(On the Airship)
All the remaining applicants then boarded the Airship onwards towards the next phase
"I will now take the Opportunity to introduce myself properly to the remaining 43 Applicants I am Netero the chairman of this selection community for this hunter exam it is a pleasure to meet all of you.
"And I am his secretary, Bean" the small green man by Netero said
"I was going to make my introduction at the start of the last phase of the exam but now that i'm here that won't be necessary and I'll admit theirs nothing I love more then then this feeling of tension in the air, so I think I'll stick around for the remainder of the trip" Netero said chuckling
"We are scheduled to arrive at our destination tomorrow Morning at 8:00 AM exactly you'll find dinner waiting for you in the dining hall your also welcome to get some rest of course, your free to do as you please until we contact you, the evening is yours." Bean said
"Hey Gon, Ruma lets go an explore the airship" Killua said
"Good idea." Gon said
"What do you think could be on here?" Ruma said
"We'll know once we explore." Gon said as the three of them ran out of the room
GROWL"
Ruma then clenched her stomach.
"Ugh man I'm still very hungry." Ruma said
"Yeah me to I guess that boiled egg just wasn't enough." Gon said
"Well lets see if we can find the kitchen." Killua said
"Gon your the one with the powerful nose which way to the kitchen?" Ruma said
Gon then Started to sniff.
"I can smell something good coming from over there." Gon said running down the hall of the Airship, Gon then stopped near a door,
"The smell is coming from here." Gon said as he slowly cracked open the door Ruma and Killua then started to peek through as well. they saw at least a dozen Chefs cooking and preparing meals.
"Come on you guys lets see if we can find some food." Ruma said as she quickly walked into the kitchen. Ruma then casually took a plate of food with a large cooked fish and some rice from one of the serving trays and even found a few cans of soda. Gon and Killua ended up getting two large drumsticks to eat.
Ruma quickly opened the soda can up and quickly drunk the soda in just a few seconds.
"Phew I thought I would never get another one of these" Ruma said
"HEY YOU KIDS GET OUT OF HERE! EAT IN THE DINING HALL LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!" A chef yelled at them and then kicking them out of the kitchen.
The three of them then continued further exploring the airship Killua then turned to his side as he looked outside
"Hey Gon, Ruma check this out." Killua said as he stared out the window
The three of them looked and noticed the huge city below them as they saw the different colored lights coming from the buildings
"Whoah it looks like its covered in jewels" Gon said
"Its so pretty." Ruma said
the three of them then stared down at the city for a little bit until Gon broke the silence
"So Killua" gon said
"Yeah Gon." Killua said
"Your parents..are they..You know" Gon said
"Know what?" Killua said
"I think he means Dead, am I right Gon?" Ruma said blantly finishing what Gon started.
"Uh...Yeah" Gon said fumbling with his words
"No there alive..Probably" Killua said
"Well what do they do?" Ruma said
"There assassins." Killua said
Ruma eyes went wide.
"Oh..okay then." Ruma said not to sound awkward
"They both are?" Gon said
Killua then turned towards them both
"Thats both of your responses HAHA! you two are a riot!" Killua said
"Huh?" Gon said
"That wasn't the first time I ever told people that, but you two are the first ones to take it seriously" Killua said
"Why wouldn't we take it seriously?" Ruma said
"Yeah, its the truth isn't it?" Gon said
"Why would you say that?" Killua said
"Its just a hunch" Gon said
"Weird, most of the time, people only like me because they can't tell if I'm serious or not...I'm from a family of assassins so yeah, there are all in the business of murder, and my entire family, they have real high hopes for me, but to be honest I can't stand it, who wants to have there entire life planned out for them?" Killua said
" Yeah I know the feeling, wanting to make your own decisions but everyone else is telling you that you can't" Ruma said
"Exactly! and when I told my mom that I didn't want to become an assassin she started crying and started yelling at me, then we got into a fight so I slashed my mom in the face, stabbed my brother in the side and ran away from home, I'm sure there coming after me now, and if they do I'll kill them, when I get my license I'll hunt em down to the last one I'm willing to bet they got pretty high bounties on there heads." Killua said as he smiled.
"And how about you Ruma?" Gon said
"What about me?" Ruma said
"Well you told us what your dad is, But what about your Mom what is she like?" Gon said
"My Mom? Well shes okay I guess, but I bet shes scared out of her mind right now though" Ruma said
"Why?" Gon said
"Shes afraid that I won't pass the Exam because of my..."Issues" Ruma said tapping her foot
"What kind of Issues?" Gon said
Ruma was just silent.
