I'm so excited to finally post this chapter. It is longer than the others, but it has one of my favorite scenes. I really hope you enjoy it! I think it's super cute!

X X X

CHAPTER VI: ACROSS X THE X SKIES

To get to the location of the Third Phase, Chairman Netero had announced they would be traveling via airship. Although Sera had a phobia of falling, the enclosed airship did not bother her in the slightest. Instead, she loved the views similar to her experience on the ship where she first met Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio.

"Allow me to introduce myself to the forty-three remaining applicants. I am Netero, Chairman of this year's Hunter Exam Selection Committee."

There was a strange green figure beside him. It was the same thing that gave everyone their respective numbers when they first got to the exam site. "I am his secretary, Beans."

"Originally, I'd planned to make my appearance during the exam's final phase, but as I'm already here… I'm loving this tension in the air!"

Was he making a pun? This old man was quite the eccentric type. Sera had no clue what to expect from him.

"So I think I'll stick around for the rest of the trip." He laughed to himself. Killua yawned, either from boredom or just tired from the lack of sleep since the Hunter's Exam begun.

"We are scheduled to arrive at our destination tomorrow morning, at 8 AM. You'll find dinner waiting in the dining hall. You are also welcome to get some rest. In other words, you're free to do as you please until you are contacted." Beans stated.

"Okay, Gon! Sera! Let's explore the airship!" Killua excitedly suggested. The two kids agreed and raced off on their own.

X X X

Menchi, Satotz, and Buhara discussed the exam in their private room dedicated for the examiners.

"Hey, how many applicants do you expect to make it?" Menchi asked her partner.

"You mean pass the exam?"

"Yep. This year, we have an impressive group. Especially number 406. She was the only who I allowed to pass at one point..."

"But doesn't it depend on what the upcoming phases consist of?"

"That's true… But didn't you notice it? One of them had this whole aura thing going on. What do you think, Satotz?"

"Oh, yes. I like the rookies this year."

Menchi laughed. "So you agree? I am in favor of number 406. She really impressed me with her cooking. Aside from her, I also think number 294 has a good shot."

"I'm partial to number 99," Satotz said.

"He looks like a selfish, spoiled brat," Menchi admitted. "Except when it comes to 406. I kinda ship them. What about you, Buhara?"

"Well… he isn't a rookie, but number 44 is the one I favor. I'm sure you noticed, but when number 255 was throwing a fit, it was number 44 who was really on the verge of killing someone."

"I did notice that, of course. He could barely restrain himself from tearing off our heads. But didn't you realize? He was already that way from the first moment we appeared."

"Really?" Menchi nodded.

"Yeah, that's the real reason I was so edgy. He kept challenging me."

"I had a similar experience," Satotz shared. "He should be carefully monitored. Though it pains me to admit this, we are birds of a feather with him. However, his affinity for darkness is far stronger. As Hunters, we are continually seeking out rivals. Ultimately, the Hunter Exam is but a place to find opponents worthy of respect. And every once in a while, we encounter someone who hits the floor running when we try to slow things down. An oddball of sorts."

"He still gives me the creeps. I felt so bad for numbers 405 and 406 when he kept looking like he was going to eat them. Makes me want to protect them, especially 406. She seems so strong and kind despite her appearance. I gave her my number in case she needed help."

"Regardless of the results, we should all expect the unexpected for our new set of Hunters," Satotz remarked as he took a sip of his tea. Menchi and Buhara nodded in agreement.

X X X

"Hey there! Kids! Stay out of the kitchen!" A chef yelled at the trio before kicking them out. The three of them had managed to sneak out chicken legs to eat.

"Wow, awesome!" Killua suddenly looked out the window, staring at the city lights from above.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Sera sighed dreamily. "Such a romantic setting."

Killua rolled his eyes, still taking in the sight. "Don't be such a girl."

"Hey, I happen to be a girl."

"But you don't have to act like one," Killua teased with a smirk.

Gon ignored the bickering of his two friends. "It's like the ground is covered in jewels!"

"Yeah," Killua agreed.

