"What's taking so long? Didn't granny say the house was only two hours away?" Leorio glanced at his watch, seething. "Two hours was two hours ago!" he swore, stopping in front of a wooden picket fence. "Not another "Beware of Magical Beasts" sign!"

Riven thought the man was going to tear his hair out for sure. But Leorio had a point. The four companions should have reached the tree ages ago. Night had already fallen, and each of them, even Gon, had begun to grow irritated. Karasu wouldn't sit still on her shoulder.

Leorio had fallen slightly behind the others, since he stopped so often for his complaining performances. He was about to snap, Riven deducted. Suddenly Kurapika sighed, relieved. "I see it!" He pointed through the thick foliage of the forest. Sure enough, at the base of the giant cedar tree they had been in pursuit of, was a log cabin. As they trekked nearer, Riven noticed something...off about it.

Gon was the first to bound up the porch and knock on the door.

"Is anyone home?" Leorio called, after he had caught up from behind them, twisting the door knob and pushing forward. "We're coming in."

The ever surprised teenagers grew tense and ready, initiating defensive stances. A magical beast, with reddish-brown fur, clutched a woman in his claws. He had a long, narrow snout, much like a fox, and strong, powerful hind legs. Besides his hunched back, he appeared to walk like a human; this gave Riven the impression of a kangaroo. He also had long ears, and a thin stretch of skin between his arm and torso; wings. Karasu squeaked in warning.

"It's a Kiriko!" Kurapika warned. "It's a magical beast that can take human form. It's highly intelligent,"

"That man needs medical attention," he added.

The beast chuckled, his slanted eyes glowing red. In an instant, he used his muscle-rippled back legs to shoot out the window and take to the air. Gon dashed after it, propelling himself out the window as well.

"Leorio, Riven, stay here and take care of the man!" Kurapika ordered, leaping out of the window as well.

"Be careful," Riven called, already at the man's side with Leorio.

Both Gon and Kurapika had pursued the Kiriko with the grace of dancers, and Riven was a little envious. She shook off the feeling blooming inside of her for the moment. She needed to be ready for an attack at any given moment. However… The situation was very strange. For a lack of better words.

Riven sang a low kulning. In response, her white bird took out through the window after the blond.

"What's Karasu doing?" Leorio asked, attentively rolling the man on his back. His shoulder and chest were soaked in blood, but Riven laid his head in her lap anyway.

"Supervising. He'll be back when something we need to know happens. If Kurapika or Gon are injured, then he will caw once. If nothing is wrong and they don't need our assistance, then he will caw twice." She watched Leorio expertly wrap the injured man in bandages.

"Good plan."

The patient groaned. "Please, please... S-save my wife." A few tears were shed, and he began to shake, but Leorio wasn't deterred.

"Don't worry," he assured him. "Our friends will save her."

After Leorio gave the man a dose painkillers he had stashed away in his briefcase, Riven stood guard in the open doorway. It wasn't long before she heard a flurry of fluttering. She turned on her heel and approached the open window beside Leorio, her arm stretched out in a perch. Karasu landed and cawed three times.

"What does three mean?" Leorio rose to his feet and approached the window, wary. Riven tensed and whipped around. Karasu fluttered off of her arm and onto Leorio's head. He swatted at him, only to get pecked.

"Stupid bird! What's up, Riv?" Leorio asked again.

"Three caws means something unexpected happened," she whispered. She fixed her gaze on the injured man.

He was rising to his feet, completely not unconscious. He seemed to notice Riven's less than friendly demeanor and held out his hands before she could pounce on him.

"Who are you? And what the hell is going on?" Leorio demanded after joining Riven's side.

"I can explain..." the man grinned.

"Can you tell the difference between their face and voices?" Leorio whispered to Kurapika and Riven. Both shook their heads, flabbergasted.

The quartet, who were reunited, stood right outside of the cabin. In front of them was the man, who was curiously unharmed, the woman, who was curiously alive, and the two large Kiriko.

"Allow us to explain," the first one said. "We are a family of navigators. I'm the Husband."

"I'm the wife," the second Kiriko chimed.

"I'm the son," the man grinned.

"And I'm the daughter," the woman finished. The daughter turned to look at them each in the eye and said, "The exam site for the Hunter Exam changes every year, so it's very difficult to find. We are hired to lead participants there. However, we don't take just anyone, so we test them to see if they're qualified."

Then she turned to each of them. "Kurapika, you successfully used the most vague of hints to determine that we were not spouses. You saw that these tattoos in this particular region mean you're forever unwed." She wiped her hand across her skin, and the ink smeared. "This tells me you are very knowledgeable. Therefore, you pass."

The blond sighed in relief.

"That's amazing, Kurapika!" Gon congratulated.

The man looked at Leorio. "Although you didn't notice that my injuries were not real and that this was a test, you still fixed my up better and faster than any doctor." The blood hid the fact that there was no actual wound. And Leorio had no access to technology and no time to diagnose, just to treat. "Also, you continually comforted me about my wife. This told me you are kind and warm hearted. For this, you pass."

