Tulips of Truth [Ⓗⓤⓝⓣⓔⓡ Ⓧ Ⓗⓤⓝⓣⓔⓡ]

Chapter 8: The x Third x Phase

The next morning, Cassandra sat up to find herself covered by her hair as if it were a blanket. Leorio stirred awake next, seeing the mass of hair. "What the–! Gosh, Cassandra! No one told me your hair would be THIS long!" he exclaimed, moving some of it.

She giggled and moved all of her red hair, pulling it to her side. Usually, she would have someone braid it. That's when Gon and Killua walked in and saw all of the hair and a pile of three still-sleepy people. "Cassandra, your hair is so long and beautiful!" Gon exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious as he gestured to the mass of fiery locks.

"Yeah! Can we braid it?" Killua chimed in, a sweet cat-like grin spreading across his face.

Cassandra looked up, her heart warmed by their genuine admiration. "Of course, if you'd like," she replied, her voice gentle as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Gon and Killua exchanged excited glances before eagerly taking their places behind Cassandra, their nimble fingers ready for the task at hand. With practiced precision, they divided her hair into sections, weaving intricate braids with a skill that belied their young age.

As they worked, Cassandra couldn't help but smile at the sight of the two boys, their concentration evident as they focused on their task. Their laughter filled the room, a joyful melody that brought a sense of lightness to the morning air. As the braids took shape, Cassandra marveled at the intricate patterns that emerged, each one a testament to the bond they shared. Gon and Killua worked in perfect harmony, their movements fluid and synchronized as they wove their magic into Cassandra's hair.

When they finally finished, Cassandra turned to admire their handiwork, her eyes sparkling with delight. It was braided as if nothing happened last night. She wanted to say that they had done a better job braiding than her. "Thank you, Gon, Killua," Cassandra said, her voice filled with gratitude as she reached out to ruffle their hair affectionately.

"You've made me feel even more beautiful than before."

The two boys high-fived and laughed as they ran off once more. By then, Kurapika woke up. He saw the long red hair pulled into a braid and ran a gentle hand on it. "Good morning, Cass. Are you ready for the Third Phase?" he asked.

Cassandra jolted and turned, a sheepish smile on her face as she put her glasses on. "Yep! All set! ... Maybe... Not really," she replied.

Kurapika chuckled and got up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. The airship had soon arrived at the sight of the Third Phase. As the applicants got off the airship, Gon and Killua ran off, almost knocking Cassandra off her feet. Had it not been for Netero, she would've fallen and most likely cracked her head open. The old man grinned and set her down, letting the redhead walk to join Gon and his friends. "Ahem... Everyone, the exam's Third Phase will begin here, at the top of Trick Tower," Beans said.

He stood before the many applicants. "To pass this phase, you must reach the tower's base alive. The time limit is seventy-two hours. With that, we will now begin the Third Phase. I will pray for your success," the little green guy added.

Beans left with Netero, going back on the airship. By the time it was flying away, Cassandra's heart dropped. This wasn't going to be easy. But when is anything easy? Gon was kneeling and looking over the edge. How many floors were there?? Cassandra went to look, immediately getting a pit in her stomach. She felt like she'd throw up from how high they were. "Are we supposed to climb down?" Leorio asked, hugging his briefcase.

"That would be suicide," Kurapika responded.

But there was one brave soul in the crowd. #86. He seemed to be a rock climber, hence the padded gloves. But as he climbed down the tower, there was a sound. Screeching. The group looked to their right and saw red-winged creatures swoop in and steal the rock-climber, claiming food for the day. Cassandra gulped and tilted her head back, feeling sick all over again. "Hey, Cassandra. It's gonna be alright," Gon said, making sure she was still awake.