"It...kind of takes me longer to learn stuff then other people...if that makes any sense." Ruma said turning her head away looking out the window
"Oh." Gon said kind of awkwardly.
"You must think I'm stupid now huh?" Ruma said
"What!? No not all I don't think your stupid, so what if it takes you longer to learn stuff, I think your smart, how about you Killua?" Gon said to Killua who was busy looking out the window.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I think your smart to...in your own way" Killua said casually to Ruma
"Really? Thanks." Ruma said with a slight smile
Suddenly all of them then felt a jolt as the three of them looked to there side and nobody was there.
"Is something Wrong?"
The three of them turned the other way and noticed Netero walking towards them.
"Mister Netero? did you see someone coming through this way just now?" Gon said pointing to the place where they looked
"No I didn't" Netero said
"Your fast for an old timer." Killua said
"Oh that trick? I just barely moved" Netero said
"What do you want? Your not suppose to appear until the Last Phase right?" Killua said
"Now now no need to be so Unkind, I just got a little bored so I decided to look for some company, by the way I've been meaning to ask you, any thoughts on the Hunter Exam so far? "Netero said
"Yeah its a lotta fun there haven't been any written tests yet and I was kind of worried about that" Gon said
"I find it to be really interesting, I'm a bit anxious on whats going to happen next." Ruma said
"I'm disappointed honestly I expected it to be a lot more challenging, But i'm guessing the other phases will be?" Killua said
"Well We'll see." Netero said
Killua just looked at him unamused.
"Come on you two lets go" Killua said walking away
"Now hold on..Would you three like to play little game with me?" Netero said
"A Game?" Ruma said
"And to make it interesting if you three can beat me I will make you Hunters on the spot" Netero said
"REALLY!?" Gon and Ruma said with Killua looking at him with a Questionable look
"So..What do you say?" Netero said
Gon, Killua and Ruma were now what looked like a Sport Court with Netero dressed up in a black tank top and grey Sweats and balancing a ball with one finger.
"Now lets go over the rules of the game, its quite simple, all you have to do is take this ball from me before the Airship arrives to our destination and you win, Lets see were scheduled for an 8:00am arrival, thats not to bad you still have eight hours left, and feel free to use any tactics you want, I will only defend I promise." Netero said
"What? But thats to easy, its barely even a game." Gon said
"It does seem a little bit unfair for you." Ruma said
"Then why not give it a try and see if your right?" Netero said
"So all we have to do is take the ball?" Killua said
"Yes." Netero said
"Well then, I'll give it a shot." Killua said
"Go right ahead" Netero said
Killua then started to circle him, then as he was walking, countless after images of him started to appear as he was circling Netero.
Ruma then rubbed her eyes
"Gon are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Ruma said
"Yeah, I see a bunch of Killuas" Gon said
"One of the Assassination arts, the Rhythm Echo it confuses the enemy by creating after images with a varying cadence of steps, to think he has already mastered it at his age, what a dreadful child." Netero thought.
Killua then jumped out towards Netero to get the ball only for him to simply dodge no problem, Ruma and Gon watched as Killua tried to get the ball but Netero was to quick.
"Huh is that it? I was kind of expecting a bit more?" Netero said taunting Killua
"He moves fast for an old guy.. in that case, I'll just have to slow him down!" Killua said as he went for a leg sweep hitting Neteros leg with all his strength
Oh thats gotta hurt. " Ruma said cringing
Killua just smirked as Netero didn't seem fazed by the attack, then Suddenly Killuas smirk turned into a look of pain as he quickly got up jumping around holding his leg.
"AHHH Ow OAOW!" Killua said
"He certainty didn't hold back with that kick, if I was a normal person it would've shattered my leg." Netero said
"Killua tag me I want to go next." Gon said
Killua then slightly limped towards Gon and tagged him
"Are you Okay?" Ruma said
"I'm fine, but damn his leg is hard as iron." Killua said still clenching his leg in pain.
