Weapons and Exams
The violent storm winds whipped around Ruby, Yang, and Gon as they pulled on the ropes. The storm had created a waterspout and if the ship got pulled in, everyone would be doomed.
The rope Ruby was pulling, shook free from nearly all the other sailors, except her and one other, but the two weren't enough to stay anchored. The rope whipped them both into the air, sailing across the ship.
"Ruby!" Ruby barely heard her name being shouted by Yang and Gon. She saw that she and the sailor were about to be thrown overboard!
She grabbed him by the pants, the quickly pulled out and unfurled her weapon, Crescent Rose, into its scythe form. She barely had time to slash into the ship. Ruby was hanging over the deck, the sailor hanging by his belt.
Ruby felt her weapon shake, she saw it was about to shake loose.
If nothing else…
Ruby used all her strength to throw the sailor back to safety, just as Crescent Rose was shook off. For a few seconds, time seemed to slow down. Was this it? Was she going to die? She didn't even make it to the hunter exam.
"Ruby!" Suddenly Gon appeared over the deck and grabbed the other end of Crescent Rose.
Ruby's eyes widened in horror. He was going to fall in with her.
Or at least he would have if Leorio and Kurapika hadn't grabbed his legs.
"Ruby! Gon!" Yang soon joined them and helped them pull them back up.
Once Ruby and Gon were back on deck safely, Yang hugged them in a bone crushing hug… before smacking them over the heads.
"Are you both crazy? You almost died!" Yang shouted.
"You'd be shark bait if it wasn't for us and don't you forget it," Leorio snapped.
"Honestly, how reckless can you be?" Kurapika asked, arms crossed.
"Sorry," Ruby said, "But he was in trouble."
"And besides, you guys caught us," Gon said.
"Maybe so, but don't act like we're always going to be here," Yang said, "As much as I love you, I can't be around you 24/7. Try to be a little more careful."
"Okay Yang," Ruby said.
"Sorry, Yang."
Yang sighed, and hugged them again, "But I'm proud of you. You saved that guy and you helped each other out. You're already two heroes."
The two smiled into the hug.
Watching the family hug, gave the two boys some peace. They couldn't help but smile at the scene.
"I'm embarrassed by my behavior," Kurapika began, "Please pardon my behavior, Mr. Leorio."
"I wasn't expecting that," Leorio said, he quickly looked away embarrassed, "Just forget it, you can drop the 'Mister.' Leorio's just fine. I'm sorry too, and I take back everything I said before. It was wrong of me."
"Aw," Yang decided to get involved, "This calls for a group hug," she grabbed her fellow applicants into a hug.
"Hey, knock it off," Leorio struggled to get out of her grasp.
"That-that won't be necessary," Kurapika equally struggled.
"Yang leave them alone," Ruby scolded.
Gon just laughed.
After they landed, the group had won over the captain with their antics; so he told them a secret. They needed to go to the giant tree at the top of the hill. At first, only Gon, Ruby, Yang, and Kurapika believed it and were going, until…
"Wait for me!" Leorio ran until he caught up to the group.
"Hey Leorio," Yang teased, "Long time no see."
"Ha ha," Leorio said sarcastically, "I just figured you guys would get lost without me and it's not fun traveling alone."
"Sure," Yang said.
As the group traveled along, Ruby glanced between Yang and Kurapika. If Kurapika was a Kurta, then he was a relative of Yang. Ruby looked at her sister, Yang was always cheerful and fun, but she always hid her eyes, the fact she was a Kurta. Ruby knew Yang never brought it up, but she felt lonely because of it.
She looked back at Kurapika, they hadn't talked about it yet. But so far, Yang hadn't told Kurapika that she was a Kurta too. If possible, Ruby wanted them to get along. She didn't want Yang to be lonely, and while Ruby didn't know Kurapika well, he seemed lonely too.
