Story Um... hi. I wrote a story. Please judge me harshly.

[Hall Kervean]

This is Halo and Hunter x Hunter crossover. It'll start off really similar to the actual 2011 anime, but it changes very majorly about halfway through.
Criticism is welcome.
As a grammar cop myself, pointing out any grammatical error would be helpful too.


“Are we ready to cast off!?” The captain shouted. A chorus of “ayes” resounded around the deck of the wooden boat. Suddenly, the deck creaked, and the ship listed to starboard slightly. Everyone turned to see what had caused this slight unbalance. A man had stepped aboard the boat. Covered in what appeared to be green armor and holding what one could only assume to be a rifle, the man walked up to the captain.
“Is this ship going to Dolle.” The man asked in a firm, yet calm, voice. The captain stuttered, but managed to respond in the positive. The man nodded.
“Where do I bunk.” He said. He made every question seemed like a statement.
“Below decks.” The captain said. The man nodded again and obediently stepped belowdecks. The captain scratched his head in curiosity. A boy boarded at that moment, and much of the town gathered next to the harbor. They applauded and cheered for him, and began shouting encouragements. The boy wore green clothes and had a huge head of spiky, dark green hair. His shirt was long-sleeved, almost coat-looking, but was apparently his actual shirt. He wore extremely short, green cargo shorts and a pair of huge green boots. His clothes were a very bright green, nearly gleaming in the sunlight. He was around 4 feet in height, but his hair made him 5 feet. He was tan, from years spent outside. He also had a pretty solid build, comparatively, due to all the time he spent outside. His huge brown eyes had a sheen that his clothes could not match. Part of it was the sunlight, but it was mostly the life that seemed like no one could extinguish.
“Cast off!” The captain shouted. The men let up the anchor and gangplank. Any other latecomers would not be able to board. The boy stayed on the deck, waving behind at the town as they began sailing away. When the boat turned out to sea, the boy climbed to the absolute stern and continued to wave.
“I’m going to become the best Hunter in the world!” The boy shouted at the town. He couldn’t be heard from so far away, but he didn’t seem to care. “Once I’m the best Hunter in the world, I’ll come back!” This set off a series of laughs from the examinees on the deck. The boy turned.
“He doesn’t respect us.” One of the men said, grinning malevolently.
“Each year there are millions of skilled applicants for the Hunter Exam.” Another said, explaining why they found it funny to the boy. “But only a handful are selected.” The boy began walking towards the bow, but saw a cabin boy drop a crate of green apples. The other sailors laughed at him.
“Hey, losers!” The captain shouted. “Don’t slack off!”
“A-Aye, sir!” The two men who were laughing at the cabin boy shouted, suddenly afraid and respectful. The captain stared down at the cabin boy, who hurriedly picked up the apples and stood.
“Wait!” The boy grabbed an apple and tossed it into the box. Th cabin boy had to make an effort, but managed to catch it.
“Thanks!” Shouted the cabin boy, before hurriedly running belowdecks. The boy smiled and waved, but something about the seagulls circling the crow’s nest caught his attention.
“A storm’s coming.” The boy said. The captain looked at the boy in surprise.
“How can you tell, boy?” Asked the captain, confused.
“That’s what the seagulls are saying.” Said the boy. “Plus…” He began sniffing the air. Suddenly, he jumped onto the railing, before climbing up the Jacob’s ladder at an almost frightening speed. He reached the crow’s nest, and began sniffing the sea air again.
“It’s a huge storm that’s coming!” The boy shouted down at the captain. “It’s true… I can tell by the smell!” The boy stared at the captain intently, as if daring the man to question him. The man didn’t.

The waves lifted the ship high above the water, before crashing it back down to the surface. It was a miracle the ship’s chines didn’t collapse under the impact. A swell hit the port side of the boat hard, and the people belowdecks flew to starboard as the ship listed. In similar fashion to a Newton’s Cradle, the ship tipped to port, and the most examinees were flung to that side.
“Captain!” One of the deck hands shouted at the captain on the bridge. “The mast won’t last much longer!”
“Don’t be silly, the fun’s about to start!” The captain exclaimed. A large wave towered over the ship. It seemed to be nearly the size of a rogue wave, likely topping 70 feet. The ship headed straight towards it in order to crest the peak. “Let’s fly!” The captain shouted. He managed to crest the wave and, with the momentum gained from it, flew above the lower waves and land in a slightly calmer area.
The storm had settled to mere 4 foot swells and pounding rain when the captain went belowdecks to observe the examinees, or, far more likely, what remained of them. When he opened the door to the examinees’ cabin, he began laughing. Supplies had been stowed well, so most of them remained upright. However, the examinees had not been tied down, and most were strewn across the deck, seemingly unable to move.
“Pathetic. Not one of them can stand! And they’re supposed to be taking the Hunter Examination!” The captain guffawed.
“Here are some herbs.” The captain heard a high-pitched voice say. Turning, he saw the boy who predicted the storm offering herbs to a man lying against a pillar.
“W-Water…” The man requested.
“It’s coming, so hold on.” The boy reassured the man.
“That boy…” The captain muttered. He heard a hammock groan, and turned to see a boy reading a book, calmly lying in the hammock. The boy had completely white clothes, but also sported a blue tabard with red lining. He also had a slightly dirty-white satchel. He had a good amount of blonde hair, and had grey eyes. Hearing a crunch, the captain turned and saw a man in a blue suit and green tie sitting behind a crate. The man was holding a green apple and reading a magazine of some sort. The man made a face.
“Huueeeee!!” Squealed the man. “That is one sour apple.” The captain smiled. There are a few tough nuts aboard the captain thought. He heard a creak and looked up. A man in towering green armor stared down at him through his golden-orange visor. The man had several weapons, including a pair of SMGs, some sort of rifle, a pistol, and a knife. On closer inspection, the man was also inside some sort of bodysuit. Somehow, the captain hadn’t noticed as the man approached him.
“Sir, is there any way I can assist the passengers or crew.” The man asked the captain.
“Come with me to the bridge.” The captain said. “You three! Boy! You in the hammock! And you eating the apple! Come with me to the bridge.” He shouted. The three stood and began walking towards the two men who were in the doorway.

Once on the bridge, the 4 stood in a line, shoulder to shoulder. The boy and the man in the tie stood in the center, with the blonde-haired boy on the far right and the man in green on the left.
“First, tell me your names.” The captain asked.
“I’m Gon!” The boy in the center shouted.
“I’m Kurapika.” The blonde boy said nonchalantly.
“It’s Leorio.” Said the man in the suit and tie,
“I am Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan John-117 of the United Nations Space Command.” Said the man in green armor. He reached behind his head and pulled something out. He opened his palm, within which was a chip. It glowed blue, before the image of a woman appeared on the chip.
“And I’m UNSC Artificial Intelligence SN: CTN 0452-9, or Cortana.” The woman said. The smallest among them opened his eyes wide in surprise and his mouth in excitement. It certainly appeared he was excited to take the Exam.
“Why do you want to become Hunters?” The captain asked.
“Hey! If you’re not an examiner, you can’t boss us around!” Shouted Leorio, pointing accusatively. The Spartan grabbed Leorio’s arm.
“He’s the captain.” Chief said in a cold manner. “It’s his ship you’re on.”
“Just answer the question.” The captain commanded. Master Chief let go of Leorio’s arm
“My commanding officer demanded I participate in the exam as a training exercise. Other spartans may as well.” Chief said. The captain raised his eyebrow, curious. Gon spoke up, and he turned to him.
“My dad is a Hunter.” Said Gon. “I left Whale Island because I want to know why my dad desired so much to be a Hunter.” The captain showed signs of recognition, before dismissing them from his face. Master Chief put Cortana back in his helmet.
“Hey, kid! You’re not supposed to answer his question!” Leorio shouted at Gon.
“Why not?” Gon asked, puzzled.
“Not a team player, huh? I don’t wish to reveal why I’m here.” Leorio took his finger, poked Gon’s forehead, and tipped his head back.
“I agree with Leorio.” Kurapika interdicted, surprising the man.
“What!? Hey! Aren’t you younger than I am?” Leorio shouted, removing his finger from Gon’s head to point at Kurapika. “Show some respect!”
“It’s quite simple to avoid pesky questions by offering a plausible lie.” Kurapika stated in a deadpan manner, as if reciting something.
“Hey! Aren’t you listening to me?” Leorio shouted.
“However, it is quite shameful to rely on deceit. That said, if I were to tell you the truth, I would be exposing my deepest secrets.” He gripped his chest above his heart. “That is why I cannot provide an answer.”
“Hey, you… Don’t ignore me!”
“So, in other words, you refuse to answer my question.” The two remained silent, with Leorio staring at Kurapika and Kurapika’s head down and eyes closed. “Hey, Katsuo!” This was directed towards the cabin boy who had dropped the apples crate earlier. Katsuo was holding a clipboard and pen, and had been transcribing their previous answers.
“Aye, captain.”
“Tell the examination board that we have two more dropouts.”
“What do you mean?” Asked Leorio in surprise, turning to the captain. Kurapika’s head raised and his eyes opened in shocked.
“You still haven’t figured it out? The Hunter Examination has already begun.”
“What!?” Kurapika and Leorio both expressed vehemently.
Chief stood in silence. He had figured it out before getting on the boat. But either way, he would have responded with respect with regard to the captain’s command.
“There are as many Hunter wannabes as there are stars in the sky. The examiners don’t have the time or resources to review them all. So they hire people like us, to trim the fat. I’ve already notified the board that everyone else on this ship had to withdraw. Honestly, if they couldn’t handle a little storm, they’d stand no chance in the Hunter Exam’s later stages. In other words, you only proceed to the main exam if I pass you. So think carefully before you answer my question.” Kurapika bowed his head and closed his eyes, deep in thought. Leorio closed his eyes as well, and backed up slightly from Kurapika. He had been pacified by the captain’s announcement.
“I am the last survivor of the Kurta Clan.” Kurapika said, raising his head and staring dead ahead. He wasn’t staring at the captain, but at something beyond him. In all likelihood, what he was staring was probably beyond the horizon. Leorio and Gon looked up; the former with interest and the latter with surprise. Master Chief felt something he hadn’t expected: Familiarity. Reach was still fresh in his memory; having only been a few months earlier.
“Four years ago, my clan was annihilated by a band of criminals. I wish to become a Hunter and hunt down that band, the Phantom Troupe.”
“So you want to become a bounty hunter? The Phantom Troupe is a Class-A bounty. Not even the most grizzled Hunters can touch them. You’d be throwing away your life.” The captain said, cautioning Kurapika.
“I do not fear death. I fear only that my rage will fade over time.” Kurapika’s eyes flashed red, before dimming to their typical dull grey hue.
“Noted.” Cortana whispered in Chief’s ear. Master Chief’s mind flashed to marines and families crying over the loss of not only friends and family, but everything they owned, knew, and cared for.
“So, in other words, you want revenge.” Leorio said with a mocking demeanor. “Does that require you to become a Hunter?”
“That may be the stupidest question I have ever heard, Leorio.” Kurapika said, with a touch of disappointment in his voice. Leorio’s eyes popped open and he turned towards the blonde, raising his fist in anger.
“That’s Leorio-san to you!” Leorio retorted.
“Places accessible only to Hunters.” Kurapika seemingly ignored Leorio, and Leorio got even more furious. “Information otherwise unobtainable. Actions otherwise impossible. There are more reasons than your brain could possibly handle.” With each sentence he said, Leorio had gotten more and more irate. By the final sentence, Leorio was almost choking on his rage.
“Hey!” Gon said, putting a hand in front of Leorio’s face to stop him from advancing on Kurapika. “Why do you want to become a Hunter, Leorio-san?”
“Me?” Leorio said, calming down. It was obvious that he appreciated Gon’s respect. “I’ll make it short. I want money.”
“Oh, boy.” Cortana said in Chief’s helmet.
“Money can get you everything!” Leorio shouted, raising his arms. “A big house! A nice car! Good liquor!” With each of the examples, Leorio used charades to signify them.
“You can’t buy class with money… Leorio.” Kurapika said. Leorio immediately fumed. Surprisingly, he seemed to calm down, aside from the vein in his head. He’d turned away while using charades for liquor, but he now looked at Kurapika over his shoulder.
“That’s three times now. Step outside.” Leorio said, looking away. He walked away from Kurapika and towards the door. “I’ll end the filthy Kurta bloodline here and now.”
“Take that back, Leorio!” Shouted Kurpapika at Leorio, suddenly incensed. Leorio stopped in the doorway and looked over his shoulder. at the Kurta “Take that back.” Kurapika was seething, and not without good reason. Reach jokes were in very bad taste on Earth.
“It’s Leorio-san to you.” He said, before walking through the door. Kurapika angrily followed him, trying to shove Master Chief out of the way. The Savior of Humanity didn’t budge.
“Wait, boys!” The captain shouted after Kurapika, who didn't stop. “I’m not finished yet!”
“Just let them go.” Gon said. Everyone in the room, including Chief, looked down at the boy. “Mito-san once told me, ‘If you want to get to know someone, you need to make an effort to learn why they’re angry.’ It’s important for them to understand why they’re mad. So we should let them settle it themselves.”
“C-captain!” The man at the helm shouted, interrupting anything further the young lad had to say. He has been doing a good job of focusing on his job and not paying attention to the conversation behind him. “L-look!” The helmsman pointed towards a waterspout that had appeared only a little ways away. The captain gasped, suddenly fearful for the first time.
“Lower the sails now.” The captain demanded. Master Chief nodded and turned around, walking out of the room at an alarming pace. Katsuo nodded as well.
“Aye, sir!” The cabin boy affirmed that he would indeed help.
“I’ll help!” Shouted Gon. Katsuo gave Gon a thumbs up, indicating he would be helpful, and the two ran after Chief.
“I’ll take the helm.” Said the captain, sending the helmsman running towards the deck to help. When he reached it, it was pouring rain in measures seen rarely on any planet. Other crewmen had already started pulling the ropes needed to lower the sails. Master Chief had begun pulling one all by himself, and had made more progress than everyone else combined.
Leorio and Kurapika stood opposite each other, out of the way of the crew members and staring each other down.
“Take back what you said!” Kurapika shouted over the howling winds. “Take back your words, and I’ll forgive you, Leorio.”
“How many times must I repeat myself? You should show me some respect. I won’t back down.” Leorio retorted, drawing a switchblade. A wave crashed onto the deck, but the two managed to keep their footing. They were already soaked, so it made no difference in their comfort level.
“Then I have no choice…” Kurapika whispered to himself, reaching behind his back and pulling out a pair of bokken.
The waterspout closed to within a few meters of the ship. The strength of the wind pulled at the ropes, and all the crew members were forced let go of the rope to keep their footing, save Katsuo. Katsuo was pulled off the deck and whipped around before being pulled overboard towards the waterspout. Chief let go of his rope and ran after the man. Katsuo was luckily flung over near Kurapika and Leorio, who stowed their weapons and dived after him. They both leapt over the side of the boat to reach Katsuo, but they couldn’t reach him without letting go of the side. Gon, however, dived after the man with no regard for his own safety. He managed to grab Katsuo by his waist before gravity began doing what it typically did and forced Gon and Katsuo towards the waves pounding beneath them. Leorio and Kurapika reached out and grabbed Gon’s legs before he could be swept away. Master Chief made it to Kurapika and Leorio a moment later and grabbed their hands. He pulled the two back, which in turn moved Gon and Katsuo upwards. Gon and Katsuo were pulled back onto the boat before the other crew could even reach them.

“You idiot!” Shouted Leorio at Gon. The storm had passed, and all but Gon were standing along the port railing. The seagulls perching on the Jacob’s ladder were scared away by Leorio’s harsh tone. “If we hadn’t grabbed your legs, you’d be shark bait now.”
“Honestly… How reckless can you be?” Grunted Kurapika, crossing his arms and looking away in a typical sign of disgust.
“Note that, Chief. You may want to answer them one day.” Cortana said slyly to Master Chief. Chief said nothing to either Cortana or Gon.
“But you did catch me.” Gon said. “You both caught me!” He smiled a huge smile at them. The three were surprised by Gon’s response, and the Spartan slowly nodded his head.
“Well, I guess so…” Leorio said, defeated.
“Gon!” A voice shouted. All four turned towards the sound of Katsuo’s voice. The cabin boy was running towards them, his shoes clumping against the wooden deck. He stopped about eight feet away from Kurapika, who was the closest person, and Gon stood.
“Katsuo-san!” Gon shouted in surprise and joy.
“Thanks, Gon! You saved my life.”
“I couldn’t have done it alone. These three helped save you.” Gon gestured towards the three leaning against the railing.
“Thank you very much!” Katsuo said gratefully, bowing.
“No, you don’t need to thank me.” Kurapika sighed.
“Well… Yeah, I’m glad you’re okay.” Leorio was blushing and muttering. He looked like he was going on a date.
“Don’t bother.” Master Chief responded coldly.
“Ignore cold and lonely here, we’re happy to help.” Cortona said, reassuring him.
“Yeah! So I’ll be returning to my station!” Katsuo said, before taking off running from whence he had come.
Leorio, red in the face and smiling from receiving praise, glanced at Kurapika. Kurapika snickered.
“What?” Leorio grumbled, his smile disappearing and his face turning even redder.
“I apologize for my rude behavior. Sorry, Leorio-san.” Kurapika said, smiling at him.
“Wh-what’s with sudden change? We sound like strangers… Just call me Leorio… Leorio works.” Leorio stuttered, waving off Kurapika’s apologies. Kurapika smiled and closed his eyes. “I’m also sorry.” Leorio said, surprising Kurapika. The Kurta turned and looked up at him. I take back everything I said. I was wrong.”
“No, it’s ok.” Kurapika said. The captain began laughing uproariously from the doorway to the bridge.
“Yes, Chief. He was there the entire time.” Cortana said. The captain held a bottle of whiskey in his hand, and toasted the four of them.
“I like you guys! Okay! I’ll take responsibility for bringing you four to the port closest to the exam site.” The captain said, joy and mirth filling his voice for the first time since they began sailing.
“Really?” Gon asked. “What about your test?” Cortana would have rolled her eyes, but no one would see it. So she appeared on the Spartan’s HUD and did it for him.
“Like I said, it’s my decision to make. And all four of you pass!”
“Yaaaaaay!” Shouted Gon, jumping in the air and pumping his fist. The other two had more subdued reaction, merely smiling gratefully.
“Come on, Chief. Celebrate! You made it!” Cortana said. “Oh, right. No-fun rule. I forgot.”