Well lets see how Gon does." Ruma said
Hmm this one seems to be an honest young man I'm curious to see what he has up his sleeve." Netero thought as he saw Gon getting ready by stretching
Okay." Gon said as he quickly took the first step launching himself forward quickly towards Netero
ahh it seems he has a quick first step, but he's coming straight at me, very foolish indeed, he's still a child" Netero said
Gon then quickly jumped into the air
WAIT FROM ABOVE!?" Netero thought
But Before Gon could go any further his head hit the top of the ceiling
"Ow!" Gon yelled as he landed behind Netero clenching his head in pain
"You Idiot! We already know how high you can jump so you don't have to go all out, Focus! you had a chance, he had his guard down for a second!" Killua yelled agitated
Geez Killua calm down." Ruma said sweatdropping
"Heh Perhaps that wasn't the right thing to do." Gon said shaking it off and getting back up
(10 Minutes Later)
Gon was still trying his best get the ball but so far with no luck whats soever Ruma just had her arms crossed tapping her finger on her forearm, bored. Ruma then got up
"Alright Come on Gon, its my turn now!" Ruma said
Gon was panting out of breath with Netero still having the Ball
"Alright Ruma your up." Gon said tagging Ruma
She then started to stretch her legs and arms but still showing signs of nervousness
"this girl seems to be lacking some confidence, but still showing signs of determination, this ought to be interesting" Netero thought
Ruma then took off her shoes and socks and then walked towards Netero slowly as she did she then started to pick up the pace but as she was running towards him she then started to slightly take her foot off the ground and then started to move in a Zig Zag pattern hoping to throw him off on where she might get the ball
Ruma then took action and went to reach for the ball, And to no surprise Netero simply dodged to the right Ruma then tried her best to keep on catching it going from left to right trying to keep with a specific pattern and routine.
"It seems shes trying to throw me off guard by making me guess on how she will try to get the ball...and it seems that she's keeping to a specific method" Netero said
but as Netero was about to move away Ruma quickly jumped towards him only for him to move to the side, Ruma then took that opportunity to reach for the ball with her legs as she passed by him and as he dodged she quickly changed her position in mid air with her legs infront of her as she quickly tried to catch the ball between her two feet.
Netero then quickly tossed the ball up in the air, fairly quickly as Rumas feet clasp nothing but air.
"Gotcha." Ruma said as she quickly landed on her feet and she then jumped into the air to get the ball that he tossed in the air, but before she could grab it he quickly kicked it away from her catching her by surprise as it bounced off the wall and back into Neteros left hand again
"Darnnit!" Ruma said
"Hmm...quite a nice and simple strategy, hoping to throw me off by keeping with a routine and then quickly changing it at the last minute." Netero said
"Man I was hoping that would've worked" Ruma said stomping her foot in annoyance
"Come on Ruma keep trying!" Gon yelled
"These three should be able to keep me entertained until morning." Netero said
( A Few hours later)
The three of them still tried to get the ball from Netero all of them breathing heavily as Killua was trying again but again with no success.
"You three aren't getting anywhere huh?, why don't you all try to attack me at once." Netero said
WHY YOU!" Killua yelled in frustration
"Okay." Gon said
"Get Ready." Ruma said heading in as well
All of them then tried triple team Netero trying to get the ball, going from left to right, side to side, and when it looked like they were getting close they ended up bumping heads together.
"OW!" The three yelled in pain.
"if were going to win this we have to be creative." Gon said
Gon then went for straight for Netero again ready to kick up but as he did he let his shoe slightly slip off which managed to hit Netero in the shin
"What? He kicked off his shoe to increase his range?" Netero said
Killua then kicked Netero in the back making him lose his balance and letting go of the ball.
"I got it" Killua said jumping high ready to grab the ball
"Not Quite." Netero said quickly kicking the ball away to the front of him, but before he could grab it Ruma then threw her balled up Beanie towards the ball knocking it away further from Netero.
"Sneaky Kids!" Netero yelled
Ruma, Killua and Gon then Quickly reached for the ball
I almost got it." The three yelled as they reached out.
Netero then quickly launched out towards the three leaving a massive black mark on the ground as he jumped right in between the three catching the ball in mid air while also knocking the three back because of the knockback of Netero passing them. all of them landed on there backs.
"Not to bad you three, you get an A for effort." Netero said
Whoa how did he pass us that fast?" Ruma said
Wow Your amazing Netero" Gon said
Killua with anger in his eyes slowly got up.