She wanted them to know, they had family, however distantly related they were. However, Ruby promised her dad and Yang, she'd never tell anyone Yang was a Kurta. It was always Yang's decision if she wanted to tell someone. So, Ruby couldn't tell Kurapika
Ruby wasn't very good at socializing. Sure, she was friendly, but not very good at making new friends. What did Yang say? Talk about your interests?
"So," Ruby pulled Crescent Rose, "This is my weapon," she put it into scythe mode with a loud clang.
That caused Leorio to jump a bit, "Oh yeah, the big… scythe."
"It's also a customizable, high impact sniper rifle," Ruby said.
"What?"
"It's also a gun," Gon answered.
Kurapika looked at the giant weapon, "So, this is a hybrid weapon? I heard they were popular in some circles."
"Yep," Ruby said, "Our uncle is a Hunter, and our dad's a retired Hunter. They both said we should have weapons during the exam. My uncle helped me design mine," Ruby put her weapon away, "What do you guys got?"
"Uh…" Leorio said.
"Well, it's not as impressive as yours Ruby," Kurapika pulled out two wooden swords tied together.
"Ooh," Ruby said impressed.
"I… got this knife," Leorio showed Ruby, "It's just a knife."
"Well, I like it," Ruby smiled, "Not everyone has an appreciation for the classics. And besides, Gon doesn't have a weapon at all."
"I have a fishing pole."
"That's not a weapon Gon," Ruby said, she looked towards Yang, "Yang's is pretty cool too."
Leorio and Kurapika looked at Yang. Curiosity on their faces.
Yang looked around, she spotted a rock and smirked, "Watch and learn," Yang's bracelets extended into their gauntlets as she took a fighting pose. Then as she threw several punches, the guns in her gauntlets shot bullets, shattering the rock.
Kurapika and Leorio were surprised. Leorio looked nervous.
Yang looked at them when she was done with her demonstration, "Gives my punches more fire power."
"Remind me to not piss her off," Leorio whispered to Kurapika.
The group continued on their way. Ruby looked towards Kurapika again.
"So," Ruby began, "When I asked our dad about what to expect from the exam, he said the content changed every year. But he said there's always fighting, right Yang?"
"Yeah," Yang agreed, "I'm not worried though," Yang shrugged, "I'm sure we'll do just fine."
"The exam is infamously difficult," Kurapika said, "You should take it seriously."
Yang looked ahead, "Sure."
Ruby frowned. Whenever, Kurapika started talking, Yang would duck out of the conversation. Like she was trying to avoid him.
After passing the old lady's strange test, the group were hiking up the mountain.
"You'll reach the top in two hours," Leorio mimicked the old woman, "Well, it was two hours, two hours ago."
"Hey, another sign," Ruby pointed. They had been seeing warning signs for magical beasts in the area.
Leorio groaned before complaining that he was hungry.
"Try to keep up Leorio," Gon just called back.
"I think that's it," Yang pointed to the top of the giant tree. The group got closer and found a log cabin at the base of that tree, "What a cute house," Yang couldn't help but say.
They knocked, but no answer came.
"We're coming in."
They opened the door.
"Sorry for intruding-…"
Ruby stopped when she saw the state of the house. The room was a mess, in the center was large yellow monster, standing over an injured person.
The monster turned to face them and they saw it was holding a trembling woman.
"A magical beast!"
"It's a Kiriko, they're able to change shape and are extremely intelligent."
"Put her down," Yang shouted as she brandished her gauntlets.
The kiriko just snickered and jumped out the window, taking the poor woman with it. Without another word, Ruby and Yang jumped after it.
The two sisters ran after the creature. Ruby pulled out Crescent Rose, keeping it in sniper form.
"Yang, get ready to catch her," Ruby focused as she took aim, she didn't want to hurt the woman. The second Ruby got it in range she pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the creature's shoulder, not enough to kill it, but enough to make it drop the woman.
Yang quickly used her gauntlets to shoot forward, sliding under and catching the woman.
"You little brat," the kiriko shouted, "You'll pay for that."
"It can talk?" Yang asked as the creature ran further into the forest.
