Hello, my faithful viewers! I was really happy and surprised when people still visited this fic even after I put it on hiatus. Well, I'm back with my improved story. Enjoy!

Chapter 1: I'm gonna be a hunter!

Flashback:

That's right... It was raining that night. My last night at home... No one was home except for my little sister and my stupid stepmother. That made it easy for me to leave and the servants probably wouldn't stop me, but just to be safe...

A young girl with red eyes and light blue hair that fell almost past her lower back, stood on the edge of a large window with with a little pudgy bat in her hand. She placed it on her back and it's little wings spread wide and grew. But before she could fly off...

"Big sister Luka, Big sister Luka!" A loud whisper was heard along with quick paced footsteps.

"Lapis? You know you dont have to call me Luka right?" Luka said. A little girl with short silver hair and red eyes stood before Luka with small tears in her eyes.

"I know, But... Please dont go! I dont want you too!" Lapis began to cry silently, not wanting to wake anyone up. Luka's face softened.

"I'm sorry, Lapi. But, this is my one and only chance to leave this place. Besides I could never abandon you. I'll definitely come back. So don't cry, okay?" Luka whispered, patting Lapis' head.

Lapis nodded, reluctantly. "Okay... I love you."

Luka chuckled slightly, "I love you more. More than anything in the world. Even if I'm far away..."

"...or right next to you, we'll always be together." Lapis said. "I wish I could come with you."

"You can but, when you're a little older. In any case, I have to leave now-" Before Luka could finish her sentence, Lapis ran into Luka's chest and gave her a large hug. After a second Luka hugged back.

"Bye, Big sister! Come back soon." Lapis said as she let go of Luka.

"I will. Let's go, Pelu." Luka said. The Little bat squeaked and Luka jumped out of the window with Pelu carrying her into the distance.

Present time... Whale Island

'That was 3 days ago.'

"Hmm... I wonder how long it'll take for them to send someone after me? Father couldn't be home yet. " Luka pondered as she laid in the grass of a large forest clearing. The little bat, Pelu, squeaked and bounced up and down on the grass.

Luka chuckled, "How long are you gonna stay in that form?" Luka said, before Pelu changed into a small chubby child with shoulder length black hair, pink eyes and black bat wings on her back.

"My lady always laughs when Pelu is in bat form. Pelu wanted you to smile. You haven't been doing it a lot lately." The little bat girl said innocently.

Luka's smile faltered, "I guess. Not like I have all that much to smile about. But, I'm gonna take the hunter exam tomorrow, get my Hunter's licence and my older sisters' cant tell me what to do after that."

"What about your brother, the young master? Does he tell you what to do as well?"

"No, he's busy being the oldest and all. There's no need for him to bother with me. Besides, I not a baby I can take care of myself. Now, enough about me. You need to get home before your mama gets worried." Luka said getting up.

"Okay, My lady. Pelu will go now. Goodbye." She said turning back into a bat.

"And dont tell anyone where I am okay? Not even your mama." Luka said. Pelu squeaked and flew away. Luka then jumped off the branch of the tree she was sitting on. "There's no doubt everyone's going to force answers out of her. Ugh... I dont have much time." Luka head back to the small inn she'd been staying in. No more than 4 people could stay there and she was the only one at the time.

"Ah, Luka your back. I was beginning to get worried its already 12:00." A old woman, no younger than 70, said as Luka entered the the small inn.

"I'm sorry, miss. I got caught up." Luka said.

"It's alright. I'm not your mama. And this is your last night here, right?" The old woman said, smiling good-naturedly.

"Yeah, I'm going to take the Hunter Exam tomorrow." Luka said, looking down at the insription card for the exam.

"Anyways, I'm gonna get some shut eye, g'night miss granny." Luka said, walking up the stairs.

"Goodnight, child. Good luck." Granny said. "Such a nice girl."

'She's got one thing right. She could never be my mother, not in this life. '

Early the next morning...

"Today's the day. I'll leave early and leave a note." Luka said. She was wearing a blue and black short sleeved T-shirt with buttons, black baggy capris, black boots and most of her hair stuffed up into a cap. She looked a lot like a boy.

On the ship...

"Take care of yourself! I promise i'll become a super-hunter and come back!" A boy with black spicky hair said, waving to a young woman, maybe his mother.

"A super-hunter? Your joking kid. Just on this boat, we're a tenth of the people hoping to become Hunters. Every year, from every where around the country, thousands of men, each one more skilled than another, will come to the Exams... A lot of people, but few become hunters. Each one has his priorities, and common to see people killing their own companions... You see kid, it's easier to say than do." A man with short cut hair and a split-chin said.

'They're not wrong. Some human kid shouldn't be here.'

The Storm...

"Captain! We have infiltration in the hull!" one of the crew members yelled.

