So I wandered around the woods thinking of what I should do. I noticed the tracks Leorio and Kurapika left so maybe, I should follow that. I sighed. I went back to my camp.

"Where have you been?" Killua shouted at me. He practically glued himself to my side. "You left the hag with me!"

"I told you! I am not a hag!"

"Calm down." I said. "It makes no sense that we are fighting. We are almost done with this part of the exam. You guys are being so noisy that other folks will take advantage of us and try to steal our tags."

"Pfft! They couldn't if they even tried." Killua smiled his cat like smile.

"Your overconfidence will be the death of you." Hikaru said looking at him.

"I'm a..." Killua said before silencing. He looked to be deep in thought

"You're a what?" Hikaru asked challenging him.

"Nothing you old hag!" He stuck his tongue out at her. She had a tick mark. She sighed. She walked to Killua and he backed away from her. Hikaru was holding a knife, still.

"Are you going to try and throw another knife at me?" She looked at him. Hikaru didn't speak a word. I looked at Seji, as he looked at me. He shrugged his shoulders. I didn't know what to think. I knew deep down that Hikaru couldn't hurt Killua. He's just better trained than her. Instead Hikaru hugged Killua and he froze like he was made of ice.

"Whatever you are, whatever kind of training you've had, whatever you've done, in the end you're still a kid." Hikaru said looking intently at him. Killua didn't respond. His mouth was open. In an instant, Hikaru dropped a piece of vegetable in his mouth. She quickly shut his mouth and made him chew it up.

"Ugh! This tastes so horrible!" He shouted. Killua finally regained his sense.

"At least you ate something." Hikaru said, obviously satisfied.

"How old are you?" I asked Hikaru. She looked me in the eye. Her blonde eyebrow went up as if to ask why. "Well you look young but you act old... Ish."

"I'm seventeen."

"You're such a hag." Killua commented.

"Why do you keep calling me that! I am freaking seventeen years old! If anything you should be calling Mitsuki or Seji hags!"

"I'm a boy.." Seji commented sweat dropping. "However I'm eighteen."

"I'm seventeen too!" I smiled.

"See!" Hikaru yelled out. "We are the same age! So why am I called a hag!"

"You're seventeen?" Killua questioned. "I thought you were fifteen!"

"Yup! I'll turn eighteen in November!" I smiled. I thought to myself, I did seem to stop aging after I learned ten. He had said something about it slowing down the aging process but I didn't think to much of it. It's nice to look young!

"Wait you recently turned seventeen?" Hikaru questioned.

"A couple of months ago.. Yes."

"UGH! I give up!"

"Why?"

"I will be eighteen in a few months." Hikaru said giving up. I'm smiled.

"Exactly when?"

"May twenty-first." Hikaru seemed to lose all hope and fell into a depressed state into the ground. I crouched next to her, poking her side. I was pretty sure she was still alive.

"That's fine." Seji said speaking up again. "I'll turn nineteen in Feburary."

"If you're the oldest of us all, then why aren't you capable enough to take our sheet cards?" Killua asked. Seji fell down into a depressed state too.

"Wow." I whistled. "One hit kill. No mercy at all!" I said getting up to look at the older people on the ground.

"Weren't you the one to give the last blow to Hikaru?" Killua looked at me. It's like his face said it wasn't all him.

"I didn't expect her birthday to be so close!" I defended myself. "Why did you freeze up?" I glanced at Killua.

"Wouldn't you?" He challenged me.

"Maybe. But I'm getting used to hugs again!" I said. I thought about Kurapika and how he always seemed to hug me whenever I saw him. It was a nice warm feeling.

"I don't. I rarely ever get hugs."

"Why is that?" I questioned. I vaguely wondered what to do about the depressed bodies on the ground.

"I'm a Zoldyck. I didn't learn to hug. I kill. But I'm bored of that!" Killua said trying to change the topic. I understood. So I let it go by.

"I'm glad you didn't lie."

"How would you tell I'm lying?" Killua asked.

"By your eyes." Hikaru said pulling herself out of her slump. She dusted herself off. It seemed as though Seji wouldn't. Not for awhile anyways.

