"Oh, it's back." Bisky noticed me approaching with the wolf.
Illumi was talking to Ahmad. As I got closer they turned but didn't say a word. Ahmad's eyes flickered from the wolf to me...and it was the first time I noticed Ahmad's true discomfort show. A look almost of disappointment. A soft grey shade steaming under the surface.
Kurapika studied us intensely.
"It's okay. It's true, he was being controlled but not anymore." The wolf laid down, resting its head on its legs. I kneeled beside him attempting to pet it.
"You got all that from the aura?" Bisky asked.
I nodded. "There are no words coming from him, his aura doesn't talk. I'm not surprised because he's an animal now. But his emotions remain just as strong as any of us. In fact, I think he's come back to warn or help us. He's...hurting. Guilty even." The wolf whimpered again. Despite the dark, translucent ash bones and its demonic pierced eyes, it was fairly cute. At least to me.
We sat down on a couple of rocks at the edge of the woods. The patched, thin grass surrounded the area until it faded back into the jungle.
"Where's Hisoka?" Kurapika asked.
"He's getting the cone. He should be here shortly." I glanced back to the trees.
We waited a few moments gathered together until he came back.
"I hope I wasn't gone very long...I was quite distracted the past half hour~" He said holding the rose-pink cone.
I focused on the wolf.
Right...
A deep buzzing vibration shook in my pocket. Ahmad had blown into his cone. "Keep this whistle with you at all times. It's not meant to be loud but when blown, it sends a low vibration to all other cones. The waves are inaudible so you should feel them intensely with physical contact. Others won't be able to detect it unless they also have one. This will aid us communication if separated or determine an approximate location based on how strong the signal is."
Illumi fiddled with it impressed. He would no doubt look into it more later.
Bisky sat on my left, the wolf on my right. Everyone else was looking at me.
"Do you still think you can do it?" Bisky asked.
"Oh- right, yes."
Okay...that's my cue.
"I'll give it a go." It was clear they were anticipating for me to get information but it still felt strange as I just met the creature and I'm already digging into its personal memories. I looked down at the wolf and it perked its head. "Do you mind?" I asked awkwardly.
He tilted his head.
"I'm going to take a look at your life...and figure out how you got here."
The wolf laid its head on my thighs for approval. His aura created a soft lining. I could feel some sort of lightweight as if a feather rested under my skin.
I took a deep breath. I was more nervous than I anticipated, shaking almost.
The wolf's life. He must have killed so many people. Will I see that? Wait— it's not just that....
If I see him...the last time I saw Riv's face was when he... My hands paused hovering over it.
Bisky placed a hand on my shoulder. She had scooted nearer, bringing me back to reality. My eyes remained glued to the wolf.
Ok just do it, it won't be that bad...
I took a deep breath. My vision blurred as I extended my aura.
...
It's dark. It's night. I could also see in the dark with these new eyes. Scenes are played in front of me. A new perspective. A red tint hovered in my surrounding vision.
Blood and broken limbs spread out in the shadows. I looked down to see my jaws grabbing something. Before we had even stepped foot in the jungle.
...
It's day, a foggy mist. Giant mushrooms replaced trees, the sky a yellow haze.
...
A river. Pink-tinted water rushed through trees as if a tsunami had crashed into the jungle. I'm endlessly floating over the stream unharmed.
...
More bodies— bones on the floor of a dark room. But their deaths were at the hands of someone else.
....
A temple-like building. I floated through walls, unnoticed by guards in red satin clothes. I entered an office. A large man of great power with golden streaks on his arms stood before me. But he was not Riv.
...
I'm floating through the jungle's mist.
...
Ahmad. With two guys. One man shredded on the ground in a violent massacre. The other in vines being carried by him. He's running away. I chase him.
...
The temple. The same darkroom. A sickening pop twitches my ears. More bones.
...
Ahmad again. Much younger. Creating a small fire with his dad.
...
Ahmad again. Arguing with his dad. His vines whipping around. I don't attack. I just watch silently.
...
Ahmad alone. A starry night. He's on his knees. His head was buried in his hands. Wilted flowers surround him.
...
Ahmad, picking flowers. Laying them by a grave...
...
Ahmad, holding his mother's hand as she rushes him through the jungle, away from me. I strike the final blow.
...
Ahmad, a kid with his parents. Tourists being eaten by a spider beast. His eyes a blank stare.
...
Night. A waterfall behind me.
My vision is clear, no red aura surrounding me. Blood dripped onto the grass. An arm is in my mouth...still connected to someone standing. I look up, it's Riv.