Gon suddenly changed topics. "Hey, I was wondering..."

"Hmm?"

"Where are your mom and dad?"

"They're alive. Probably."

"What do they do?" Sera asked out of curiosity.

"They're assassins," Killua stated, point blank.

"Both of them?" Gon asked,

At the same time, Sera said, "That's pretty cool."

Killua snickered. "That's your first reaction? You really are a riot! The both of you! You're the first people I've met who's ever responded seriously."

"Well, you're telling the truth, right?"

"What makes you say that?"

"It's just a hunch."

Killua confirmed that he was, indeed, telling the truth. "That's weird… People only like me because they can't ever tell whether I'm serious. I'm from a family of assassins so they're all assassins. And my family has really high hopes for me... But I can't stand it. Who wants to have their live planned out for them?" His voice sounded down and reflective. Sera reached out for his hands, placing hers on top of his.

"Killua. That's not why I like you," Sera interrupted. "Yes, you are very strong and I'm sure you would make a great assassin if you wanted to be. But you're also funny and sweet and beneath that standoffish exterior, you are a good person. I can tell. You also are really brave and strong and honest and..." Sera continued to list the traits she liked about him.

Killua found himself blushing. "Jeez, stop it already. I get it. Uh, thanks. There's a lot of things I like about you too." He muttered quietly the last bit, clearly embarrassed to say it. He continued his confession. "When I told them I wanted to decide my own future, they all snapped! My mother had tears streaming down her face, as she told me I have the potential to be a top assassin. Horrible parents, right? It's natural their kid would go bad. We ended up fighting. So I stabbed my mother in the face, my brother in the side, and ran away from home. I'm sure they're out for blood now. But if they find me, I'll send them packing. When I become a Hunter, I'll start by capturing my family. I'm sure they're worth some hefty bounties..."

Sera giggled as he avidly explained his point of view. Sera had a sudden realization. "Wait a sec. Are you a Zoldyck?"

"So you have heard of them. Yeah, that's my family."

"You must be really strong then. My brother told me about them. Said that the Zoldyck family is definitely people you do not want to mess with. And that means something coming from him."

"What about you? What's your family like?" Gon asked.

"Um..." Sera didn't know what to say. She still was far from ready from telling the truth. But she couldn't outright lie to her friends. Especially Gon and Killua. "Well, my mom died when I was born and I never knew my father, so I was raised by my brother. He's fourteen years older than me. We started off really poor, but we dealt with it because we had each other. I never really minded about the money anyway. At first, I wanted to be like him. I followed him everywhere like a lost puppy." She laughed at the memory. "He eventually found a group of friends and they stuck together like glue. He was never seen without at least two of his friends after that. We sort of became a large family. All of us had no homes to go to. Only each other. After doing some odd jobs, we finally had enough to leave that shit hole of a city. We moved around, never staying in one place for too long. I was a lot different back then..."

She paused to catch her breath. "About five years ago, I saw something I never wanted to see again. So I promised myself that one day I would become a Hunter and change the world I lived in. You see, I was really angry for a long time because I felt the world had abandoned me and my brother and as a result, I did a lot of things I now deeply regret. So I promised myself that I wouldn't be that person anymore. That I would only show the world and it's people kindness. That if I faced enemies, I would have the courage to kill them with kindness instead of hatred. I want to show the world that kindness can be it's own powerful weapon. A weapon of heart."

She kept her story as vague as possible, not going into too many details and never mentioning names. And while she did not give them the complete story, she was still very open with her feelings. It made her feel vulnerable and she hoped that they would still accept her.

Gon was to her left and Killua to her right. They sat in silence for a moment for Gon smiled at her and gave her a long hug. Killua lightly held her hand. "Don't worry, Sera. You've shown the both of us how strong you can be. Just by being the kind soul you are." Sera wanted to cry, but held back tears. She was truly grateful for meeting both of them. Kurapika and Leorio too.

X X X

Chairman Netero had heard the confession and saw the heartwarming moment between the two boys and girl. In that minute, he made a decision. He released a flash of a very powerful aura, causing the three of them to look in that direction.