"My eyes?" He questioned.

"Yeah! Don't you know? The eyes are the gateway to your heart!" I said twirling trying to get into my bag. It was sitting close to me and I wanted to snap a few pictures of everyone. "Everyone look at me!" I said getting their attention. All of them turned to look at me, even Seji in his depressed state. This will be good memories I thought to myself, as I snapped their picture. Hikaru had been eating from her plate. Killua was at the edge of our little camp. Seji looked as though he had been possessed by spirits.

"Ehh! I wasn't ready!" Hikaru said. "Look at me! I'm a mess! Do another take!" Hikaru said getting frustrated. She was trying to snatch my camera from me. I dodged all her attempts.

"I'm not. This is you in your natural state. I like this one too much. Why do you want to do another retake?" I asked wondering.

"Of course someone as uncivilized as you wouldn't understand. I am the daughter of the owner of the Fukui Corporation. I have an image to keep." I stopped for a moment. I tried to recall where I heard of that name. Killua looked just as stumped as I. Seji got up.

"Are you guys serious?" Seji asked looking at us. I looked at Killua, and he looked at me. We both looked at Seji and shrugged. "Her father is the owner of the corporation that practically owns most of Yorbian continent." Seji said amazed.

"Never really cared about that type of thing." Killua said.

"Same. I really don't know much of the outside world." I deadpanned. Hikaru laughed.

"Well this is certainly amazing." She smiled. Her whole face was lit up by our words. She really was breathtaking.

"That's your father though. Not you." I stated. I wondered if I could be as beautiful as her.

"Yeah so why bother of your image? It's not like it's going to fix your hag image." Killua said. Hikaru looked at Killua and instead of shrieking at him, she just smiled. Her blue eyes were twinkling with good nature.

"At least Seji knew about the family business."

Killua bluntly asked. "Why are you taking the hunter exam if you're well off?"

"To prove that I am a worthy heiress. My father thinks I can't control the entire company by myself so he's looking for suitable suitors. I just want to have freedom to do what I want. Sure it's my dad that made the company great but I wouldn't mind inheriting the company. But I'm glad you guys think of me as a person instead the daughter of my dad's company." Hikaru said smiling at us. "I'm here to prove that I'm not just some object to be sold off." I looked around. Thoughts were swirling in my head. I was dumbfounded. Explains the bad attitude when I first met her. She just wanted to pass.

"I think you're amazing for being able to break out of what you know." Seji said. Hikaru was a bit shocked. "You've got guts to go against your father's wishes. I'm an orphan. I don't know anything about my parents, but that they're dead. I've lived in an orphanage for the longest time. I was always bullied and I thought that maybe if I took the Hunter Exam that maybe I could become someone I didn't' hate. But I'm glad I met you guys."

"Bleh is this a touchy feely emotional time?" Killua said. I laughed.

"Aw Killua, you just have to let the adults let it all out before they explode." I said. I wasn't going to confess anything. "I'm pretty sure you know about Kurapika and I. I know about you. We already had our touching conversation. I do think it's time to sleep. Who wants to keep watch first?" I said.

"I can do it. I'm not tired." Killua said.

Looking at him, I wondered what was going through his head. I shrugged. "You guys heard him. Let's catch some shut eye." Throughout the night, I tossed and turned. I couldn't help but wonder if Leorio, Gon, and Kurapika were going to pass. I hoped they would. I gave out a loud sigh.

"Can't sleep huh?" Killua asked.

"Damn straight I can't." I mumbled. I yawned, running my fingers through my hair. It needed a good brushing. I had used my bag as a pillow. I sat up. It would be a few more hours until daylight. "Let's switch. I can take it from here." Killua looked at me. He seemed to process everything in that small head of his.

"Alright. I'll wake up if I sense any danger." He gave me a warning.

"Whatever. I got this. You can use my bag and blanket." I said getting up.

"This test has been boring. I thought it would have been challenging." He said settling into my previous spot.

I smirked. "You haven't met the right people. Good for you, you haven't."

"I can't sleep." Killua said. I had walked around our small camp. Hikaru hadn't woken up. Her blonde hair was everywhere. Seji had fallen asleep sitting up. He too, hadn't woken. I sat next to Killua.