“Thanks, captain!” I had a great time!” Gon announced to the captain. They had docked the ship at the harbor and were now standing on the dock. The captain laughed, his red nose turning even more crimson. He took a drag from his pipe, before blowing.
“I had fun, too. Right! As a token of my appreciation, I’ll give you some advice.” The captain said, winking at Gon.
“Advice?” Gon asked, hoping he heard it right. The captain nodded and pointed off into the distance.
“Look. See that big cedar tree on the hilltop?” The captain said, describing the object towards which his finger was projected.
“Uh-huh.” Gon answered honestly. It was the tallest tree on the mountain, and conveniently placed at the peak.
“You should make your way there first. It’s a shortcut to the exam site.” The captain said calmly. Gon’s eyes widened.
“A shortcut!?” Gon shouted, unnecessarily loud. A man walked out from behind a stack of crates, but upon hearing Gon’s outburst, he ducked behind them again. Gon was focused on the captain, and since the crates were behind the captain, neither saw the man. “Got it! So, I just need to head for that tree! I’ll do that, captain! Thanks!” Gon said, verifying the information for himself and, unintentionally, for the man.
“Best of luck!” The captain said, winking and toasting him with his pipe. Wisps of smoke rose from the end.
“Yep!” Gon shouted, running back towards his three companions. “Same to you! Take care!” With each of the previous phrases, he leapt in the air and turned back towards the captain. Upon finishing the phrase, he would turn back towards the group and continue running, before repeating the process with the following phrase. The captain laughed and took another drag from his pipe.
Rest easy, Ging. Your son’s a great young man. The captain thought. The man behind the crates walked out from behind them, as if he’d never ceased movement.

“Huh. That’s strange.” Leorio muttered, looking at the map. “According to the notice I received, the exam is supposedly being held somewhere in Zaban City.” He looked down at a piece of paper he was holding, then back up at the map.
“My orders say the same.” Master Chief stated helpfully, but Leorio ignored him.
“Right now, we’re here.” Leorio said, pointing at the map. His finger touched the position of Dolle Harbor. “The tree is in the opposite direction.” Leorio said, pointing to Zaban City, east of Dolle. The cedar tree was conveniently located on the map, but it was to the north of Dolle.
“Perhaps you misheard him?” Kurapika asked Gon, curious.
“No.” Gon said, shaking his head. “He told me to toward that cedar tree.”
“I see.”
“And this notice isn’t any help!” Leorio growled angrily, gripping the notice and crumpling it somewhat in his hand. “Where, exactly, in Zaban City are we meant to go?”
“Our task is to find the exam site, using a limited amount of information. Just another test before we’ll be allowed to take the Hunter Exam.” Kurapika deadpanned. Leorio turned to the boy, fuming.
“I-I knew that… I already knew that!” Leorio shouted, pretending to have known the information, and annoyed that Kurapika called him out on his ignorance.
“Anyway, I’ll go have a look. The captain must have had a reason to suggest that.” Gon said innocently, as if he hadn’t even considered the possibility of falsehood. He turned and walked away from the others and, coincidentally, the bus to Zaban City.
“Hey, hey… You’re serious? The bus to Zaban is about to leave. We should just take it.” Leorio shouted after him, pointing behind him towards the bus stop. Gon kept walking, but waved behind him. “Hey!” Leorio shouted after him. He stopped and facepalmed. “Man… He’s gotta learn that you can’t just trust everybody.” Kurapika began walking after Gon. “Huh? Hey! Kurapika!” Leorio shouted after him, sounding almost desperate.
“Gon’s behavior interests me more than the captain’s advice. I’m going with him.” Kurapika said over his shoulder.
“Oh, is that so?” Leorio turned to the Chief. “Come on, we have a bus to catch.”
“Honestly, some people. The Hunter exam is devious they wouldn’t just let buses be available for applicants.” Cortana said to Leorio. Master Chief began walking after Kurapika in large strides that would catch him up to the other two in a minuscule period of time.
“Fine. See ya. Wasn't very long. Nice knowing you.” Leorio picked up his briefcase and headed towards the bus. “Guess he’s not as independent as I thought… I’m just gonna take the bus!” Leorio muttered.
“So it was a trap…” Leorio stopped walking he heard someone whispering it. Figuring it wouldn’t hurt to listen in, he stopped where he was. He was in front of an alley, inside which were two men conversing. A stack of crates blocked Leorio from their sight, so they continued talking, unaware of the unwelcome eavesdropper.
“Seems none of the buses have made it to Zaban City. Rookies usually fail this part because they’re too naïve.” They said. Leorio frowned.
“Wait, wait, wait! Wait for me!” He turned and ran after the others as fast as his legs could carry him, shouting as he ran.

The foursome walked into a town that consisted of a single street. The street itself seemed beaten down more by foot traffic than by any maintenance. The town’s single street was lined on both sides by buildings. The buildings were not separated in any way by alleys; and were around three stories high. There appeared to be no rhyme or reason to the arrangement of doors and windows, and the awnings and overhangs were sporadically of varying length. Just beneath the roofs, there were clotheslines hung across the street, high above their heads. The strangest thing of all, though, was the silence.
“This is creepy…” Leorio said. “There’s no one here.” Unknowingly, he echoed the gist of Kurapika’s sentiments.
“I’ve seen worse.” Chief said, thinking of High Charity in particular. It hadn’t been devoid of life, per se, but that definition wasn’t far off.
“No, there are people.” Gon said. Kurapika raised an eyebrow.
“Huh. Interesting boy. There are people around, Chief. Be wary.” Two doors slid apart, and Master Chief raised his rifle in the direction of the noise created. Kurapika grabbed it, and Chief lowered it, realizing that Kurapika was right. There would be no immediate threat coming from so obvious a location. A cart rolled out of the doorway, pulled by two beings with large heads of hair of various, awkward colors. Each one had white masks that covered everything except their hair, eyes, and mouths, which had goggles and filters, respectively. Each also bore large, white cloaks. Two people of similar appearance pushed the cart. There were six others on the cart itself holding various instruments, and an aging woman sat in the center. The only thing differentiating the masked individuals was their hair color.
“Wh-what’s with this freak show?” Leorio asked, noticeably anxious.
“There are more hair colors here than at a circus.” Cortana said. “More clowns, too.”
“Exciting…” The woman muttered.
“Ex-exciting?” Leorio repeated quietly.
“Exciting…” The woman repeated, not changing her tone.
“Exciting.” Leorio said, gulping.
“Exciting two-choice quiz!!!” The woman shouted. The six on the cart began playing a poor symphony of dramatic music. The cacophony of sound was primarily drowned out by a trumpet, but the other instruments could be heard.
“Well, that’s gonna leave a mark.” Cortana said. Everyone else stayed silent in shock. When the music finished, a crow, which was perched on one’s arm, cried out. Interestingly, it sounded better than the concerto that had been played prior.
“You boys are headed for that tree on the hill, correct? To reach that tree, you must pass through this town. I shall administer a single-question quiz.” The woman said, not even looking for an answer.
“H-hold on!” Leorio interrupted. “What’s going on here?”
“You’ll have five seconds to state your answer.” She said, ignoring Leorio. She’d done this a time or two, and knew when to answer questions and when to ignore the stupid ones. “Give the wrong answer, and you’re disqualified. You’ll have to give up on taking this year’s Hunter Exam.”
“I see… Then this is part of the Hunter Exam.” Kurapika inferred, smiling confidently.
“I see how it is. I happen to be a quiz expert.” Leorio said pridefully, setting his briefcase on the ground. “Wait. Only one question!?” His confident demeanor instantly dissipated as he realized the stakes of missing the question.
“Your answer will either be the number 1 or 2. Any other answer will be considered incorrect.” She continued after Leorio had finished his outburst.
“Hold on!” Leorio shouted. “All four of us share one question? So if one of them answers incorrectly, I’m disqualified, too?” Leorio asked. The woman remained silent, and Kurapika filled the silence in.
“As if that would happen! What scares me is the likelihood of the vice versa happening.” Kurapika said, arms crossed and sounding indignant at the mere thought.
“What was that?” Leorio grunted, clenching his hands into fists and leaning towards the boy.
“But you know…” Gon raised his arms to calm the tension and focus attention towards him. “This way’s easier, since only one of us needs to know the answer. I’m not too good at quizzes.” Gon admitted, rubbing the back of his head.
“I suppose…” Leorio said. “Fair point.” Kurapika yielded.
“Hey, there. Hurry it up.” A male voice rang from behind them. They turned to see a man with a torn-up shirt white shirt, a green cloth tied from his right shoulder to his left hip, a belt, and a blue undershirt. He had a pair of katanas on his back, a tan, short black hair, and a large, round nose.
“Oh yeah, Chief. Possible hostile.” Cortana updated him in the nick of time.
“From behind the crates?” Chief asked.
“Yup.” Cortana answered.
“I know.” Gon said.
“Huh? Seriously?” Asked Leorio, surprised. “He followed us all the way from the harbor?”
“Sorry, kid. I happened to overhear your conversation.” At this, Cortana nearly burst out laughing.
“‘Happened,’ Great Journey!” She said, using Great Journey as an expression of disbelief.
“He seems eager to take it.” Leorio said. “We should let him go first, to see what the questions will be like.” One of the “clowns” brought over a stand with a buzzer to the middle of the street.
“I don’t see a problem!” Gon said.
“I have no objection.” Kurapika voiced. He felt tempted to add that it was the first smart thing Leorio had said, but managed to remain respectful.
“Nothing here!” Cortana said. Master Chief just moved backwards letting the man through. The man stepped up to the podium.
“Did you hear the rules?” The woman asked calmly.
“I did.” The man said, smiling. He glanced back at the other four. Fools. I’ll leave a series of traps behind me for anyone who follows.
“Here is your question. Evil villains have captured your mother and your lover. You can only save one. Select 1 for your mother or 2 for your lover.” Cortana sighed. It hadn’t been a year since Reach, when that choice was a luxury. “Which will you save?”
“H-how is this even a quiz?” Leorio stuttered. The man hit the button, surprising everyone.
“The answer is 1. It’s simple, you can’t replace your mother, but you can always find another lover.” Cortana would have poked Chief. Halsey was his mother since the age of 6, and he’d never had a lover, so he couldn’t answer that question. Besides that, Halsey would take priority over any personal relationships.
“You may pass.” The woman said, pointing behind her. The man smirked and turned.
“You just have to tell the old lady what she wants to hear. Adios.” He shouted over his shoulder, running past the cart towards the cedar tree.
“Hey, now! That’s all rubbish! How was that the right answer?” Leorio shouted. “We’re supposed to give the answer the old lady wants? And that’s considered correct?” Kurapika, Master Chief, Cortana, and Gon were silent. “I won’t put up with this sham. I’ll find a different route.” Leorio said, turning angrily and grabbing his briefcase.
“It’s too late. Refuse to take the quiz, and you’re disqualified.” The old lady said.
“Th-that’s just ridiculous!” Shouted Leorio, completely enraged. “Different people would expect different answers! There is no right answer!” Kurapika and Cortana gasped.
“No right answer… I see.” Kurapika muttered.
“Chief, there’s no right answer. Silence is the only right one.” Cortana said quietly to Chief.
“Leorio!” Shouted Kurapika, turning his head rapidly towards Leorio.
“Wait!” Shouted the woman, holding up her hand. “Not another word from you. Say anything but the answer, and you’re immediately disqualified.”
“Leorio, I need you to-” Chief started.
“That goes for you, too.” The woman said, pointing at Master Chief.
“Here is you question. Your son and your daughter have been kidnapped.” The woman said. “You can only rescue one. Select 1 for your son and 2 for your daughter.” Leorio gritted his teeth, and began walking towards the right side of the street. “Five.” The woman said, counting down. Leorio grabbed a plank of wood.
“Four.”
“Three.” Leorio started swinging the plank of wood in the air in a threatening manner.
“Two.”
“One.”
“Buzz. Time’s up.”
At this, Leorio lunged forward at the woman, swinging with the stick. His intent had been laid bare, and is he continued, they would all suffer. The plank hit Chief’s arm and snapped in two on impact. The top half flung upwards and landed behind everyone involved. Leorio didn’t let go of the bottom portion.
“Don’t stop me, Chief!” Leorio shouted, pushing against him. “I won’t be satisfied until I’ve taught this hag a lesson!”
“Calm down, Leorio!” Kurapika shouted, angrily. He had rushed to the Spartan’s side.
“How am I supposed to calm down?” Leorio shouted, trying to shove past Master Chief again.
“You’ll waste our correct response!” Kurapika shouted, seemingly ready to hurt Leorio.
“Correct… response?” Leorio asked, backing off in surprise and confusion.
“We gave the right answer.” Chief said. “Silence.” In emphasis, he brought a finger up to his helmet.
“That’s something Chief is good at.” Cortana said sarcastically.
“Silence? What do you mean…” Leorio asked, still confused.
“You hit the nail on the head.” Kurapika said. “There is no right answer. Since we could only state 1 or 2 as the answer, silence was the only response.”
“But what about the other guy?” Leorio asked, accusatively.
“She only said ‘you may pass,’ not ‘right answer, well done.’” Cortana said. “Sounds like he caught a red herring.”
“In other words, this path is the wrong path.” Kurapika said, turning to the woman. “Am I right?”
“Precisely.” The old woman said, smiling slyly. She rose from the cart for the first time, and began walking to the quartet’s left, which was her right. “The correct path is over here.” Two clowns opened the doors from whence the cart came. “This leads directly to the tree. Walk two hours, and you’ll reach the top.”
“Oh, so that’s what this was about.” Leorio mumbled, ashamed.
“A couple lives in a cabin beneath the tree. They serve as Navigators. If you meet their standards, I believe they will guide you to the exam site.” She said, ponting down the length of the expanse. Leorio dropped his improvised weapon, which, under gravity’s pull, clattered against the ground.
“Gran, I’m sorry for my rudeness.” Leorio said, bowing.
“Don’t be. I don’t mind. I do this job because I enjoy meeting people like you. Do your best to become a good Hunter.” She finished, smiling. Leorio rose and smiled back, patting his neck in embarrassment. Suddenly, Gon sighed loudly and fell to a sitting position.
“It’s no use. I can’t think of an answer.” Gon sighed.
“You were still trying to find an answer?” Leorio laughed. “You can stop.”
“Huh? Why?” Gon asked, genuinely confused.
“The quiz is over.” Said Kurapika.
“I know. But… But you know… What if I run into a situation like that and I can only save one person… What should I do then? It wouldn’t be right to save just one.” Chief walked over to Gon and put a hand on his shoulder.
“You do your best.” Gon and Master Chief stood, and the four began walking through. Chief couldn’t see it, but the old woman sighed and shook her head. The boy was right; that's the true purpose of the test. But this poor man has obviously been through much. This test was unnecessary for him.

“It’s totally dark out. ‘Walk two hours,’ she said? It was two hours, two hours ago!” Leorio grumbled loud enough for the others to hear. He had fallen a few dozen feet behind the others, and had been silent most of the walk. It had only been in the past half hour that he’d really begun griping.
They were currently on a beaten path that led through a forest that sporadically contained signs warning of strange beasts.
“Another ‘Beware of Magical Beasts’ sign?” Master Chief asked Cortana, concerned.
“Yes. Thankfully, we’re close.” Cortana said. “We shouldn't run into any.”
“I’m hungry! I have to take a dump!” Leorio shouted.
“Leorio! We’ll leave you behind!” Gon shouted.
“I gotta take a leak, too!”
“I see it.” Kurapika said, smiling and pointing forward.
“Leorio, we’re here!” Gon shouted. Leorio stopped whining abruptly and ran to catch up with the others. They closed the distance more rapidly than they had during the other parts of hike. They made broke through the edge of the forest and began walking out onto a four-acre property. The cedar tree was plainly visible, and almost appeared to be growing out of the cabin. They clunked up the steps and stood on the deck of the cabin. Leorio knocked on the door, but received no response.
“Hello? Anyone home?” Leorio asked, before cocking his ear to listen.
“Are they out?” Gon asked. Chief shook his head.
“That’d be unlikely. It’s their responsibility to be in at all times.” He said.
“We’re coming in.” Said Leorio. Leorio opened the door, and Leorio, Gon, and Kurapika gasped. Master Chief snapped up his MA5C rifle and pointed it at the being in the center of the strewn cabin. It looked like a fox, a rabbit, and a monkey all at the same time, with a tannish-yellow fur coat. Its arms and legs, however, were covered in far thinner, far darker fur. It stood like a human and appeared to have base human emotions, as it laughed when it turned towards the entrance.
“Chief, it’s got a civilian.” Cortana said. Chief returned his rifle to his back and fingered his magnum.
“It’s a Transforming Magical Beast, the Kiriko! They can take human form!” Kurapika announced.
“The guy on the floor needs medical attention…” Leorio muttered. Master Chief rushed the Kiriko, but it leapt through a window before rushing off into the woods. Chief hurdled through the self-same window and pursued on foot.
“P-please… Please save my wife!” The man on the floor begged Kurapika and Gon.
“Leorio, we’ll leave the injured man to you!” Kurapika shouted.
“Got it!” He shouted after them, opening his briefcase and grabbing something to clean the wound with.
Gon and Kurapika sprinted behind the Master Chief, who hadn’t run like this for a few weeks. Of course, he hadn’t actually run at all in that time, either. He would have leapt up into the branches, but he weighed half a ton, and the branches in this forest didn’t look to be able to support that kind of weight.
“Cortana, where are the others?” Chief asked, reverting back into his combat mindset.
“Kurapika, Gon, and Leorio have friendly IFF on your radar. There appear to be… two unknowns on your radar.” Gon suddenly flew over Master Chief’s head.
“Kiriko! Let her go!” Gon shouted.
“Take her from me, if you can!” Shouted the monster. Surprised, Gon missed his next branch and fell onto the ground. He was unharmed.
“Wow! It can talk!” Gon said, running up to Kurapika a few seconds later.
“Unsurprising. They can mimic human form, why not go the extra mile?” Chief said.
“Well, that makes it easier.” Gon said. He leapt into the trees and tailed the Kiriko again.
“Hey! Silly Kiriko!” Gon
“What?” Gon suddenly put on a burst of speed that would have rivaled that of Kelly-087. Gon raised his fishing rod and brought it down on the beast, hard. The beast dropped the civilian, holding onto its head.
“Stupid kid!” It grumbled, running back into the woods.
“Kurapika!” Gon shouted. Kurapika dived for the wife, who was descending rapidly. He caught her and landed on his feet. Gon continued to chase the beast, but Master Chief slowed to a halt next to Kurapika.
“Wait!” Gon shouted after the Kiriko. His voice could barely be heard by now.
“Clocked at forty seven KPH.” Cortana said in the Demon’s helmet.
“One unknown, marked neutral until hostile. Heading northwest.” Chief reported to Kurapika. He nodded.
“Are you OK?” Kurapika asked the female. “Are you injured anywhere?”
“I’m okay. What about my husband? How is he?”
“Don’t worry.” Kurapika reassured her. “Our friend is taking care of him.”
“Please take me to my husband!” She said, grabbing his tabard. Kurapika glanced at her wrist and his eyes widened.
“Those tattoos…” He muttered in surprise. She grabbed her sleeve and pulled it up her wrist to cover the tattoos. “You’re…”
“Kurapika! Chief! You ok?” Leorio shouted, running towards them. Master Chief snatched his MA5C from behind his back and pointed at Leorio.
“Hands behind your head, on your knees.” He instructed Leorio. Leorio started laughing, but complied. He began growing and shifting; showing himself to be the Kiriko.
“How did you know?” It asked Chief.
“Leorio, Kurapika, Gon, and the captain of the ship I was on are all marked as friendlies. You’re marked as an unknown.” Master Chief said, gripping his rifle tightly.
“And that, ladies and gentlemen, is reason eighteen for why we have IFF on radar!” Cortana said. The smirk could be heard in her voice.
Kurapika turned back to the female.
“Now, I need you to answer my question. Who are you?” The female smiled.
“You got me.” She said, smiling. Suddenly, a shout echoed through the woods.
“Hey! Sweetheart! Come out here! You’re gonna love this!” One of the monsters called, walking back with Gon.
“It’s ok, Chief!” Gon called.
“Opinions, Cortana?” Chief asked.
“I don’t see why not. They don’t seem hostile.” Cortana said. Chief nodded, putting his rifle on his back. The hostage Kiriko rose and met with the monster that was next to Gon. Kurapika and the woman rose as well.
“Let’s head back, eh?” One of the monsters said. Gon ran ahead to tell Leorio. The Kiriko trio walked behind Gon, with Master Chief and Kurapika staying behind them, watching closely.