He was already coming from the other direction. "Ah, Netero, did you see anyone coming from that side?" Gon asked innocently. Killua glared at the old man.

"No," he denied.

"You're pretty fast for an old man," Killua bluntly told him. Sera nodded. Was that aura just now intentional? Why would he do such a thing?

"That little trick? I barely moved."

"What do you want? You don't have to do anything until the last phase, right?" Killua demanded, putting aside all formalities.

"No need to be so unkind. I got bored, and was looking for some companions."

"Killua is not being unkind," Sera immediately defended him. "It's insulting to act as if we don't know anything."

"By the way, I meant to ask the three of you… Any thoughts on your first attempt at the Hunter Examination?"

"Uh-huh! It's fun! And there haven't been any of the written exams I was dreading," Gon said with a smile. Gon, don't you notice the tension right now?

"I'm disappointed… I expected the exam to be far more difficult. I assume the next phase will be more entertaining?"

"Well, now… I wouldn't know about that. And you, miss?"

"I'm withholding my thoughts on the matter until the end. Then I will express my opinion."

"Let's go, Gon. Sera." Killua already started making his way back. Gon was about to follow until the chairman interrupted.

"Now wait just a moment. Would you care to play a game with me?"

"A game?"

"If you two are able to defeat me, I shall let you be Hunters!"

"Two? Don't you mean three?" Gon asked.

"I am only offering this to you, Gon, and you, Killua."

"But that's not fair! Sera should be allowed to play as well!" Gon argued back. Killua agreed. Why the sudden separation between them and her? Was it because she was girl? No, there's no way he would be that much of an idiot. Then what could it be? He glanced at the pink-haired girl. She wasn't protesting. Meaning she knew and understood why she couldn't take part. What does she know?

"It's okay, Gon. You and Killua should take advantage of his offer. If you win, you get to become true Hunters!" She cheered them on and they reluctantly accepted.

X X X

The strange chairman took them to an empty room. He was holding a ball in his left hand and balancing on his right foot.

"Is it okay if I watch?" She asked.

"That's fine. But any assistance of any means disqualifies them both." Sera nodded and sat in the corner to watch and cheer her boys on.

"Now I'll go over the rules of the game. If you can take this ball from me before the airship reaches its destination, you win. I believe that we're scheduled for an 8 AM arrival? Well, that still gives you nine hours. You're free to attack me however you'd like. I won't touch you."

"Huh? That's too easy. You can't call that a game." You are so far off the mark on that one, Gon, Sera thought to herself. She knew Killua was also thinking the same thing.

"Why not give it a try first?"

"We just have to take the ball?" Killua asked for confirmation.

"Yeah."

"Then I'll go first." Killua stepped up the begin his strategy. Sera sat up straighter, wondering just what Killua would try. As far as she knew, despite being raised an assassin, Killua still lacked the required abilities to win this game, but she could be wrong.

"Go ahead."

Glaring, Killua started walking slowly around his target. His movement was in a particular pattern and in doing so, he created shadows of his movement, making it difficult to tell exactly where and which one he truly was. Then, Killua lunged full force. And lunged. And lunged. Netero easily avoided them all. Killua jumped away, analyzing the old man, looking for a strategy. He lunged once more, this time aiming for his legs to halter his fluidity. With all his strength, Killua kicked Netero on his pivot leg.

"No!" Sera shouted in worry as she realized what he was doing. Killua's plan backfired immediately and he crouched in pain. Sera resisted the urge to help him, not wanting to ruin his chances. "Are you okay, Killua?"

"Yeah," he groaned. "I'm fine."

"Killua. Tag! Tag!" Gon waved, wanting to give it a try now.

They slapped hands and Gon stretched his body. Killua went to sit by Sera.

"It was a good try," Sera whispered to him. "Once you're done playing, let me give your foot a look at." Killua nodded. They waited for Gon's attempt.

