain who he was. "I...I am from the country of Naqaghada. A place full of history, Know for it treasures in the old world and the seat of an empire 1000 years ago." He paused and looks to the gray sky above. The country is now a shadow of its past. "In recent years the country has been plunged into chaos. The City, Kanz has been overrun by a terrorist organization known as Naqia. They are responsible for many atrocities and I was once one of them for good portion of my life." He turned his eyes back to Ki-Rah as he wanted to see his face, His reaction at the news.

He then went on. "The leader of Naqia, Zaar Highrock killing my father, His only brother right in front of me. He then took my mother, and me into a life of servitude beneath his foot. My mother was forced to become his wife while I became a child soldier. They trained me well, Giving me the skills to kill. I was turned into a cold-blooded killing machine who felt no remorse for the things he did or at least tried to. I did what I needed to do survive up until one day I began to think for myself. I abandon everything they taught and ran away. Now I want revenge on all of them, To kill every single member of Naqia and put my uncle's head on a pike or in a jail cell where he can die slowly. After that, I and my mother will be free to live our lives."


Efarah and Ki both are no strangers to killing given their histories. Efarah might have even done worse than Ki depending on how you look at it. He had killed people and had the nerve to justify it by thinking it was for the best. He would kill women just to spare them from violation by other Naqia member referring to them as mercy killings. If Efarah believed in an after like he knew where was heading for sure. Efarah then retook his seat with Ki-Rah. "When I twist and turn in my sleep, I'm seeing faces of the innocent people that died by hands. I live with that every day and I can never undo it. I am not that same boy who killed because he had no choice. When I kill, It's because its only option available or the person deserve it. Those men back there weren't worth it Ki, Hope you can see that now."

The two only now had 30 mins to find the Casino or end up disqualified from the Exams. It was best if they got go soon and finding there destination as quick as possible.

 

[ch0sen1]

[fieldbox="Lit, pink, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

I saw the look on Ringo's face and had a mind to roll my eyes. I looked like some ditzy school girl that was always seen on one of those silly foreign cartoons. The skirt made me feel weird, and the overcoat was a bit too thick for mobility. Even now I was still in tactical thinking as far as the exam was concerned. I could hear the faint thunder overhead and outside as I simply stayed silent, waiting for this nightmare to be over.

?: "I mean... Heh, it doesn't look half bad on you. Perhaps you should keep it? Another change of clothes never hurt if you have the money for it, unless you intend to be in the same dirty clothes all throughout the exam,"

Well, he did have a valid point. Hunter applicants usually came in the clothes they had on from what I hear, and they have no means to change nor do they have the option to. But, if it were up to me I'd get something tight and flexible, in case we had to do anything strain worthy. But...if Ringo insisted, then I guess I had no realm to complain. She was already a hunter for goodness sake. How, I'll never know.

Norman: "Your name was... Lit? I'm Norman, by the way. Perhaps it's a bit late to say, but better late than never, no? I'd apologize that we couldn't meet under different circumstances, but I suppose that aspect is not in my control."

He extends his hands with a smile, looking for a handshake. I stare at his hand for a moment, with Ringo over my shoulder I couldn't just shun everyone around me. No, her optimism simply would not allow such a travesty to occur. I then make eye contact with Norman and extend the handshake back to him. But, he was wrong about one thing.

"Everything is in your control. That's the whole point. Even now, in everyone trying to find the casino."

We were sharing a small moment of conversation, when that was abruptly ended with a large clap in my ear, followed by sound of a screech only reserved for glass and metal. Ringo points out what Norman thought of my outfit, and I blushed a bit at her comment. She then comes over and embraces me...for the like infinity-ith time. She also smiles at Norman and gives him a slight kiss on the cheek. I watched the young man turn into the color a pig, and for the first time in a long time, I chuckled. I quickly snapped my face back to serious at the realization of this.

Ringo: "There really is something special inside of you Lit, I'll go ahead and buy the outfits for you. You should keep them."
"Okay...thank you."
Ringo: "Now then, You have still some time. Don't come too early or my brother will know I gave you the directions. The Lucky Coin Casino is located in the red light district of Ezeburg city."

How? How did she know that something special was inside me? There's nothing special about me, I'm just a girl trying to find her sister through the best means. That seems pretty common to me. She doesn't know me at all, so what could she possibly see? Maybe there's some secret ability that lets hunters see people's soul...HAH! Nice one, Lit. After Ringo buys the outfit for me, she approaches Norman and I, that classic Ringo smile and glow perfectly intact.

