I tiredly snapped my eyes open and sat up straight from the cold floor that I was currently laying on. It was already later and the hunter exam still hasn't started. This is what I was annoyed they tell you to come early and you then must wait for the time limit to run out talk about boring and a waste of time. I leaned my back against the when I felt movement inside the hood of my jacket out came a mammalian, quadruped creature with primarily silver fur. The tip of its bushy tail and its large furry collar is cream-colored. It has short, slender legs with three small toes and a pink paw pad on each foot, has brown eyes, long pointed ears.

I took it out of my hood and placed it gently on my lap and said, "Hey, Eevee sorry for waking you up from you nap but I think it's about to start."

"It's okay" called out a voice "I was about to wake up anyway."

The creature now known as Eevee yawned out as I placed him back into my hood. Standing up and stretching I looked around there were many people at the exam I noticed a new group of people being given a tag in the order which they came looking at my own I saw the number 113 pinned on jacket. I was wondering whether I should scout out the applicants by now but I didn't have high hopes for any of them I stopped when someone shoved a can of juice into my face.

"Nice to meet you. The name is Tonpa. I tried and failed for 35 times here. So, you can call me an expert when it comes to knowing the opponents and exam be free to ask me any question," the man explained.

I felt annoyed because it was obvious what he was trying to do. Not only was he invading my personal space, he just said nothing to be proud about so shooting my hand toward his head. I rammed it to the wall.

"Listen I don't care who you are but let me make this clear." I tightened my hold on his head. "Invade my personal space and I'll bash your brains out." I shoved him away from me as Tonpa staggered away pale faced.

"That was mean Varian." Eevee scolded. "He was trying to be nice."

"Wrong, he was planning something with that juice I know it." I asked cracking my knuckles together. "This is the Hunters exam competition is fierce we can't let our guard down."

"I guess you have a point." Was Eevee's defeated response.

*X*

"Hi!" greeted Tonpa. "I'm Tonpa." Grabbing Gon's hand to shake. "Nice to meet you!"

"Your new, aren't you?"

"How can you tell?" asked Gon

"That's easy!" Said Tonpa bashfully "I went to the test for the first time when I was 10. This is my 35th time."

"35th?!" Gon exclaimed shocked.

"HeHehe! I'm what you'd call a veteran!" Tonpa explained proud fully. "If you have questions just ask!"

"Thanks!" relied Gon naively

Behind Gon Leorio and Kurapika whispered to each other 'If I were him, I wouldn't be so proud…' 'Yeah.' 'If he still hasn't succeeded…'

"So, you know everyone, here don't you?" asked Gon continuing his conversation with Tonpa.

"Well," he turned to look behind him. "I'm going to make introductions!"

"#103: Barbon, the Snake Charmer. He's more stubborn than anyone else, so you don't want him as an enemy. #76: Cherry, The Solider. There are no secrets in martial arts, to him. #225: The Wrestler Neck Wringer. He is not only strong but also very malicious. #197, #198, #199: The Amori Brothers. A talented trio that always give good results. #384: Gereta, The Hunter. He's a master of killing with a blowgun and nightstick. Those are the ones who usually show up. They're really strong, but none of them have ever made it to the end."

"AAAAAAAAH!" a cry of pain erupted sending the group to see a man screaming in pain. He had no arms.

"Oh, how strange." Hisoka explained as he continued to observe the man in pain. "He doesn't have any arms. Just magic, ladies and gentlemen. You have to be more careful. And don't forget to apologize when you hit someone."

"There are always guys you shouldn't trust" Tonpa warned. "#44: Hisoka, The Magician. Last year, everyone said he would have won, but he almost killed a judge because he didn't like him. He was disqualified."

Leorio looked shocked. "And…and he's this year, he's being allowed to retake the test…?!"

"Sure! Judges change every year. The judges are the ones that choose the contents of the tests. Last year he mutilated not only the judge, but 20 participants that you won't see this year. Try to avoid him as much as possible…"

The Hunter Exam is interesting indeed.

*X*

LiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLiLi!

I heard a strange noise sounding. It must have been the signal, standing up I knew that the show was going to start. Soon a giant door started to open. A man in a blue suit holding a strange bell. He had a long moustache with no mouth. Satotz.

Clac!

"I apologize for the wait." He shouted throughout the hall. "The entry period for the Hunter applicants has ended. The Hunter exam will now begin!"

Ding!

"Yay alright!" cried Eevee in joy

"That's right Eevee," I said while getting ready stretching my legs. "finally some action."