Out of the corner of her eye, Riven saw Leorio stand up straighter. She couldn't help but grin a little. The man then turned to her. "Riven, your control over your bird is absolute, and not to mention convenient. Your method of using him as a communication tool between you and your comrades' shows me you work well with others. You stood guard even when it seemed pointless. You are well prepared and cautious, thus, you also pass."

She received a pat on the back from Leorio, an impressed grin from Kurapika, and a 'way to go' from Gon. Karasu also sensed a happy air, so he squawked in delight. "Good job, kid," she patted his tail feathers.

The father Kiriko looked at Gon. "Gon, you're physical abilities and powers of observation make you worthy for the Hunter exam. You pass! Congratulations!" Needless to say, everyone was ecstatic. If anyone deserved to pass, it was Gon.

However, in addition to the new found relief, Riven felt an overwhelming sense of unease. She had passed, but this wasn't even the first phase of the Hunter exam.

Still, as the Kiriko carried her, Leorio, Gon, and Kurapika through the night sky, she let herself hope, let herself think she could do anything.

"Rivvy," a little girl whined, "My feet are sore. How much longer do we have to walk?"

Ten year old Riven glanced down at her little sister and their joined hands, her panic hopefully suppressed in a mask of calm. But probably not. Luckily, she had woken up enough to realize keeping her head for her sisters' sake was important. Looking around, Riven noticed that the other children still seemed just as confused.

"It shouldn't be too long now, Senette." She released her grip on her hand for a moment to ruffle her short, black hair. If she hadn't she probably would have clenched her fist too tightly and hurt the girl's arm.

After a deep breath, she slipped her spindly ten-year-old fingers back in place.

She carried Rene on her back, fast asleep; she was only four, and tired quickly. She tried to ignore the sharp bones that dug into her skin. Side effects of the dark place. No one had much fat on their frames.

Riven glanced up to where she walked; she certainly hoped they didn't have to go too far. It was becoming humid, and the air was thick, despite being so early in the morning. She was completely surrounded by sweating, confused children who barely had the will to stay awake. She stretched her gaze over their heads to see one of the seven willowy women, who was marching slowly with a torch still in her hands. She had a long stride. The kids near the back of the pack struggled to stay away from the boundaries.

When she had first laid eyes on the women, she had thought they would take her away from suffering, just like how they took the four children every week. But now, she felt a burning hate for them. She was tired, thirsty, and sore, but they forced her onward.

Riven couldn't see their faces, or who they were, but she also felt like they couldn't see her or the others. They were being herded like animals.

They were led through tall grasses, and even a sparkling river, both of which were oddities in the dark place. Riven could hardly recall the last time they trekked on even ground. She ached to her bones.

One girl, who Riven only really remembered through the confusion and panic from her bright red hair, tripped and collapsed. Riven hardly recognized her, exhausted and covered in dirt, but she eventually realized it was the girl who tried to save the infants.

The women didn't stop marching. The girl failed to rise to her feet, collapsing onto the grass. The last woman stepped over her, completely oblivious that there was a child beneath her feet. She shrieked and thrashed. Riven could make out sparks traveling violently through her body, a current. Riven removed her hand from Senette's grip to cover the girl's ear, pressing the side of her tiny head against her thigh to close the other one. This also kept her head in place so she couldn't turn around. Thankfully Rene was a heavy sleeper, because Riven had no means to cover her ears too.

Riven watched, sick to her stomach, as the girl convulsed on the ground. The wire passed over her completely, and she was no longer in the circle. Riven thought that more children would try to escape now; now they knew it was possible. But no one attempted a coup.

Looking behind her one last time, she saw why. The girl never got up. Three kids vomited from the smell.

It wasn't until the sun rose above the horizon .

Riven felt Rene stir in her slumber. The grey prairie grass had transformed into golden wheat that swayed gently in the wind. The tortuous hills that were so difficult to climb continued on, but now they had texture. The sun's first rays made the grey go away; grey, the only color Riven had ever known. Was this what the rest of the world looked like?

Two kids ran up and hugged one of the women. She was forced to stop marching, but she didn't shake them off. And she didn't hug them back.

Riven saw a fence peeking over the hills, wrapped in barbed wire. Back to the grey. The women were leading them right for it.

The closer they pushed, the farther Riven could see past the fence inside. It was a camp, peppered with long metal sheds that she imagined could be moved fairly quickly. When they stopped at the gate, a man in grey fatigues pulled a lever from inside a box. The children were ushered through. The golden wheat turned to dirt under their bare feet. Again they were not allowed to rest, lead past buildings and barracks. There were more guards, but even more people in dirty slacks. Riven watched lines of men and women, skinny and haggard, tremble as they lifted and passed on metal beams, constructing more of the long buildings. She wasn't allowed to look for long, forced along at the same brisk pace. The wires encircling them buzzed, a reminder.

They were brought to a square building with one heavy door.

Riven couldn't remember when she had been in a crowded area last. Well, one that wasn't doomed.