"What if you use the asses of our useless passengers to clog up the hole!" The Captain, yelled. "Bar to port! Hang on! We're flying!"

"We had a lot of little waves." The captain said after the storm was over. " So, how are they this year?"

"Just like the other years... Not one of them can even stand." the crewman said.

"This ain't training for weaklings. And they want to take the Hunter's Exam? What a joke." The captain said, before noticing the same black haired boy running back and forth.

"Take this. It's water. And if you chew this you'll feel better." He said, handing a man water and an herb to chew on. He, Luka, a feminine boy, and a man with glasses were the only passengers who were the only ones able to withstand the storm without a problem.

"This year will we have some who are tougher than the others." Captain said.

'We're going the enter into a turbulence zone two times more violent than the last one. The ones who fear for their lives can take rescue boats to the nearby island.' Captain said over the loud speaker, causing most of the passengers to flee.

"Hmpf... Weak humans. If they couldn't take the first storm, then they should leave... " Luka muttered.

"Finally, you're the last four?" Captain asked. "Your names?"

"I am called Leorio."

"My name is Kurapika.

"I'm Gon."

"Luka."

"Why do you want to be hunters?" The captain asked.

'Is this old sailor an examiner?' Luka thought.

"Excuse me? I dont think your an examiner." Leorio said.

"Answer!" The captain yelled.

"Why should we answer?" Leorio asked.

"I want to know what my father's work is like!" Gon said.

"A Hunter's licence would allow me to live on my own and see the world." Luka said.

"Hey, brats." Leorio said. "Who told you to answer? You're not supposed to answer his question!"

"Who the hell are you calling a brat?" Luka asked, annoyed by Leorio.

"You, brat!" Leorio said. Luka growled angrily.

"We were just giving him our reasons for trying for the hunter exam. Why cant we tell him?" Gon asked.

"You two aren't team players, I see. I'm not about to tell why I'M here." Leorio said.

'Ugh, what an Idiot.' Luka inwardly scoffed.

"I agree with this guy. Leorio, was it?" Kurapika said to captain.

"Hey! Aren't you younger than me!? Show some respect for your elders!" Leorio yelled.

"I prefer not avoid unpleasant questions rather than offering a plausible lie to you." Kurapika said, Leorio's question.

"Leorio-san to you! Hey!? Are you listening to me?!" Leorio yelled.

"Pfft!" Luka tried to stifle a laugh.

"However, it is quite shameful to rely on deceit... If I were to tell you the reasons behind my wish to become a hunter, I would be exposing deep personal secrets. That's why it is impossible for me to provide an answer." Kurapika said.

"Hey, you! Don't ignore me!" Leorio yelled.

"So in other words, you wont answer my question. Well...I see... Katsuo!" The Captain said.

"Aye, captain."

"Tell the examination board that we have two more dropouts." The captain said.

Leorio and Kurapika's eyes widened, "What do you mean?" Leorio asked.

"You still haven't figured it out? The Exam has already begun." the Captain said.

"What?" Leorio and Kurapika said at the same time.

"There are as many Hunters wannabes as there are stars in the sky. The examiners can't judge everyone. So guys like me are used to thin out the number of candidates. I've already notified the board that everyone else besides you four is withdrawn from the exam. If they couldn't handle a little storm, they'd stand no chance in the Hunter exam's later stages. Even if they can get to the place the exams are held the doors will stay closed to them. The decision of whether or not you go to the Exams belongs to me. So put away your distrust and answer my question." Captain said.

"I... I am the only survivor of the Kurata clan. Four years ago, all my relatives were killed by a band of thieves. The reason I want to become a Hunter is because I want to capture that band, The Phantom Troupe." Kurapika explained.

"So you want to become a bounty hunter? The Phantom Troupe is a Class A bounty. Even the best Hunters will think twice before helping you. You're chasing after a sure death." The captain said.

"I do not fear death. I only fear that my rage will fade over time." Kurapika replied.

'The Kurata Clan, huh? I think I've heard of them.' Luka thought.

"In short, you want revenge but do you need to be a hunter for that?" Leorio asked.

"That, Leorio, is the stupidest question I've ever been asked. If I do not become a Hunter, I wont have access to certain places, information, and displacement. It's probably a detail that your little neurons missed." Kurapika said. Leorio was clearly pissed.

"Why do you want to become a Hunter, Leorio-san?" Gon asked.

"Me? I want money. With money, we can have everything! A great house, classy car, the best alcohol...!" Leorio said.

"How ironic that the so called 'elder' among us applicants has the pettiest reason." Luka said, folding her arms.

"What was that?!" Leorio said.

"You heard me." Luka said glaring at Leorio.

"Unfortunately, you cant by class with money, Leorio." Kurapika said.

"That's the third time. Step outside. I'll end the filthy Kurata bloodline, here and now." Leorio said.

"Take that back, Leorio." Kurapika yelled.