My jaws release. He tells me something. He leans forward. His smile widening. I stare into his eyes unmoving still hovering over the floor...then my body became suppressed, smothered in a thick red aura.
....
Midnight. A temple. An open sky. The blood moon at its peak. I have hands. I am human. A teenage boy. My vision is clear. Scars and cuts decorated my arms. People gathered below me. I'm on a balcony.
I look up to the moon. An open roof, its light surging through me, my chest. A thick amulet presses against my bare skin. My arms raise, my brown skin becoming see-through. My body slowly fading away. But when I look beside me...a woman is seen sitting on a chair, a throne. Her eyes were a memorizing blue, staring into my soul. The only deep blue tint that sparkled so bright, in contrast to the red atmosphere. Her face sad, defeated. On her chest was a necklace...a necklace that looked like mine...
I face down, the amulet suddenly drops to the ground.
I'm floating...my feet turn to paws, my arms turn to legs.
I am a wolf.
....
I woke up. Slowly lifting my eyelids open. My body lay out in the grass. I'm curled up in a ball.
"Raine!" I heard echoes. Heaviness pressed down again.
"Raine are you okay?" Bisky tilted my face to her. Light flooding through my vision.
Tears apparently streaked my face as she began to wipe them off. I sat up groggily, Kurapika sitting noticeably close. He faced me with sorrowful eyes.
Hisoka was crouched across from me with Illumi. Both curiously watching. Hisoka's head rested on his knees like a dog waiting for its owner.
Oh...He's seen me in this state before.
I drooped my head down. Everyone surrounding me.
How embarrassing...
I rubbed the rest of my tears off my eyes. Pretending I didn't see certain events. Pretending I hadn't just killed those people myself. I knew too much about Ahmad. I learned more than I expected. But Kurapika's aura caught my attention. He sat directly in front of me.
Why is he so...
"I'm sorry Raine. I didn't realize. I was so focused on the information," he started. His blonde hair swayed in his face but his guilt-filled eyes were conspicuous.
"W-what do you mean?" I asked.
"It seemed...like a lot." Bisky frowned.
"Oh..." I could never hide the pity I felt for every life I'd seen. But like Hisoka, it still made me want to do better. "It's fine I-
"No! It's not fine Raine." Kurapika balled his fist. I sat up straighter not understanding. "The fact that I had no idea what went on in his life...and to see you react the way you did... I shouldn't have assumed you could just get information." Kurapika's eyes were focused, trying to keep his body composed, but his head was slightly bowed in shame.
Though this wasn't normality, his anger fused whenever he faulted himself, whether it be blindsided or he pushed too far. Common in those who are confident in their skills. I realized this earlier on our trip because it was a trait we inherently shared.
My body still caved. "It's okay, I had no idea either." My voice was almost a whisper as it was all I could assure. But a part of me was glad he must have understood. How personal it gets when you feel someone's life when you go through their problems.
My muscles shook. I needed to lie down, my head began to fall. Kurapika's arms held my shoulders, keeping me up.
"I didn't know it would be this exhausting for you. But I remember you were only in this state on the roof for a few seconds." Bisky said.
"Yeah...the more I look back, the more...draining," I murmured. "But it always lasts a few seconds anyway."
"I guess I should have told you that wolf has been around for a long time." Ahmad started growing a plant next to him. His eyes evaded mine.
"I think we should continue traveling and let her sleep...especially for....do you mind....her." Kurapika's voice vibrated through my body as my head rested over his arms. Or maybe it was his shoulder. I couldn't make out sentences anymore.
I must have gone back at least 10 years. The voices around me started vanishing. I found myself falling asleep as I'm lifted off the ground...
-
Her head pressed against Hisoka's chest as he cradled her. They had been walking for another hour into the jungle.
Hisoka maintained a bored expression but peeked down to her every now and then, taking the opportunity to study her features. Her tanned skin was smooth and rich, not sun-beaten despite the exposure all week. Strands of hair continuously framed her forehead. Her signature-styled hair— wild and untamed. Her eyebrows had a gentle arch, thick of a dark brown color. Her eyelashes wisped out in a delicate curve.
An unsettling knot churched in his stomach. She had never been so close. His opponent seemed so human. Everyone now knew she was growing weak. She had been exposed too much. But wasn't that a part of his plan? Would she still give her all for him?
"Don't get used to it," Illumi said noticing Hisoka's subtle gazes.