“Let’s see… how many years has it been since someone was able to tell us apart?” The monster on the right asked. They were in front of the cabin at this point, and the quartet were lined up shoulder to shoulder in front of the two humans and the two monsters. The monsters had assumed a seated position.
“I’m ecstatic!” The one on the left said. Leorio leaned over to Kurapika.
“Can you tell their faces and voices are different?” Leorio whispered.
“No, not at all.” Kurapika said. “Chief?” Chief shook his head.
“I can.” Cortana said quietly. “Do I get a gold star?”
“You see, the one Kurapika and I beat up is the husband.” Gon said. “The one Chief captured is the wife.” Cortana snorted.
“Which one are you talking about?” Kurapika and Leorio whispered.
“Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are the Navigators.” The monster-husband said. “Our family provides support to the Hunter Exam.”
“I’m their daughter!” The female said, raising her right hand in greeting.
“I’m their son!” The “injured” male said, raising his.
“Man, you had us fooled.” Leorio said, spreading out his arms to emphasize confusion and all of them being fooled.
“The Hunter Exam changes site every year. It’s quite difficult to locate it.” The husband said, raising his left hand and holding up his finger to emphasize his point. The husband lowered his hand, and his wife mirrored the motion with her right hand.
“So we Navigators help by guiding applicants to the exam site.” The wife said, before lowering her hand as her husband had done before her.
“Oh, that’s how it works.” Gon said, happy in his understanding.
“But we don’t help every candidate.” The daughter said, raising her hands and waving them back in forth in small arcs to indicate their reluctance.
“We test applicants to see if they’re qualified to take the exam.” The son said. Leorio stiffened and stood straight. He realized he had performed the most poorly.
“Kurapika-dono.” The daughter addressed Kurapika.
“Yes?” Kurapika said, acknowledging the address.
“You successfully used the most vague of hints to determine we weren’t spouses. The hint was these tattoos, which, in this region, mark a woman single for life.” The daughter said, rubbing her arm and smudging the tattoos. “Kurapika-dono has demonstrated that he is very knowledgeable. Therefore, he passes.” Kurapika sighed, and Gon raised his fist. Kurapika put his fist next to Gon’s. Master Chief determined this was the equivalent of a fist bump.
“Leorio-dono.” The son said. Leorio flinched instinctively. “You never realized my true identity.” Leoorio made an awkward noise and flinched more noticeably. “However, you dressed my injuries faster and more thoroughly than any doctor. Most importantly, you continued to reassure me that my wife was safe. Your kindness makes you worthy to take the Hunter Exam. Thus, you pass.” As his merits were noted, he had begun to get more relaxed. When he learned he had passed, he was very relieved.
“R-really? Thank goodness…” Leorio sighed deeply. He fell into a sitting position. Gon raised his fist and “fist-bumped” Leorio.
“John-dono.” The wife said. Chief looked at her. “Your reflexes at the cabin were amazing. You were able to make split-second decisions based on nothing but instinct. The use of your resources was also a nice touch. Chief has demonstrated capability. Therefore, he passes.” Master Chief nodded silently. Leorio held up his fist, and Chief looked down, before very, very carefully “fist-bumping” Leorio.
“And finally, Gon-dono.” The husband said, addressing him.
“Yes.” Gon straightened.
“Your superhuman physical ability and powers of observation make you worthy to take the Hunter Exam. You pass.” Gon smiled, and “fist-bumped” Leorio and Kurapika. He looked at Master Chief, who nodded and, after a moment where Cortana was obviously quietly lecturing him, he gave a thumbs-up.
“We will now take you to the exam site.” The husband said. They appeared to grow wings from their arms and, without a well-needed exposition, they invited them to latch on.
“Sir, all due respect, I may be enough for two to carry.” Chief said, cautiously. The son flapped over and grabbed him, pulling up. He was obviously straining, and Master Chief hadn’t been lifted more than an inch.
“Aye, he’s a tough one. I’ll need help.” The husband came and helped lift Chief further off the ground. The wife grabbed Leorio’s arms and the daughter grabbed Kurapika and Gon. They lifted further into the sky, and flew towards the moon.
“Isn’t it great that we all passed?” Gon shouted, ecstatic.
“It’s too early to celebrate. We merely earned the right to take the real exam.” Kurapika shouted back.
“What’s wrong with celebrating a little?” Leorio shouted, somehow inserting a grunt into his outburst. “We’re making progress.”
“Honestly, you people should really think.” Kurapika said to Leorio.
“Hey! Why must you be such a smart-alec!” Leorio shouted, kicking at Kurapika.
“Stop struggling!” Shouted the wife. “I’ll have to let you go!” Gon laughed loudly at the comical situation and breaking the tension.

“Without Navigators, it would be extremely difficult for someone to reach the site.” The son said. He was back in human form; and was currently guiding them through a market in Zaban City; the location of the Exam.
“Boy, Zaban City sure is a shady place.” Leorio muttered, looking around at the various elements of shadiness.
“Prosperous cities tend to attract all sorts of nasty types.” Kurapika said, acting knowledgeable on the subject. Master Chief saw a couple being robbed in an alley by a trio of men.
“Sir, permission to engage criminals?” He asked the Navigator quietly.
“Denied, unless you don’t want to become a Hunter.” The Navigator said. “People will follow us to the exam site if we do that.”
“What are you doing, Gon? We’re going.” Leorio shouted. Gon had visited literally every stand along their route since they’d arrived.
“Uh-huh!” He shouted, technically not answering the question. He did, however, leave the stall he was currently at and caught up with the group. The Navigator led them out of the market and into a large, open plaza. The plaza was surrounded by buildings, save in the direction of the market. The Navigator walked straight forth after exiting the market, taking the most direct route towards the other end. He held a piece of paper in his hand, and double-checked it before stopping before a large building. He pointed forward.
“I believe this is the building.” He said. The four looked up and Gon appeared ecstatic. Having only been raised in a fishing village, the twenty six story building was enormous.
“It’s so tall!” Gon shouted, excited. “They have a really nice building.”
The building’s exterior was elaborately designed, with arches and large windows on the first few stories; followed by a series of typical windows that appeared like every other skyscraper further up.
“So this is the exam site… This is what draws…” Leorio muttered.
“Hunter applicants from around the world.” Kurapika finished, awed.
“My first shot at the Hunter Exam… Was this how dad felt, when he arrived?” Gon wondered aloud. Chief was not impressed, having been on High Charity, two Halos, and the Lesser Ark.
“Hey, guys!” The Navigator shouted. The four turned their heads to look at him. “Over here!” He had moved in front of a comparatively short, small restaurant decoratively covered in vines.
“What?” Gon asked, confused.
“Here.” The Navigator pointed to the building he was standing before.
“Wait, this isn’t funny.” Leorio said, walking towards him. “Isn’t that an ordinary restaurant? You can’t possibly mean that Hunter applicants from around the world are meant to assemble here?”
“I do.” The Navigator said, surprising them. “No one would ever expect the Hunter Exam, with its millions of candidates, to be located here, right?”
“That’s true.” Said Leorio. The Navigator opened and held the door for the other four. When they’d entered, he shut the door after them so as not to let the air conditioning escape.
“Welcome!” The cook said, not even looking up from the fryer.
“Is the back room open?” The Navigator asked.
“What will you have?” The cook asked, finally paying a little attention to them.
“The steak combo that opens your eyes to the light.” The Navigator replied. “For four.”
“For four… How would you like them?” The cook seemed genuinely interested now.
“Grilled over a low flame, until cooked.” The Navigator said, raising a finger and leaning in slightly.
“Got it. Let yourself into the back room.” The cook said, now seemingly ignoring them once more. The Navigator walked across the restaurant towards the back room, followed by the other four. Upon reaching it, the Navigator opened the door and let the others in. There was a table in the center with four chairs, but absolutely nothing else.
“Wait here.” He said, offering no further explanation.
“Wait? Where are the others?” Leorio asked, confused.
“I can’t wait for the steak combo.” Gon said, excitedly. Cortana laughed.
“That was just the password to get us inside.” Cortana said.
“Oh, we don’t get to eat?” Gon asked, obviously disappointed.
“One in every ten thousand…” The Navigator said. The four looked back at him. “That’s the number of applicants who make it this far. You’ve done extremely well for first-timers.” He said, offering explanation and praising them at the same time. “Well, good luck.” Gon put his hand forward.
“Thanks!” The Navigator paused, then smiled. He gripped Gon’s hand and pumped it up and down a few times.
“I would be happy to serve as your Navigator next year, as well.” He said, before turning and exiting. Immediately, the room began vibrating, and they all felt a sense of movement.
“It appears this room is an elevator.” Kurapika said calmly.
“I’m clocking our motion at 33 Kilometers per Hour.” Cortana said. The four looked up and saw a number. It flashed from 6 to 7, then to 8, in a period of two seconds. Leorio sat in one of the chairs.
“He expects us to fail this year.” Leorio said, grumbling. The other three took seats.
“Once every three years.” Kurapika said. “That’s the frequency that a rookie passes the exam.”
“It’s that unusual?” Gon asked, somewhat surprised.
“Some cannot endure the exam’s physical and mental strain. It’s also not unusual for veterans to break the rookies, who consequently never retake the test.” Kurapika said. Master Chief nodded. It had all been in his briefing.
“So I guess candidates are willing to risk everything to become Hunters.” Gon said, observant and wise.
“But of course, my friend! Hunters make the most money in this world!” Leorio shouted, standing and vehemently insisting.
“No! Hunters are the most noble in this world.” Kurapika proclaimed, rising as well.
“No.” Chief said, dissenting. “Hunters get the most access to information.” He also rose.
“Glory hog…” Leorio insulted Kurapika.
“Desk jockey.” Kurapika said, insulting Master Chief.
“Money grubber.” Cortana said, insulting Leorio. Gon remained seated and looked with concern at all three of them. Leorio slammed his hand down on the table and leaned close up to Gon. Gon leaned back instinctively as his “bubble” was violated.
“Gon! Listen… Every year, over fifty Hunters make the list of the world’s hundred richest people!” Leorio shouted. Kurapika stayed back.
“Hunters are associated with hunting wild game and treasure, but they are all second-rate. True Hunters work to protect people and the natural order.” Kurapika insisted.
“Hunters have access to the most comprehensive website in the world.” Cortana said. “Most hunters use this to take advantage of business and hunting opportunities.” Chief stood across from Gon, and didn’t move to violate his personal space.
“Most countries will give you a free pass! And no charge to use public facilities. How are those benefits?” Leorio asked, leaning in again. With the final sentence, he began smirking.
“Hunters have many difficult and important responsibilities, such as preserving cultural artifacts and endangered species, as well as capturing wanted criminals and unscrupulous Hunters.” Kurapika stated, raising a finger to emphasize his point.
“Hunters will receive access to information, with which they can do anything they want. Many Hunters choose to use it to their own ends, monetarily or otherwise.” Cortana said, a tad bit of anger trickling into her voice as the other two defied her.
“The fame and money… That’s why people wish to become Hunters!” Leorio shouted, leaning in a third time.
“Profound knowledge, a healthy body and mind, and unyielding conviction… Those are the qualities on which Hunters pride themselves!” Kurapika shouted, finally yielding to emotion and leaning in on Gon.
“The access to information, and the sheer amount of opportunities. That is why most people choose to become Hunters.” Cortana said, beginning to get angry. The three leaned in close to each other, daring the others to defy their points.
“Gon!” The three yelled at the same time. “What do you think?” Gon was clearly incredibly uncomfortable and merely wished to not participate.
“Well, when you put it that way…” Gon said, uncertain and not wishing to invoke further argument. A loud “ding” rang out, indicating the elevator had arrived. They were on floor 100.
“I think we’ve arrived.” Kurapika said.
“We’ll finish this later.” Leorio grunted. Gon sighed visibly and audibly as the doors rumbled open to an enormous room. It had a pipe looping around it and looked like it could store more than three thousand people, sitting down. It was dark, the only light coming from a few dim lights hanging along the side of the walls. The room wasn’t full, not by a long shot, but it did have a large number of people. Many closest to the elevator looked at it when it opened. The four stepped out of the elevator, which shut behind them.
“Strange atmosphere down here.” Leorio muttered ominously.
“They clearly differ from the Hunter applicants at the port and in the city.” Kurapika noted. “Each is a master, in their own right…”
“Excuse me…” Gon said loudly, his voice echoing around the room. Everyone stared at him with some tension and animosity before turning to whoever they were previously addressing in the small groups they had been gathering in.
“Everyone’s really tense.” Gon said, echoing everyone’s sentiments.
“Hello. Please take a number.” A little green man said cheerfully. Master Chief looked down and saw the green man in the suit was holding a badge. He grabbed the number he was given, number 527. Kurapika got 528, Leorio 529, and Gon 530. “Be sure to wear this on your chest at all times. Be careful not to lose it.” He said before walking past them and closer to the elevator. Chief looked after him until he heard a familiar clunking noise. He turned to see someone he’d seen often enough to recognize them by the sound of their footfalls.
“Glad to see you, Chief.” A man in blue Spartan armor said, reaching out his hand. “I’m Carter, commander of Noble Team.” Master Chief grabbed it and shook it firmly. Carter released his hand and pointed to a group of four Spartans. “Noble’s over here.” Chief nodded to let Carter know he’d understood, but didn’t move.
“These three helped us.” Cortana said, referring to Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio. “Chief won’t admit it, but he’s going to test the waters with them.”
“I see. Well, whenever you want, you can come with us.” Carter said. Master Chief gave Carter a salute, which Carter returned in kind before returning to his Spartans. Chief returned to his position of at ease. A voice rang out addressing all four of them, surprising them.
“Haven’t seen you guys around here before.” Turning, the four saw a man sitting on a pipe suspended around 7 feet in the air. The pipe looped around the entire area, so it would be feasible that it was an air-conditioning vent of some sort. The man was number 16, overweight, and carried a brown satchel. He wore a blue vest that had what appeared to be a white “i” portrayed on the right side; which could fool one into thinking it was a reflective sheen. Underneath the vest was a long sleeved shirt that had a hue of dirty grey. His pants matched the color exactly. He completed his outfit with a pair of shoes that were a hideous darker grey. The man himself had a tan, a head of brown, combed-back hair, and a stubble. He smiled and raised his hand in greeting.
“Yo.”
“You can tell we’re new?” Gon asked, incredulous.
“More or less.” The man answered in reply. He hopped down off the pipe, and began walking towards them. “After all, this will be my thirty-fifth attempt.” He said, a touch of pride in his voice.
“Thirty-five times?” Leorio and Gon shouted, surprised. Kurapika was more quiet but equally surprised. Master Chief seemed to express his surprise by muttering it.
“Well, you could say I’m an exam veteran.”
“That isn’t something to brag about.” Leorio said, frowning slightly.
“Indeed.” Kurapika said, agreeing with Leorio.
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.” The man said, ignoring the two’s previous remarks.
“Thank you.” Gon said, thankfully.
“My name is Tonpa.” Tonpa said, holding out his hand.
“I’m Gon.” Gon said, shaking it.
“Careful, Chief. Records show him as a ‘rookie crusher.’” Cortana quietly informed him. “This is all probably just an act.”
“Understood.” Chief said.
“These are Kurapika, Leorio, and Chief.” Gon introduced them, pointing at each. “Hey, are there others who have taken the exam a bunch of times like you?”
“Well, I have the most experience here, but there are a few others.” He pointed. “For instance, there’s him. Number 255, Todo, the wrestler. He’s unmatched in strength, and he’s smarter than he looks.” Master Chief smiled. Cortana gasped.
“I guess the man of steel has facial muscles after all.” She whispered.
“I’ve spoken before.” Chief grumbled.
“Point conceded.”
“On the other side, we have Number 103. Bourbon, the snake charmer. He tends to hold grudges, so you don’t want to end up on his bad side. And then… Number 191, Bodoro, the kung fu master. He’s getting old, but there still isn’t a better martial artist around. Then you have the three brothers, Amori, Imori, and Umori. They perform consistently well, thanks to their excellent teamwork. And number 384, Geretta, the huntsman. He specializes in killing all manner of creatures, by blow dart and club. There are many more, but they have taken the test the most times.” Cortana was furiously cross-checking Tonpa’s statements.
“So far, everything he’s said is true.” Master Chief opened his mouth before a shriek cut any statement he had wanted to make off. Chief and the others turned to see a man’s arms seemingly vanishing, being replaced by flower petals that floated in the air, guided by air currents provided by the air conditioning.
“Oh, how peculiar… His arms seem to have become flower petals.” A man in a clown outfit said. He had an short-sleeved shirt that seemed to actually enhance his movement, a strange top that seemed like it would actually be an armor of some type, and a pair of jester boots. The undershirt was pink and appeared to be a giant spring, the armor was a dirty white; with each of the card suits displayed on the front and back, and the jester boots were dark blue. The man seemed to have been wearing pants similar to the undershirt, indicating it may have been a bodysuit, and atop it, a pair of pants that matched the armor only in color. To complete the outfit, he had a strange pale yellow jacket tied around his waste and a pair of wristbands that looked consistent with the bodysuit. The man himself was pale, with a pink star under his right eye and a green teardrop under his left. His hair was the final unusual part of him; appearing to be almost a flame in its construction, but being a vivid pink. “No smoke and mirrors here.” He said, spreading out his arms as if to demonstrate the lack of both smoke and mirrors. A circle had gathered around him and the man. “Do take care. When you bump into someone, you should really apologize.”
“That psychopath is back again.” Tonpa said, sweat beading on his forehead. He looked more worried about this candidate even more than any other he’d mentioned, even though they were clearly more experienced in the exam.
“Again?” Master Chief asked. He would raise an eyebrow, but he was busy wearing armor that hindered the visibility of any emotion expressed via nonverbal interaction.
“Does that mean he took last year’s exam?” Kurapika asked.
“Number 44. Hisoka, the magician.” Tonpa said. “Last year, he was a virtual lock to pass the test, until he all but killed an examiner he didn’t like.”
“A-and they’re still allowing him to retake the exam this year?” Leorio asked, shocked. Kurapika felt a pang of doubt in his theory about the absolute uprightness of Hunters.
“Of course.” Tonpa said. “Every year, the test content and examiners change, and the examiners are the ones who choose the new content. The devil himself could pass if that were the examiner’s determination.” For some odd reason, Chief pictured the Gravemind. “That’s just how the Exam works. Anyway, no one likes him. You should stay away, too.”
“He looks dangerous, that much is for sure.” Leorio muttered. Master Chief nodded in agreement.
“You’ve noted all of this, right, Cortana?” Chief asked, regretting asking a moment later.
“Why even ask?” Cortana retorted. Of course she had.
“Oh, right…” Tonpa said suddenly. “A little something to mark our acquaintance.” Tonpa pulled out orange juice cans from his bag. Strangely enough, there was no brand name on it, only a yellow oval with an orange background. The only indication of its flavor was a little marking on the lid that said “orange juice,” along with its serial number. “How about it?”
“Oh, appreciated.” Leorio said, taking a can. As it happened, I was thirsty…”
“Thanks!” Gon said, taking another.
“Thank you.” Kurapika said.
“Thank you, sir.” Master Chief said respectfully.
“Well, to our success, then! Best of luck to all of us!” Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio popped their tabs and raised the drink to their mouths.
The drink I gave you contains an extremely strong laxative. One sip, and you’ll be out of it for three days. Tonpa thought, smiling and laughing on the inside. If he’d portrayed that on the outside, he knew none of them would even touch the drink. Gon suddenly opened his mouth, letting the drink spill out. What!?
“Tonpa-san, this juice must have expired. It tastes funny.” Gon said innocently, not realizing it had a laxative. Leorio spit out a large mouthful.
“Seriously? That was close!” Leorio shouted, wiping his mouth.
“H-huh? That’s strange…” Tonpa said, bowing his head in embarrassment. Impossible! That laxative should have practically no taste nor scent. Looking up, Tonpa saw Kurapika dumping the can out nonchalantly. Hearing a crunch, he turned and saw Chief had crushed the can with the juice still inside. It had burst all over the floor for the most part, and what hadn’t was dripping off Master Chief’s fist. Humanity’s Savior tossed the slimy, crushed can onto the ground.
“I’m very sorry!” Tonpa said loudly, bowing. “I didn’t realize the juice had gone bad.”
“It’s ok, you don't have to apologize. Is your stomach OK?” Gon asked Tonpa. If it hadn't been clear before, Chief knew now that Gon would always assume the best in people.
“Y-yes. I’m fine.” Tonpa stuttered, somewhat relieved that he didn’t know about the laxative and wouldn’t shout it out to the world.
“I’ve sampled all kinds of mountain grasses and plants. So I can usually taste when something’s bad.” Gon helpfully mentioned.
“R-really? That’s amazing.” Tonpa said, awkwardly chuckling and rubbing the back of his head. Shoot, I had to run into this wild mountain kid. “Sorry about that again.” Tonpa said, rising. “I’ll see you around.” He turned, weaving between groups of chatting applicants to get away from that group. There’s something wrong with this year’s rookies. That number 294, Hanzo, too. He said he was a ninja, and that he sought the legendary scroll. The Ultimate Ninja Scroll. Then he said it was boring. I agreed and offered him a drink to toast the friendship, but he said that, as a ninja, he didn’t accept drinks! And there’s number 301. He just oozes peril, I can’t even go near him. Then there’s that guy I can’t stand, number 187, Nicolas. Bringing a laptop to the Hunter exam? He said everything had gone as calculated by his data, or something. Historical data from past exams let him find this year’s location. Offered him a drink, but he just looked me up! Said I was the rookie-crusher. Really don’t like him… Just you wait. Then there was that one group of five. “Noble Team” or something. Offered them drinks, but they said they weren’t thirsty, and even if they were, they had their own canteens.
“Hey, Tonpa-san!” A high-pitched male voice cried out. Tonpa turned and saw a boy with white hair and holding a skateboard waving at him. He was incredibly pale and about the height of the mountain kid. He had a pair of pinkish-red and white tennis shoes, a blue long-sleeves turtleneck underneath a white t-shirt, and a pair of grey athletic shorts. “Can I have more of that juice? Must be my nerves. I’m really thirsty.”
“Eh? Oh, sure…” Tonpa answered innocently enough. What in the world? The laxative he drank earlier should have taken effect by now. What’s going on? Tonpa held out a can to the boy, who shook his head.
“Tonpa-san, are you trying to dehydrate me? I need more than that.” The boy sweetly said, and smiled in a way that somehow sent a chill down Tonpa’s back.
“Oh, alright.” Tonpa said, holding out two more. The boy nodded and took them. He popped the tab on one and began guzzling. It’s only a laxative, but if he imbibes that much, he could die of dehydration. Tonpa unconsciously looked slightly concerned. He enjoyed crushing rookies, sure, but he wasn’t a murderer if he didn’t have to be.
“Worried?” The boy asked. Tonpa looked surprised and raised an eyebrow innocently. “I’ll be fine. I’ve trained. Poisons won’t affect me.” With that, the boy began walking away. As he walked, he dropped the empty can on the ground and popped the tab on another one.
“Poisons?” He knew? He knew, but still drank it? Number 99, Killua. This year’s rookies are all insane… Well, it doesn’t matter. That just means crushing them will be all the more worthwhile.
Suddenly, an alarm rang, and a massive door rumbles upward. It had originally appeared to be the wall, but its facade had been laid bare. A man stood in the center, holding an interesting alarm clock attached to a string. He had a red tie that appeared to have been torn apart at the bottom and a white dress shirt that had no visible buttons. He wore a fitted black triple button single-breasted suit, and broke the sometimes-always-never rule by buttoning all three buttons. He seemed rather lanky, and had a slight tan. His hair seemed to be symmetrical, somewhat feminine, and a very pale pink. He also had a black, highly manicured handlebar mustache. Finally, he also appeared to have no mouth.
“I apologize for the wait.” The man said, his mustache mimicking what would have been said had he had a mouth. “The entry period for Hunter applicants has ended. The Hunter Exam will now begin!” Those who were sitting stood at once. Those huddled in groups silenced themselves, so as to hear everything. “A final caution. If you are short on luck or ability, you could very well end up seriously injured or even dead. Those who accept the risk, please follow me. Otherwise, please exit via the elevator behind you.” No one made a motion.
“I don’t think we’re short on either, Chief.” Cortana said nearly silently. “That is why I picked you.”
“Very well.” The man said. “All 529 applicants will participate in the Phase One.” The man did an about-face that the members of Noble Team noted with interest. Then, he began walking in a very interesting fashion down a hallway that appeared to stretch quite a ways. The other applicants walked behind him, with Master Chief, Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio in the rear, as they were the final applicants to arrive.
“I’d hoped a few might withdraw.” Leorio muttered. The man began picking up speed, so that the other applicants, in order to match his pace, began jogging.
“Wh-what?” Leorio asked, confused by the sudden increase in the pace.
“The people in front started running.” Gon said, explaining that they were only increasing their speed so as not to fall behind.
“He’s picked up the pace.” Kurapika said. Chief merely grunted. He could run over 10 miles at a full sprint of around forty miles an hour, and to keep up with the current pace, he would have to go at a grueling five.
“I neglected to introduce myself.” The man said, loud enough for those at the rear to hear him over the cacophony of running feet. “I am Satotz, the Phase One examiner. I shall lead you to the exam’s Second Phase.”
“Second Phase?” Hanzo shouted. “What about Phase One?”
“It has already commenced.” Satotz told him, maintaining the same volume.
“It’s already begun?” A rumble started among the applicants. “Is this part of the test?”
“You must follow me to Phase Two. This is the exam’s First Phase.” Satotz repeated.
“Follow you? That’s it?” Hanzo asked, a slight scoff tinging the edge of his voice.
“Yes. I cannot tell you where or when you must arrive. You need to follow me.”
“I see how it is.” Kurapika said quietly.
“This test is weird.” Gon said, a sentiment echoed by surprisingly few.
“I expect it’s an endurance test.” Leorio said. “Fine by me.”
“Endurance is Chief’s strong suit.” Cortana said.
But there’s also the mental stress of not knowing how far we’ll have to run. Kurapika thought. He’s also testing our mental fortitude.