Ringo: ""Now Norman and Lit you have to promise me you will be good to each other, because there's something both precious inside of you. I have to go, to prepare for your true exam, but it was nice hanging out with the two of you,"

And just like that, the bubbly bubble had drifted out of the store, and back into the fray of Ezeburg City. I sighed and then looked down at the new bag of clothes I'd just acquired. I looked over at Norman, not even wanting to say anything at first, but after a while, I realized it'd be best to make allies while on this exam. He looked intelligent enough as well, and I knew if I rejected everyone here, when it came time for the difficult parts of the exam I'd likely be done for without help. I didn't know what to say, but I said what I thought of.

"I thought that would never end...so, we should head to the Red Light District. Just lounge around and then head to the casino when it's time. Try to keep up."

Without another word I begin my stride to the destination and I anticipated Norman to follow. All things considered, he wasn't a bad person to accompany at all. He seemed a bit mild mannered and generous, but maybe there was an apt skill underneath the exterior. Just because someone doesn't act like a bad ass does not make them weak. I was interested to see if Norman was the former or the latter.

"Say Norman, where could one find a backpack? Seems a little redundant to carry around a shopping bag all exam, right?"


@Verite

[/fieldbox]

 

[Verite]

Norman

"Everything is in your control. That's the whole point. Even now, in everyone trying to find the casino."

"Well then, I'll assume you're not a fan of the phrase "It can't be helped," eh?" Norman replied to Lit's initial statement without missing a beat, speaking in a lightly jocular manner. Despite possessing something of a bashful exterior, it seemed that the young man was quite accustomed to social interaction, and was no stranger to the world of all sorts of remarks.

...

But he was certainly a stranger to suddenly being kissed on the cheek by girls he hardly knew, in this case Ringo.

Indeed, when that would happen, his expression would quickly shift from a calm and cool one to that of a lightly flustered and surprised one, eyes widening briefly and his complexion turning ever so pink. He'd spend some time attempting to aptly register what had just happened in his mind, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck before Ringo would proceed to talk to Lit and even buy the dress for her. Norman had barely been able to recover just in time to take in Ringo's words, taking a mental note of where the so-called Lucky Coin Casino was supposed to be.

Aha. Well, that wasn't too bad, if that was supposed to be the task that came with finding the place. Still, he shouldn't keep his guard low. Hunter Exams were notorious for being rather grueling and unforgiving, so he didn't expect it to be like this the whole time. Heck, for all he knew, she was probably deliberately softening him up in order to influence how he'd respond to a situation that doesn't seem like it'd be too much of a challenge, before the real deal hits him like a wrecking ball!

... Or maybe he was just looking too deep into it.

Norman barely managed to bring himself out of his deep thoughts when Ringo would speak again, like so.

"Now Norman and Lit you have to promise me you will be good to each other, because there's something both precious inside of you. I have to go, to prepare for your true exam, but it was nice hanging out with the two of you."

"R-Right, it was nice to spend time with a real life Hunter as well," Norman spoke, giving Ringo a wave when she'd eventually depart, leaving just him and Lit by themselves. After a brief moment of silence, the (presumably) younger girl would speak, seemingly deciding to get a move on things.

"I thought that would never end...so, we should head to the Red Light District. Just lounge around and then head to the casino when it's time. Try to keep up."

"I'll make sure you won't have to slow down on my account, Miss Lit," he responded, following her as she'd might have expected when she'd take off in no time, hands formally tucked behind his back. He decided to take this moment with her to examine what this girl was like, having been more entranced by Ringo when she'd roped him and Lit into spending time together. With her out of the picture, he took note of a few things...

Indeed, perhaps as expected of someone who didn't seem the "cute dresses and shopping" type, the girl certainly had something of a serious, even mature air to her, if only in the sense that she came off as a no-nonsense (or maybe, rather... little-nonsense?) person. He could almost commend her for her personality if she turned out to be any younger than him, though... If there was one thing he had to admit.

She could stand to be a bit more openly friendly, right?

Again, perhaps it was just a product of what she'd gone through in her past. After all, though there might be some inherent qualities, most people can be defined by what has forged them rather than where they came from. She looked to be the fighter type, the tough as nails... so and so. Norman himself wasn't above the occasional spar and brawl here and there, but he always fancied himself more of a... negotiator, the charismatic type, or even just the studious one, though perhaps that'd result in some clash if he really was going to end up as a Blacklist Hunter.

One step at a time though...

"Say Norman, where could one find a backpack? Seems a little redundant to carry around a shopping bag all exam, right?"