"Ah forget it, you won okay...I'm going to bed." Killua said as he was walking off
"Huh leaving so soon?" Netero said
Yeah Killua don't you wanna try again?" Ruma said
"Come on Killua we still got plenty of time left." Gon said looking at the clock
"Don't you two get it? we'll never get that ball from him, have you two noticed that he hasn't even used his right arm and left leg yet?" Killua said
"Huh?...yeah your right, not even once." Ruma said as he looked at Netero
"We can try for over a year and still we won't be able to get that ball" Killua said
"Oh you noticed? and to think I thought I was being quite subtle about it this whole time." Netero said
"HAHAHA you sure know how to piss me off old man! lets go you two." Killua said walking away
"In a minute I'm going to keep playing" Gon said
"What!? didn't you already hear what I just said its pointless!" Killua said
"Yeah I know but I don't really care about that, we still have plenty of time left, so I'm going to see if I can try to make him use his right hand before time runs out." Gon said
Killua was then left a little tooken back.
"I..See...Fine I get it..how about you Ruma?' Killua said looking at her
"Now that you mention it..(Yawn)...Yeah I think I'm going to bed to." Ruma said
"Well Okay I'll see you guys later" Gon said
"alright be sure to tell us that you managed to get him to use his right hand. "Ruma said waving goodbye and heading out the door along with Killua
As Ruma and Killua were walking down the Airship Ruma couldn't help but notice Killua grunting.
"Whats wrong?" Ruma said
"He was just taunting us through that entire game. errgh..now I'm in a bad mood" Killua said lost in thought
"Killua don't let it get to you" Ruma said
"If I hadn't stopped when I did I probably would've killed him to get the ball." Killua said still lost in thought
Ruma then put a hand on his shoulder
"Killua?" Ruma said
'WHAT!?" Killua yelled kind of scaring Ruma a little bit. as fingernails on one of his hands started to change into claws without her noticing, ready to lash out.
"Just calm down...it was just a game." Ruma said
Killua then went wide eyed realizing on what he was about to do, He then quickly retracted the claws back.
"...Sorry," Killua said as he got his composure back as he continued to walk forward.
Ruma then went into her backpack and took out a Soda
"hey Killua." Ruma said
"Yeah" Killua said
Ruma then handed him the soda
"Here drink that?" Ruma said
"What is it?" Killua said
"Its my favorite soda, I usually drink it to calm my nerves." Ruma said as she took another soda can out
"Trust me its good." Ruma said as she took a drink from hers
Killua then opened the can of soda and took a drink from it, it didn't take him long to finish it.
"There..Better?" Ruma said as she finished her soda to.
Killua had his eyes closed and then let out a slight burp.
"Yep." Killua said as he crushed the soda can
"I knew..(BURP) Ruma then made loud burp out of nowhere and she quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment as her face went red, Killua then looked at Ruma with a surprising look
"I..didn't mean." Ruma said
Killua then just started to chuckle and then started laughing
"Haha Good one." Killua said as he continued laughing
Ruma's embarrassment then quickly faded and then she started laughing with him.
(The Next morning)
It wasn't long until the Airship arrived at the Third Phase of the exam which they all arrived at a Tall Tower. Everyone got off the airship as Bean went to explain where there were all at
"Everyone this is the site of the hunters exams third phase, you'll be competing here a top of the Trick Tower...In Order to Pass this phase you must make it to the base of the tower of alive, the time limit is 72 hours..and with that the third phase will now begin good to luck to each and every one of you." Bean said as the boarded the Airship and it flew off.
Killua, Ruma, Gon, Kurapika and Leorio walked to the edge of the tower as they looked down.
"Whoa." Ruma said
"Now what? are we suppose to climb down the tower?" Leorio said
Well I hope not, that would be suicide." Kurapika said
"hehe sure for most guys." all four of them turned around saw a man with number 86 badge on his tank top as he was about to climb down
"For an expert rock climber like me this is going to be a piece of cake" the Rock Climber said
"Wow." Killua said
"Look how fast he's going." Gon said
"I hope he makes it down alright" Ruma said
Then Suddenly all of then started to hear distant screeches of something big flying by
"what the hell is that?" Leorio said looking out
Something Big...HEY GUY! YOU BETTER GET BACK UP HERE!" Ruma yelled
"HUH!? WHY!?" The Rock climber yelled out stopping as he wasn't to far way from the top.
Ruma then pointed and the Rock Climber looked and noticed a giant six legged flying beast heading towards him
"Oh Shit." the Rock Climber said as he started to climb back up again with fast pace.
He ain't gonna make it." Killua said nonchalantely
The Rock climber was merely inches away and from getting back to the top as the Creature was ready to eat swoop up and eat him his hand reached the top and he pulled himself back up to the top again as the Creature swooped right up knocking all of them down as the Creature went back to the near bottom of the tower again. The Rock climber was then just gasping for Air.
"...Thanks...if you hadn't given me the heads up I would've been that freaks lunch." The Rock climber said as he layed there catching his breath.
