Since everyone was released into the forest at different times, they were all alone and tracked their preys. As for the raven haired girl, she waited. Instead of sneaking around, she walked boldly in very exposed parts of the forest. Anyone would have thought she was weak, defenceless and stupid, but she was simply luring her prey and wait for them to strike.

The day was eerie, yet peaceful. Birds' innocent chirps, rustling leaves and grasses, butterflies flew around her, taking in her beautiful, sinister appearance. Black and white and an accent of red. The world rotated just like any other day, people were happily eating, some were playing around, but some were dying. Each corner of the world, nobody knew what their neighbours were doing. For this particular part of the world, people were hunting and some are bound to die.

A brilliant blue butterfly flew across a pair of crimson eyes, a pale hand snatched the insect and trapped it in her enveloped hand. A corner of her lips curved when she opened up her hand, watching the butterfly struggle to open up its damaged wings. She gently held the body of the insect and used her free hand to tear its wings off its body. Whether the butterfly cried or screamed in agony, nobody could tell. Reiko was no insect expert. Even though she could not enjoy it's cry, she knew it hurt the butterfly and it was enough.

The one-winged butterfly was cruelly tossed onto the muddy ground. With Reiko's weighted boot, she stomped on the butterfly and twisted her foot onto the ground, successfully crushing the tiny figure into nothing but disgusting liquid and an unrecognisable wing.

She gazed at it for awhile as her smirk faltered. Unpleasant memories flashing through her eyes.

"You're as beautiful as a butterfly, my love."

His large hands pat her head while squatting down to reach her height, yet he was still towering over the tiny figure. He was smiling and she returned it earnestly, clueless of the twisted intent the man had in mind.

He spoke again, "I'll help you to grow your wings."

"Really, father??" The young child looked up at him with glowing eyes.

A deep chuckle escaped his lips. "Of course, you'll have the most beautiful wings!" He held her hand and stood up, leading her to a room where her world would flip over.

How clueless the young Reiko was, so happy and excited she was to grow her 'wings'. She truly thought she would become a butterfly, that innocent girl.

They were unpleasant and remembering it pains her, frustrates her and angers her. But these memories were what kept her going and living. Readers, you should know she loves pain.

Reiko enjoys pain.

But for the first time in forever, the pain she felt at that moment led her to suffocation. She dropped onto her knees and clutched her chest tightly, digging her fingers into her flesh, hoping to fight off the pain with pain. Her pulse raced and the heart hammered her chest. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as it dripped down her chin. Cold sweat clung on her like second skin. Her eyes were shut tightly while gasping for breath. The thumping in her chest made it difficult to breathe.

The raven haired maiden pushed her sleeve up, revealing ugly scars. Many would cringe at the sight, but it was a work of art in her eyes. With her sharp nails, she dug it into her flesh and tore it away. It left her a gashing wound, but it helped her to breathe again. Cold air filled her lungs as she calmed down from her haunting memories.

When she opened her eyes, it glowed red for just a moment; the self-inflicted pain triggering her other personality.

She stood up and watched her blood drip onto the ground. Her other self would hurt herself for fun, but the more sane part of Reiko inflicts pain onto herself to counter the heaviness in her heart. Her right hand reached to the back of her belt and grabbed a roller bandage in which she had lined neatly on the strap, hidden by her jacket. Since she lacked of medical equipments, she could only wrap the bandage around her wound to stop the bleeding although the process would be slow.

"You won't be strong enough to fight if you lose too much blood." A monotonous voice spoke, almost startling her.

Reiko's gaze shot up to her company.

Illumi. She thought.

A smirk graced her lips, "Are you suddenly caring for me?"

"It would be a waste to see you fail in the early stages of your revenge." His eyes blinked innocently as though he hadn't touched a sensitive subject.

Her eyes narrowed at his words. It would be pointless to talk to a block of ice. She ignored his presence and trudged forward, taking quick and heavy steps into deeper parts of the forest. Being near him when he's being an inconsiderate prick makes her lose control of herself.

Illumi's gaze followed her and he cocked his head to the side, clueless of his thoughtless behaviour. Had he done something wrong? He couldn't tell.

The sun was already setting and she did not have any encounters aside from meeting the Zoldyck. While it was dark out, she spotted a dot of bright fuchsia in contrast of the dark green leaves. She immediately smiled and ran towards the direction.

Of course, he had sensed her coming and a wicked smile stretched his lips. He turned his head just in time to see Reiko landing next to him.

"What a pleasant surprise~" He cooed.

"I'm bored." She uttered before plopping herself onto the ground lazily.

His smile grew wider with his eyes closed. Hisoka followed her lead and sat beside her, watching the sky getting darker.

Two dangerous, heartless and possibly sadistic people sitting together— a great combination, admiring a sunset? Peculiar. And the atmosphere was somewhat peaceful, clean of bloodlust and silent, aside from the voices of nature. Nothing was exchanged between them until the moonlight brightened the night sky. Hisoka stared at her with eyes free of evil and desire; she turned to him with a rare gaze of warmth. Well, more of confusion.

Whether they were speaking with their eyes or each having their individual thoughts, nobody would know. But one thing for sure, they found a certain solace from each other. Just for a little moment, they allowed themselves to indulge in something that is not unhealthy.

+++

Here's a wonderful fanart from xarika, thank you so much! She can be found on Instagram: @arison_kaku where she publishes her artworks!

It literally took me a week to write this lol, a bit everyday. :')

Because from very high requests for a Hisoka x Reiko moment, this is the most I could do. While some may think Hisoka is a little ooc, I think everyone has their own input of his personality.

To me, he is someone who does have some sort of humanity inside but he was too obsessed with this and that. At some point, anyone would be tired and reveals a very personal part of themselves.

Although this part isn't very romantic, I think we can all agree that it wouldn't make a lot of sense if the both of them are lovey dovey so quickly in this story. Plus, I haven't decided if I should pair them together. :P

Thank you for reading!

~Joelle

Published: 3 June 2018