Lit's words would snap him out of his thoughts when she'd pose him a question, causing him to blink and purse his lips a bit as his mind would shift to producing an answer for her. A place to find a backpack to put all the bags in? Well, that seemed a bit odd, didn't it? He'd never heard of such a thing! And besides, Norman wasn't exactly sure if he could exactly name a place around that was likely to sell such items, and even then, to be honest, he didn't feel like scouring through every single store to find a backpack.

"Couldn't tell you," the bespectacled young man simply shrugged at her questions initially as he continued to walk with her, before furrowing his brow. Now that he thought about it, if she had to ask, then perhaps her arms were getting tired? Norman didn't consider himself a particularly "chivalrous" type, but just because he didn't think that didn't mean that he shouldn't be courteous to ladies, right?

Taking out his previously pocketed hands, Norman would hold out a hand to Lit as he'd give her another friendly look. "If you're getting tired of carrying them around, I'd be more than happy to help you with that."

@ch0sen1​

 

[ch0sen1]

[fieldbox="Lit, pink, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

I didn't really expect for Norman to really know where anything was, I simply wanted him to spew a few ideas of where to look. He didn't know, neither did I. We continue to walk towards the red light district and it seems Norman was behind me with his hands behind him, no doubt trying to gauge me. Analyzing me most of the time gives people the wrong impression. All they'll see is a stern, sort of bull headed girl. I really didn't care if that's what was thought of me. I won't be my complete self until I find my sister. Norman comes up beside me, with his hands out in extension to the bags.

Norman: If you're getting tired of carrying them around, I'd be more than happy to help you with that."
"I'm fine. I'm not tired. If carrying bags tired my arms out I don't think I'd be fit for the exam. It just makes no sense for me to travel through all the phases with shopping bags when I can just put the dress and coat in a backpack, that way it provides mobility and versatility."

-----

Once we reached the intended district, my eyes glanced upon the luxurious houses and mini mansions that landscaped the residential portion of the city. The map says even government officials reside here. A conventional mind would have me knock on every politician's door and campaign for them to help find my sister, but what would they really do? Use it for publicity and then behind the scenes tell me to tackle the proper channels. I sigh under my breath just thinking about it, how much of this country does a bunch of nothing to try and accomplish everything. The rain still falls carefully overhead. I really didn't care about my hair or anything getting wet, it was just water to me. I look at a sign, pointing where we just came from: The Shopping District. Too late to go back now, not enough time. Screw it.

I reach into the bag and pull out the casual coat that goes over the dress, but instead I just put it on over what I have equipped already. I take the clean white dress and I create a makeshift wrap around my head with it, one that absorbs the moisture in my hair and stops the rain from dripping into my eyes. I toss the shopping bag into the nearest trash can and I keep on walking. I couldn't help but think on Ringo's words. I glance over at Norman. He seemed so keen and noble-like. Friendly too; in any other circumstance, we'd probably be very good friends right now through conversation. It seems like years ago I was able to be that girl. The one that always smiled and laughed. The one that was always creating fun for my community. This past 8 months have been more like 8 years, the girl I once knew in myself drowning a long time ago. I could only pray Yoake was still out there somewhere, completely intact inside and out.

I could hear my stomach growl mildly. I'd forgotten that I hadn't eaten anything in almost a day. Prepping for this trip and sneaking away was troublesome enough. And I had a mind to grab food but Ringo insisted on doing catalog shopping in all the stores. I would just have to tough it out. I take a deep breath and I find a nice sidewalk with an overhead structure designed to block the rain. I could see the casino within walking distance, but I decide to relax here for a bit, taking out my mobile computer, and checking a program I designed.

"Hmm, she's still sleep probably."

I'd programmed an application that triggers a security alert in my room if anyone breaches in. The green light will turn red if that happens. Mother was the epitome of a genius when it came to gadgets and computers, trust and believe she had many more talents under her belt. But she wouldn't expect this since she had no idea I was sneaking off to do this in the first place. The irony of it all astounds me: A detective's daughter, running off, to find her missing sister, that said detective not being able to locate the girl herself. I place my computer back in my pocket, and then suddenly I get an idea.

"Wait...this can work."

I use a GPS algorithm to look at the places in the shopping district. I then use those places for a queue and I program in the keywords 'backpack' and I initiate the application. It seems that a handful of places offer what I'm looking for. I scroll through their inventory and I find the lightest backpack in weight I could find. I didn't have that much Jenny, but it was worth it to buy this. I purchase the backpack remotely, and I send a special request that the backpack be hand delivered to the red light district in front of the Lucky Coin Casion in less than 10 minutes for some bonus Jenny. I pocket the device and I lean on the wall of the building, waiting. Perhaps I should try an attempt to converse with him.