Many applicants had not been able to press on, and had fallen behind. Master Chief saw a pale white boy in a white blouse, bow tie, and suspenders running past him, typing on a laptop. Chief saw he was pushing himself far more than what was necessary, so it appeared as though he was under the impression that the run would end soon. Leorio had been slowing down, comparative to his previous pace. He’d been obviously tired by about the eight kilometer mark, and, according to Cortana, they were on the thirty-sixth. He knew Leorio was only continuing through strength of will, and that was a place Master Chief hadn’t been for nearly 34 years. Suddenly, a boy pulled up between Leorio and Gon. He was riding a skateboard, and didn’t seem to have a care in the world. He passed Gon and Leorio.
“Hey! Wait up, kid!” Leorio shouted at him, angry.
“Hmm?” The boy looked at Leorio in confusion. He did, however, cease accelerating, and maintained a speed consistent with Leorio’s pace.
“You should show the Hunter Exam some respect!” Leorio retorted angrily, implying the boy should have known his behavior was disrespectful.
“What do you mean?” The boy calmly asked. Leorio pointed at his skateboard.
“Why are you using a skateboard? That’s cheating!” Leorio loudly accused him.
“Why?” The boy asked again, his tone unchanging.
“Why… This is an endurance test!” Leorio shouted, becoming even angrier at the boy’s apparent ignorance.
“No, it isn’t.” Gon shouted, defying Leorio.
“Gon, what are you saying?” Leorio asked, more confused and surprised than angry.
“The examiner only told us to follow him.” Gon said, silently pointing out that the examiner never said it was an endurance test.
“Whose side are you on, eh?” Leorio shouted back to Gon. The boy slowed his pace further, allowing him to move back to Gon’s position.
“Hey, how old are you?” The boy asked monotonously.
“I’m twelve years old.” Gon said. The boy paused, before flipping his skateboard up with his feet and catching it in midair.
“I guess I’ll run, too.” The boy said, never breaking a stride.
“Wow!” Gon shouted. “That was cool!”
“I’m Killua.” Killua informed Gon and, by extension, Leorio and Chief.
“I’m Gon.” Gon said in response.
The boy Master Chief had seen earlier with the laptop was falling behind now, panting and out of breath. Chief knew he wouldn’t see him approach the front again.

Leorio was walking, and he was behind the entire pack of runners now. He was out of steam, and his will wasn’t providing the fuel he needed. Master Chief, Killua, and Gon were at the back because they were taking a relaxed approach to the First Phase, so they heard when Leorio dropped his briefcase. Chief knew that Leorio had given up, but stopped and looked back anyways. Somehow, he felt that Leorio wasn’t done yet.
“Chief, keep moving. Leorio couldn’t have made it anyways.” Cortana said. Gon stopped as well, and stood staring at Leorio. Killua slowed, waiting on Gon.
“Hey, forget him.” Killua said to Gon and Master Chief. “Let’s get going.” He didn’t make any motion to move, however; obviously waiting for Gon.
“You heard the lad, Chiefy. Let’s hoof it!” Cortana prodded. Chief and Gon didn’t move. Leorio had been crouched over, resting and panting hard. He seemed to shake his head and, to Cortana’s surprise, burst forward and sprinted at an alarming speed, shouting “I’m gonna become a Hunter!” at the top of his lungs, before blowing past Master Chief, Gon, and Killua. Gon smiled and Killua looked stunned. Chief cocked his head a little, and Cortana sighed. Gon took his fishing rod and swung it, hooking Leorio’s briefcase before lassoing it into the air. Killua followed it with his eyes until it landed perfectly in Gon’s hand.
“Cool!” Killua said, grinning. “Let me try that later.”
“Only if you let me try your skateboard, ok?” Gon said. He, Killua, and Master Chief were about 300 meters behind everyone, but their pace would overtake the others’. Chief decided he needed to check up on Noble Team, and increased his speed. Killua and Gon were impressed, but Master Chief couldn’t see it. Stairs appeared ahead of him, and he couldn’t see an end to them. Undaunted, he continued at his current pace. He saw Leorio catch up with the rearguard, and a few seconds later, he repeated the feat. Eventually, he passed Leorio, and reached the middle of the primary group of people. Noble Team had remained in the exact same place in the pack and didn’t appear tired, even after three and a half hours of running. Carter peeked over his shoulder and spotted Chief, a head or so taller than everyone else.
“Good to see you, Chief.” Carter said, acknowledging him.
“It’s a pleasure.” The only female spartan in the group said.
“This is Kat.” Carter said, gesturing towards her. “This is Jun, Jorge, and Emile.” He pointed at each of them in turn. Master Chief shook hands while running, a difficult feat. “Will you be joining us now?”
“Unlikely.” Chief said. “I need to assure the safety of my companions.” The crowd ahead of them suddenly began running even faster as Satotz increased his speed.
“Double time it, Nobles.” Carter said. “Let’s move.” The five members of Noble Team picked up speed, passing Master Chief and those who hadn’t matched the new pace yet, barreling towards the front of the pack. Chief fell back, letting others pass him up. He maintained his previous pace until he was next to Kurapika, who had matched the current pace.
“If you maintain your pace, you’ll be left behind.” Kurapika advised Master Chief. The Savior of Humanity responded by matching Kurapika, stride for stride.
“Better?” He asked Kurapika, who nodded. Chief heard grunting behind him and glanced back, before doing a double take. Leorio had taken his shirt off and was wearing nothing on his upper body except a tie and his badge. He was grunting with each motion, which seemed almost exaggerated.
“Leorio, are you ok?” Kurapika asked as Leorio caught up with them.
“Sure!” Leorio shouted. “Just look at me. I realized that I can keep going if I don’t worry about how stupid I look!” Leorio put on another burst of speed, shouting as he passed both Master Chief and Kurapika. Kurapika snickered, but reached to his collar and pulled his tabard away. He folded it and put it in his satchel, before speeding up to catch up with Leorio, who had settled into a fairly consistent pace. Chief, still matching Kurapika, caught up with Leorio at the same time.
“Leorio! I have a question.” Kurapika asked, seemingly out of the blue.
“What? Is this too easy for you, Kurapika?” Leorio asked snarkily.
“Yes.” Master Chief responded, in answer to Leorio’s question.
“Talking just wastes energy!” Leorio said, ignoring Chief’s admission.
“Are you really trying to become a Hunter for the money?” Kurapika asked, somewhat insensitively. Leorio didn’t bother responding, merely glancing at Kurapika before staring straight ahead once more. “You aren’t, right? We’ve only been together for a few days, but I know you better than that. Sure, you have a nasty attitude, and aren’t very bright.” Leorio held back a vengeful scream. “But you’re not a shallow person. I’ve seen many who live for money. You’re nothing like them.” Kurapika finished. Leorio chuckled.
“You and your logic…” Leorio said. Kurapika paused his conversation briefly, apparently debating something within himself.
“Scarlet eyes.” Kurapika said, again out of the blue. “That’s why the Kurta were targeted.” Leorio looked over at him with slight confusion. He’d never heard of the scarlet eyes.
“We Kurta are known for our unique scarlet eyes. When our emotions are heightened, our eyes turn scarlet, as though on fire. The eyes in that scarlet state are considered one of the seven most beautiful colors in the world. They command high prices on the black market.”
“That’s why the Phantom Troupe attacked you?” Master Chief asked, to ensure no confusion.
“They took every single eye from my brethren’s corpses.” Kurapika responded. He closed his eyes, which was a dangerous thing to do when running up stairs at the speed they were. “I can still hear their darkened eyes crying out in anguish…” Kurapika opened his eyes, allowing the unnatural light to glisten off his grey pupils. “I swear I will capture the Phantom Troupe! And I will reclaim the eyes of my clan!”
“That’s why you want to become a Hunter?” Leorio asked.
“Indeed; if I become a Hunter with rich clients, I’ll gain access to black market information.” Kurapika answered, informing Leorio.
“But you’ll have to swallow your pride.” Leorio said. “And become the kind of Hunter you despise!”
“The blow to my pride is nothing, measured against the suffering my clan endured.” Kurapika relented, a solemn note clear in his voice.
“I understand entirely.” Chief said in his deep, metallic voice. Kurapika and Leorio turned their heads and looked at him.
“Really?” They asked in unison.
“World after world had fallen to the Covenant. An assortment of alien races, bent on humanity’s destruction, burned my home. They believed it was a noble baptism of fire, and not only did they nearly annihilate us all, they were betrayed from within. Due to the difficulty of our typical assignments, only a few Spartan-II’s aren’t missing in action, and not many more III’s.” Master Chief said. He pointed at Noble Team, barely visible at the front of the horde. “They’re one of the few survivors of Reach. One of their team, Noble Six, was forced to stay behind and man a MAC to fend off a cruiser that was about to destroy the evac vessel that Cortana and I were on, the Pillar of Autumn.” Kurapika closed his eyes, suddenly feeling his problem was very small.
“I’m sorry.” Kurapika said mournfully. Leorio sighed.
“Sorry, but I have no noble cause.” Leorio announced. “I’m just after money.”
“Don’t lie!” Kurapika shouted, his eyes snapping open in anger and turning his head to glare at Leorio.
“I’m not lying!” Leorio shouted.
“You really believe you can buy everything with money?” Kurapika asked, somewhat regretting the question after asking it.
“You bet! For the right price, you can buy not only treasures, but dreams, hearts, and even people’s lives!”
“Take that back, Leorio!” Kurapika shouted. “If you’re insulting the Kurta, I won’t forgive you.”
“Why? I’m telling the truth. If I’d had money, my friend wouldn’t have died!” Kurapika was shocked, but somewhat grateful that he wouldn’t have to fight Leorio over the Kurta. Leorio turned his head back towards the gaggle.
“An illness?” Chief asked, respectfully.
“It was a treatable disease… The problem was that the operation costs a fortune.” Leorio said, memories flashing through his head. “I was naïve! I thought if I could become a doctor… I wanted to cure kids of the same disease, and be able to tell them it was free of charge! Then I could have told his parents, too. That was my dream… What a joke. Turns out that to become a doctor, you need even more money! Got it?” Leorio was getting more and more irritable. “The world runs on money… So I want money!” Master Chief heard a pant behind him, and looked back. He saw Gon and Killua catching up to them.
“See you at the goal, Kurapika.” Gon said, holding his backpack’s straps with both hands.
“Catch you later, old timers.” Killua said to Chief and Leorio.
“I’m not old! I’m a teenager, just like you three!” Kurapika, Gon, and Killua’s eyes popped open, and Killua and Gon’s mouths hung open.
“What?” Killua and Kurapika asked, confused. Master Chief slowed for a few milliseconds, looking at Leorio, but his pace continued unchecked visibly. After a few seconds, Killua and Gon recovered enough to move past them. Killua looked back at Leorio in surprise and almost disgust. After a few minutes of silent running, Killua looked over at Gon.
“I’m impressed that you can keep up with me.” Killua said to Gon, a tinge of respect showing in his voice.
“Really?” Gon asked, happy to be praised.
“Or maybe it’s just that everyone else is too slow.” Gon’s smile slipped slightly as the praise fell dead on the ground. “Man…” Killua lowered his head in disappointment. “The Hunter Exam is gonna be a breeze. That’s no fun.” He sounded both monotonous, disappointment, and disgusted.
“Hey, why do you want to become a Hunter?” Gon asked, surprising Killua.
“Me?” Killua mumbled, raising his head. “I’m not really interested in becoming a Hunter.”
“Huh?” Gon was confused. Why would someone take the exam, if not to become a Hunter?
“I heard the exam was supposed to be really hard, so I thought it’d be fun. But this is disappointing. So what about you?” Killua asked this without turning his head or acknowledging Gon in any way, shape, or form.
“Well, my dad’s a Hunter. So I want to become a Hunter, like him.” Gon said.
“Hmm…” Killua muttered. “What kind of Hunter is he?” He asked, more clearly.
“I don’t know.” Gon said truthfully. Killua looked at Gon, then turned away before laughing uproariously.
“That’s kinda weird.” He giggled. “You want to be like your dad, but you don’t know anything about him?”
“I was raised by Mito-san, so I’ve only seen my dad in pictures.” Gon sighed, wishing to meet his dad.
“Who’s Mito-san?” Killua asked. Gon realized he hadn’t explained anything at all.
“My aunt. My dad was twelve when he took the Hunter exam. He passed and became a Hunter. Then he left the island. I want to find out why he chose to be a Hunter over being with me.” Killua appeared satisfied. Suddenly, Chief appeared next to Gon. Neither had heard him approach at all, and they’d been focused so on each other and running that they hasn’t seen him, either.
“Hey.” Master Chief nonchalantly announced his existence.
“Ah!” Killua burst out, surprised by Chief’s sudden arrival.
“What about you, Chief?” Gon asked enthusiastically.
“What about me?” He said. “I can’t tell you a lot.”
“Nor does he want to.” Cortana said.
“Whaaaa?” Killua asked, surprised further. “Who’s that?” Master Chief reached behind his head, pulling Cortana out of his helmet. He palmed her chip, and she appeared in her typical blue female avatar.
“UNSC AI Cortana at your service.” She said, taking a dramatic bow. She disappeared, and Chief put her back in his helmet. Killua’s eyes bulged and an enormous smile appeared on his face.
“Wooaaah.” Killua said. “Cool…” Killua pronounced each syllable with an emphasis on how cool it was. He held out his hand. “I’m Killua,”
“I’m Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan John-117.” Master Chief said quickly and clearly, reaching out his hand towards Killua’s and shaking it. To the surprise of both, the other shook firmly. Suddenly, the tunnel was bathed in natural light for the first time.
“The exit!” “Finally!” “Whew, I can get out of this dark tunnel…” Were common expressions of relief among the multitudes. Killua and Gon looked at each other and smiled mischievously, putting on a burst of speed both to beat the other and to lose Chief. Master Chief surprised them both by matching their speed as they blew past every other applicant. Satotz eventually reached the top of the stairs and turned around, looking back into the tunnel to check the progress of the frontrunners.
“Goal!!!!” Shouted Gon and Killua at the same time, laughing as they leapt through the egress. Chief followed them out, appearing to most of the candidates as their chaperone.
“Yay! I win.” Gon declared happily, raising his fist in the air as he slowed to a halt.
“What are you talking about? I was faster…” Killua retorted, hands on his hips.
“I was.” Gon claimed, lowering his triumphant fist.
“No, I was!” Killua shouted.
“I was faster, so you have to buy dinner!” Gon insisted.
“Nope! I was faster. So you buy me dinner.” Killua asserted, crossing his arms.
“But I was faster.” Gon pressed. The two turned to Master Chief.
“Hey, who was faster?” Gon asked.
“Cortana?” Chief asked his A.I. companion, who could accurately tell.
“They made it at the same time.” Cortana announced.
“Oh… Then I’ll buy you dinner.” Gon stated.
“Huh?” Killua stated with confusion.
“Then you buy me dinner!” Gon shouted.
“I don’t get it.” Killua said. Gon had meant that they each would purchase the other’s dinner.
“Hey, Satotz-san. Is this where the Second Phase of the exam takes place?” Gon asked, hope filling his voice.
“No, we still have quite a ways to go.” Satotz said. A collective grumble and/or moan rung out from the crowd as they began flowing out of the tunnel into the natural outdoors. Looking back, Master Chief could see the tunnel emerged from the side of the hill. A thick, blanketing fog covered the area surrounding the outside of the exit, so Chief couldn’t identify his surroundings.

