The announcement of the fourth phase echoes over the loudspeaker, and I find myself zoning out for just a moment. Something about choosing between two paths: an easy path where only three people can go and a long path where all five of us can stick together. It doesn't take long for the others to reach a decision.
"We'll take the long path," Kurapika says firmly, crossing his arms.
Leorio nods, and Gon seems ready to go along with it. Killua, however, leans against the wall with his hands in his pockets, smirking. "I mean, if we took the easy path, I'd just kill the other two to make space for us. Problem solved."
I stare at him for a second, letting the silence hang before I respond, deadpan. "Wow, we got Mr. Ultra Assassin over here. So scary, we better run! Zoinks scoob!"
Kurapika and Leorio both suppress a chuckle, and even Gon smiles a little, but Killua's smirk falters.
"Your 12 years old buddy, you arent a supervillian." I continue, leaning forward slightly in my wheelchair.
Killua clicks his tongue, but I don't miss the faintest trace of pink creeping up his cheeks. He turns away, muttering something about how I talk too much.
---
Killua's POV
I don't know what just happened. My chest feels tight, and my face is hot. Embarrassment? No, that's not something I feel anymore.
Is it?
I grip the edge of my shirt tightly. It's been years since I've felt anything resembling shame or embarrassment. My family made sure of that. So why… why did that guy in the wheelchair get under my skin so easily?
I glance at Johnny from the corner of my eye. He's laughing at his own joke, rolling around in his wheelchair casually like nothing happened.
I don't even know what he refrenced at the end but I feel like it must be devastating.
---
Johnny's POV
"Well, since we're all about majority rule," I say, spinning my wheelchair to face the others, "why don't we just skip the drama and break through the wall separating the long and easy paths? That way, we get the best of both worlds."
Leorio raises an eyebrow. "You think we can actually break the wall?"
Killua shrugs, clearly still recovering from his earlier embarrassment. "It's not that thick. We could probably tear through it if we work together. Also if we use the weapons on the wall that are supposed to be used for us to fight to the death to see who gets to the easy path."
"Then it's settled," I say. "Let's take the easy path."
Kurapika nods in agreement, and Gon looks excited as we break the wall of the long path and head toward the easy path. The others push me forward, and I pretend not to notice Killua glancing at me every so often, probably wondering how I got the better of him earlier.
The easy path turns out to be a slide. A literal, giant slide. I had to go belly down holding on to my wheelchair with my life. I went first ofcourse.
"Oh, this is going to be fun," Leorio mutters defeatedly, peering down the smooth slide.
---
At the bottom, we regroup, in a room, the announcer states our numbers and says we passed. Still got 60 hours to wait though.
Leorio spends 40 hours napping which I don't even know how that's possible to do. Kurapika spends his time lost in deep thought occasionally conversing with me. And gon and killua do nothing but try eachothers skateboard or fishing rod and going "Woaahhh"
Quite annoying but ehh better then being with Tonpa i would assume.
Eventually the time finishes and a large door opens, and we are led through a serene grass field.
I take a moment to study everyone's badges, memorizing the numbers just because it becomes relevant later. The rest of the gang has it attached to their chests which is predictable.
Meanwhile, I discreetly tuck my own badge away, making sure no one gets a good look at it.
Soon, we arrive at a port where a large ship is waiting for us. The next destination: Zevil Island.
As we board, the examiner greets us with a cheerful smile, her voice bright and welcoming. "Welcome, everyone! We're almost at the fourth phase! I hope you're ready for the challenge ahead!"
Her enthusiasm is met with silence. Everyone is too focused, too tense, to respond. The air is thick with anticipation.
I decide to break the awkwardness and wheel towards her. "Hey, don't let their silence get to you," I say, giving her my most charming smile. "I think you're doing a great job."
She blinks, clearly surprised, before laughing lightly. "Well, aren't you sweet? But you don't have to flatter me, you know. You're just a kid!"
"Maybe," I reply, leaning back casually. "But even kids can appreciate good company."
She waves me off, chuckling. "You're going to grow up to be quite the charmer, aren't you?"
I grin, but internally, I'm patting myself on the back. That was a success.
As the ship approaches Zevil Island, I catch my reflection in one of the windows. My face is sharper than it used to be, more defined. If I didn't know better, I'd say I look like johnny, but a little like Diego too with the defined features, still look 15 though. The blue outfit, though? That stays. Ladies love the blue. As was demonstrated.
Would the blue lipstick help too? I did wipe it off when I arrived in this world but would the gayness be worth the attention I'd get? Probably not, I dont think it's the fashion in this world.
The ship docks, and we're led to a booth where we draw our targets for the fourth phase. I step forward and grab my envelope, sliding it open to reveal a badge number. It's someone I don't recognize, a random guy wielding a sword. Fodder. Good.
Actually i think he gets one shot at the start by the poison arrow guy ... forgot his name but the poison arrow guy beats him to show how the islands dangerous.
I wait for the others to draw their targets, noting their expressions carefully. Gon looks determined. Killua is unreadable. Kurapika and Leorio seem focused but tense.
As the first to volunteer to pick a card im the first to leave, I roll off the boat and onto the island, the wheels of my chair crunching softly against the dirt. The island is vast, with tall grass and dense trees creating a maze-like terrain.
I push forward, scanning my surroundings until I reach a familiar area, a patch of tall grass near a rocky outcrop. This is the place. The scene of the first "casualty" to remind everyone just how dangerous this island is.
And the sword guy should come here soon.
I park myself in the shadows, watching and waiting.
Time to see what happens next.
______
Authors thoughts:
Sorry that it's short this is kinda a filler chapter as I'm pretty busy for the moment, I really am sorry, truly. As compensation i will release 2 2000+ word chapters next release time. As I am a day late.
Remember 100 powerstones = extra chapter!!!!