"Want me to tell you a story?"

"I'm not a little kid."

"To me, you are." I said ruffling his fluffy white hair. It was really soft.

"Tell me about you and Kurapika." He asked, his innocent devilish smile came out.

"W-what?" I stammered out blushing.

"Nothing bad. Just about your childhood."

"I see. And you'll fall asleep? Don't you know, kids that don't fall asleep when they stay short. The sleep is for their growth."

"Hmpf. I'll sleep. Now tell me." I sweatdropped. He was really demanding sometimes.

"Okay. Back when we were younger we would go out and try to have adventures. In fact, there was another boy we hung out with. His name was Pairo. He was around the same age as us. He had brown hair. He was our childhood friend. Sometimes for fun, we would ride these huge birds. Like a cross between a chicken and ostrich. You know, this isn't even my first language, so I don't know the right word for that type of bird. I remember in the beginning, to understand this language we had to read from the dictionary. It was really stressful trying to talk with Sheila." I chuckled to myself. "We as a group of three caused a lot of trouble for the elders. Kurapika would often be outspoken. He was a rebel. He was really proud and arrogant sometimes. Like him today, is more quiet and more mannered than before. So I was surprised when I saw how he turned out. His mother would be impressed. One time we pranked the village elder. Our elder was probably as short as you. He was really lenient on us though. The village elder, was my grandpa actually. He always said that us three together were more troublesome than an ill mannered boar. Well we pranked him by using a small rock to fall on his head when he opened the door. Gramps always fell for it. Now that I'm thinking about it, he probably expected it to happen. We were some troublesome kids." I was still rubbing Killua's head. I looked down and he was asleep. Smiling I continued to think about the past. Pairo might not have been strong, but he was reliable. I owed my life to him. He should have lived. I would always remember, I had the knife scar from where I was pierced. This life of mine, I can't throw it away so easily. Pairo's sacrifice would be in vain. It took me many years to realize that. So now I will be trying to live how I want, and to protect Kurapika. He is my precious friend after all.

Morning came slowly. It was fine with me. Sunrise was showing and the sky was beautiful to look at. The birds were chirping. They were telling a tale of how lovely it was to be alive. It was good, it meant danger wasn't around. Today was the day. I was ready for this test to be over.

"Morning." Hikaru said getting up stretching.

"Morning sleepy head."

"Ugh. I'll get breakfast started." Hikaru said turning around.

"Need me to go hunting?"

"Oh yeah, you're a wild brat."

"I take that as a yes." I got up and stretched my legs. They had fallen asleep as I sat next to Killua. In fact my butt didn't feel like it belong to me either. I slowly walked getting used to my feet again. I decided I wanted some fish, so I located a water source and jumped in. I caught eight seemingly normal fish. Walking back to the campsite, I was soaked. This is the second time I had gotten wet and had yet to take a shower. I needed a shower.

We hid ourselves efficiently waiting on the test to be over. I could tell there were other candidates ready. I spotted Hisoka's. He wasn't hiding but neither was anyone willing to take anything from him. He seemed restless.

Soon they announced that the test was over. They wanted everyone to arrive at the starting point. Any tags stolen after that announcement didn't count apparently. I was already good. Hikaru decided that needed a break from us so we didn't chase after her. Seji stayed beside me, seeing as how all the ones that were still here were monsters. He was actually amazed that Leorio had made it this far. He and Leorio seem to be about on par. Seems this time Leorio just had better luck. Killua stayed with me as well. He and I just clicked. I wondered vaguely if this is what it would be like to have a little brother.

We all came out in the open. I spotted Kurapika with Leorio and Gon. Killua and I waked over to them. He and Gon were already good friends. Kurapika gave me a hug. He told me about what all happened and how he chose Leorio as a suitable partner. I told him that somehow, I ended up with a group. Seji stood next to Leorio and they talked to one another. Finally, I saw Hikaru come to the starting point. I figured she wanted to be alone, hence the reason she left us. I just wanted to bask in Kurapika's attention for a little while longer.

Only Seji didn't pass. He stayed behind, waiting for the staff to pick him up and take him away from the test, while we boarded the airship.