Gon aimed for a head on attack. It looked that way at first until Gon tried to attack from above. But the ceiling was far too low and he ended up banging his head against the ceiling. Sera slapped her forehead at his own stupidity. Killua held back a laugh as Gon held his head in pain.

"You're supposed to use your head metaphorically, not literally, Gon," Sera said as she rolled her eyes, still not believing what she had just witnessed.

"I messed up there," Gon shrugged it off with his typical carefree smile.

Three hours passed and the two boys were still going at it, more determined than ever to the point they were shedding off their clothes, sweat dripping off their backs. "You two aren't getting anywhere. Why not attack simultaneously?" The old man taunted.

They followed his advice and began attacking together, but Netero still had no trouble avoiding their attacks. Gon and Killua even managed to slam into each other after Netero slipped away from a joint attack. They almost had it too when Gon actually kicked his shoes at the chairman, catching him off guard. But, when Netero put actual effort in, they were swiftly beaten.

I'm so sorry, Gon. Killua. I wish I could help.

Killua was getting frustrated. Stubbornly, he said, "Forget it… I give up. I lose."

"Why? We still have time. And just now, we came really close."

"Jeez. You really have no clue, do you?"

"Killua," Sera warned.

"The old man has barely used his right hand and his left leg."

"What?"

"But we're still powerless against him. We could chase him around for a year and never take the ball from him."

"So that's what he was doing."

"Let's go, Gon!" Sera got up to follow him.

"Oh, I'm gonna play a little longer." Sera smiled. She really liked the fact how positive and determined Gon was.

"Huh? Didn't you hear what I said!? It's useless! You won't be able to take the ball from him!" Killua was truly upset at having to admit defeat.

"Yeah! I don't care about the ball. We've only used up half the time limit. I'm gonna make Netero use his right hand before time runs out."

Killua looked absolutely flabbergasted. Before things got out of hand, Sera tried to diffuse the situation. "Good luck, Gon. I'm sure you can do it. I think I'm getting tired though, so Killua and I are going to get some rest before the start of the next phase. Right, Killua?" She gave him a look that said agree or die.

"Uh, yeah. Whatever," he grumbled.

"Oh and Chairman Netero?" She smiled sweetly.

"Yes?"

"The next time you forbid me from doing something, it will be you who's gonna need some sleep." She said with venom laced in her voice. Her eyes flashed in anger and she released a sharp aura that felt like Death had entered the room. As quickly as it came, though, it vanished and Sera was once again smiling sweetly as if nothing had changed. "I'll see you later, Gon." She dragged Killua out of the room with her.

X X X

Sera and Killua walked back in silence, both unsure of what to say to the other. That incredible aura… Killua was genuinely frightened at the moment. It reminded him of his older brother. He was still in a bad mood from losing the fight and he knew that if he spoke, he would say something he would regret.

On the other hand, Sera was genuinely concerned for Killua. He was clearly upset, but she had no idea what to say or do to comfort him. Her decision was to remain silent and offer support just by being close to him. The last thing she wanted was to anger him further.

As they walked, two older candidates passed them, bumping shoulders with the upset white-haired boy. He stopped walking and Sera waited for him. What could she say or do that would lift his wounded pride?

"Hey. Wait up, kid." The older applicants shouted at him. You bump into us, and then ignore us?"

"I saw what happened. You bumped into him. Leave us alone." She tried to get Killua to move along, but he stood there frozen. He said nothing. Angered by the lack of response, they ran after him and touched his shoulder briefly.

They were already dead before Sera could prevent it. She had witnessed the whole thing. Killua decidedly continued onward, leaving her behind, lost in his own thoughts. Killers don't need friends. I am a killer.

She stood over their dead bodies. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she mourned the lose of two innocents who were in the wrong place in the wrong time. Silently, she pulled their bodies into a broom closet and washed away the evidence. The tears wouldn't stop falling.

She felt guilty for letting this happen. She felt guiltier by that fact she was more concerned with how Killua was feeling. All she could feel in these moments was guilt and concern for a friend. Guilt and concern for not helping him when he was clearly hurting.