"You know how curious I am. Do not worry your pretty head Illumi~" Hisoka said in a relaxed but threatening tone.
Illumi scoffed. "You think I worry, but you tend to ignore details you don't want to see. It's a sore for my eyes to watch you tread aimlessly. Especially since you've already signed up for the grand job next year. My father won't allow you to join me if you're constantly distracted. Allow me to point out the flaw you see. She is not Gon. They are different people." He closed his eyes as if he was tired of explaining the obvious.
"You don't say?~"
"As I thought. You are clueless to what I'm saying. You are clueless to the outcome."
"Oh? Illumi~ get to the point already." He rolled his eyes at the indirect warning.
"Gon is like you." Illumi continued. "He enjoys fighting and winning no matter the cost. He will go to extremes to be satisfied with an ultimate victory. I recall you helped him advance in Heaven's Arena."
Hisoka stared ahead. He does make an entertaining opponent~
"But Raine on the other hand, is not inclined to win remember?" Illumi said.
"Yes, I remember. So?~"
"So you could fight her forever and neither of you would win or lose. She would never let you win and she would only die when she wanted to. You will be stuck in this loop for the rest of your life."
"Hmmph. That doesn't seem so bad~" He smiled at the thought of fighting Raine whenever he pleased. Fighting endlessly.
Illumi raised a finger. "Yet you are forgetting one crucial factor. Raine would not actually play into your little games. I said you shouldn't get used to it..."
Hisoka narrowed his eyes.
"...because there is a chance she will die today. On her own terms."
Hisoka remained calm but his aura darkened.
Don't leave me Raine~
'My prediction would come true with or without me in your life' Hisoka's heart pummeled. He was right. She even sounded prepared.
"Illumi, are you saying I should spare her?~" His voice was toneless yet on edge.
"Of course not. I'm saying she's not worth the hassle. I bet even if you finally got your fight, she would still leave you mid-battle if she saw a stranger in trouble. Even more, if a friend of hers needed help. Raine values things more important than mere entertainment. She thinks of you as, how do millennials say-- a side hustle."
Hisoka's inner thoughts growled. "There's plenty of ways to make someone keep their word. And much consequences to those who don't~" he muttered.
Is this wager meaningless? No, she was very sincere about it. Yes, it may have given her leverage to keep me entertained but even I could still take a toll on her without killing. But Raine takes in more than she can handle. Without a plan. She may have just said it on the spur of the moment.
Raine which is it?
Hisoka studied her face. Her breaths were still steady, in a deep sleep.
No...don't die. He scowled. It seems I am stuck in a loop, with her death being the only way out. I can't be at checkmate.
He stiffened.
How do I keep someone who is prepared to die, alive?
Now that...is the challenging part.
Hisoka bit his lip chuckling. "What a brilliant game! ~ It must be me who wins." He said aloud. Illumi eyed him curiously. A small charade to throw Illumi off. When really, doubt curled his fingers.
Her prediction has shown no means of violence. All she's doing is talking to me like she's not trying to win anything. She's trying to make me quit~
'Admit defeat' Raine's words revealed a clue to him.
I don't even have to break her or use blood. I just have to stall until tomorrow. It all makes sense...but one thing is for sure. She won't die until she knows she's won. She wouldn't leave this game.
Doesn't she care about me? She couldn't leave. I've already formed my plan. I know exactly how to break her down. I've gathered all I needed to know if I were to win...
But a gut feeling rose in Hisoka.
And I need to carry it out soon.
"Too easy..." Hisoka mumbled to himself, enough for Illumi to hear.
"Oh, I take it you understand now. That's good." Illumi replied in an uplifting voice.
"I just needed a new lens. Would you mind carrying her?~"
"Okay." Illumi took Raine, lifting her over his shoulder. Her breaths stiffened from the pins pressed against her. Hisoka continues forward.
But the last question remains...
...am I still going to fight her?
"How far are we away?" Bisky asked ahead of them.
"We still have about six hours." Ahmad proceeded to shift the vines and leaves out of the way. A dark blue haze faded in over their heads.
Kurapika sighed. "We still need the information on Raine to prepare fully but I don't know if she'll have enough energy to fight."
"I think she'll be fine. The Blood Moon tonight would for sure enhance her abilities." Bisky pointed out.
"Ah, but so would Riv's." Kurapika said.
The wolf barked. Its ghost-like body levitated in front of Ahmad.
"What is it?" His eyebrows scrunched.
The wolf scratched the ground, ruffling the path as if telling them not to continue.
