It felt like they had been walking for longer then a hour when they finally caught sight of the cabin the old lady had mentioned to them. It was a nice cabin of a decent size and solid structure but looked to be unoccupied.
"Hello?" Leorio called out rapping his knuckles lightly on the front door and when he go no answer moved to open the door, which as it happened, was unlocked. "We're coming in…" And the small party was shocked at the scene they came upon. The room they entered was thoroughly trashed and standing there in the center was a tall furry creature, it's sharp, pointed teeth showed in a wicked grin, standing over a young man who was clearly injured and had in it's long pointed claws a young lady.
"Let her go!" Leorio shouted boldly racing towards the tall dangerous looking creature but it only widened it's grin before leaping effortlessly out of a previously broken window and into the night with the girl still in hand, or claw.
"A Kirito…' Kurapika whispered in surprise, instantly recognizing the magical and intelligent creature even without seeing it as it fled with it's prize.
"Come on Kura-nii!" Gon called out leaping out the window as easily as the creature had, not pausing for even a moment, confidant that his brother wouldn't be far behind.
"Right! Coming! Leorio, stay here and take care of him!" He shouted back to Leorio, gesturing towards to the injured man on the floor even though he was aware that Leorio was treating his wounds, the smell of antiseptic and blood alone was enough to tell that and proceeded to race to catch up with his little brother.
-x-
It hadn't taken Kurapika long to catch up to Gon and soon they both were leaping through the trees like they use to do back on Whale Island together after the Kirito. It had been Gon that had helped Kurapika improve his other senses, particular his hearing and smell, and not have to rely as much on his Nen to navigate the world around him. While he was still learning the true extent of his ability he had learned how to moderate his use of it, enough so that he would exhaust himself from simple things, like walking around the town. He had never told Gon about Nen but Gon had not pushed for answers, easily taking his new brother's odd ability at face value.
-Flashback (about 4 four years ago)-
Kurapika and Ging were sitting out in the warm sun on the deck of a ship headed for Whale Island when the older man turned to his temporary and one-time student and spoke seriously which was a rare thing indeed for the Hunter.
"Kid, I know I explained Nen to you, but that's only because you fall into that odd category of Specialist and your ability in particular could get dangerous, fatal at the worst. But you can not tell Gon anything about Nen, at least not anytime soon. He needs to figure that out on his own, at his own pace. Can you promise me that kid?" Kurapika could only find himself nodding his head in acceptance of the request.
-End Flashback-
"Gon! Tag team!" Kurapika shouted to Gon knowing at the smaller boy would know exactly what he meant. Gon nodded his understanding, giving him the thumbs up. Kurapika nodded back and suddenly increased his speed, just enough to be right next to the Kirito and swung his wooden swords down towards the creatures head. But it dodged his blow just barely by veering farther to the left, placing it right under Gon who dropped down from his perch in the higher branches, to hit the beast over the snout with his fishing rod. It instantly cried out in pain and dropped the girl right into Kurpika's waiting arms below.
"You surprised me boy! But you'll pay for that!"
"Wow, it can talk!" Gon exclaimed in surprise and excitement, almost lost his footing in the high branches but luckily recovered quickly enough to stay aloft.
"Yes, the Kirito are magical creatures and they can speak the just like humans! Don't get distracted!"
"Suge! That's so cool!" Gon exclaimed, clearly impressed. "And don't worry Kura-nii I'll be careful!" And he was off after the clawed, furry creature in the trees.
"And it's because you say that that I worry…" Kurapika muttered with a sigh and turned to girl who was now stirring in his arms. "Are you alright miss?" He asked as he lowered her to the ground gently. Again he was having that nagging feeling, a feeling that this girl wasn't all that she seemed. He had only to reach towards her with his Nen slightly to realize the truth. "Your a Kirito!" He exclaimed in shock, pulling his swords out swiftly and placed them right at her throat in a threatening manner.
"How?!" She asked, staring up at him in shock and confusion. The blonde Kurta had long since abandon his cloak back at the cabin in his need for speed and so his scars were plainly visible.
"Guess I'm just a bit different then most people…" He told her vaguely, still keeping his swords at her throat.
"Nen." She guessed after a moment of consideration. "You can use Nen." This time she said it more confidently.
"Your right… but I would appreciate it if you wouldn't tell my friends about that, that's something I would like to keep to myself. Now, hows about you start telling me the real reason behind this whole charade, yes?"
-x-
After giving her explanation the girl Kirito lead Kurapika back towards the Cabin where both Gon and Leorio were waiting with the young man from before who had been injured and two other Kiritos who look almost identical.
"Kura-nii! Welcome back!" Gon called out to his older brother with a beaming smile and wave even though the other boy couldn't see them as he and the girl Kirito drew closer.
"Thank you Gon." He said with a warm smile of his own patting the younger boy's head fondly when he hugged Kurapika.
"We are navigators for the Hunter Exam, our job is to lead promising applicants to the Exam's location. Since the location changes every year finding it is extremely hard without a navigator's help." The young man, who Kurapika had by now learned was also a Kirito, explained. "But we don't help just anyone." Leorio, Gon and Kurapika all gulped in trepidation, fearful of what was to follow. "Leorio-san, while you were unable to tell that I was a Kirito you bandaged and treated my wounds both quicker and more skillfully then any doctor could have and you were constantly comforting me that my wife was going to be okay. For your display of skill and kindness… you pass!" At that Leorio let out the breath he had been holding, allowing himself to fall to the ground in relief.
"Thank goodness…"
"Great job Leorio! You passed!" Gon congratulated him genuinely, sharing with him a friendly fist-bump.
"Yes, congratulations." Kurapika agreed with a smile and a nod. Then the girl Kirito spoke, but she turned to address Kurapika.
"Kurapika-san, your teamwork and easy cooperation with your brother and friend tells us that you have a great confidence and respect for them. Not to mention truly impressive tactical instinct and sword skills, for this… you pass as well!" Kurapika could not resist a pleased smile as Gon cheered for him wildly and Leorio congratulated him as the Kurta had for him. And the last to speak was one of the adult Kirtio who hadn't take a human form who turned to speak to Gon.
"Gon-kun, your ability to tell me and my wife apart, which I should mention has never been done before, is truly a feat in and of itself but also your teamwork and very impressive skill set leave me no doubt at all that you should pass!"
"Yata!" Gon cheered, leaping into the air with his fist raised high in triumph. And soon the three of them were heading off towards Zaban City and the location for the Hunter Exam.
A/N- This one came pretty fast! I think I'm on a roll! Maybe I'll have another chapter tomorrow! But no promises but I'm feeling good about this story! Thanks for reading and please leave lots of reviews! Thanks!