"A final caution. If you are short on luck or ability, you could very well end up seriously injured or even dead." Satotz said to us at least he was warning those newbies, probably so that the association doesn't get sued.

"Those who accept the risks, please follow me. Otherwise, please exit via the elevator behind you." Pointing to the elevator. No one left this just might be interesting.

"Very well. All 408 applicants will participate in phase one." He said turning around and began walking forward, doing a strange walk.

SHUU! SHUU!

As we followed the man in the blue suit started getting faster, but his walking style stayed the same. Soon, however the walking turned into a jog, and then a full-blown run. Some people did the same in surprise at the sudden change and tried to keep up.

"I neglected to introduce myself." He turned his head. "I am Satotz, the phase one examiner. I shall lead you to the exam's second phase."

*X*

I watched, as contestants dropped to the floor what a shame. I mean they came all this way only for a simple run to eliminate them from the exam. While running there was an incident were this old guy just passed me in a burst of speed it would have been funny if he wasn't shouting, and we were now speeding up stairs. Here I was, already gone through more than 6 hours of speeding without breaking a sweat. Nen makes everything easier.

"How lame," I sighed "is this the best they got and I thought it would be fun like last time."

"It's another kid", called out a voice behind me looking behind I see a boy around my age with long spiky black green tipped hair and large, hazel brown eyes. His outfit is composed of a green jacket with reddish edges covering a black or white tank top underneath, green short shorts, and green, laced boots. The other kid has spiky silver hair, very light skin and blue eyes. He wore a turtle neck undershirt and baggy shorts and shirt.

They caught up to me in the next few seconds now running with me side by side which I got annoyed at 'Calm down Varian remember the plan' I thought to myself.

"Hello, I'm Gon. This is Killua," the person now known as Gon introduced, jabbing a thumb at himself then at Killua, who didn't look too happy about it. I was still a bit surprised that Gon gave me their names so easily, but since they did I might as well

"The names Varian"

"It's nice to meet you, Varian" said Gon cheerfully

"Likewise I guess" I responded while Killua grunted to himself something about being able to introduce himself

"Varian!" Gon called making me turn my head towards him "Want to race to the top with us?"

I shook my head no since I thought it would be a waste of time especially when we are so close to the end. But Gon was having none of that.

"Aw, but the loser has to buy dinner."

"Okay, you're on!" Killua said as we slowed down a little getting ready to race.

That got me "Okay fine" I said getting ready for the race

"Great!"

"Ready…Go!" All three of us shouted running faster so the fastest one could get up the stairs and win the bet.

We had eventually caught up with this blond kid who looked older than us and a shirtless guy. From what I remember the blond had a tabard which he took off and the geezer had his entire jacket and shirt off.

"See you at the goal, Kurapika." Gon said to the blond as all the three of us looked at him.

"Catch you later, old timer." Killua said to the geezer making him turn to him angrily.

"I'm not old! I'm a teenager, just like you guys!" he shouted making us all look at him confused. There was no way he was a teenager…he looked too old to be a teen! Even Eevee let out a surprised noise.

"No way!" Killua said as we continued to look at him shocked.

"What kind of food do you eat!?" I explained earning a cry of outrage from Leorio.

Me, Gon and Killua ran ahead after he declared that he was still a teenager. There was a moment of silence until Killua broke it "I'm impressed that you two can keep up with me." Killua said. We both looked at him, Gon rubbing the back of his head and me smirking.

"Really?" Gon asked him in a questioning tone as Killua raised an eyebrow at him, looking back questionably before looking forward once again.

"Or maybe it's just that everybody else is too slow. Man,… The Hunter Exam is gonna be a breeze. That's no fun." Killua said, I had to agree with him on that one if you had the determination and training then it should be a breeze. Silence once again until it was broken this time by Gon.

"Hey, why do you want to become a Hunter?" Gon asked him as I looked surprised since I was sure they just met. Killua lifted his head and looked at Gon a little surprised.

"Me? I'm not really interested in becoming a Hunter. I heard the exam was supposed to be really hard, so I thought it'd be fun. But this is disappointing." Killua said smiling to himself as he closed his eyes and looked forward. So, he was doing it because he was bored how lame I thought.

"What about you, Gon?" Killua asked Gon after he finished his explanation.

"Well, my dad's a hunter. So, I want to become a Hunter, like my dad." Gon said with pure admiration in his voice. We moved over to avoid running over someone who passed out on the stairs that seemed to continue forever.

"Hmm? What kind of Hunter is he?" Killua asked him as we continued to look forward up the stairs, avoiding people as we ran.

"I don't know." Gon said cheerfully making Killua look at him and then laugh to himself and turn his head away when I heard that I almost faceplanted.