"So, um. Where are you from? What's your reason for taking this exam?"

@Verite

[/fieldbox]

 

[Sir Salty]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Ki, What you did back there was uncalled for and impulsive. I shouldn't have to say that, But here I am saying it aren't I? How can I travel with you still? Work with someone who has no self-control! Lethal force wouldn't have been necessary for that filth! "What I saw today was something I've never seen from you before. You were like a demon, Something dark and inhuman."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]He wouldn't or couldn't deny those facts. Out of his whole family, while he was the weakest he had the strongest bloodlust of his brothers and sisters. Had he deluded himself, maybe denied himself the thought that he could have been more than the demon his father was raising him to be? He was going to say something to Efarah. Not an apology, but to tell him to continue the exam without him. That was the best. If they pretended that they didn't know each other. Right? But it looked like Efarah wanted to say more, so Ki was patient and listened.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"In recent years the country has been plunged into chaos. The City, Kanz has been overrun by a terrorist organization known as Naqia. They are responsible for many atrocities and I was once one of them for good portion of my life."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]It made sense now why Efarah wanted to lie low so much. As if not to raise any flags. Was Efa in danger now because of him? Was it simple as making one mistake?[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"The leader of Naqia, Zaar Highrock killing my father, His only brother right in front of me. He then took my mother, and me into a life of servitude beneath his foot. My mother was forced to become his wife while I became a child soldier. They trained me well, Giving me the skills to kill. I was turned into a cold-blooded killing machine who felt no remorse for the things he did or at least tried to. I did what I needed to do survive up until one day I began to think for myself. I abandon everything they taught and ran away. Now I want revenge on all of them, To kill every single member of Naqia and put my uncle's head on a pike or in a jail cell where he can die slowly. After that, I and my mother will be free to live our lives."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]They did not have the same reasoning. But they had the similar training. Ki wondered if his motivations were selfish and worth no merit compared to Efa's. He wondered what Efa would think of him, if he had explained himself. Probably think of him as more of a monster than what he already thought. That was definitely a possibility.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki did not hesitate, he actually gave Efa very cold stare. Ki was not the type to express outward anxiety. Ki didn't like to present himself as nervous or anxious. Because it gave off weakness his father use to tell him. But that made him disgusted to think that he still followed so many of his father's principles. Yet, it was all he knew.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"My full name is Ki-Rah Floshade," Ki told Efarah, he wondered how much Efa was in the know. The Floshade family was infamous for being Hunter killers. Powerful pro Hunter's succumb to his father's might all too often. His father used his Hunter knowledge and network to track Hunter's during their missions and let them meet a fateful end. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"I too was trained to," Ki paused how should he phrase it? "You're right. I am a demon. I wasn't just a killing machine. I was trained ruthlessly. I was trained in the harshest environments and taught to embrace malice and hatred. I'm devoid of some emotions, but sometimes I feel them. My father emptied us when we were young. We replaced all of our fear, all of our sadness, joy. With malice, joy, but for killing. Hatred. Animosity. We were told of an enemy. And we killed that enemy."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki paused for another second before continuing, "I was the weakest of my siblings because of it I was babied by my mother a lot. And my siblings as well. They told me things like, it's okay I'm not as strong as them. I'm here for selfish reasons. Nothing like setting my mother and I free. But because I personally want to get stronger than my brothers and sisters, even my father. See I was only allowed to come to the Exam because my father made me promise that I'd kill him when I get strong enough. So my goal is two fold. I found a new oath and a new enemy, people like my father easier to channel my bloodlust that way. And to gain the power I don't have."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki also wondered how Efa would take the news, but he took one moment to say.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"I'm not as noble as you are Efa," Ki told him, "You're a killer, trained to be a killer, but have noble goals. Mine are not noble."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Ki looked at the clock in the distance. Only thirty minutes, maybe less than that then? Ki took a moment staring at Efa.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"We can find the casino through the Hunter Association Building, remember that was the whole plan to begin with," Ki told him, "That is, if you want to continue the exam with me. Or continue the exam at all without me. Or if you think I should leave the exam and go back to my family."[/BCOLOR]

 

[Verite]

Norman

"I'm fine. I'm not tired. If carrying bags tired my arms out I don't think I'd be fit for the exam. It just makes no sense for me to travel through all the phases with shopping bags when I can just put the dress and coat in a backpack, that way it provides mobility and versatility."