"I can't tell what it wants." He turned around. Ahmad noticed Illumi carrying Raine. "Why are you carrying her like that? I can take her."
"That won't be necessary~" Hisoka held a hand out. "I think we should wake her up anyways to see what the dog wants hm?~"
"Fine, I'll give her more of the herbs I use for energy too."
The wolf disappeared and reappeared next to Raine, nudging at her to wake up. Illumi held her out to seat her on the floor.
*ARRRRRRF*
Raine must have felt the wolf against her and started moving her arm to sit up. "Mmm..." She groaned. "What..." She noticed small circular marks on her stomach and touched them.
"Raine, you fell asleep. It's been an hour." Bisky helped her up.
Raine eyed Illumi. "Did you carry me?"
"Mm." He stared at her.
"Thank you, I'm sorry...I- I didn't realize." She said combing her hair with her fingers.
"Not to worry. You are very light." He reassured.
Hisoka rolled his eyes. Illumi had only carried her for a few minutes.
"Raine we're sorry to wake you but I think the wolf is trying to tell us something. It stopped us in our paths but I'm sure it's the right way to go." Ahmad informed her.
She looked to the domesticated beast. It started pawing at the ground once more, then pointed its nose to the left. She glanced in that direction before her attention shifted around. "Why is the fog so blue?" Raine asked noticing the new environment.
"Oh, it just means a new territory marked by a creature. There are still dangerous animals out there." Ahmad put his hand on his hips and eyed his surroundings as well.
"The wolf is distressed," Raine continued. "It feels urgent. I think he's showing us there's another way to the village. It's possibly a shortcut." She held her chin thinking. "I've seen him float through that way a lot actually. There should be a secret cave. I remember...a large tree and a small river." The wolf continued to scratch the ground and floated left.
"I see..." Ahmad rummaged through his hair considering. "It's pretty risky. I'm still familiar with the jungle but not the specific path it will take us. Still....it would help us make up for the time we lost." After a moment, he gently met her gaze, "Do you trust him?"
She rubbed her eyes then yawned. The wolf floated to her, nudging her arm again. Raine smiled tiredly. "Yeah, I do."
"Then we'll follow him. But I'll have to scope out the area while we travel to prepare for oncoming obstacles. Bisky, once again, hold down the fort while I go. Kurapika and Raine's strength will be prioritized prior to the battle. Illumi and Hisoka, I know you are both more independent so you are welcome to scout too. Though if you die, that'll be on your hands."
"Hmm, not bad~" Hisoka snickered.
"If we have more time on our hands, we should take the information now before we separate," Kurapika suggested.
"That is true...let's find a safe place to discuss. But we have to make it quick, this area is not so friendly." Ahmad lead everyone left, manipulating leaves and studying the trees as they passed through. He was more cautious with the environment though there wasn't much of a difference. He truly kept his word on providing safety.
Hisoka raised an eyebrow. Still catching his offset habits. Ahmad's charisma was absent. His body rigid.
Ahmad seems less 'charming' than usual~
-
We remained on guard until a small opening came into view. We settled on the grass. I told everyone what I saw. Everything relevant.
"The wolf...was the last guard?" Ahmad held his hands to his forehead in deep thought.
"So Riv's power does have to do with manipulating animals," Bisky said. "We were right and it tells us he could probably manipulate any animal that doesn't have to be from the stone. That might be his ability."
Kurapika stared intently at the ground deep in thought. Just another Spider with formidable power. But this one might be his biggest challenge yet.
"I wasn't expecting for the Wolf to already be one before Riv but it makes sense," Ahmad said. "This one's more powerful than the other beasts I've encountered. That means he endured the Blood Moon's power." Ahmad said.
"And the blood?" Bisky questioned. "You said his vision seemed to turn after he bit Riv. Or whatever reason why his arm was in his mouth. Ew."
"That's how he must control them...by giving them his blood," I suggested. "But I'm not sure if the wolf knew. I believe any animal that ingests just blood, is manipulated under him."
"What about the woman on the throne?" Kurapika asked.
"Did you recognize her?" Bisky asked.
I shook my head. "I don't...but I'm sure she was my grandmother."
Why do I have another headache...explaining it to them is harder than I thought.
"How do you know?" Bisky asked.
"My father told me. And apparently, she died here, probably after the event I saw. But I don't know why she came back here." I rubbed my eyes then pulled my knees in.
"She left your village and never came back?" Asked Ahmad.