"That's kinda weird." Killua said as Gon turned his head to face him.

"Idiot! How can you be something when you have no idea what that is?!" I explained.

"Really?" Gon asked as Killua turned his head to face Gon and me.

"You want to be like your dad, but you don't know anything about him?" Killua said as Gon looked forward once more, determination and a smile sitting on his face.

"I was raised by Mito, so I've only seen my dad in pictures." Gon said, explaining his little story about his dad.

"Who's Mito?" Killua asked as I looked at him interested to know as well. I didn't know who this Mito person was, but I know from the tone that Gon spoke of her that she was important to him.

"Aunt Mito." Gon said as I nodded my head. So, he was raised by his auntie interesting.

"When he was twelve, my dad took the hunter exam. He passed and became a Hunter. Then he left the island. I want to find out why he chose to be a Hunter over being with me." Gon explained as we looked at him oddly.

"With a dad like that then I doubt you'll find him easily" I told him.

"True but I won't give up! Which is why I need to become a Hunter."

Killua looked at me next, the same questioning look.

"What about you, Varian?" He asked as I looked at him oddly after hearing his reason to be a hunter.

"Well I would tell you but I just met you guys maybe I'll tell you after the exams"

"No fair we told you why we were here!" said Killua

"But I never asked," I shot back. "you asked but I don't have to do anything just because everyone else does."

"It's okay Varian I understand we'll just ask after then." said Gon

'Girls…' muttered Killua.

It suddenly became cooler. We all looked forward. Someone shouted about there being an exit at the end of this tunnel. Killua and Gon smiled widely and we all rushed forward to see who would get out of the tunnel first. Satotz looked behind him as me and Gon passed him one side and Killua passed his other side.

"Goal!" shouted Killua and Gon with one arm in the air while I had both in my pockets. All three of us landed on the ground and stopped turning to face each other.

"Yay!" Gon said happily with his arm in the air. "I win." I frowned at that since I was sure we made it at the same time.

"No I think it's a tie Gon" I said back to him trying to keeping my face neutral.

"What are you two talking about?" Killua said stepping towards us. "I was faster…"

"I was." Gon retorted back.

"No you're both stupid. It's a tie." I retorted.

"No I was!" Killua said back to us.

"I was faster, so you two have to buy dinner!" Gon said back to him as I shook my head quickly.

"Na-uh, no one won" I continued trying to tell the two boys. No way was I paying for anyone's dinner.

"Nope. I was faster. So, you two buy me dinner." Killua said back to them as all three of us looked back at Satotz.

"Hey, who was faster?" Gon asked as he smiled widely. I had a determined but confident smirk on my face and Killua had a serious look on his.

"I believe that you crossed the finish line simultaneously." He said as we all looked seriously once again and looked back at each other.

"Told you guys" I said smugly.

'Shut up.' Muttered Killua.

"Oh… Then I'll buy you two dinner." Gon said looking at us. I looked at Gon slightly shocked but more so confused.

"Huh?" We said looking confused as Gon continued his sentence.

"Then you two buy me dinner!" He said as I raised an eyebrow slightly, looking Gon. Killua straightened up and shoved one hand back into his pocket.

"I don't get it." Killua said as I shook my head as well.

"If I understand what you then I rather say no one gets dinner." I said to him, finally working out what he meant.

Gon turned around and faced Satotz once more.

"Hey, Satotz. Is this where the Second Phase of the exam takes place?" Gon asked.

"No, we still have quite a way to go." He said as I sighed and gently put my hands inside my hood and took out Eevee. I guess we were waiting here for the other applicants to arrive, since we were the first three people up here.

"Oh…" Gon said in reply.

The three of us sat down and waited until the other applicants made it up but that's when Gon and Killua took notice of Eevee.

"Hey Varian what's that thing on your lap" asked Gon

"First off he's not a thing this is Eevee." I introduced. "My partner and friend say hello Eevee."

"Hello" greeted Eevee though they didn't understand what he said

"Cool I've never seen one of those" Gon said in awe

"What is it?" asked Killua in interest

There was a moment of silence as I thought of an answer that won't give my identity up finally thinking one I answered Killua's question

"I think it's a fox"

"How could you not know?" asked Killua surprised

"It looks like fox, but it could be a dog or even a cat" said Gon while looking at Eevee in which case Eevee sweat dropped at his statement.

Killua began to laugh commenting on both Gon and my strangeness before we all got distracted when Kurapika and the geezer exited the tunnel

"Is this our destination?" Kurapika asked.

"No it isn't." Gon replied.