"The kiriko," Kurapika and Gon finally managed to catch up to Ruby and Yang, "Are magical creatures capable of human speech."
"I'm going after it," Ruby said.
"I'm coming with you," Gon said before looking at the two blonds, "Can you take care of her?"
"Yes," Kurapika said.
"Be careful you two," Yang said.
Ruby and Gon ran into the forest, looking for the monster. Ruby shifted Crescent Rose into scythe form. When they reached a clearing they heard snickering, "You're pretty fast for a couple of kids."
They looked up to see the kiriko standing on a tree, shoulder bleeding, "You actually hit me. That's pretty impressive."
Ruby took a stance while Gon, looked confused. He started looking around.
"Come down here and I'll gladly show you more," Ruby said, she wasn't going to let this thing hurt anymore people.
The kiriko jumped and landed in front of them.
"Well," the creature's claws grew longer, "I'd like to see you try."
Ruby yelled as she swung her scythe and the kiriko lunged forward.
"So, who are you?"
Gon's question, stopped the fight completely. Ruby's scythe stopped and so did the claws. Ruby looked at Gon confused, "Huh?"
Gon just looked at the kiriko, "You're not the one we were chasing, are you?"
"What?" Ruby asked, "Gon I think you need to-…"
"Hold on," the kiriko said, "How can you tell I'm not the same one as the one before?"
"What?" Ruby looked back confused, "But, that's the wound I gave you."
The false wound vanished instantly, "Kid, we can alter our appearances and create fake injuries. It's easy."
"Uh…"
"I can tell you're not the same one easily," Gon continued, "You look totally different. Your voice is different too, it's higher and kinda thinner."
"Uh…" Ruby felt more and more confused.
The kiriko then burst out laughing, "Hey! Hey honey! C'mere you're gonna get a kick out of this.
An hour later, the group and the four kiriko were standing in the house. Apparently, the kiriko actually lived in the house. The couple that was "attacked" were kiriko as well. They were part of the exam process. They were navigators who would judge applicants and decide whether or not to pass. The exam site moved every year, so they could help.
"Seriously, how many more tests do we have to take before actually take the real test?" Yang complained.
"Don't worry," the daughter kiriko said, "Mr. Kurapika has shown he is very knowledgeable. Mr. Leorio demonstrated admirable empathy and kindness when he was helping an injured person. Gon you're superhuman abilities and powers of observation defy logic, you're worthy to take the exam."
"If only he had those powers in school," Yang muttered.
"Ms. Yang."
"Yeah."
"You showed no hesitation to jump in to rescue someone in danger, so you pass as well."
"Nailed it!"
"Ruby, you were willing to stand up to a dangerous creature to protect Gon, your bravery shows us you're ready for the exam too. All of you have passed."
"Yes," Ruby jumped up and down excited, "Oh um," she quickly stopped, "Sorry I shot you."
"Don't worry about it happens every now and again."
The next day the group were taken to Zaban City. After being led to a family restaurant the group of applicants were taken to a private room.
"I can't wait for that steak combo."
"Gon, that was just the password," Yang said.
"So, we don't get to eat?" Gon asked.
Yang dug through her bag and gave Gon some beef jerky, "Here you go, kiddo."
The five sat down around the table, then suddenly the room shook.
"It seems, this room is actually an elevator," Kurapika observed.
"So, the exam's going to take place underground?" Ruby guessed.
"The first part at least," Yang thought.
"Once every three years," Kurapika thought out loud.
"Huh?" Leorio asked.
"It's how often a rookie passes the exam," Kurapika explained.
Ruby couldn't help but let out a small whine at the reminder. That caught the boy's attention.
"You okay Ruby?" Leorio asked.
"Sorry," Ruby said, "It's just, Yang and I have to pass on our first time."
"Why is that?"
Yang sighed, "Remember when we said our dad's a retired Hunter? Well, our mom was a Hunter too."
"Is she retired too?" Leorio asked.
Ruby looked down sadly, "No, she…"
When Ruby went silent, the boys quickly realized, their mom; was dead.