I nodded. "I got my power after she died. I guess around when this wolf got his power because I definitely had it when Riv came to my village." I frowned discomforted on the topic. Thinking back to the visions meant more people being killed replayed in my head. It was brutal from the wolf's perspective. Then nausea started filling my stomach. Worry consuming my mind.
The Blood Moon takes something in return.
I slumped forward. "What if the same thing happens to me..." I held my necklace. "What if I disappear after too?"
Everyone went silent. Bisky and Ahmad's faces softened. Everyone's eyes on me except Hisoka.
Kurapika sighed. "You wouldn't do that to us." He smiled.
"Hmm, that's right," Ahmad said. "You owe me tea party afterward," he chuckled.
I bit my lip. There's no way I could let myself die. I held my chin contemplating.
So Dad doesn't know anything...he couldn't. These are things only I have been able to see. Whatever the tribe has told him in the past, I think there's a different story. These pieces of information aren't fitting together. How can he tell me the stone is the missing piece to activating the BloodMoon while also turning humans into animals. What purpose did grandma serve being there? What was taken from this wolf after the Blood Moon? There has to be more...
I reached into my bag and hand them the letter my Dad sent. I had no choice but to spill it all, letting them see for themselves.
"Fifty times the ability?!" Bisky covered her mouth. "Riv cannot get a hold of your necklace."
Ahmad fiddled with his braid then glanced at the trees again. "So it seems..."
"If your grandma was there under the Blood Moon. I have a strong feeling she has to do with the ceremony and not just the stone." Kurapika added. "She was sitting on the throne you said."
"Right...she has a connection with them," I said. "But Riv really wants this piece of the gem. Not necessarily me."
The others nodded in agreement.
Why is that?
The wolf pawed at my feet. His tail wagged.
"I think he knows the answer," I said. The wolf floated to the trees again to get us moving. "But unfortunately I can only decipher emotions not answers to riddles." I laughed, leaning forward on my rock.
"Maybe he knows someone who does have the answers?" Ahmad said. The wolf wagged his tail again.
Hisoka yawned bored. "So this wolf does know the way, and we should follow it~"
"The wolf may be on our side, but we still have the other creatures to face. And by now, I think Riv knows we're coming and will do something to stop us." Ahmad glanced up to the trees again.
"What's up there?" I asked. "You keep looking up."
Ahmad pointed to a tall tree that disappeared into the blue haze. "Those white dots up there are eggs. They are incubated in that fog, which is why we shouldn't linger here long. The mother....is scouting no doubt. I need to find it before it finds us." Everyone tensed at the word 'eggs'. The air was more humid here than the rest of the jungle they had traveled through.
"Then we should find it first." I stood up balling my fist. Hisoka perked his head up at her statement.
"We?" Ahmad asked.
"I'm coming with you to scout. Benny is staying here and will warn us if anything happens." I said confidently. I had finished drinking the herb Ahmad gave me for energy. My senses prickled at the worry from another potential human manipulated by Riv.
"Benny? Who is Benny??" Bisky stood up too.
"The wolf," I beamed and pet him again. When I finally saw his human life, after ten years, he was only a teenage boy, trying to be tough. Looking out for his tribe. I shrugged. "He just reminds me of this kid back in the city. Benny is going to help us. I trust my instincts. Or power I guess...but I'm still going."
"Raine, I don't know...you and Kurapika should stay." Again, Ahmad's demeanor was noticeably less energetic ever since I came back with the wolf.
"I'm coming. I- I just really need to." I tried to keep my face determined. There's another reason I wanted to go with Ahmad.
Hisoka chuckled at my attempt to lie. I pressed my lips together annoyed.
"I think Raine should go, it's better to be in pairs than to be alone in this jungle. And I doubt she would slow you down." Kurapika agreed with me. "In fact, we'll keep following the wolf left so we won't lose any time. And like Raine says, I'm sure the wolf will alert you guys if anything happens and our cones will come into play."
Illumi nodded then looked to Hisoka. He shrugged in response.
"The creature here is a spider beast," Ahmad said. "Controlled or not, be aware. Her head is flower-like that blooms open to spit webs. If touched they cause paralysis. Her outer skeleton is impenetrable and she's twice as large as a full-grown elephant. Understand?"
Everyone nodded. Kurapika's eye twitched.
"Alright, Cinta, let's move." He finally smiled and took my hand. Hisoka's aura shifted abruptly, causing me to turn my head. But all I saw was a bored expression on him with Illumi's hand on his shoulder.
Yeah...he would let Illumi close.
Ahmad and I leaped into the trees, vanishing within the mystic blue fog.
-