"I see." Kurapika said as he took deep breaths.

"The fog is fading." He pointed out.

"Really?" Gon asked, standing up. Killua and I followed suit me holding Eevee to my chest. The fog, then slowly yet visibly started to disappear, until we could see the lush forest and plants.

"The Numere Wetlands, also known as Swindlers Swamp. We must cross these wetlands to reach Phase Two of the exam. This place is home to many bizarre animals, many of them being cunning, insatiable creatures who deceive humans and prey upon them. Be very careful."

"If you let them fool you… you're dead." He said.

As he continued to explain I got excited since now I could finally play a part in the exam. Looking down on Eevee, "Seems simple, enough, right?"

"Righ-" Eevee's cry of agreement was cut short when he shuddered

"What's wrong?" I asked worried this only happened when something bad happened looking up when I heard something go through the air at a fast speed before landing into something that sounded like flesh. Looking up I saw a guy pierced with poker cards I was clueless about what happened but it seemed that the clown dude tried to kill Satotz, but he caught the cards

"I see, I see… That settles it… You're the real one." He said as I looked back at Satotz who just flicked the cards away onto the floor.

"Examiners are Hunters selected by the committee to perform this duty without pay. Any Hunter, bearing the title we seek, would have been able to block that attack." He said calmly

"I'll take that as a compliment. However, should you attack me again for any reason, I will report you for turning on an examiner. And you will be immediately disqualified. Are we clear?" Satotz said, matching Hisokas serious but calm tone of voice.

"Sure." Hisoka said back to him with his eyes closed.

Ignoring the dead body, I turned my head towards Satotz he had his eyes closed and hands behind his back.

"You will be encountering such deception on a regular basis. I believe that a number of you were fooled into suspecting my identity?" He said as he looked at the body being picked at by the vultures. I heard Leorio and another guy laugh slightly out of nervousness and couldn't help but look away from the man myself. Well, at least I know what that attack was about someone tried to be smart and impersonated a judge. He turned to face us all.

"Do you understand? If you lose sight of me in the Numere wetlands fog, you will never reach the exam's Second Phase. Do bear that in mind. Then let us be on our way. Please follow me." Satotz said to us calmly.

He started to run and we followed him once more into the fog. I could separate myself from Gon and Killua without them noticing so now things can begin

"Come on Eevee lets go and do this!" I said excitedly

"Okay." agreed Eevee excited

*X*

We continued running through the wetlands, the ground camping up with our feet. Everybody else was running trying to keep up with Satotz. The fog was so thick I could barely see my hands in front of I had to put my hand on my head just to make sure that Eevee didn't fall off. Not that I was worried this is child's play. While the other applicants followed Satotz I examined and judged who had the best chance of getting to the end.

"Pay attention now." Satotz reminded. "Be sure to stay close behind me."

I ran silently focusing on trying to gather the information I need. Suddenly, I felt Eevee shiver on his perch and never a good sign, from where I was Killua tense at the feeling and glanced over his shoulder.

Killua said something to Gon when. "Leorio! Kurapika! Killua says that we should move up!"Gon yelled through the crowd. I face palmed at this. Didn't he know how this think worked?

"The brightest crayon in the box, isn't he?" muttered Eevee

"Hey, can't you feel the tension surrounding us?" Killua scolded.

"Moron! If I had the strength, I'd already be there!" Leorio yell back at him.

"Don't worry about us!" Kurapika added in. Gon looked back at them worriedly.

I decided to run ahead #44 was not someone to be near.

*X*

As we continued, eventually the fog started to get thinner and thinner until there was none left. Looking around, we saw a crowd of people in a clearing slowing down to a walk looking around I saw the guy that was friends with Gon laying on a tree. I walked over to him to see if he was ok.

"Varian!" Looking up I saw Gon, Killua and Kurapika walking towards me

"Took you guys long enough, " I greeted

"I just tracked Leorio's cologne." Gon replied simply.

"Cologne? That was how? You definitely are weird." Killua's stated

"Excellent work, everyone." Satotz congratulated. Us three looked up to the man who stood at the gate.

"Phase two of the exam will occur here, in the Biska Forest Park. So, I shall take my leave. Best of luck to all of you" With that, he walked away and once he was out of sight the gates opened.

"Will all Applicants who passed the first phase, please enter?" A woman's voice spoke. "Welcome! I'm Menchi, The second phase examiner."

"And I'm Buhara, the other examiner." We all walked into the spacious room. A loud rumble escaped from the silent contestant, people wondered about strange sound was coming from.

"You must be hungry." Menchi said to the extremely large guy.

"I'm starving…"