"Well so much for Climbing down." Leorio said
"There has to be some other way" Ruma said
Gon and the gang then started to look around the top of the tower seeing there was a way to get the bottom.
"Do you see anything?" Ruma said
"Nope" Killua said
Hey Guys look" Gon said
What is it?" Ruma said
Gon then pointed as guy who was expecting the floor and then suddenly the floor under him quickly flipped him over inside.
"What the?" Ruma said as she ran towards the floor
"What just happened?" Killua said
"It looks like some kind of trapdoor or something?" Gon said as he felt the ground
"Can you open it again?" Ruma said
"Lets see." Gons said as he jumped onto the floor but it wouldn't budge
"It seems it can only be used one time" Killua said
Hmm." Ruma said as she layed her hand on another tile and it slightly pushed down
Look I found another one of those trap doors" Ruma said
Yeah I found another one right over here" Killua said pressing down
So theirs a lot of these traps doors right under our noses." Gon said
"It would explain why theirs less people here" Killua said
"Lets tell Leorio and Kurapika." Ruma said
Killua, Gon and Ruma then went and found Leorio and Kurapika and explained to them on what they discovered.
"I see, so the trap doors can only be used once and judging by its size only one person can go through at a time" Kurapika said
"Which means that were gonna have to split up." Ruma said
"It seems that that might be the case" Kurapika said
So we decided that we each pick a door and see how it goes, we've already found five of them for us to use right over there" Killua said pointing
"And no hard feelings if one of them is a trap, so what do you two gonna do?" Gon said
"Works for me, seems like luck is part of the game or somethin" Leorio said
"No objections here, that settles it." Kurapika said
The five of them then took there positions on what trap door they want to individually use.
"On the count of three we all hop in at exactly the same time, okay?" Leorio said
"I guess that means, this is good bye for now guys" Gon said
"We'll meet up at the base of the tower." Kurapika said
"Sounds like a plan" Leorio said
"Yeah lets do this!" Killua said
"Good luck everyone!" Ruma said
"1,2,3!" The five of them yelled jumping onto there trap doors.
they then felt themselves being tipped over into the tower.
Kurapika, Gon, Killua, and Leorio all landed in the same room.
"Huh...What? Leorio said as he noticed them
"Well that was certaintly a brief farewell." Kurapika said
Yeah, who woulda thought those trap doors would lead us into the same room" Leorio said
"Wait...What about Ruma?" Gon said
All four of them looked around but she was nowhere to be found.
"Ah crap, it seems she didn't have the best of luck joining the rest of us." Leorio said
Do you think she fell into a trap?" Killua said
"Its hard to say for certain, I really hope not." Kurapika said
"Don't worry, I'm sure shes fine, We'll just meet her at the base of the tower like we planned." Gon said in a confident tone
"WHOOOOOAAAA!" Ruma yelled as she landed on her feet in a isolated room
"Phew, that was some drop." Ruma said to herself as she stood back up she then started to look around as she noticed a door and small table that held two Timer Watches on it.
she then started to hear rumbling noises coming from above, Ruma quickly moved out fo the way as another person landed in the chamber, The the guy had the Badge number #53 with a Quiver filled with arrows and a bow in hand.
"Finally I found a way inside." The man said
"Uh, Hello." Ruma said
The man turned around and noticed Ruma greeting him
"Oh, it seems i'm not alone." The man said
"My Names Ruma" Ruma said
"the Names Pokkle, High" The man said returning the greeting
"Well...do you have any idea what we should do?" Ruma said
"Maybe the Description on the wall over there might tell us something" Pokkle said pointing at the wall as he walked towards it
both of them looked and noticed a Description and a diagram of what looked like chambers at each ending section.
"The First two that drop into this chamber, both must keep an open mind in order to get through." Pokkle said reading the description
Ruma then looked at the large map display that was underneath the Description.
this map is big." Ruma said
"Hello and welcome to the Trick Tower"
"Both of them looked up and noticed an intercom in the corner of the chamber.
"My names is Lippo and I am the examiner of this years Hunter Exams Third Phase. Welcome to the Path of Two on the wall you will see a huge diagram of chambers that you will need to traverse in the next 72 hours together, cooperation is key so be sure to keep a level head" The Intercoms then shut off
The Electronic door then opened up.
"Well..it looks like were in this together, come on." Pokkle said as he put on his wrist timer.
"Right" Ruma said
The two of them then entered through the door and it closes behind them.