Everyone had gathered just outside the opening, on the large concrete outcrop. Noble Team had remained close by, towering over the surrounding candidates. The only person taller was Master Chief, who was standing near Kurapika and Leorio.
“The fog is fading.” Kurapika said, looking out over the vast expanse that could be seen from their position. A huge swampy forest spread out in all directions. Out of curiosity, Jun raised his sniper rifle, but found that he was unable to see the end of the forest even through the scope.
“The Numere Wetlands, also known as Swindler’s Swamp. We must cross these wetlands to reach Phase Two of the exam. This place is home to many bizarre animals, many of them being cunning, insatiable creatures who deceive humans and prey upon them. Be very careful.” Satotz said to the group. “If you let them fool you, you’re dead.” Noble Team nodded, but everyone else’s reaction was surprise and concern. The door of the compound suddenly began to squeal shut. One runner finished running up the steps and gasped. “Wait for me!” The door unmercifully closed, shutting him out from the rest of the Exam. His cries could be heard just before the door shut completely, and those close to the door could hear a series of thuds as the man banged against it, desperate to be let out.
“These wetland creatures will use every trick in the book to fool their prey. An ecosystem where creatures obtain food with deceit… Hence the name Swindler’s Swamp. Stay very close to me so you won’t be deceived.”
“What a joke.” Leorio said, spitting and laughing. “How can they fool us when we’re expecting it?”
“Don’t let them fool you!” A voice cried out, seemingly in panic. Everyone turned towards it, curious.
“I just said they can’t.” Leorio muttered, apparently miffed at someone shouting something contrary to him.
“D-don’t fall for it…” A man shouted, stumbling out from behind the wall. “He’s lying to you! He’s an imposter!” He accused Satotz, pointing at him. “He isn’t an examiner… I’m the real examiner.” He pointed his thumb at himself to emphasize his point.
“An imposter?” Leorio asked, looking back and forth between the two. “What’s going on?”
“Then who is he?” Hanzo asked, also looking between the accuser and the accused. Satotz remained silent.
“Look at this…” The man said. He dragged a body that looked strikingly similar to Satotz from behind the wall, which encased the tunnel from whence they’d come.
“He looks just like Satotz-san!” Gon shouted in surprise, stealing thoughts from the minds of everyone and making them public.
“It’s a man-faced ape, one of the creatures that dwell in the Numere Wetlands!” The man shouted, holding the body by its hand and letting it remain otherwise limp.
“A man-faced ape?” Leorio asked loudly, confused.
“Man-faced apes love the taste of fresh human flesh. However, their limbs are long and frail, so they’re quite weak. That’s why they disguise themselves as humans. They trick humans into following them into these wetlands, where they team up with other animals to kill and devour them.” The man pointed at Satotz again. “He intends to trap every single applicant!” He claimed, smiling devilishly. The candidates were looking relieved and confident, thinking they’d narrowly avoided being tricked.
“Scoundrel.” Leorio said, smirking.
“He certainly doesn’t walk like a human…” Hanzo piped up, giving further evidence with a sneer. It was clear by the other applicants that they would physically harm Satotz if he didn’t defend himself. Some candidates felt a quick breeze blow past them, and anyone looking at the man would have seen three cards appear, having penetrated into his right lung, heart, and head, respectively. The man toppled backwards, dead before he landed. Two cards appeared in Satotz’s right hand and one in his left. Chief clenched his fist, assuming momentarily that Satotz had killed the man. He heard the shuffling of a deck of cards, and immediately grasped the situation.
“I see, I see…” Hisoka chuckled in the stunned silence that followed. “That settles it. You’re the real one.” Hisoka said, looking towards Satotz, who tossed the cards he had caught aside. Everyone looked between Satotz and Hisoka. The body of the man-ape that the man had been presenting suddenly hopped to life, running back towards the swamp in leaps and bounds. Most ignored it, still mesmerized by Hisoka.
“Examiners are Hunters selected by the committee to perform this duty without pay. Any Hunter, bearing the title we seek, would have been able to block that attack.”
“I shall take that as a compliment.” Satotz said, bowing slightly. “However, should you attack me again, for any reason, I will report you for turning on an examiner. And you will be immediately disqualified.” He rose his head and stared at Hisoka, like a schoolmaster to a disobedient child. “Are we clear?” Satotz furrowed his brow, giving further credence to the schoolmaster/schoolboy relationship.
“Sure.” Hisoka said, nonchalantly. Vultures began crying out, picking away at the body of the man, who had been unmasked as a man-ape himself.
“Nature really can be brutal to watch…” Leorio muttered.
“He was attempting to confuse the applicants, to lure some of them away.” Satotz announced to the crowd. He began walking in the direction of his accuser, who lay as he was prior.
“We cannot relax our guard.” Killua said, furrowing his brow.
“Yeah.” Gon nodded, his expression mirroring Killua’s.
“Chief never does.” Cortana said. She was careful to tone her voice to be both cheerful and considerate.
“You will be encountering such deception on a regular basis.” Satotz said, approaching the body. He stopped upon reaching the edge of the crowd, which was around 20 feet from the body. “I believe that a number of you were fooled into suspecting my identity?” Leorio blushed and rubbed the back of his head. Hanzo awkwardly laughed and rubbed his head in a like manner. Many other candidates were doing a better job of hiding their unbelief. “Do you understand? If you lose sight of me in the Wetlands fog, you will never reach the Exam’s Second Phase. Do bear that in mind.” He paused dramatically. No one else interrupted, so he gestured towards the swamp. “Then let us be on our way. Please follow me.”
He turned and began running down the hill at a slower pace than he had finished the run with. The open land leading up to the Numere Wetlands was a soaking wet, overgrown, grassy field that was prime material for a twisted ankle. One candidate dropped and, recognizing he couldn’t continue, limped back up the hill towards the entrance.
Noble Team followed just behind Satotz, with the other candidates tailing them at various distances.
“Tsk, another marathon.” Leorio grunted to Kurapika.
“And this time, we’re running through marsh.” Kurapika added. “Running on wet ground requires more energy.”
“Chief.” Cortana requested Master Chief’s attention.
“What?”
“Only 37 candidates have dropped out, out of the original 530. That includes the man who who somehow had his arms turned to flower petals. This could be easier than HICOM thought.” They heard the metal door open as the man who had twisted his ankle entered the safety of the passageway, before closing again.
“We haven’t finished Phase One.”

“Pay attention now.” Satotz announced to those behind him. “Be sure to stay close behind me.” They’d just entered the wetlands a few minutes prior, but even the dullest examinees could sense the danger that hovered over, under, and around them with each step.
“The fog is getting thicker.” Kurapika muttered. Leorio was beside him, seeming to have lost all the exhaustion that plagued him earlier on. Chief was following a few feet behind Kurapika, ensuring that if they were ensnared, he could rescue them. The only sounds were the occasional muttering and the squish and swish of feet on wet, muddy earth.
“Leorio! Kurapika! Killua says we should move up!” Gon’s voice shattered the near-silence.
“Moron! If I had the strength, I’d already be there!” Leorio thundered in response.
“Don’t worry about us!” Kurapika shouted.
“We’ll be fine!” Cortana reassured him.
“What?” Gon’s voice barely drifted to the others. They hoped their meaning carried over.

“We can’t even tell which way we’re going.” Kurapika muttered. They were a few miles into the forest by now, and continued at a steady pace. The trees that had been surrounding them were gone, and they were running through a field. The fog had thickened to the point where Master Chief was the only soul nearby who could tell their direction. They were heading in generally the right direction, so he’d stayed silent.
“It’s ok. As long as we don’t lose sight of the guys ahead of us…” Leorio reassured Kurapika.
“Chief! They’re disappearing off your radar!” Cortana shouted. Suddenly, one of the runners simply vanished without a sound. It appeared that they had stumbled to the ground like a drunk man tripping over a pebble. Leorio gasped, and another dropped in a similar fashion. One by one they dissipated, until Kurapika, Leorio, and Chief, along with the others behind them, were completely alone. Leorio froze and let out a screech.
“What’s going on!?” He yelled, confused. Kurapika and Master Chief stopped next to him, and the runners behind them began stopping and muttering as well. Out of the darkness, a large, head-sized strawberry manifested itself. It floated at around head-height for Chief. It moved towards the applicants and when its silhouette disappeared, replaced by its natural colors, it stopped approaching and bobbed in the air. More appeared, and the runners soon found themselves surrounded by the large telekinetic fruit.
“You see these too, right?” Master Chief asked.
“Ye- Chief! Large contacts!” Cortana announced. Someone walked past the point Leorio was frozen at and suddenly dropped to the ground, screaming.
“Engaging!” Chief announced, starting a panic amongst the runners behind him. The hostile appeared to be a brachiosaurus with a large turtle shell. The shell was adorned with spikes, atop which were the giant strawberries that had surrounded the runners. It was also a carnivore. Master Chief raised his rifle and fired a burst at the shell, to no effect. He couldn’t shoot the head, since there was a possibility of friendly fire. The runners behind the three scattered, running off to what was likely their demise. Other turtle-dino hybrids appeared, snapping up some of the escaping runners.
“This looks bad…” Kurapika muttered, backing up against Leorio. A pair stopped and stared down at the trio, obviously intent on attacking them next. Leorio stepped sideways and accidentally nudged a log. He grabbed it as if it was his lifeline, which it was. When one of the dinosaurs lunged for him, he shoved the log into its mouth in a position where it couldn’t shut its mouth. Leorio made the mistake of hanging on, however, and as the beast reared its head, he was raised into the air to a height where letting go would result in serious injury.
“Leorio!” Kurapika shouted. The log appeared in danger of snapping. The Numere native swished its head back and forth, trying to fling Leorio loose. Kurapika pulled out his bokken and leapt many times his height into the air. On the descent, he positioned the bokken so that they would plunge into the creature’s eye. The creature lowered its head to absorb the impact, and opened its mouth to roar, letting the log and Leorio loose. They both crashed to the ground hard, but only one snapped in half. Kurapika landed next to him.
“Leorio, Chief. Now’s our chance.” Kurapika announced. He saw Chief reload, and the other dinosaur on the ground. It had numerous small, deep holes that were gushing out the beast’s equivalent of blood. Master Chief nodded, and the three began running in a random direction. As the screams of the runners who had run off began to dissipate, new screams replaced them, as others apparently fell victim to other traps or creatures.
“Cortana, based on satellite data, where’s the Second Phase?” Chief asked.
“You guessed right, you’re heading straight for it.” Cortana answered cheerfully. Leorio exhaled with relief.