"Ah, well, if you insist then, though I'll be here if you change your mind of course," Norman would respond in a friendly manner, same as ever, continuing to follow her around wherever she'd walk with his arms still tucked behind his back, obscured partially by his black jacket.

From then on, the young man remained silent for the most part, mostly only speaking when spoken to, admiring the beauty of Ezeburg City by himself. Plenty of nice structures around indeed. He didn't spend very much time outside Yorknew City. Generally didn't have enough time (though perhaps money wasn't too much of a concern, given his family's history as successful physicians and the like), so he just stayed in what was familiar ground, so he had done very little sightseeing in his time. Thus, it was all quite new to him. That was going to be what his life as a Hunter would be, wouldn't it? A new age full of new experiences, new people, new places, everything.

But only if he'd manage to pass, of course. A big if.

Speaking of new people, what about the one that he was with right now? What about Lit? Well, truth be told, ultimately it felt like he couldn't really make heads or tails of her, which was something he wasn't used to, fancying himself an amateur psychologist, but then again, it wasn't like everyone in the world was going to be an open book he could read. Indeed, she was quite the enigma. He raised an eyebrow at her movements, such as wrapping her jacket around her head and tossing the shopping bag away, but once again didn't really say anything, only continuing to walk alongside her. When the two of them would stop on a safe spot on the sidewalk, Norman would let his curiosity get the better of him and peek over the girl's shoulder when she'd been checking on something. Normally, he wasn't exactly a nosy person, but there was quite a bit he didn't know about her, and for some reason, he felt apprehensive about asking her about her personal life.

Probably 'cause deep down, he did feel like it wasn't his business, but human curiosity be damned, even if it did kill the cat.

"So, um. Where are you from? What's your reason for taking this exam?"

The bespectacled young man didn't realize he'd actually been staring off into space rather than observing the girl when Lit would begin asking him questions, prompting him to suddenly blink and return to the real world, giving her a look as he'd purse his lips, before proceeding to answer her inquiries.

"Yorknew... I'm from Yorknew City. Been there for pretty much all my life," Norman answered, moving his hands to his pockets as he spoke, "As for why I'm here? Well, that's... quite something, but if you want the brief answer, I just wanna become a Hunter -- that is, a Blacklist Hunter -- to catch bad guys. Lots of scary, wanted criminals out there, and someone's gotta find 'em after all."

"What about you? What's your story? And perhaps more importantly..." He began, making a subtle gesture towards her stomach, "You wanna grab a bite together?"

@ch0sen1​

 

[Cush Almighty]

Hearing this name, Ki-Rah Floshade, A name that rings no bells for Efarah. He might have heard it threatened before, but the name meant nothing to him. Ki then went along explaining what he was, A demon. He was trained in more harsh environments then Efarah by his own father none the less. Ki was told to embrace it and enjoy killing, Become engrosses it bloodshed and hatred for a target. Efarah didn't like this description of his this man, He was best dead, Head next to Zaar's.

Efarah continued to listen to Ki-Rah, Their goals may not align, But similar. They want to kill the one who holds their mother captive. Ki's goal would end with a better world thanks to the death of evil. Power was one thing Ki also wanted. Ki surpasses him in this, That malice of his is unnatural, Something impossible to defend against. Is it gained from his training or is Ki just special?

"I'm not as noble as you are Efa, You're a killer, trained to be a killer, but have noble goals. Mine are not noble." Efarah didn't know what to say. He saw goodness in his friend, He saw he was no monster even if he had a dark side. Ki then looked off to a clock noticing their dwindling time.

"We can find the casino through the Hunter Association Building, remember that was the whole plan to begin with, that is, if you want to continue the exam with me. Or continue the exam at all without me. Or if you think I should leave the exam and go back to my family."

Efahah took a deep breath and exhaled. He then spoke, "Thank you, Honesty from this point on. I refuse to blame you for the teaching of your Father. We both were tools but no longer, We are free to do as we wish now that we are free. We can still take the exams together just promise me you'll keep that demon imprisoned until the one's who deserve death arrive." He then turned around and began to walk. "Let's find this Casino and get something to eat. Our meal was rudely interrupted before it could begin."

Efarah had forgiven his friend for his rash actions, They wouldn't be getting in trouble for them. He did still wonder what would happen to the witnesses. Hopefully, the man from the train wouldn't do anything terrible and destroy any video.