Orange Juice

A few moments later they were greeted with the sight of more than 400 people standing an a large gritty tunnel that seemed to stretch endlessly.

"Strange atmosphere down here." Said Leorio.

The air was filled with a variety of emotions, anticipation, bloodlust, fear, and even happiness although it was only a few that felt joy. Because of the amount of bloodlust in the air Mary's eye had turned a deep scarlet with her hair being highlighted in a nice golden yellow. This change was picked up by few, in particular a tall man wearing what seemed to be a circus performer's clothing. His red hair gave him a dangerous vibe as he simply shuffled some cards in his hands.

"They clearly differ from the applicants we saw at the port and in the city. Each is a master in their own right..."

Noticing the change in Mary Gon asked, "Hey Mary, are you alright?"

"Y-yeah I'm fine, this just happens sometimes."

"Mary, do you know where you're from? Or where your parents were from?" Asked Kurapika seriously.

"N-no I don't, I was abandoned in an unnamed city where my mom found me, it was later that my sister and I left with my uncle."

"Hey after the exam you should take us to meet them!" Said Gon excitedly.

With an awkward laugh Mary answered with her eyes growing slightly watery, "y-yeah."

Saved by a little green man wearing a tuxedo she put her eyepatch back over her right eye which had turned scarlet as he passed out tags.

"Please take a number." Said the man as he gave Leorio the number 403, which continued all the way to Mary who got the number 406.

"Be sure to wear this on your chest at all times. Be careful not to lose it."

As he turned away they were met with a kind voice.

"Haven't seen you guys here before." Said the man.

The four turned to the voice and saw that it was a short man of a wider proportion who wore a blue shirt over white pants and white undershirt with sleeves. He had a satchel which looked full to the brim with items, in particular cans of orange juice. His face and body gave the impression that he was nice as he sat an what looked to be a pipe.

"Hey!"

"You can tell we're new?" Asked Gon.

"More or less." He said as he jumped down from where he was sitting and walked to them. "After all this will be my thirty-fifth attempt."

"T-thirty five times!?" Said Gon, Leorio, and Mary at the same time.

"Well I guess you could say I'm a veteran." He responded.

"That isn't something to brag about." Muttered Leorio.

"Indeed." Agreed Kurapika.

"If you have any questions feel free to ask me." Said the man.

"Thank you." Said Gon.

"My name is Tonpa." He said while stretching his hand.

"I'm Gon." Gon said while shaking his hand. "They're Kurapika, Leorio, and Mary."

In response the three simply nodded.

"Hey are there others who have taken the exam like you?"

"Well I have the most experience here, but there are a few others. For instance there's him." He said while pointing to another large man, " number 255 Todo, the wrestler. He's unmatched in strength and he's pretty smart. On the other side we have number 103, Bourbon, the snake charmer. He tends to hold grudges, so you don't want to end up on his bad side. And then... number 191, Bodoro, the kung fu master. He's getting a bit old but there still isn't a better martial arts master around. Then you have the three brothers, Amori, Imori, and Umori. They perform consistently well thanks to their excellent teamwork. And number 384, Gerreta the huntsman. He specializes in killing all manner of creatures, by blow dart and club. There are many more but they have taken the test the most times."

A voice had grown louder in Mary's head as the other 4 continued talking.

[None of these guys seem like a threat do they, Mary? In fact why don't you let me have a little fun before the exam!] sounded the voice in her head. [come on what are you waiting for? Come on, come on, Come on! Co-]

Before she could finish the 5 were met with an interesting sight. Someone had bumped into the man wearing a circus performer's outfit.

"Ahhhhh!"

In front of them they saw the man's arms turning into what looked to be red petals. His screams had quieted the room as others watched silently.

"Oh, how peculiar... his arms seem to have become flower petals and disappeared. No smoke and mirrors here. Do be careful. When you bump into someone you should apologize.

[Mmmmm how exciting, how I'd love to claw into his neck, he seems like he would be a fun toy to play with, Mary next time you see him be a dear and let me out, ok? The voice slowly faded as a maniacal laughter pounded themselves into the depths of her skull.] The blonde hair and scarlet eye had fully receded back into their original state.

[ I will never let you out, swore Mary to herself.]

"That awful guy is back again?" Asked Tonpa in disbelief and worry.

"Again?" Asked Gon.

"Does that mean he took last year's exam?"

"Number 44, Hisoka the magician. Last year he was practically guaranteed to pass the test. Until he almost killed an examiner he didn't approve of."

"A-and they're still allowing him to take the retake the exam this year?"

"Of course."

"Every year the examiners and test content change. And the examiners are the ones who choose the new content. The devil himself could pass the Hunter Exam if an examiner says it's okay. That's just how the Hunter Exam works. Anyway nobody likes him. Steer clear of him, if you can."

"Who says the devil is a bad guy though? My uncle was really kind." Muttered Mary to herself.

"He looks dangerous that's for sure." Said Leorio.

In silence the others agreed mentally.

Unbeknownst to any of the Hisoka had given a short glance to Mary. In the same way a hunter marks his prey.

"Oh, right! How about a toast to celebrate our friendship and luck?!" Tonpa said while pulling out a few cans of orange juice."

"Oh! Thank you!" Said Leorio while reaching for the can, "as it just so happens I was thirsty..."

"Thanks!" Said Gon.

"T-thank you." Said Mary [Even if I don't need to drink anything I guess it's nice to have something with your friends.]

"Thank you." Said Kurapika.

"Best of luck to us all!" Said Tonpa.

Clinking their cans together they had opened up their respective drinks, Mary opening hers first and taking a quick sip.

"This juice is kind of off, Tonpa."

"How so?" He asked.

"I don't really know where you got this, but you see, my uncle had trained my sister and I to be resistant if not immune to almost all poisons."

[another one huh? Just like that other kid.] thought Tonpa to himself in irritation.

The other three had quickly thrown away their cans with Leorio fuming with rage.

"Care to explain, Tonpa?" Asked Kurapika in a serious tone.