Leorio flinched when he realized he guessed wrong.
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Kurapika said.
Gon reached out and held both Ruby and Yang's hands. He knew Aunt Summer's death was really hard on them.
"Don't be," Ruby said, "I'm proud my mom was a Hunter, but dad is against me and Yang becoming Hunters. The only way we could take the exam is if we made a deal."
"If we take the exam once and fail, we can never try again," Yang explained, "So, we're… Well, we really need to pass."
"And you will," Gon chirped as he ate his jerky, "We'll all pass together, just like the other tests on the way here."
"I understand," Kurapika said, "It won't be easy. The exam is mentally and physically taxing. It's also not uncommon for veterans to break the rookies so badly, they never retake the test."
"That's what are uncle said," Yang remembered, "He said, 'When you're taking the exam, be careful, it's full of assholes.'"
"His exact words," Ruby raised a finger.
"What type of guy is your uncle?" Leorio asked.
"So that's why people who want to be Hunters, are willing to risk everything for it?" Gon asked.
"You hit the nail, right on the head my little friend," Leorio stood up, "Being a Hunter means making more money than anyone in the world."
"Wrong," Kurapika stood up in opposition, "People become Hunters to join the worlds most noble profession!"
Then the two got into an argument over being a Hunter.
"This again," Yang sighed.
Ruby let out a nervous chuckle as Gon at his jerky.
Yang stood up, "Normally, I cause fights, but this time…"
"Hey guys," the two then turned to the family, "Which one of us do you think is-…" Yang grabbed their head and conked them together.
The two cringed as they held their foreheads.
"What the hell Yang?"
Yang silenced them with a glare, "Calm down, and shut up. We're not having this fight again, got it!"
"Yes ma'am," Leorio whimpered.
With the elevators ding, the mood suddenly changed when they stopped and the doors opened. The group entered the tunnel and was met with a tense atmosphere.
The tunnel was filled with applicants, but it obvious these ones were different than the ones they met on the journey there. Everyone was looking at the new arrivals with intense looks.
"Yeesh," Yang muttered, "Talk about moody."
"The air is intense," Leorio said.
"Everyone here is a master in their own right," Kurapika said.
"Look at all the beautiful weapons," Ruby seemed to be the only one oblivious to the intense mood and was about to get closer to look at the applicant weapons.
Yang quickly grabbed her hood and dragged her back, "Ruby sit!"
"Excuse me," Gon called. Then Yang also grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.
"Gon, you sit too."
Luckily the crowd decided they weren't worth anything and went back to their own business.
"Looks like everyone is on edge here," Gon said.
"Yeah," Yang said, "Let's watch our step."
"Hello," a short green man appeared in front of them holding badges, "Please take your number badge thank you."
He gave each of them a number badge. Leorio got 403, Kurapika got 404, Gon got 405, Yang got 406, and Ruby got 407.
"Be sure to wear this on your chest at all times please, and be careful not to lose it," then the little green man disappeared.
"Don't think I've seen you five before."
The voice came from a middle aged man in a blue shirt sitting on a pipe up on the wall. He jumped down and approached them with a friendly smile.
"You can tell it's our first time here?" Gon asked.
"More or less," the man said, "It's my thirty-fifth attempt so its getting easier."
"You tried thirty-five times?" Everyone but Kurapika exclaimed. Ruby released another small whine.
No, I will pass this time! Don't get discouraged, I will pass this time.
"I guess you could say I'm a Hunter exam veteran."
"More like in denial," Yang muttered.
"Yang!" Ruby whispered.
"If you have any questions, just ask, I'll be happy to help out."
"Thanks a lot," Gon said.
"By the why, my names Tonpa," He finally introduced.
"Hi, I'm Gon, this is Kurapika, Leorio, and my cousin's Ruby and Yang." Ruby gave a shy wave.
Tonpa then explained some of the veterans who were also taking the exam. Ruby was admiring the club that was also a blow dart, when the air was suddenly filled with screaming.