"That's Leorio-san to you." Leorio corrected.

"I'm right behind you." Kurapika said, following Leorio to the deck.

"Hey, boys! I'm not finished!" Captain yelled after them.

"Just let them go." Gon said.

"What?" the captain said.

"My aunt Mito once told me... 'If you want get to know someone, start by finding out what makes him angry. It's important for them to know why the other is angry. It's better to let them fight." Gon said.

"You're pretty insightful for a kid." Luka said.

Gon put his hand behind his head, "Ehehe... Wait. but, you're a kid too."

"Captain! The wind is stronger than expected!" A crew member said.

"The boats gonna sink if we get caught in that waterspout!" Katsuo said.

"Lower the sails! I'll take the helm" The captain yelled.

"Hurry! The mast wont be able to take much more! Full to starboard"

"Take back what you said and I'll forgive you, Leorio." Kurapika said.

"How many times do I have to say it! Show me some respect!" Leorio said, pulling out a switchblade.

"My god! If one of them falls from the boat, it will be impossible to save him!"

"Then I have no choice." Kurapika said, taking out his weapons.

"I'm waiting for you!" Leorio yelled.

Suddenly, a part of the sail broke off and hit a crew member in the head, knocking him off the deck.

"Katsuo!" Another crew member yelled. and with that the four applicants ran to save the man. Leorio and Kurapika failed in catching the man. Then much to the others surprise, Gon jumped overboard to save Katsuo followed by Luka grabbing Gon's legs.

Luckily for Gon and Luka, Leorio and Kurapika were able to grab hold of Luka's ankles.

"Good job, kids! Thanks a lot!" One of the crew members yelled as the rest pulled the four Hunter wannabes up..

"Why the hell did I do that..." Luka muttered, rubbing the back of her head.

"Ow... I banged my nose." Gon said.

"You idiots! If we hadn't caught you guys, it'd been over for you for sure! You'd have drowned for sure!" Leorio yelled

"Honestly. How reckless can you be." Kurapika said.

'Weren't they just about to cut each other up? How can they give us a lecture...?' Luka thought.

"Yes, maybe... But you caught us, didn't you?" Gon asked.

"Uh... Well yes..." Leorio said. He and Kurapika looked at each other.

"I apologize for my rude behavior...Leorio-san." Kurapika said.

"Wh-What's with the attitude change? It makes us sound like strangers... Just call me Leorio, Kurapika. I'm the one who should of taken back what I'd said. Sorry." Leorio said.

"Aah! I like you guys!" Captain said. "I've decided to take you to the port closest to the testing site!" Captain said, happily.

"But what about your test?" Gon asked.

"It's my decision... And all four of you pass!" Captain said.

"YEAH!" Gon yelled, happily.

Luka smirked, 'Looks like I've been thrown in with some interesting humans.' _

Dolle's Port...

"There're so many people... Are they all going to Zaban?" Leorio asked.

"Hmm." Luka said taking in the sights of a human city.

"They're probably here for the same reason we are." Kurapika said.

"Captain! Thanks for everything! And take care of yourself!" Gon said.

"Thanks." Captain replied. "I Have bit of advice for you. Just head for the tree on that mountain! It's a short cut to get to where the exams are!" Captain said pointing to a tree in the distance.

"Okay, thanks!" Gon said, running back to the group.

"That's weird...! Look!" Leorio said pointing to a large map. "Zaban, the place where the test is, is clearly indicated on this map. It's a big town..."

"Why would we go to this mountain in a totally opposite direction when we could just take a bus that'll take us directly there... It's a shortcut, but if we mess up, we'll have walked for nothing. Maybe he actually meant this way?" Leorio said.

"It doesn't matter I'm going that way. I'm sure there's a good reason for this." Gon said.

"You know, Gon, you should be more suspicious of what people tell you. I advise you to go by bus." Leorio said. Gon didn't respond.

"I'm going with Gon. If we follow the old man here, we'll probably never get the the exam site." Luka said, walking off. Kurapika also began to walk away from Leorio.

"Brat.. Eh? Kurapika." Leorio said.

"More than the Captain's words... It's what these two do that Interests me. I think I'm gonna stay with them for a while." Kurapika said.

"You're not as independent as you pretend to be, Kurapika... Well, I'm gonna take the bus. Bye, that as a short time together, but still, good luck!" Leorio said.

"This is a long wait..." Leorio said to himself, waiting for the bus.

"Hey! You dont know? It seems that the direct bus for Zaban doesn't go where expected!" A man said from behind Leorio.

"I heard it was another trap to eliminate candidates..." Another man said.

"Hey! Wait! Wait for me! You three, dont you feel lonely? I missed you, same with you right?! In that case, too bad for the bus, I'll accompany you! HAHAHA!" Leorio yelled, running after the three.

"He's still an Idiot."

Chapter end!