Daichi's father, Uncle Daichirou, purposely took the day off to see me for the last time until I come back safely from the hunter exams. He held a sobbing Aunt Mayu in his arms gave me an understanding look. He knew I had to do this in honour of my late father.

Daichi stood in front of me with a small smile on his lips. He set his gaze down and fixed it in the ground.

"Daichi." I called.

"Hm?" He looked up but his gaze was everywhere but my face.

"Look at me." I said sternly.

Finally, he sighed and locked his gaze on mine.

"I'll be fine!" I grinned widely in hopes to reassure him. "Don't give me that face! Who knows, this might be the last time I see you!"

"Don't say that!" He pinched both of my cheeks and glared at me.

"Ow! Ow! Ow!" I cried in pain. "I hate you, Daichi!"

"I know you don't." He chuckled.

I smiled and he stared into my bloody red orbs. Then, he took a step closer and pulled me into a hug, wrapping his arms around my small waist. I sighed in comfort and returned the gesture. My eyes closed as I rested my head on his shoulders.

"Oi! We're leaving already!" Said the man on the boat.

Both go us immediately pulled away and Daichi grabbed my arms firmly. He looked into my eyes seriously and spoke.

"Tsukino. I know you already know this, but I just want to say that I really really like you. When you come back, I want to know your answer." He answered with a smile, then gave me a big sloppy kiss on my forehead.

I didn't have time to react because he immediately pushed me into the boat. As soon as I got in, the boat sailed away.

Daichi a waved with both hands like a maniac and shouted,"GOOD LUCK, TSUKINOOOO!!!"

Uncle Daichirou and Aunt Mayu waved with smiles on their faces and chuckled at their son's behaviour.

I stared at them with a sad smile on my face and unconsciously touched my forehead where Daichi kissed me.

I like you too.. Daichi..

I'll be back safe and sound.

~~~~~

Once I have reached the venue, I was given a number #50. I placed it on my shirt and begun looking around for someone to talk to.

Eh... Everyone is so old here.

My gaze stopped on a magician with bright coloured hair.

He looks strong and he feels strong...

He raised his head while shuffling his deck of cards and locked his gaze on me. My eyes widened at the eye contact and watched as he licked his lips creepily. That action sent shivers down my spine and lead to goosebumps across my arms. I gulped nervously and backed away until my knocked on a short and fat man with a big round nose.

"Hello! You must be new here!" He greeted cheerfully.

"Hi!" I smiled widely.

"Care for some drink?" He asked and handed me a can.

"No, thank you. I'm not thirsty." I smiled politely and walked away.

I sat at a corner and hugged my dull red backpack to sleep, knowing a long day awaits us.

~~~~~

By the time I woke up, the place is filled with participants. Up to 400 and more. I know this because I saw a guy about the same age as me in a green outfit. He has the number #404 along with a blonde teenager and an adult. The fat man whom approached me earlier handed them the can drinks. Immediately after that, the boy in green spat the content out and muttered something I could not hear for being too far away.

I got up from my seat to talk to him because I felt really lonely until I bumped into another guy of the same age.

"Ack! Sorry!"

He gazed at me and we both stood still, staring at each other. My eyes widened at the similar features he had with the man who killed my parents.

Silver white hair.

Pale skin.

I've never seen the man's eyes. This kid can't be related to him..right?

I gulped nervously while clutching my hands tight and smiled at him. I put on my backpack and begin walking until he called out for me.

"Hey"

His voice made my body shiver in nervousness. I slowly turned around and once again gaze into his bright blue eyes.

"Yes?" I answered while straining my voice to not shake and sound like a pathetic weakling.

"How old are you?" He asked without a smile, but he did not look like he hates me either.

"I'm twelve."

"Me too. I'm Killua." He managed a small smile on his face.

Killua.. Eh.. He doesn't seem that bad.. I shouldn't go around hating people who has looks like him. I slapped myself mentally.

I smiled brightly and told him my name.

"Tsukino! I'm Tsukino Himura!"

LiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLi!!!

A strange and annoying sound boomed through the entire area. All of us whipped our heads towards the source of the sound and found a tall guy with lavender coloured hair and a thin moustache. However, he does not have a mouth. The thing that made that sound was from a keychain thing he held in his hand.

"The time for the registration is over." He announced. "Now the exam can begin!"

"Well, we'll begin with a short verification. It's an extremely difficult exam. Sometimes you can miss a chance and may end up dead." He walked towards a place where the tunnel continues. "There are things which can be avoided. Now, please follow me."

He started with a slow pace and all of us followed him with a matching pace until he suddenly increased his speed which left most of the participants bewildered. Those who are fast quickly picked up he pace and jogged after the nameless examiner.

"I forgot one detail, my name is Satotsu and I'm in charge of the first round. So, I must lead you to the place where the second round will be held."

The examiner continued talking which I did not bother to listen. I was not even running, instead I was ice skating. How was there ice? Well, that is my power. I formed an ice blade beneath my shoe and a thin layer of ice which is a meter radius around me. Killua was still close by and he was amazed by my ability. I smirked at his expression, but he was not to bad himself. I have never tried skateboarding.

"Hey! Kids!! That's not allowed!" A man yelled at both Killua and I. "That's cheating!!"

We turned towards the older man with my eyebrows raised.

"Why?" Killua asked.

"Why..? 'Cause it's an endurance test!"

"Are you sure about that? Satotsu-san did not mention that. All he said was follow him." I stated.

"She's right, Leorio!" A boy which I saw spitting the drink on the floor spoke.

"Gon!! Which side are you on?!"

"You should conserve your energy." Advised the adolescent with blonde hair.

Leorio growled in annoyance and embarrassment, but I have no interest. I decided to talk to the kid I wanted to talk to just a few moments ago before we started running. It seems Killua was a step ahead of me. He even stopped and ran side by side with the kid in green.

"I'm Killua."

"And I'm Gon!"

I chuckled and slung my arms around both of their shoulders before introducing myself.

"Anddddddd I'm Tsukino! I'm the same age as both of you too!"

"Cool! I've never ice skated before!" Gon exclaimed in amazement while watching the ice move.

Actually, it was just an illusion. It seems as if ice moves below me, but what really happened was the ice disappears and forms again in a speed faster than light.

"Do you want to try?"

"Can I really?!" Gon's eyes sparkled.

"Oi! I want to try too!" Killua interrupted.

"Aye! Aye! Just follow my instructions and follow me lead."

I grabbed both of their arms and formed a larger area of ice below us. Before they slipped because of the smooth surface, I formed ice blades beneath their shoes. My grip on their arms were tight and I let them adjust themselves until they are used to it.

"Just focus on balancing yourself and do not go out of the circle. I would have created a larger area, but I really don't want to risk hurting others!" I grinned.

"This is so cool!!!"

🍁🍂🍁🍂

A hint for you, ice isn't her real power ;)

~Joelle