Imagine fighting Hisoka.

Word Count: 1203

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Rushing through the foggy forest, you follow Kurapika and Leorio as they run after the people ahead of them.

The hairs on the back your neck stand up, a premonition of something terrible about to happen.

Sure enough, a giant dinosaur/turtle monster appears and attacks.

You react instantly, drawing your broadsword and attacking without fear. Well, maybe a little fear is squirming in your stomach, but you shove it aside.

With assistance from Leorio and Kurapika, the monster is defeated in record timing.

You wipe blood from your blade and turn to your friends, "What now? We lost the examiner."

"I think they're this way-" Leorio starts to say, but Kurapika interrupts him.

He presses his finger to his lips, "Look."

Your eyes follow his gesture to a misty clearing where a spiky redhead stands surrounded by a bunch of men who seem to be wearing similar clothes.

His name was Hisoka, wasn't it? Everyone says to stay away from him...

"We'll spare you if you swear not to take the Hunter Exam again," one of the men threatens.

"Sure," is his aloof reply, "I'm passing this year, so I won't need to take it again."

"Passing? In this fog, none of us will be able to find the main pack again! We've all failed!"

Hisoka chuckles, "So that's why. Having already failed, you wish to play examiner. Hunters require prey. Why don't I play examiner... and judge whether you are Hunter material?"

His words are spoken with a smile as he shows off a playing card.

You watch with baited breath, interested by the events unfolding. This is an excellent way to find out more about his fighting style since you haven't truly seen him fight yet.

All the men attack at once, but Hisoka remains unfazed.

Quick as a flash, he spins in a circle, successfully falling all but one of the men.

"Now then..."

The last man standing is quick to realize his folly and tries to crawl away from the dangerous man.

You watch with growing horror as Hisoka walks towards him, sending the card into the man's head as he cries for help.

Your stomach churns.

Meanwhile, the three of you have caught his unwanted attention, observing with your mouths open.

You don't look away from Hisoka even as you speak, "We don't stand a chance against him..."

"On my signal, run in opposite directions," Kurapika instructs.

"What?"

"He is vastly more experienced in real combat. The three of us won't stand a chance against him. We can not afford to squander time in a pointless fight!"

You'd have to agree with the blond.

You try not to seem intimidated by the tall male slowly making his way towards the three of you as you await Kura's signal.

Just as your eyes make contact with Hisoka's yellow ones, Kirapika yells, "Now!"

At once, your legs obey the command to run, sending you off at lighting speed.

You stop in your tracks when your hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Something's not right.

Slinking back towards the clearing, you observe as Leorio approaches Hisoka.

"I just can't do it... This may not be my fight, but I won't close my eyes and make a break for it!" The male with glasses explains.

To be honest, you feel the same way as Leo. After all, that one guy was clearly gonna give up and was begging for help.

With a yell, Leorio rushes Hisoka.

"Mm, I adore that look on your face."

You watch in shock as Leorio's stick goes through the target. Hisoka just proofed into smoke and reappeared behind him!

He stretches his hand towards Leorio.

You can't sit by and watch anymore, leaping from your hiding place and launching a throwing star at the murderer.

To your surprise and relief, it manages to strike his cheek, only just grazing him. It's enough to make him halt his assault on Leorio.

You inhale a shaky breath, trying to calm your racing nerves.

"Y/n?!" Leo calls out, surprised.

You ignore his cry, staring at your target.

Hisoka turns, his smile unwavering, "Not bad, little girl."

Your heart pounds in your chest. Feelings of terror mix with adrenaline and excitement deep inside your veins as you stare him down.

He starts to walk towards you as you pull out your sword.

"Your fight is with me!" Leorio shouts, lunging for him yet again.

Your breath hitches as you watch Leo fly into the air, knocked unconscious by a single blow from the redhead.

Regaining your focus, you jump forwards, intent on protecting your friend from further harm. Your weapon never makes contact, Hisoka disappearing in a puff of smoke.

You look around for him.

"You came back to rescue your friend?"

He's suddenly right in front of you, hand on his chin.

You leap away, wary of his strength.

"Such a good girl," his melodic voice sounds right beside your ear.

You lash out violently, frustrated when he dodges that attack as well.

"And that expression," he purrs, standing a few feet away from you.

Snagging some throwing stars from your pockets, you aim for his head. He manages to dodge them all, to your utter dismay.

"Nice, very nice. I'm getting excited now," he says as he walks towards you.

Formulating a rough plan in your head, you throw five stars at once to distract him, simultaneously jumping behind him.

You bring your sword down with all your might, releasing a yell as you do.

"Agh-" you grunt as a large hand grips your neck tightly, suspending you in the air.

Eyes wide as saucers, you look into yellow eyes which calmly observe your helpless state.

You try to breathe in but he has cut off your airflow. Kicking feebly, you claw at his hand, dropping your sword in the process.

He giggles, "How wonderful..."

You make small noises as you try to inhale sweet oxygen.

"I really do love that look~"

Unable to handle the lack of oxygen any longer, you go limp in his hold, eyes closing.

He realizes this and releases your instantly, setting you down on the ground.

You collapse to your knees, coughing and sputtering.

He crouches down in front of you, "Don't worry, I will not kill your friend."

Glaring up at him, you can't help feeling relieved that he won't hurt Leorio any more.

"He passed."

You stare at him obliviously.

"Yes, you passed as well. I'm sure you will make a fine Hunter one day."

A chirping sounds from a radio in Hisoka's pocket. He answers the call, the person telling him to hurry because the rest of the group is almost at the next phase area.

He stands to his feet as you watch him warily.

Lifting Leorio onto his shoulder he states, "It's always good to have friends."

He turns to look back at you, "Are you coming?"

You hesitate for a second before standing on shaky legs and falling in step beside him.

"That's a good girl," he praises, leading the way through the misty trees.

You shiver at his words, still shaken from the whole ordeal.

Why did he let me live?