“We’ve lost sight of the front-runners.” Kurapika said. “We’re at risk of falling prey to-” Leorio glanced left and gasped. He held out both his arms, stopping Master Chief and Kurapika.
“Stop!” He whispered, pointing in the direction he was staring. “Over there…” Hisoka stood in a small field with his back to them, encircled by men and women bearing various melee weapons. A man stood outside the circle, arms crossed, and acting as though he was in command. When they stopped, they began to catch what he was saying.
“When I saw you last year, I knew you weren’t Hunter material.”
“We’ll spare you if you swear not to take the Hunter Exam again.” One of the men, a bald man with a staff, said.
“Sure.” Hisoka responded, calmly. The people circling him gasped, surprised by how willing he was to go along with them. “I’m passing the exam this year, so I won’t need to retake it.” The warriors returned to their previous tense, battle-ready stances.
“Passing? Idiot! Look at this fog. It’s impossible to determine which direction the main pack went!” The leader said.
“Meaning we’ve all failed the exam!” Another one of the men, this one with nunchucks, shouted. Hisoka started to chuckle.
“So that’s why.” Hisoka laughed. “Having already failed, you wish to play examiner. Hunters require prey.” Hisoka closed his eyes. “Why don’t I play examiner… And judge whether you are Hunter material?” Hisoka finished, raising a card in one hand. The leader gritted his teeth.
“Shut up!” The crowd shouted as one; with all but the leader charging at him. Hisoka outstretched his arm and whipped it around in a circle faster than the circling crowd could react. They paused their attack, and Hisoka flipped his card in his hand. At that signal, the crowd fell and dropped their weapons with a clatter. The leader had uncrossed his arms in shock, and beads of sweat were easily visible on his brow, even from the Chief’s distance. It was clear he was frightened.
“Now, then…” Hisoka said, turning to the man. The man’s knees gave, and he fell to a sitting position. He turned and crawled away from Hisoka as quickly as he could, whimpering. Hisoka walked after him, drawing a second card.
“H-h-help!” He shouted, desperate. The confidence he had portrayed a mere minute prior had completely evaporated. “Hel-” Hisoka threw two cards into the rear of his head, and the man fell face forward onto the ground. Hisoka walked over and retrieved the cards with a splorch, before stopping. His eyes looked back at the Savior of Humanity.
“Well?” Leorio and Kurapika straightened in surprise. Master Chief pulled out his rifle, pointing it at Hisoka. “Care to participate, in my little game of examiner?” Hisoka asked, only barely loud enough for them to hear him. Hisoka turned from the body and began walking towards them, in no hurry.
“Cortana, options.” Chief asked quietly.
“Run.” Cortana said frankly.
“Any others?” Master Chief prodded politely.
“I don’t see you winning this one, Chief!” Cortana noted, concerned. Chief nodded slightly.
“Leorio, Chief.” Kurapika said quietly. “On my signal, we run in opposite directions.”
“What?” Leorio asked, looking at Kurapika.
“He is vastly more experienced in real combat than either of us. The two of us won’t stand a chance against him, and Chief may not be able to finish this fight. We cannot afford to squander time on a pointless fight!” Kurapika whisper-shouted. He stared intently at Hisoka. Master Chief saw Hisoka suddenly flick a card between his fingers into a ready position. Hisoka took a few more steps, before stopping and raising the card in their direction. Ominously, a few crows flew out of the branches at that moment.
“Now!” Kurapika shouted. Leorio pealed right, Kurapika sprinted left, and Chief, after waiting a second to throw Hisoka off, followed Kurapika left. Master Chief and Kurapika sprinted just inside the edge of the forest surrounding the field to try and see if they could link up with Leorio. As he ran, he glanced between the trees and glimpsed Leorio walking back towards Hisoka with a large stick in his right hand. Chief stopped and motioned for Kurapika to lower himself, which he did.
“I just can’t do it…” Leorio said. “This may not be my fight, but I won’t close my eyes and make a break for it!” He finished with a shout. Leorio raised his blunt weapon and charged Hisoka.
“Leorio!?” Kurapika shouted. Master Chief waved him down.
“Mm, I adore that look on your face.” Hisoka muttered. He didn’t move, and Leorio brought his stick down, aiming for his head. Leorio’s shot connected, but it seemed as though Hisoka had merely dissipated into smoke.
“What?” Leorio said. Hiroka reappeared to Leorio’s right, and appeared to simply shift to a position behind Leorio. He reached for Leorio’s head, but in that moment a bobber whistled through the air and hit Hisoka in the face. The impact was surprising and hard enough that Hisoka stopped where he stood.
“Cortana, permission to engage?” Chief asked.
“Denied, Chief! This is just a training exercise!” Cortana said, implying it wasn’t worth it.
“There are people at stake!” Master Chief grunted.
“You’ll be at stake!” Cortana insisted, loud enough that Kurapika turned his head and raise an eyebrow. Hisoka still hadn’t budged, giving Leorio an opportunity to slip away. Leorio, of course, didn’t take it.
“Gon?” Leorio shouted. Chief turned and saw Gon standing there with his fishing pole in his hands. Leorio’s briefcase lay next to where Gon stood.
“I made it in time…” Gon panted.
“Not bad, little boy.” Hisoka grunted. “Is that a fishing pole? What a fascinating weapon.” Hisoka turned his back to Leorio and paced towards Gon. “Allow me a closer look.” He outstretched his palm, as if expecting Gon to submit. Gon gripped the pole all the tighter.
“Your fight is with me!” Leorio shouted, running at Hisoka. Hisoka turned with impeccable timing and punched Leorio in the face hard enough to launch him in the air. Gon leapt at Hisoka, shouting and swinging his fishing pole as a melee weapon. Hisoka repeated his prior trick, dissipating in smoke and reappearing next to Leorio’s body.
“Cortana, I need to go now.” Master Chief said.
“You came to rescue your friend?” Hisoka asked, seemingly teleporting just behind Gon. Gon turned towards Hisoka and jumped backwards, away from him. “Such a good boy.” Hisoka mumbled, appearing behind Gon again. Gon swung his pole, but Hisoka dissipated once more. He then seemingly appeared in a position fifteen feet away from Gon. “And that expression…” Gon started jumping backwards, swinging his fishing rod at Hisoka. Hisoka walked towards him, and with each swing, Hisoka avoided the blows with minimal effort.
“Nice…” Hisoka said. “Very nice.” He moved his head to avoid another of Gon’s swings. “I’m getting excited now.”
“Ok!” Gon shouted. Gon swung again, and Hisoka continued on, smiling all the way. The bobber suddenly dove into the ground at a 90º from its previous trajectory, surprising Hisoka. A dust cloud rose into the air as a result of the ground being broken apart. Hisoka stopped, and Gon circled behind him. Hisoka couldn’t see that through the dust cloud and remained motionless. When Gon made his move, he shouted and swung his pole at Hisoka from behind, but Hisoka grabbed him by the throat and held him high in the air. Gon kicked and struggled, but could not break Hisoka’s grasp. He dropped his pole, and Hisoka smiled.
“Cortana, if I don’t go, Gon will die.” Chief said, starting to feel a feeling he hadn’t felt wince his Spartan training days.
“How wonderful…” Hisoka said, sounding like he was barely controlling himself.
“Cortana…” Master Chief was feeling a little bit…
“I really do love that look.” Hisoka seemed barely restrained. His smiled nearly split his face.
“Cortana.” Helpless.
“If he loses consciousness, you can go. You’re too important otherwise, Chief!” Gon stopped struggling and stuck his tongue out, obviously losing consciousness. The Demon readied himself by raising his rifle towards Hisoka’s head. Hisoka’s expression changed from a seduced smile to either disappointment, disgust, or realization, and he let Gon drop. Gon fell to his knees and closed his eyes, coughing at Hisoka’s feet, barely conscious. Hisoka bent down to look at Gon at eye level.
“Do not fear.” Hisoka said. Gon opened an eye. “I will not kill your friend. He passed.” Hisoka laughed, and Gon opened both eyes. He was obviously in shock. “Yes, you pass, as well. Grow up and become a fine Hunter.” A beeping sound startled Gon and Hisoka, and the latter pulled out a walkie-talkie.
“Hisoka, you should get back here. We’re nearly at the Phase Two site.” A voice said through a voice scrambler.
“Okay, I’ll be right there.” Hisoka said. He turned off the radio and stood. “It’s always good to have friends.” Hisoka grabbed Leorio and hoisted him up on his back. “You can find your own way back, yes?” Gon nodded. “That’s a good boy.” Hisoka turned and walked off into the mist, still carrying Leorio. Gon lay on his knees, panting and sweating, still in shock.
“Gon!” Kurapika shouted, and Gon turned his head towards him. “Are you all right?” Kurapika ran towards him, followed by Chief. Master Chief was having a quiet, heated discussion with Cortana as they ran. His rifle was still in his hands as the fog quickly began to dissipate.

“This way.” Chief said, leading the other two. There were actually a few, apparently unused paths in the Swindler’s Swamp. Some of them branched off into fake paths; but Master Chief was able to guide them all via satellite data. Gon had piped up a few times, acknowledging that he already knew what Chief was saying. In fact; at one point, Master Chief had misinterpreted the data Cortana had told him and Gon had corrected him.
“I know.” Gon said again, dismissively.
“You can really tell?” Kurapika asked.
“Uh-huh. Leorio’s cologne is very unique. I can smell him from a few kilometers away.” Gon informed them, before going silent for a moment.
“Hey, Chief. What did Hisoka mean when he said that we passed?” Gon asked, confused.
“Hisoka was acting as a judge. Those who failed, died. He must have had his own way of determining who passes and fails, but you and Leorio met his standards.”
“I see. But… I was powerless to do anything against him.” Gon said.
“Didn’t you land your first hit on him?” Kurapika asked, surprised by Gon’s admission.
“Only because he was surprised.” Gon and Chief said at the same time, before looking at each other. “Besides…” Gon continued. “Leorio passed, even though he lost.”
“Likely, he sensed you and him were kindred spirits.” Kurapika said. “People of special talent are drawn to others of similar talents. He probably sensed you had the skill and potential to become good Hunters. Killing you now would have been a waste… That was his perspective.” Kurapika looked up and saw Gon running and staring ahead in silence. He started.
“I’m sorry! Was that insensitive on my part?” Kurapika said, concerned. He hadn’t been in any social situations for four years, so he was unsure.
“No…” Gon shook his head. “I was pretty excited, as well. I was so scared, I wanted to run away. But I couldn’t. And at the same time, I was excited. Isn’t that strange?” Gon finished excitedly, looking back and smiling.
“I know many marines and ODSTs who feel the same way. It’s a sign of very, very good warriors. I would pass you, too.” Master Chief said. Gon smiled again, and Kurapika grinned slightly, before forcing it to vanish without a trace. Through a gap in the canopy, Gon caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a castle gate.

The three crested the final hill and saw a crowd of people in front of the entrance to the Phase Two exam site.
“Looks like we made it in time.” Kurapika said breathlessly. The three weaved in and out of the crowd, looking for Leorio. Gon’s head suddenly snapped up and he looked to his left. Chief followed his line of sight and saw Hisoka leaning against a tree, pointing to his right. Following his direction, Master Chief saw Leorio seated against a tree, face swollen and eyes far off. Chief checked his radar to make sure it wasn’t an apparition. It wasn’t.
“Leorio!” Gon shouted, running over to him. The man the Covenant called the Demon grabbed Kurapika’s shoulder, halting the Kurta.
“I have to go report in; I’ll be right back.” He whispered. Kurapika nodded firmly, and Master Chief released his grip on the boy. Kurapika ran after Gon, who was talking to Leorio. Chief turned and immediately spotted Carter above everyone’s heads. He made his way towards the other Spartans, bumping into a few people and apologizing as he did so. Jorge spotted him first, and tapped his helmet.
“Hey, Chief. What do you need?” Jorge asked helpfully.
“I need to speak to Carter.” Master Chief said. Jorge nodded.
“I’ll patch ‘im through.” Jorge said. A crackling emitted, and Carter’s voice was heard over the channel.
“All yours, Chief.” Carter said.
“I need to update you on a few things.” Chief said.
“Hit me.” Carter responded.
“Firstly, my group of three is actually prime recruitment material. We may have adopted a fourth, and I’ll be analyzing him as we go.” Master Chief reported. Carter nodded, and Chief continued. “Secondly, I doubt many Hunters have ever been through the Numere Wetlands. I’d mark that area as hostile on all U.N.S.C. maps.” Master Chief said. Carter actually laughed, before agreeing. “Finally, Hisoka. The magician. He’s very, very dangerous indeed. He murdered eight moderately trained and armed men and women with a playing card in one motion.” Carter started. He certainly couldn’t take out more than one man with a playing card in a single motion; much less eight.
“Alright Chief, thank you for the information. Again, the offer still remains for you to join Noble Team in these rounds.” Carter said, thankfully.
“No, thanks.” Chief declined. “I’ll keep it in mind, though.” Master Chief hadn’t actually come within shouting distance of the group of Spartans throughout the entire conversation. He turned back and returned to his companions, who he could see had been visited by Killua. Before he could quite reach them, however, he heard Satotz begin talking.
“Excellent work, everyone.” Satotz announced, pleased. “Phase Two of the exam will occur here, at Biska Forest Park. So, I shall take my leave. Best of luck to all of you.” Satotz had his back to the park entrance and was facing the crowd, so he did not need to do any turning before he began taking long strides into the forest. The doors of the park rumbled open. Chief glanced over and saw that as Satotz had been speaking, Leorio had stood up and put on his dress shirt, and Kurapika had replaced his tabard. When the doors finally ceased to open, they presented a path that was lined on both sides with what appeared to be cooking stations. At the end of a path sat a mansion, and in front of the mansion sat two people.
“Will all applicants who passed Phase One please enter?” The first, a woman, asked loudly. “Welcome. I’m Menchi, the Second Phase examiner.” Menchi was an attractive woman not dressed to the best of standards. She had a pair of short jorts and a bra, covered by a thin, very revealing cloth of some sort. “And I’m Buhara, the other examiner.” The second, an absolutely enormously fat man, announced. Everyone quickly gathered around the two Phase Two examiners. A rumble broke the silence, sparking concerned gasps in the crowd.
“You must be hungry.” Menchi said to Buhara, with some airy concern.
“I’m starving.” Buhara moaned pitifully.
“There you have it. Phase Two will involve…” She paused for a short while. “Cooking!” The response was immediate and audible.
“C-cooking?” Hanzo asked, surprised.
“Wait! Cooking?” Todo reacted angrily. “We’re here to take the Hunter Exam!”
“That’s quite right.” Menchi retorted. “Your challenge for the Second Phase is to produce a dish that will satisfy our palate.”
“Why do we have to cook?” Someone shouted, frustrated.
“That’s because we are Gourmet Hunters.” Menchi said, as if that satisfied the entire issue. The crowd began laughing, with even Carter laughing a little.
“Man, what a letdown.” Someone said. “They’re Gourmet Hunters…” Chuckled someone else.
“Chief, just as a quick side-note, there are currently 310 applicants still remaining.” Cortana said quietly, taking advantage of the lull in instructions.
“Got it.”
“So, Gourmet Hunters, what are we supposed to make?” Todo asked sarcastically as the laughter began to die down. Menchi looked pouty.
“Buhara” She said, indicating he should speak. He stood.
“The required ingredient is pork.” Buhara announced, drowning out any still-lingering giggles. The candidates finally calmed, waiting for any further instruction.
“Pork?” Someone asked. “As in pig meat?”
“You’re free to use from any species of Biska Forest pigs. You must use the cooking facilities here to prepare the pork. And you may only pass if we both find it delicious.” Buhara finished his rules.
“And we will evaluate more than just taste.” Menchi added quickly, before anyone ran off. “Don’t underestimate the intricacies of cooking. Got it? When we’ve both eaten our fill, the exam will end.” Menchi finished.
“We get it, we get it.” Todo said, dismissively waving his hand. “Let’s just start.”
“Then, the exam’s Second Phase…” Buhara took command from Todo, instead of Menchi, but she didn’t seem inclined to correct him. Buhara hit his enormous stomach with considerable force, resulting in a gong-like sound being made. “…Begins now!” Before the echoes had dimmed, all the applicants had left and began searched throughout the park.