Getting onto the ship had a feeling of nostalgia. It almost seem surreal. It's been only about a week and everything seemed to happen so fast. I felt like I didn't go through many near death experiences as some of the other candidates. Actually I had been lucky.

Kurapika and I decided to walk by ourselves. We were reminiscing about our past. He and I just finally talking without people around.

"To think you were still alive." Kurapika stated.

I scoffed. "I'm harder to kill than anybody realizes." Kurapika grimaced.

"I rather people didn't try to kill you."

I sighed. "Well right now people are probably trying to kill me cause I may know too much."

"I won't let them." He said looking at me seriously. I twinged a little inside.

"It's not a matter of you letting them, because right now, as you are, you are seriously weak. You would be killed, just for standing in their way."

"How did you get involve with these people?"

"They saved me. Taught me things to get revenge. But I later came to my senses after I made a friend."

"I will have to thank this friend." Kurapika said trying to lighten up the mood.

"You can't. She's dead. Because of me. So this is why I can't throw my life away. My life isn't just my life. It's filled with all the people who saved me."

"I will become stronger. I will protect you." I smiled.

"Kurabaka. I'm stronger than you. If anything I will be protecting you. We can protect each other. After all we only have each other." As we had almost made a lap we stumbled onto Gon. He looked to be in thought. His brows were furrowed. He hadn't even noticed us.

"Gon." Kurapika called out to him. He looked our way. "We're arriving to the last round."

"yeah."

"I managed to get this far and it's thanks to you." Kurapika politely spoke.

"What are you saying?" Gon questioned. I could already see the sweat drop forming.

"Gon. Are you alright?" I asked. He didn't seem to be like himself.

"Did something happen to you during the fourth round?" Kurapika questioned. "You looked a bit odd when we met up and it's been worrying me." He was still a worry wort. He had always had a strong sense of duty when it came to his friends.

"My target was Hisoka. I followed him and stole his tag, but I was also followed myself and immobilized by a poison dart. He didn't have any problems stealing my tags. Right after this, Hisoka took his own tag back and he came to put it next to me. 'I'm lending this to you' he said. I replied that I didn't want it,but he hit me, hard. 'I'll accept it the day you're able to do the same thing.." Gon paused for a moment. "I was really upset. Not being able to hit him back." Tears fell down his cheeks. He was crying. I wanted to soothe him but I just knew this wasn't going to help. Instead I squeezed Kurapika's hand. He gently squeezed back telling me he felt the way I did. I was reassured. "After that I felt really shabby and alone.. I had the impression that I didn't have enough strength to go on. So I wanted someone next to me. I wanted to be useful. That's why I was looking for all of you." Gon said smiling. He's such a child. I wanted to hug him.

"Gon." Kurapika spoke, "Leorio and I got here thanks to you. I sincerely thank you." Kurapika smiled. His eyes showed a warmness reserved for special friends.

"No. I'm the one. Thanks." Gon said. His innocence was so pure. This was so heartwarming. I felt that now was a good time for a hug. I pulled Gon into a hug.

"You're so nice, Gon." I said hugging him tightly.

"Nee-chan why are you hugging me?"

"I need a hug sometimes I said burrowing him deeper into me." Gon did hug me back and I winked at Kurapika. He smiled softly. Then the announcement rang. Candidate #44, Hisoka, was called in to speak to the president. I guess we all had to? Kurapika and Gon had to lead me there but I spoke to the president, when I was called.

The president asked why I wanted to be a hunter. So I told him about wanting to find Kurapika and how I was seeking out adventures.

He asked who had my most attention and so I told him Kurapika who is 404.

"By attention what do you mean?" I asked. I was confused.

"Just by attention. Doesn't matter. He has your interest right?"

"True.

Then the final question asked was who I wanted to fight the least. It was an obvious choice. I didn't want to fight Kurapika - 404, Leorio - 403, Hikaru - 294, Killua - 99, and Gon - 405. He dismissed me afterwards.

After the conversation I skipped back to the place I had left the guys. I wondered what was going to happen next. This was the final test. The hunter license was almost within my grasps.