On a mountain ridge, the wind whistled, toying with the red strands of a clown perched on a rock. His hair, vivid as a signal fire, danced in the breeze. He wore a garish outfit, a patchwork of black and white diamonds, with puffed sleeves and a pointed collar that seemed to defy gravity. A black teardrop painted under his left eye clashed with the golden star under his right. Hisoka swung a leg over the void, fingers tapping an uneven rhythm on his thigh. His lips, smeared with bright red, stretched into a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
He sighed, tilting his head back to stare at the gray sky. "Hmm…♦️" he murmured, voice drawling, almost melodic. His fingers laced behind his neck, and he stretched like a lazy cat. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing fun here.♣️" His golden eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned the clouds as if they might spill a secret. Nothing. He sprang upright, agile, almost unnatural, and crossed his arms. "A mountain, a clown, and not a soul to torment. What a waste.♣️"
He slipped a hand into his pocket, pulling out a playing card—an ace of hearts—and spun it between his fingers. The card danced, twirled, vanished, reappeared. "Maybe I should… stir up a little chaos?♠️" He chuckled, but the laugh died quickly. His shoulders slumped slightly. He tucked the card away and cupped his hands like a visor, squinting to scan the horizon. "Let's see, let's see…♦️" His fingers framed the landscape like a lens, slicing the scenery into fragments. He swept the valley below, hunting for anything to break the boredom.
Suddenly, his lips stretched into a wider smile. His eyes lit up, catching a glint in the distance. "Oh?♣️" he whispered, voice thrumming with restrained excitement. Through his finger-frame, he spotted two tiny figures, almost shadows, in a clearing below. One, small and lively, bounced from foot to foot. The other, larger, loomed massive and imposing. Hisoka tilted his head, smile growing. "Interesting…♦️"
In the clearing, Gon hopped in place. Facing him stood a man, chest broad as a wall. A spear rested in his hand. His blue hair was cropped short. A scar slashed across his forehead, and his lips pressed into a hard line.
"You sure you wanna keep going, kid?" the man called, his deep voice echoing in the clearing. He drove his spear's tip into the ground, kicking up a puff of dust. "You look like a yapping pup."
Gon clenched his fists, knuckles whitening. He lifted his chin. "I'm not a pup. And I'm not giving up."
The man let out a harsh laugh, shaking his head. "Stubborn, huh?" He yanked his spear from the ground in a smooth motion and aimed it at Gon. "Fine. Show me what you've got."
Gon took a deep breath, nostrils flaring. He bent his knees, muscles coiling like ropes. 'I can do this. He's strong, but I'm fast. I just need an opening.'
His eyes scanned the man, noting every detail: the way he held his spear, slightly tilted right; the tension in his shoulders; the faint shift of weight to his left leg.
The man charged without warning, spear slicing the air. Gon leapt aside, feet sliding on the dirt. The spear's tip grazed his arm, tearing the sleeve of his green jacket. He winced, but his eyes stayed locked on his opponent.
"Not bad, kid!" the man shouted, pivoting to face Gon. He swung his spear in a wide arc, aiming for Gon's legs. Gon jumped, knees tucking to his chest. He landed in a roll, dust clinging to his cheeks.
"You talk too much!" Gon shot back, a bold grin spreading. He sprang up, sprinting at the man. His fists tightened. He swung, aiming for the man's side.
The man blocked with the spear's shaft, the impact jarring his arms. He grunted, surprised by the kid's strength. "You're tougher than you look!" He shoved Gon back with a sharp thrust, sending him skidding. Gon hit the ground, sliding a few meters. He coughed, spitting dust, but his eyes never left the man. 'He's solid. But I can get him.'
On the mountain, Hisoka watched, chin resting on his hand. His eyes gleamed, captivated. "Oh, one of blondie's little protégés…" he murmured, voice soft, almost fond. He licked his lips slowly, savoring the moment. "Full of surprises." He leaned forward, fingers tapping his knee. "Show me what you can do."
In the clearing, Gon stood, wiping sweat from his brow. His heart pounded, but a determined smile lit his face.
He charged again, zigzagging to throw the man off. The man planted his spear in the ground, using the shaft to pivot and strike. Gon dodged, vaulting over the spear like an acrobat.
"You can't catch me like that!" Gon yelled, landing behind the man. He lunged, aiming a blow at the back of the man's knee. The man grunted, stumbling, but spun, his spear sweeping the air. Gon ducked just in time, the gust ruffling his hair.
He backpedaled, luring the man forward. The man charged, spear aimed at Gon's chest. At the last second, Gon dove aside, grabbing the spear's shaft with both hands. He yanked with all his strength, using the man's momentum against him.
The man stumbled, eyes widening. "Wh—?" Before he could react, Gon planted his feet and shoved, sending the man crashing into a boulder. The spear slipped from his hands, rolling in the dust. Gon seized the moment, leaping onto the man. He cocked his fist, energy crackling around him like an invisible aura.
"It's over!" Gon shouted. His fist slammed into the man's chest. The impact echoed through the clearing, kicking up a dust cloud. The man collapsed, gasping, eyes rolling back.
Gon stepped back, panting, fists still clenched. He wiped sweat from his brow, his grin widening.
On the mountain, Hisoka stood, clapping slowly. "Magnificent," he murmured, voice dripping with delight. He licked his lips again. "Finally… a worthy prey.♣️" He slipped a hand into his pocket, pulling out another card—a joker this time—and spun it between his fingers. "What if I joined the fun?❤️"
He turned, vanishing into the mountain's shadow, his laughter echoing in the void.
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