Everyone looked, to see a poor man's arms being turned into flowers! Ruby gasped in horror at the sight.
"My, how unusual," purred a deep honeyed voice, "It seems this mans arms have turned into flower petals," The man had red hair, was as pale as a ghost, and had a card suit themed outfit, "Now you see them, now you don't," through the whole ordeal, he had a wide scary grin, "You should be more careful. And do apologize if you bump into someone."
Yang didn't know when, but her hands where on Ruby and Gon's shoulders. She pulled them closer when she saw the man. He just oozed danger.
"Just perfect, the psychopath is back again," Tonpa said grimly.
"You know that guy?" Gon asked.
"So, does that mean he tried last year?" Kurapika asked.
"Who is he?" Ruby asked nervously.
"Number 44, Hisoka the magician," Tonpa explained, "He was the number one pick to past last years exam. Until, he almost killed an examiner he didn't approve of."
"He tried to kill someone because he didn't approve of them?" Yang asked in disbelief.
"Then what the hell is he doing here?" Leorio asked, "They're letting him retake the exam after something like that?"
"Of course they are," Tonpa said, "They change content and examiners every year, and the examiners choose the new material. The devil himself could pass the exam if examiners say it's okay."
Ruby looked back towards Hisoka. Uncle Qrow told her that the examiners passed people because they were strong, not because they were good. Ruby didn't expect every one of the applicants to be a nice person, but they let someone who'd commit murder on the spot take the exam?
That's why you're here. To make it better.
Ruby took in a breath. She wanted to become a Hunter to help people and make the world a better place. One day, she was going to be strong enough to stop people like Hisoka.
Yang narrowed her eyes at the magician. Normally, she'd be fully ready for a fight, but something was telling her to steer clear from Hisoka. But more than that, she had to keep him from Gon and Ruby. She didn't want that freak anywhere near her family.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Tonpa started pulling out cans of orange juice.
Ruby suddenly, saw something in the distance. Her eyes lit up as she walked towards it.
Tonpa began handing out juice to the others, "One for you and one for… Where's Ruby?"
"Huh?" Yang looked to see her sister, "Oh no," Yang dropped her juice, and ran into the crowd. If there were more applicants like Hisoka, Yang wanted to keep a close eye on her sister, "Gon stay with them, I'll be right back."
Weiss frowned at the display she saw. The red-haired man was dangerous.
"Hisoka's back," Weiss heard one of the applicants whisper. So, his name was Hisoka. He was one of the few applicants who knew Nen. And Weiss could tell, he was strong, maybe as strong as Illumi.
This isn't good. If I wind up having to fight him, I'll lose.
Weiss took in a breath, she needed to stay calm. She would take this exam one step at a time, and then-…
"Can I look at your sword?"
Weiss nearly jumped at the voice. She turned to see a girl, younger than her, wearing a red hood, staring at her sword like it was a priceless jewel.
"What?"
"Your sword," Ruby said, "Can I look at it, please?"
"What- No," Weiss said indignantly.
"Aw, why not."
"I'm not giving my sword to a stranger," Weiss snapped.
"I just wanna look," the girl said, "It's a multi-action dust rapier, right?"
Weiss blinked; she didn't think this girl could identify her sword that easily. She was acting like a five-year-old
"It is… but I'm not letting you look at it," Weiss snapped, "What are you even doing here?"
"I'm here to take the exam," the girl pointed to her number badge.
"You're acting like a little kid, and aren't you a little young," granted Killua was younger than her, but Killua was… special. He could survive the exam easily, "This exam is dangerous, you'll die so easily. Go home to your mom."
"Hey," the girl snapped back, "You're not exactly an adult either!"
"I'm still older, and I guarantee I'll pass this exam easily," Weiss crossed her arms.
"Well," the girls face became red, "If you judge someone by their age, you don't deserve to be a Hunter!"
Weiss scoffed, "How dare you, you little-…"
"Weiss!"
Weiss yelped when Killua seemed to come from no where and jumped onto her back, "Killua, are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Oh, come on sis," Killua got off her back, he pulled out some orange cans, "I got more juice from Mr. Tonpa."