“Catch a pig and cook it.” Leorio muttered confidently, holding his briefcase over his shoulder. “This is way easier than the First Phase.”
“I hope it will be that simple.” Kurapika said, sighing. He knew there was no way that the Exam would let a Phase be that easy. The trials to get to the Exam would have been harder than the Second Phase, if it were to catch a simple pig.
“Unlikely.” Master Chief voiced Kurapika’s thoughts. They were standing on the edge of a steep hill, and Gon, being the kid he was, leapt down it and began sliding, raising his arms in the air. Killua grinned and jumped down after, shouting and smiling. He was followed by Leorio, Kurapika, and finally, Chief. Gon stopped early and unexpectedly, and because of his momentum, Killua hit him in the back, hard. Leorio was unable to stop as well and sandwiched Killua between Gon and himself. Kurapika hit Leorio in the back, and Master Chief, desperate to slow his own momentum so as not to crush Kurapika under his own weight, took out his knife and stabbed the side of the hill. He kept going for a foot or so more, leaving a foot-long gash in the side of the hill, but he managed to stop just short of Kurapika. If he’d continued, there was a chance the boy could have died.
“What was that about, Gon!?” Killua asked, outraged and raising his fist.
“Found them.” Gon said, quietly and complacently.
“Huh?” Killua was surprised, but when he looked where Gon had directed his gaze, he saw what he was talking about. The “them” which Gon had been referring to were the enormous pigs. The pigs themselves were almost circular; being tall and round as opposed to longer. Comparatively, their mouths were minuscule compared to their body, but they were large enough to swallow a human whole. Their noses were also noticeable, in that they appeared to contain thick, tough skin that could block most, if not all, attacks from the front. Finally, they were chewing on the bones of a large, horned creature.
“Pigs!” Leorio said loudly, in surprise. “Uh… They’re chewing on bones.” He was muttering now, seemingly in shock.
“Don’t tell me… They’re carnivores?” Kurapika realized, surprised. One of the pigs snapped the bone it was chewing and looked up at the five of them, before crying out and emitting steam from its nostrils.
“Sure looks it.” Chief said, snapping up his rifle and resuming full combat readiness. Leorio ran up the hill expediently, faster than during the First Phase, and was followed by Gon, Killua, and Kurapika, respectively. Master Chief fired a five-round burst at the nose before taking off after them. The bullets actually bounced off the pig’s nose, even though they had been honed for combat after centuries of innovation. The pig, outraged, charged after them almost as fast as they were running, and the huge pack of pigs behind it followed them. They reached the other applicants and blew past the first group of them, who couldn’t pick up enough speed in so short a time as to get away from the pigs. The pigs hit them with their noses and actually picked them up with such speed as to launch them dozens of feet into the air, high above the pack.
The quintet reached the main group of candidates, and the first examinee to do anything was Todo, who chucked an enormous rock at a pig’s nose. The pig smashed through the rock with its nose and shattered it, which sent Todo reeling. A pair of shurikans swished through the sky, hitting a pig in the nose, but being deflected in a manner not dissimilar to Chief’s bullets. Gon turned and leapt in the air, before attempting to bring his fishing rod down on one’s forehead. He miscalculated, and the pig speared him with its nose. Gon was unharmed and simply launched forward. A few more feet, however, and he would have hit a tree. The pig, seeing Gon wasn’t down, charged the boy, who leapt out of the way. The pig couldn’t recalculate before the charge ended with it hitting the tree head-on. The apple tree was unharmed, and it seemed to Gon as though the shock of the impact had injured the pig. If the pig could have, it would have smirked at Gon as it rose and turned towards him, preparing to charge once more. Gon tensed, but all of a sudden, a multitude of apples rained down on the pig’s forehead. The pig, for some odd reason, was seriously injured by the cascade of fruit and lay on the ground.
“Just maybe…” Gon muttered, before leaping in the air. He brought the fishing rod down on the pig’s forehead, easily marked by the bruising caused by the apples, and the pig cried out before perishing.
“The foreheads seem to be the weak points.” Cortana announced to the other candidates.
“So, the pigs evolved large, strong noses to protect their soft, weak foreheads.” Kurapika muttered. Killua placed his skateboard and, using a rock as a ramp, launched into the air and crashed down on a pig’s forehead with surprisingly lethal force. Kurapika leapt into the air, before bringing his bokken down on the beast’s forehead. Both pigs cried out and fell to the ground, dead. The other candidates smiled as they, too, took down their own targets in like manner.
“Chief!” Cortona shouted, warning him. Master Chief turned to see a beast charging him. Not having time to dodge, Chief took a stance that he hadn’t had to use for weeks now. When the pig reached him, Master Chief stopped it cold by grabbing its nose, lifted it above his head, flipped it around, and smashed its forehead on the ground. The other applicants all around them were hitting foreheads as well. The less capable applicants were just finishing up when the first few candidates lifted their pigs above their heads and started heading back.
When they returned, the applicants selected their cooking stations, shoved spits through the pigs, and began roasting them on the flames that they created using the provided materials. Carter walked over to Master Chief and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Chief, I need recipes. We eat paste. We’re not gourmets.” Carter said, somewhat desperate. Chief glanced over and saw Kat plugging away on a device attached to her robotic arm, searching for recipes.
“Cortana.”
“This is cheating.” Cortana said. “If we’re found out, we’ll be eliminated. Besides, it seems like no one here knows anything about the culinary arts, what with everyone doing basically the same thing.” Carter nodded.
“We’ll just do our best, then.” Carter sighed, before returning to Noble Team. After half an hour, Todo was the first candidate to finish his pig. He lifted the pig up from the flames and placed it on a large plate. He withdrew the spit and lifted the plate. Walking up to the examiners, he placed the pig on a table that sat before the examiners.
“Alright!” Todo shouted. “Now eat the pig and send me to the next phase.”
“Okay, it’s evaluation time.” Menchi said with a sarcastic, yet bored, tone. “Taste testing.” Buhara dived right in, grabbing a forkful and shoving it into his mouth.
“Tastes good!” He mumbled, face full of pig. He raised a stick with an O on it, signaling his approval. A bell rung. Todo laughed and nodded, eyes closed with satisfaction. Menchi raised her stick. It had an X on it, signaled her disapproval. The buzzing surprising Todo, who started and opened his eyes.
“It’s overcooked. The tough texture ruins the flavor of the meat.” Menchi lectured Todo.
“What? You haven’t even tried it!” Todo was outraged, fists balled up.
“It’s plain as day!” Menchi pointed her stick at him and shouted. Buhara dropped his fork and knife and ripped off a part of the pig with his mouth. Todo went back to his station, angry. After Buhara had finished, The bones were discarded, and Hanzo appeared. He’d put a blanket of lettuce beneath his pig.
“Okay… Dive in!” Hanzo shouted, the sun glistening off his bald head. Buhara smiled and a bell rung, but Menchi failed him again without touching the pig.
“Huh? Why?” Hanzo shouted, surprised.
“Charred on the outside, uncooked inside. Your fire was too strong.” Menchi said, as if reviewing basic, simple knowledge that everyone knew.
The next person brought their pig up before the examiners. Again, Buhura signaled his approval and ate massive amounts. Menchi disapproved again.
“Your fire, too, was too strong.” She sighed.
The pattern was continued through the next hour and a half.
“No one’s passed yet…” Leorio muttered with concern. Gon, wearing an apron, nodded in agreement.
“And Menchi has’t even taken a bite…” Kurapika muttered. “That’s it!” He snapped his fingers, drawing the others’ attention. “This phase of the exam is a cooking test, but they’re judging us on our originality and powers of observation.” Killua, having already gone and failed, sighed.
“Bit late, oh wisest one.” Killua muttered, hands behind his his head.
“I see…” Leorio said. Leorio stuck the flag of the Hunter Association in the top brought his creation up to the two.
“How do you like my cooking?” He asked, smirking as though he’d had it all figured out.
“Is this supposed to be a kiddy meal?” Menchi shouted, throwing the pig into the air. Leorio sighed and went back to Kurapika. Gon finished putting leis on his, and brought it up.
‘I’m next!” He shouted, smiling.
“It’s basically the same thing!” She shouted, throwing it away. Master Chief removed his spit and began cutting the pig up, before roasting the steak-sized portions on the grill provided. Kurapika took about five minutes to finish creating his before taking it up.
“I am next! Please judge my creation.” He said, arms spread out in presentation. Kurapika had sliced layers into the pig, before adding lettuce, pineapples, and tomatoes.
“Finally, something that resembles an actual dish.” Menchi said. Menchi grabbed a forkful of the pig and, for the first time that day, took a bite. Chief cut up carrots and put them atop his pig, hoping that the carrot juices would flow into the pig meat and loosen it up, since that had been Menchi’s complaint most of the time.
“Yuck!” Menchi shouted, throwing the pig into the air. The pig began to fly apart, but Buhara grabbed it, saving it. “Appearance is important, but only if it also tastes good. You’re no better than #529!” Menchi raged, shoving the X nearly in Kurapika’s face. Kurapika gasped, and walked back in shame.
“Ha ha! Too bad!” Leorio said, smiling.
“No better than #529…” Kurapika said. Master Chief placed them on the plate and added a pair of leaves atop them. He only put two steaks on, feeling adding more would detract from the presentation.
“Ma’am, Spartan John-117 reporting.” He recited. Menchi raised an eyebrow.
“This better not be like the last one.” She said, staring at him. “Very well.” She took a fork and knife and cut off a slice. She added a baked carrot atop and put it in her mouth. She thoughtfully chewed.
“This is better. I can see you’ve put some effort into both the appearance and the taste of this food.” Menchi said, smiling for the first time that day. She rung her bell and rose the O. Chief thanked her, and turned to leave, but was surprised to hear a buzzing behind him. He turned and saw Buhara holding an X, frowning.
“Not enough.” Buhara grumbled. “Quality is important, but so is quantity! Be more generous next time.” Master Chief nodded respectfully, and went back to his station, sighing. The other candidates were staring at the Savior of Humanity in surprise. Hisoka smiled and sighed a deep, longing sigh.
“No one could satisfy both of us.” Menchi announced. “Therefore, no one passes. We’re finished here!”
“It’s over?” Someone asked. “What the heck?” Someone else grumbled, outraged. “Zero people passed? Are you serious?” A third person questioned. “Does she really mean it?” “The exam is over?” People were shocked, certain she was kidding. A loud crash rang out above all the chatter. Looking over, Chief saw that Todo had smashed his cooking station. His faucet had broken, and was spewing water into the air.
“I won’t accept it… I absolutely refuse to accept this!” Todo shouted, angrily.
“In the end, you’ve still failed.” Menchi said calmly, her emotion acting as a yin for Todo’s yang.
“Stop screwing around!” Todo shouted. “You asked for pork, so we risked our lives to-”
“I said to prepare the pork in a manner we both found delicious… Only one of you made anything remotely delicious, and didn’t try to give enough of it! You all did almost the same thing. There was no effort made… just when I thought someone’d tried, they only changed the appearance! And when someone really did try, they didn’t try very hard! Still, no one attempted to emphasize the flavor of the pork. I’m positive none of you took cooking seriously!” Menchi finished. She didn’t seem very used to people questioning her.
“Pork dishes are all the same…” Hanzo muttered, waving her off.
“Just say that once more!” Menchi shouted, suddenly appearing in front of Hanzo and grabbing his collar. “Any more crap from you, and I’ll put you on a spit! Don’t you mess with me! I don’t want lip from a bunch of amateurs who can’t even roast a pig!” She shouted, shaking Hanzo, who obviously feared for his life. She turned around and sat back on her chair, crossing her legs. “In other words, you people don’t have the guts to try anything new.” The Demon clenched and unclenched his fist.
“Shut up!” Todo shouted. “I’m not trying to become a cook or a gourmet… I want to be a Hunter!” Most of the other applicants raised their fists and shouted their agreement. “I refuse to let a mere Gourmet Hunter decide my fate!” Todo finished, nearly inspiring a rebellion among the candidates.
“Too bad you got stuck with a mere Gourmet Hunter as an examiner… Better luck next year?” She said dismissively. Todo growled.
“Why you… Don’t mock me!” Todo shouted, rushing at Menchi with his fist raised. Buhara raised his hand and slapped Todo across the courtyard and into one of the spires at the opening gate. The strength of the man astonished the candidates into momentary stunned silence.
“Buhara, don’t interfere.” Menchi muttered.
“Well, if I hadn’t interfered, you’d have killed him, right?” Buhara asked, defensively.
“Probably.” Menchi said, standing. She held two steak knives in each hand and as she began walking down the steps towards the applicants, a few feared she was about to kill the dissenters. “Let me clarify this… We frequently venture into the dens of ferocious beasts, looking for ingredients. Every Hunter knows some form of martial art.” She added another pair of knives and tossed them in the air. She began spinning them, juggling the steak knives in such a blur that only Cortana didn’t have difficulty following them. “You lack focus and the willingness to experiment. That alone disqualifies you as Hunters!” She caught all four knives in her left hand The candidates went silent. Hisoka raised a card, obviously intent on passing by any means necessary.
“That said,” A voice rang out, seemingly from a megaphone. Looking up, Master Chief and the other applicants saw an airship. It had a logo on the side of the blimp, and a set of teeth on the bow. “…it would be excessive to fail every single applicant.” The voice finished.
“That’s the Hunter Association symbol! Is it someone from the Selection Committee?” Someone asked. A man leapt out of a window from the airship and landed in the center of the path. Chief stayed still, but everyone around him shielded their eyes from the ensuing dust cloud. An old man with a ponytail and in flowing robes became visible as the dust cloud dissipated.
“Who-who’s that geezer?” Someone muttered.
“The Chairman of the Selection Committee.” Menchi said reverently. “He’s in charge of the Hunter Exam… Chairman Netero.”
“Well, I work from behind the scenes.” He said, dismissing her praise. His voice was unique, but wouldn’t be heard in a large crowd. “I only take action when there’s an issue, like now. So, Menchi-kun…”
“Yes, sir.” She acknowledged him and gave a quick bow in respect.
“You failed all of the applicants because you disapproved of their reluctance to try new things?” Chairman Netero asked.
“No, sir…” She answered. “I lost my cool when one of the candidates insulted Gourmet Hunters. And I made the exam harder than necessary.” Todo was finally able to rise from his prior position on the ground.
“In other words, you’re aware this exam was unacceptable.” Netero said, prolonging her humiliation before the applicants. It may have been unknowingly, but all the same, the candidates were looking down on her.
“Yes, sir. When cooking is involved, I lose control. I’m unqualified as an examiner.” Menchi muttered, head lowered. She then raised her head and, in a loud voice, announced, “I will resign, so please redo the Second Phase!”
“It would be difficult to find another examiner on such short notice… Very well. How about this?” Netero muttered, before becoming cheerful again. “I’d like you to continue serving as an examiner. But you must also participate in the new test you propose. Is that acceptable? I’m certain that will help the candidates accept the results.”
“That’s true… Then the new challenge will be boiled eggs!” Candidates were repeating her words, making sure they heard correctly. “Chairman, can you take us to Mt. Split-in-Half in your airship?” Menchi asked, pointing at the airship.
“Cortana, I need data.” Master Chief whispered.
“Mt. Split-in-Half?” Netero muttered, an eyebrow raised.
“On it, Chief.” Cortana answered
“I see what you’re doing.” The Chairman said. “Certainly, I can.”
“It’s an arid mountain near here. Surrounded by forest, a large crack splits the mountain and the surrounding area in half. Hence the creative name. It’s laid out like a mesa.” Cortana informed him, with an image showing up on his HUD. The airship landed behind the mansion, and the candidates boarded in a single-file line. Killua sighed.
“Man, we have to take the whole thing again? That’s not cool.” The candidates boarded in otherwise relative silence. The airship took off with a whine, and after an hour or so, they arrived at the site. Menchi led the remaining applicants to the edge of the canyon.
“Now everyone. Look down there.” Chief gripped the edge and peered over it. What appeared to be spider webs arrayed in neat, rectangular patterns stared back at him. He saw a few layers below the first one, and a few of what appeared to be egg sacks. The bottom could not be seen, as it was covered in a thick fog of some sort. None of the candidates knew if it was natural.
“This is a Spider Eagle’s web.” Menchi announced, cutting through the silence of the onlookers.
“They build webs down there?” Gon asked, surprised. All his encounters of webs had been suspended high up in trees or above paths, so the concept of building a web lower down was foreign to him. An enormous updraft blew up suddenly. If a candidate had hair, it reached skyward to the best of its ability. Todo fell back away from the edge, suddenly fearful. He didn’t admit it, but he was afraid of heights.
“Spider Eagles build their webs in deep ravines, to protect their eggs from predators.” The Chairman exposited. “This makes their eggs one of the most difficult ingredients to obtain. The eggs are also known as Dream Eggs.”
“You don’t mean we…” Todo stuttered, but Menchi interrupted his disbelief.
“I sure do!” Menchi shouted. Todo gasped as she took a running leap off the edge and dove headfirst towards the bottom of the cliff. The examinees briefly wondered if she was going to survive, but their fears were put to rest when she grabbed a strand of web to break her fall. Her momentum remained, however, so she killed off the kinetic energy by hanging onto the web and flipping over it, before hanging over the mist below with no dangerous momentum. Menchi seemed to pause for a few moments, with the applicants muttering about what she was doing. They also wondered how she planned to get out of the canyon after she was done. She surprised them by jumping towards an egg sack. She plummeted and delicately grabbed an egg, making sure not to tear off the rest of the egg sack and send it towards the bottom with her. She disappeared into the mist below, amidst the shock of the candidates. Suddenly, another gust of wind blew up from the depths of the canyon, and she floated back up with the updraft. The Savior of Humanity was impressed by the strength of the wind to blow a human up into the air, much less out of a deep canyon.
“Woooah!” Gon opened his eyes and mouth wide in excitement.
“That looks fun…” Killua said, smiling.
“This ravine has updrafts that help the hatched chicks fly up to the web.” The Chairman informed them. Todo’s eyes widened as he realized that the other candidates were supposed to follow Menthe’s example.
“Wait… you can’t be serious. No reasonable person would…” Todo stuttered, but before he could finish, Gon shouted in excitement. Todo, unlike Leorio, didn’t seem to mind having been interrupted twice.
“I’ve been waiting for this!” He shouted as he, Master Chief, Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua jumped off the edge, diving for a strand. Coincidentally, they were diving for the same strand.
“Ok… Count me in!” Hanzo shouted, jumping down.
“Let’s move, Nobles!” Carter shouted, sprinting off the edge and leaping towards a part of the web.
 “Right behind you, boss.” Jun said, followed closely by the other Nobles. Over a hundred other candidates followed Nobles’ lead and grabbed onto the web. The web sagged under the weight of the one hundred and seventy one candidates. For a moment, there was nothing but silence as everyone on the web caught their breath. One smiled and shouted.
“Catch you later!” He let go of the web and dived after an egg. He managed to obtain it and grinned at the feat.
“Let’s go!” Leorio shouted.
“Not yet.” Chief halted Leorio.
“Why not?” Leorio asked, confused.
“There’s no wind.” Killua said in a monotone. “There isn’t always an updraft.” The candidate who’d jumped realized this as Killua said it and began to scream. A moment later, his screams stopped.
“When’s the next one?” Leorio asked with concern.
“Wait.” Gon said, closing his eyes. Gon began sniffing the air, and the candidates stared at Gon, for some reason deciding to allow him to time it for them. Suddenly, the web vibrated and descended. Everyone realized that the web wasn’t made to support this much weight as the web splurched, its strands thinning near the point of attachment.
“Gon, not yet?” Killua asked calmly. It creaked again, and everyone was lowered another five feet.
“I can’t wait for an updraft!” Someone shouted suddenly. Three men let go of the web, plummeting towards the eggs. Two managed to grab eggs, but one accidentally pulled down a whole sac with him. They fell screaming to the bottom of the canyon. The web began to peel and lowered the candidates further.
“It’s gonna snap!” Leorio warned. It now could support the weight of around eighty pounds safely.
“Now!” Gon shouted. Everyone holding onto the web let go as one and they all managed to grab an egg. They dropped towards the canyon floor, but the updraft blew them up, unlike the previous candidates. Since the bodies didn’t blow up, Master Chief presumed the updraft didn’t begin at the canyon floor. Cortana had been worried that Chief wouldn’t fly with his weight, but those fears were unfounded. Master Chief and the others flew back out and most landed on their feet. Menchi turned to those who had remained close to the airship.
“I guess you quit.” She addressed them. “It takes courage to concede, too.”
The eggs had taken another half hour to cook. When they finished, those who had jumped began eating.
“These are delicious!” Hanzo exclaimed. “Much better than the ones you buy in the store!” The candidates who jumped were astounded by how delicious the eggs were, and those who hadn’t stood around moping, jealous and hungry.
“Hey, Todo-san!” Gon shouted, holding a partially eaten egg with both hands. The eggs were large enough to require both of Gon’s hands to hold one. Todo looked at him with surprise. “Would you like a bite?” Todo carefully took the egg and took a small bite. He gasped in shock.
“It’s amazing.” He muttered breathlessly.
“Now you have experienced the joy of discovering how good something can taste.” Menchi said, walking up to Todo. “We’re risking our lives for that joy.” Todo turned and faced her.
“I was completely outclassed this year. I’ll be back next year!” He bowed reverently. Chief walked up behind Gon, who was observing the apology.
“You can have mine. I don’t need it.” Master Chief said, casually giving away something he risked his life for.
“What? But they’re delicious!” Gon was shocked. He hadn’t even cracked it!
“I’m not hungry.” Chief said casually. “Ate before we boarded the ship.” Gon’s eyes widened as Master Chief walked away, back turned to the boy.
“Update, Chief. This challenge took out 143 more. We’re down to 167 left.” Cortana said.
“Understood.”

“Allow me to introduce myself to the 167 candidates.” The Chairman announced. The candidates had gathered on the bridge of the airship and were arranged in a rough semicircle around the Chairman and his companion. “I am Netero, Chairman of this year’s Hunter Exam Selection Committee.”
“I am his secretary, Beans.” Said the little green man to the Chairman’s left. He had been the one to hand out the badges at the start of the exam.
“Certainly looks it.” Cortana whispered to Chief.
“Originally, I’d planned to make my appearance during the exam’s final phase, but as I’m already here…” The Chairman paused. “I’m loving this tension in the air! So I think I’ll stick around for the rest of the trip.” He finished with a laugh. Beans stepped forward.
“We are scheduled to arrive at our destination tomorrow morning, at 8 A.M.” Beans announced, interrupting any further unnecessary chatter from the Chairman. “You’ll find dinner waiting for you in the dining hall. You are also welcome to get some rest. In other words, you’re free to do as you please until contacted.” Beans finished. His smile warmed the hearts of a few female candidates.
“Ok, Gon! Let’s go explore the airship!” Killua shouted excitedly.
“Yeah!” Gon agreed. The two ran off in the general direction of the exit before the other applicants had the opportunity to turn.
“How can they have so much energy? I’m hitting the sack.” Leorio muttered.
“You can say that again.” Kurapika affirmed, beginning to walk towards the exit Killua and Gon had taken.
“Chief will probably stay up all night and observe.” Cortana unwittingly announced exactly what Master Chief had planned to do.
“I’ll sleep when I can.” Chief grumbled, denying Cortana’s claim.
“However, I do have one concern…” Kurapika muttered, slowing their pace towards the exit.
“Hmm? What’s that?” Leorio questioned, stopping completely in the doorway.
“How many more phases are there?” Kurapika asked. A man grunted as he tried to scoot between the two applicants who were accidentally blocking the exit.
“They never mentioned that, did they?” Leorio said as realization set in.
“On average, there are five to six phases.” Tonpa greeted them cheerfully, sneaking up behind the three. His cheerful demeanor from prior to the First Phase had made a triumphant and glorious return.
“Which means we still have three or four more to go.” Leorio said with a tired voice.
“All the more reason to rest now.” Kurapika stated knowingly. Leorio, Kurapika, and Master Chief turned to leave.
“But you should be careful.” Tonpa said ominously. The three turned around and paid attention once more. Strangely enough, the light cast an imposing shadow on Tonpa’s face. “The secretary only told us when we’ll arrive at our destination. It’s possible that the third exam could take place on this airship itself. And it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll be contacted at 8:00 A.M.” Kurapika rubbed his chin.
“I could see that.” Kurapika murmured.
“If you’re not careful, you could wake up finding that you’ve missed the Third Phase. If you plan to make it to the next phase, don’t let yourself relax on this aircraft.” Tonpa added helpfully.
“Well, that was good advice.” Leorio said with a friendly demeanor, turning about again and waving. “Thanks.”
“We’ll bear that in mind.” Kurapika said calmly.
“Wasn’t planning on relaxing anyway, were you, Chief?” Cortana asked.
“Let’s all do our best!” Tonpa shouted after them. After they left the bridge, they meandered down the passageway and eventually sat next to a wall, exhausted and out of the way.
“You can relax.” Chief remarked. “If you need, I’ll take watch.”
“No need.” Kurapika assured him. “Were it their intention to start here, they wouldn’t have let us roam freely.” A snore rung out. Leorio was already fast asleep.
“Very well.” Master Chief said. “I’ll go scout the airship.” The Savior of Humanity rose and began walking down the corridor towards the dining hall. Such a strange and mysterious man. Kurapika thought. And yet, obviously a seasoned warrior. Kurapika leaned back and fell asleep on those thoughts.