She looked at everything and everyone in awe. Who could blame her? The city of Zaban was overflowing with people of all races and colors trying to sell all merchandises. The merchant stands were placed on either side of the road, their owners shouting for attention.

"You haven't lived if you haven't tried Blue Devion fish!"

Riven was glad she had commanded Karasu to trail from a distance. He tended not to listen to her well when food was involved. And she had never been able to curb his stealing habit.

She and Gon were captivated with a sock stand, then a dumplings stand, and then by one that sold jewelry. The two were almost left behind, but Kurapika, Leorio, and the navigator slowed their pace. Gon tugged at her hand when he noticed they were slowing the others down, but she wouldn't budge.

"Where did you find that?" She asked, pointing at a necklace. Her head spun.

"Oh, that?" The woman, draped in a pink turban, pursed her lips. She held lifted it by a silver chain. A hexagon of topaz, deep blue. The frame branched out onto the gem like vines. "That's just a trinket, but it's modeled after a famous necklace that belonged to a queen from a distant land. No one really knows what happened to it; it's probably at the bottom of the sea by now."

"The sea? What do you mean?" Riven inquired, a little more enthusiastically than she intended.

"Well," the woman began, folding her wrinkled hands. "According to legend, it was stolen by pirates, whose ship sank in a storm." She leaned forward, grinning at Riven's eagerness.

"I'll tell you more about the pirates if you give me a hundred jenny."

Riven didn't know if she would have coughed up the doe even if she had it. A gentle hand nestled on her shoulder.

"No deal. Sorry," Kurapika said politely, pulling Riven along. The woman chuckled in a rasping voice.

"Men are so handsome these days."

For the rest of the way to the exam site, the girl faced forward and drowned everything out. It wasn't very subtle, apparently, since everyone noticed.

"Is something wrong, Riven?" Gon asked worriedly. She tired to smile and shook her head.

"I'm not accustomed to big crowds," she explained. It was true, usually. She tried her best to stay interested in her companion's conversations, especially when they stopped directly in front of a skyscraper.

"So this is where hundreds of applicants gather every year," Leorio murmured.

Riven tensed. They were here. Her neck hurt just from looking to the top floor. It was barely visible. "There must be at least fifty floors." She wasn't sure if she was impressed or intimidated.

"Actually..." the navigator chuckled, "this is the exam site."

All four heads swiveled to see a one story tall shack. The windows were dirty, the door was crooked, but it was obviously a restaurant. Riven couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. They followed the man through the entrance. Pausing, Riven turned and gave a soft kulning. Instantly, a flash of white plummeted to her arm. Karasu's feathers were a mess from the wind. It made her grin.

Riven couldn't imagine the restaurant would allow a pet bird, so she tucked him under her blouse, just as she had done on the ship.

She and her new friends entered the building grimly. The man behind the counter gave them death glares so soulful, Riven would have believed him if he told her she had killed his family.

"A steak combo that will open your eyes for four, please."

The chef's eyes widened a fraction, before narrowing. "And how would you like done?"

"Oh, are we going to eat first?" Gon whispered. "I don't know who's going to pay, but..."

"On a low flame, until cooked," requested the navigator. Riven blinked.

The man led all five of them into the back room. It was a fancy waiting area, especially compared to the dump it was connected to.

"Wait here," the navigator told them.

"What do you mean? Where are the others?"

"I can't wait for the steak combo!" Gon licked his lips. Kurapika gave an exasperated sigh, then broke the news that they would not be eating.

"One in ten thousand," The navigator spoke suddenly. "That's your chances of making it this far. You've done very well. Good luck!" Their navigator was just about to close the door, when Gon stuck out his hand.

"Thank you!" Surprised, he took it and gave a firm shake.

"I'll show you the way next time, too," he promised. Then he was gone. In a jerk, the room began to shake.

"What the-!?"

"It's an elevator," Riven realized, pulling up one of the chairs at the table. She slipped her hand in her small carrying bag and removed a vial, opening her jacket and encouraging Karasu to drink. "To help him sleep as I carry him," she explained at the curious looks.

"So," Leorio started as the others took their seats as well, "didn't you think that guy was being a jerk? He acted like he didn't think we were going to pass."

"Three in a million..." Kurapika murmured, looking at Leorio.

"What's that?" Riven asked, leaning forward to hear better.

"The chances of a rookie passing." The blond gave serious gazes to each member of the table.

"That low?" Leorio gasped. Gon's eyes were wide as well.

Riven tucked Karasu back into her tunic. Her trump card to help those very odds. Her blood was rushing from the anticipation. Looking at Kurapika, she didn't understand how he could be so calm.

Her knife felt heavy in her boot, hidden, like her bird.

She smiled slightly as Kurapika and Leorio argued about their stance on pessimism and optimism. She thought, briefly, that they looked like family. For some reason, their presence was more comforting than her weapon.

This chapter was edited/proofread a little more thoroughly on 4/25/18. Please let me know if there are any major mistakes or inconsistencies that I missed =D

Lin