Weiss sighed, "Why are you drinking that?"
"Because I'm thirsty," Killua smiled as he grabbed Weiss's hand and pulled her away from the girl in the hood.
"I have water," Weiss said, "You shouldn't be reckless, just because you're immune to poison."
Poison? Did Ruby hear that right?
"Ruby!" Ruby turned to see Yang running up to her, "Ruby, we need to stay together during this exam," Yang grabbed Ruby's hand, "Let's meet back up with the others."
"Uh…" Ruby gave one last glance at the white-haired siblings, "Okay."
As Yang led Ruby back, Ruby noticed a tall man. He was creepy looking, creepier than Hisoka. If his height wasn't scary, the piercings all over his face was. Ruby realized, he was looking in the direction that Weiss and her brother walked toward.
"It's still pretty tasty even though it's poisoned," Killua said.
"That's not-… uh, you're going to be the death of me," Weiss complained.
Killua noticed the scar on Weiss's face again and frowned.
"What happened? Where'd you get the scar?" Killua asked.
"Oh, this?" Weiss asked, "Winter took me on one of her missions. There was possession monster that took over a statue of a night that was wreaking havoc on a small town. I ended up being the one to fight and kill it, but it managed to punch me in the face."
Killua never liked seeing Weiss hurt. Not during training and not now. His hand slightly tightened its grip on hers.
"I found Ruby," Yang called as they rejoined Gon and the others, "She's alive and all her limbs are attached."
"That's good," Gon went up to hold Ruby's hand.
"Ruby you gotta watch it," Leorio said, "Even with that big ass scythe, it's still dangerous here."
"Heh, sorry."
Suddenly, an alarm went off, and farthest wall began to rise, revealing a thin man.
"Look alive guys," Yang whispered.
"Thank you for waiting," the man said, he must had been an examiner, "I apologize for the delay, the entry period for the Hunter exam is officially closed. So, without further ado, the Hunter Exam will begin."
"Finally," Ruby whispered.
"One final word of caution," the examiner said, "If you're short on luck, or ability, keep in mind there is a real chance you'll be seriously injured. Death is another distinct possibility."
Ruby held both Gon and Yang's hands. They could do this. They had to do this!
"If you're willing to accept the risks involved, I'll ask you to follow me now. But the rest of you, kindly exit through the elevator located behind you."
No one moved from their spot. No one was dropping out now.
"Right then, all 406 applicants will participate in phase one," the man turned around and started walking peculiarly. The crowd of applicants started to follow.
"Yeah, I didn't think anyone was going to leave," Leorio commented, "but I was hoping a few would duck out at least."
"If they all went through what we did," Ruby said, "No way were they going to quit now."
The group noticed that the people in front of them were starting to run. Not wanting to be left behind, the group began running as well.
"Why are we running?" Yang asked.
"It's because he's picking up the pace," Kurapika said.
"How rude of me," the examiner declared, "I failed to introduce myself, I am Satotz; your examiner for the first phase of the exam. It's my responsibility to lead you all to the second phase."
"Second?" Someone called, "What ever happened to the first?"
"The first phase, is already underway," Satotz explained, "The first phase is quite simple, all you have to do, is follow me to the second phase, so try to keep up."
"Follow you? There's nothing else?"
"That's right," Satotz confirmed, "I can't tell you where or when we must arrive. You need only to follow me."
The crowd started murmuring.
"I see how it is," Kurapika said.
"This exam is weird," Gon complained.
"Sounds a lot like a basic endurance test to me," Leorio said, "That's right up my alley. Keep running pal, I'm right behind ya."
"Okay boys and sis," Yang declared, "Let's go."
"Yeah," Ruby cheered.
The first phase had begun, it was time to see what they were all made of.
I am putting a curse on my fic
Please leave a review for every chapter you read. Or Illumi Zoldyck will break into your room at night and watch you sleep with his soulless void eyes.
BWA HA HA HA HA!