She calmed herself and went after Killua. She found him by himself, sulking. Stuck in his head. She sat next to him and said nothing.

"Let me see your leg," she finally brought herself to speak. He looked at her as if she was crazy. "Let me see your leg," this time she ordered. "The one that you hurt when you kicked the chairman."

He wordlessly scooted over and brought his leg up. She carefully removed his shoe. A large purple bruise was already forming. It looked disgustingly painful and Sera cringed. He seemed to notice this and tried to pull away, but she quickly held it firm.

He never felt hands so soft. So gentle as she used her fingers to tend to his wound. He kept his head down, face hidden. He didn't want her to see him. To see the eyes of a killer. A monster. Anyone but her.

She silently continued to make slight adjustments to his foot with the simplest of touches. She was so gentle as she addressed the injury. His gentle princess. In the process, he felt something cool fall on to his foot. Her fingers released his foot and he set it down.

Oh gods, he realized. She's crying. She must think me a monster. She must hate me now. But why is she tending to my wound if she hates me?

"I'm sorry," she whispered. Killua wanted to look at her. Was she crazy? Why is she, of all people, apologizing to me? "I'm sorry." She repeated. "Oh gods, I'm so sorry, Killua."

He looked at her. And looked at her. And looked at her more. She looked at him. They looked at each other. He found himself brushing away her tears and held her cheek softly as if she would break in his hands.

"I'm sorry for being so useless. I'm sorry I couldn't help you. I'm sorry that I couldn't comfort you when you needed me." She continued to apologize. Ever sentence that came out of her mouth began with "I'm sorry".

"Stop." He ordered this time. "Stop, please." He rarely said please. He never felt the need to until now. Until her.

She stopped. "You shouldn't be the one apologizing. If anything, I should be apologizing to you. I lost my temper. Lost myself for a moment and killed. I never cared about killing before. Never bothered me either. But, I'm sorry. I should never have let you see that. And I'm sorry that I left you alone after."

Sera placed her hand on top of the one that still rested on her cheek. "I don't mind. Honesty, I don't care if you kill. Or if you do it in front of me. I can handle it. I've seen it before. I truly couldn't care less that you do. I'll even clean up the mess if you want." She insisted, needing him to believe her.

"But I do care about you. I care when you get angry. I care when you feel hurt. Or lost. Or injured. I care when you are happy too. And having fun. I will always care, Killua. Always." She gulped. "We just met and I can't explain it, but you are important to me. You and Gon. You two are my first real friends. And as selfish as this sounds, I can't stand not having you around. It almost physically hurts. It hurts me when you aren't being honest with me. It hurts that you don't feel like you can confide in me. It hurts when you hurt. So please, let me be there for you. Regardless of the reason. Just let me be there." Her confession was honest, more honest than she's ever been. Killua did something to her that she couldn't explain.

He remained silent, thinking. She felt like she might scare him away at this point. He could easily walk away and leave her behind. She would understand if he did. She would understand if he didn't return her unexpected feelings.

Instead, he hugged her fiercely. "Thank you," he breathed as if in relief. As if his pain was no longer there. That made her happy as she returned the hug.

Killua made several decisions in that moment. One, Sera was his light. She could bring him back from the darkest of moments. Two, he no longer cared if he was a monster. The world could hate him as long as she did not. Three, he would damn his family before harm befell this girl. And lastly, he would never admit it aloud, but he swore to the gods that he would rather die then spend a single moment in a world without her. At this moment, he decided that this pink-haired girl was a goddess in his eyes. She was right, there was undeniable strength in kindness. And her kindness would probably be the death of him.

But most of all, he was okay with that.

They fell asleep shortly thereafter and those who caught a glimpse of them could only notice how they were sleeping while holding hands and a smile on their faces.

X X X

This was a really important moment for Killua and Sera. They are just too adorable! I mean, they're only twelve so don't expect them to start making out anytime soon. But we'll get there ;) In the mean time, I want them to develop a very close bond and discover more about how their relationship grows throughout their eventual years together.

But yeah, this was a longer chapter but I hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter won't be nearly as long.