“Hey, there! Kids!” A shout rang out from behind the door. Chief glanced back, and saw a chef open the door in question, holding Gon and Killua by the necks of their shirts. “Stay out of the kitchen! Go eat in the dining hall!” He tossed Killua and Gon into the hallway and slammed the door shut. Master Chief walked over to them and as Killua and Gon stood, Gon noticed Chief’s presence.
“Hey, Chief!” Gon exclaimed happily, waving with one hand and holding a piece of meat in the other. Master Chief nodded in their direction and began walking towards them. His footsteps echoed throughout the hall, and if the two boys were affiliated with an enemy of the U.N.S.C., the Demon’s footsteps would be the sound of death approaching. To Gon, it was the sound of a friend, and to Killua, it was just another potential threat. Killua stuck his hand in his pocket, holding a chunk of meat similar to Gon’s in his other hand.
“Well, I’m bored. Let’s go, Gon.” Killua droned.
“Ok!” Gon said, smiling. “Want to come, Chief?” Chief didn’t answer for a moment; he was talking to Cortana.
“Alright.” Master Chief sighed. “I’ll come.” Gon smiled and the three began walking down the hallway they were in. After about a minute of walking and eating in silence, Killua glanced over and noticed the ground from the row of windows in that part of the hallway.
“Wow, awesome!” Killua shouted. He ran over and pressed his face against the window, smiling. “Look, Gon!” The boy’s breath fogged up the window so that he had to scoot over a tad to see out of it anymore.
“Hmm? What is it?” Gon asked excitedly, running over to the window. “Woooooah! It’s like the ground is covered in jewels!” Gon’s eyes sparkled in both excitement and reflection of the “jewels.”
“Yeah!” Killua agreed, happily.
“You should see it from space.” Chief sighed, sounding bored. “I probably would have gotten a better view if the Covenant assault carrier hadn’t been in my way, or if I wasn’t carrying their bomb.” Killua turned and opened his mouth in surprise, but Gon interrupted.
“Hey, I was wondering…” Gon asked to Killua.
“Hmm?” Killua mumbled.
“Where are your mom and dad?” Gon asked.
“Hmm… They’re alive. Probably.” Killua sighed, bored now that the sight wasn’t new and unseen. Master Chief’s eyebrows rose. He had been just insensitive at the age of 12, but Killua wasn’t in the Spartan program.
“What do they do?” Gon asked.
“They’re assassins.” Killua said, not changing his tone.
“Oh. Both of them?” Gon asked, surprised. Killua laughed uproariously.
“That’s your first reaction? You’re a riot!” He chuckled, sitting down on a bench.. “You’re the first person to react seriously.” Gon sat on the same bench as Killua. Chief moved to a different bench one, interested in the young lad.
“Well, you’re telling the truth, right?” Gon asked.
“What makes you think that?” Killua asked.
“It’s just a hunch.” Gon said defensively.
“People only like me because they can’t ever tell whether I’m serious.” Killua said.
“Always assume they are.” Master Chief recited from an instructor decades prior. “You can calculate for what they tell you, and respond accordingly, should the situation arise.”
“I’m from a whole family of assassins.” Killua said, turning to Chief. “And my family has really high hopes for me… But I can’t stand it. Who wants to have their life planned out for them?”
“That’s Chief for ya.” Cortana said. “Trained since childhood, and always told where to go.” Master Chief nodded, and Killua smiled.
“Well, when I told my family I wanted to decide my own future, they all snapped. My mother had tears streaming down her face, as she told me I have the potential to become a top assassin. Horrible parents, right?” Killua was being incredibly sarcastic now. “It’s natural that their kid would go bad. We ended up fighting. So I stabbed my mother in the face, my brother in the side, and ran away from home.” He sounded proud of that accomplishment.
“Sounds like…” Chief trailed off, surprised. He’d almost disclosed classified information to the boys. He’d only had that urge once before, but this made two times he was successful.
“I’m sure they’re out for blood now.” Killua continued, ignoring Master Chief. “But if they find me, I’ll send them packing. When I become a Hunter, I’ll start by capturing my family. I’m sure they’re worth some hefty bounties…” Killua said.
“Not sure he’d really feel the ‘comrades in arms’ thing, Chief.” Cortana whispered.
“What was that!?” Killua said angrily, pointing at Chief’s helmet. “Say that again to my face!” What sounded like an explosion rang out in the hallway. Killua and Gon turned towards it quickly in surprise, and Master Chief looked up, hand on his holster. The three stood, looking up the hallway.
“Something wrong?” The Chairman asked from behind Chief, walking towards the trio. He stopped a few feet before Master Chief. Killua was looking at him strangely, as though angry.
“Ah, Netero-san… Did you see anyone coming from that side?” Gon asked innocently, pointing towards the direction they’d heard the noise.
“No.” The Chairman said, seemingly surprised and shaking his head.
“You’re pretty fast for an old man.” Killua stated calmly.
“That little trick?” Netero asked, just as calmly. “I barely moved.” Chief silently marked Netero as friendly, for future tracking.
“What do you want?” Killua asked harshly. Master Chief and Gon sensed the standoff between the two. “You don’t have to do anything until the last phase, right?”
“No need to be so unkind. I got bored, and was looking for some companions. By the way, I meant to ask the three of you… Any thoughts on your first attempt at the Hunter Exam?” The Chairman asked politely.
“Uh-huh! It’s fun!” Gon said enthusiastically. “And there haven’t been any of the written exams I was dreading.”
“I’m disappointed… I expected the exam to be far more difficult.”
“I concur. This is simplistic.” Master Chief agreed. “I assume the next phase will be more…”
“Entertaining.” Killua interjected.
“…Challenging.” Chief finished. “And entertaining.”
“Well, now…” The Chairman paused. “I wouldn’t know about that.”
“Let’s go, Gon!” Killua said, turning. He didn’t want to talk to the man if he wouldn’t give him anything useful or entertaining. Either one would work.
“Now wait just a moment.” The Chairman said, stopping Killua. “Would you care to play a game with me?”
“A game?” Gon asked quietly. The word was like magic to him. Of course he would want to play a game.
“If you’re able to defeat me, I shall let you become Hunters!”
“Really? I’ll play!” Gon shouted excitedly. Killua finally turned around to face the man.
“So how about it?” Netero asked Killua and Master Chief. Chief sighed.

The Chairman dribbled the ball a few times before bouncing it high enough in the air to catch it on his finger. He had removed his flowing robes and was instead in a pair of sweatpants and a black undershirt.
“Now, I’ll go over the rules of the game.” Netero said, balancing on one foot. “If you can take this ball from me, before the airship reaches its destination, you win. I believe that we’re scheduled for an 8 A.M. arrival. Well, that gives you nine hours. You’re free to attack me however you like. I won’t touch you.” The Chairman finished with a wink.
“Huh? That’s too easy.” Gon cried, surprised. “You can’t call that a game.”
“Why not give it a try first?” The Chairman asked, bouncing the ball up and down on his finger.
“We just have to take the ball? Killua asked.
“Yeah.” The Chairman said.
“Then I’ll go first.” Killua said, sighing.
“Go ahead.” The Chairman stated, closing both eyes. Killua began circling the Chairman slowly. All of a sudden, he appeared to create an afterimage. Gon opened his mouth in shock.
“Cortana, can you track Killua’s movements?” Master Chief asked urgently.
“Yes, I think so.” Cortana said. He felt relief. If for some reason he had to fight the boy, his radar could track him if he pulled that silly trick again.
“I see lots of Killuas!” Gon shouted. Suddenly, Chief decided to help out the boy. He drew his magnum and fired at the Chairman’s ball. The Chairman had been occupied watching Killua carefully, and as a result, hadn’t been paying attention to Master Chief. The shot connected, and the ball flew off the Chairman’s finger, away from Netero. The afterimages suddenly vanished as Killua dived for the ball, but the Chairman leaned back and caught it. He then pulled the ball inward towards himself and twirled, with Killua unable to readjust in midair in time. Killua turned on landing and lunged again, but Netero dodged to the side and Killua flew past him. Killua repeated his lunge and dove for the ball quickly, and Netero once more avoided the grab. This intricate dance continued for around 20 seconds.
“What? That’s it?” The Chairman asked mockingly during a lull, before tossing the ball onto his face. Killua moved at lightning speed, hitting Netero’s leg with his shin.
“Ouch… Right on his pivot leg!” Gon exclaimed, wincing.
The Chairman looked down on Killua as he laughed. Suddenly, Killua grabbed his shin and jumped back, hopping on one foot and grabbing his shin with the other.
“Ow!!!” Killua shouted, grunting and exclaiming in random utterances of pain and suffering.
“Killua! Tag! Tag!” Gon shouted, raising his arm up. “It’s my turn!” Killua hopped over to Gon and slapped his palm. Gon began stretching in preparation as Killua sat against the wall, still squealing in pain.
“Okay!” Gon shouted. He took a quick first step, and sprung forward, charging the Chairman head on. The Chairman stood still, with the ball on his head, unmoving. Gon suddenly changed directions in midair, shooting upwards. The Chairman was surprised for the first time that night, and Gon tried to take advantage of it. However, he’d miscalculated, and he hit his head on the ceiling. He fell to the ground, nearly in tears from the pain.
“Idiot! We know that you can jump high!” Killua shouted, waving his fist. “Control your strength! For a moment, the Old Man relaxed his guard!” Killua crossed his arms angrily. Gon rose, rubbing his head.
“I messed up there.” Gon said. He walked over to Chief and hit his palm. Netero put the ball back on his left hand.
“Alright.” Master Chief said, palming his magnum again. He began stalking slowly towards Netero, carefully watching him. The Chairman didn’t move, staring at the Chief. Now, what can he do? Netero thought. Chief walked over and swung for the ball, far slower than he could have. Netero effortlessly moved out of the way, but the feint caught him slightly off guard. He’d been expecting something challenging, at least by the fact that the man seemed to almost be guarding them. The attack had lowered so far below those expectations that he actually dropped his guard momentarily. Master Chief took advantage of that and shot the ball again, making it fly out of Netero’s hand. Netero wasn’t surprised by the fact that he’d capitalized on it and he reached back for it, but was surprised when he saw a blur move past him and the ball suddenly vanish. Chief hit the wall hard enough to pierce the foam padding, and in his arms, the Savior of Humanity held the ball. Netero clapped once.
“Very well. I will uphold my end of the bargain. You are a Hunter.” Netero said, reaching into his pocket to call Beans in to get the man a license. Master Chief shook his head and dropped the ball.
“Thank you, sir. But I cannot accept, since my orders are to take the exam as training.” Chief stated firmly. “I thought it would be beneficial to train further here.” He walked over to the wall and sat down, head resting against the foam bulkhead. Netero was surprised that Master Chief turned him down. Killua dived for the ball, but Netero grabbed it first and Killua slid across the floor, crying out in pain again as his skin rubbed against the slick floor.

Technically, it was morning. Although, only ten minutes had passed in that day. Killua and Gon had stripped off their upper layers half an hour ago, and they still hadn’t come close to getting the ball. Gon was resting, panting after his turn had finished. Killua dived for the ball, but Netero threw it away towards the foam bulkhead and Killua hit Netero face first. He fell to the ground as Netero caught the ball’s rebound. He smiled, looking down at Killua.
“You boys aren’t getting anywhere.” Netero said. “Why not attack simultaneously?”
“Why, you…” Killua shouted in anger, launching up at Netero.
“Ok… I’ll get you this time!” Gon shouted, smiling as he sprinted back into the fray.. The Chairman dodged Killua’s momentum and tossed the ball into the air before pushing Gon’s head down into the floor and grabbing the ball out of the air again. Gon rushed with a flurry of kicks and swings at the ball, but got nowhere. Gon backed off as Killua rushed in. The Chairman moved the ball away, but Killua pivoted ninety degrees and lunged again, forcing Netero to put the ball behind his back. Killua turned and rushed at the same time as Gon, and as Netero leapt out of the way, their paths convened.
“Ow!” They shouted, their bodies flailing. The Chairman laughed as he put the ball on his head again. Gon turned about and sprinted toward him. He leapt in the air and kicked at Netero, who leaned back to avoid the blow. Unfortunately for him, Gon kicked off his shoe to increase his range, and Netero still got a face full of Gon’s boot. Surprised, the Chairman lost his balance and fell backwards and, much to his dismay, Killua was behind him. He kicked the Chairman in the back, launching him forward and making him lose his grip on the ball.
“A chance!” Killua shouted, diving for the ball.
“I think not.” Netero said. He pushed himself up off the floor and used his feet to kick the ball out of Killua’s reach. Netero leapt after the ball, but Gon kicked off his other shoe. The shoe connected with the ball, launching both beyond Netero’s reach. Gon and Killua dived for the ball, shouting “It’s mine!” as they reached for it. The Chairman finally used some of his hidden power to burst forth, surpassing both boys and grabbing the ball. Chief looked up in surprise.
“Clocked at… 89 miles an hour.” Cortana said, stunned. “Kelly’s not the fastest anymore.” Master Chief simply nodded and bowed his head again. He wasn’t sleeping. In fact, he was monitoring everything the boys did, hoping to use their training tonight to further any future Spartan training program.
When Netero had blown past the boys, they had been flung backwards. They were currently sitting and looking at Netero with polar emotions. Gon was staring in joyful admiration, but Killua was gritting his teeth in absolute fury at both his inability and Netero’s confidence.
“I commend you on your efforts.” The Chairman said, holding the ball on one finger.
“You’re amazing, Netero-san!” Gon shouted, in absolute amazement. “Really amazing!” Killua glowered further at Gon’s praise. After a moment, Killua managed to bottle his emotions, before standing.
“Forget it… I give up.” He grumbled. Chief looked up, startled to hear Killua giving up so early. “I lose!” He turned around, grabbing his t-shirt from the floor and putting it over his shoulder as he stalked towards the door.
“Why? We still have time.” Gon said, pointing at the clock. “And just now, we came really close.”
“Jeez. You really have no clue, do you?” Killua asked, sighing and standing in the doorway. “The old man barely used his right arm and left leg.”
“What?” Gon shouted, shocked.
“But we’re still powerless against him. We could chase him around for a year, and never
take the ball from him.” Killua said.
“Oh? You figured it out?” The Chairman said. “And here I thought I’d fooled you.”
“So that’s what he was doing.” Gon said quietly.
“Ha ha!” Killua shouted sarcastically. “You really know how to piss me off, old man. Let’s go, Gon!” Killua turned in indignation.
“Oh, I’m gonna play a little longer.” Gon said, pointing at Netero. Chief had put his hand on his knee in preparation to rise, but at Gon’s statement he removed it.
“Huh?” Killua said, sticking his head back through the door, before running back into the room to confront Gon on his stupidity. “Didn’t you hear what I said? It’s useless! You won’t be able to take the ball from him!” Killua was shouting now, adamantly trying to dissuade Gon.
“Yeah! I don't care about the ball.” Gon said, smiling. Killua scrunched up in surprise and confusion, backing away. “We’ve only used up half the time limit. I’m gonna make Netero-san use his right hand before the time rauns out.”
“I… see… Yeah, I got it. Good luck.” Killua stuttered, waving as he turned back towards the exit. “I’m getting some sleep.” Killua closed the door quietly behind him as he left.
“Say, Netero-san…” Gon asked. “How did Killua do that thing where he walked slowly, and it looked like there were a bunch of Killuas?” The Chairman stopped for a moment, carefully thinking before replying.
“That technique is for those engaged in underground work. You have no need to learn it. In fact, you should not learn it.” The Chairman answered cautiously and delicately.
“But it’s an amazing technique, right?” Gon asked, hoping for a yes.
“It requires an intensive amount of training.” The Chairman said, thoughtlessly tossing the ball and appearing to not be paying attention much anymore.
“Killua’s really something!” Gon shouted, before looking slyly at Netero. He swung for the ball, which Netero lifted into the air above his head.
“You fool.” Netero said, and Gon let out a nervous giggle.

Gon released a series of jabs and thrusts, aiming for the ball. Each time, Netero dodged them with ease. He made it seem as though Gon wasn’t even attempting, and in reality, Gon wasn’t trying very hard with these thrusts. Gon surprised Netero for the eighth time that evening by making over forty quick feints in under a second. It certainly didn’t help Gon that Netero could follow every one of them, but still, Netero was surprised the boy could manage so many. Master Chief was obviously paying close attention now, following each of Gon’s moves in hopes of replicating their speed later. He hated to admit it, but the twelve-year-old was faster than he was. Gon made a feint for the ball, but dived into the Chairman’s stomach. The Chairman stiffened his abdomen, leading Gon to cry out in pain. To Netter’s surprise, Gon changed the pain into determination.
“One more!” Gon shouted, lunging towards Netero’s stomach again, head first. The Chairman visibly paused. He knew that if he allowed Gon to hit him in the stomach again with his abs flexed, the boy could actually perish. But if he let his muscles relax, he would end up injured. The Chairman seemed prepared to solve the problem, and leapt over Gon, who he shoved under with his right hand while holding the ball in his left. Gon hit the wall at full speed head first, denting it slightly, though not as much as Chief. Gon didn’t move for a few seconds, concerning the Chairman.
“Ah, is he dead?” The Chairman asked, concerned. Master Chief rose quickly, and took strides towards Gon to check on him. Gon slowly rose, which slowed Chief’s pace, and Gon turned to Netero slowly and seemingly barely functioning. He suddenly snapped to a sitting position in a split second, surprising both the Spartan and the Chairman. He had a huge bruise on his head, but that didn’t faze his smile or his laugh, both of which were enormous.
“You just used your right hand!” Gon announced excited. The Chairman gasped and looked at his right hand in surprise. Gon punched out both hands and his feet.
“I did it!!!!” He shouted, absolutely ecstatic. “Hooray…” Gon fell onto his back, and as his cheer dimmed, his snores grew. He fell asleep before he hit the ground, like a good soldier would. The Chairman smiled a fatherly smile.
“I believe this is yours, sir.” Master Chief said, holding the ball again. The Chairman looked surprised as Chief dropped the ball and turned, walking out the door. The Chairman smiled again, and looked at the clock. It was 5:20 A.M. He made a decision in his mind.
“Hello, helmsman?” The Chairman called, using a phone hooked up to the wall. “It’s me. Is the flight going well? I see. I’m sorry to ruin it for you, but could you fly a little slower? Thanks.” The Chairman put the phone away, and stepped out of the door. He saw Master Chief standing across the passageway from the doors, obviously waiting for him.
“Can I help you further?” Netero asked, interested.
“Yes, sir.” The Demon said, slowly. “I want you to teach me that move. Cortana called it the Rhythm Echo.” Netero sighed and nodded.
“Let’s do it away from here. Somewhere where we won’t disturb anyone.” He specifically meant Gon.

The announcement of their arrival awoke Gon from his deep slumber.
“I apologize for the long wait.” Beans said over the intercom. Gon leapt to his feet in one fluid motion from his position on his back, which was no small feat for an ordinary man, though it was for this youth. “The airship will soon arrive at its destination.” Gon ran over to a window in three large bounds, hauled himself up the side of the wall and, grabbing the foam surrounding the window, looked out to see a huge tower atop an enormous mesa.
“Wow!” Gon shouted, ecstatic. He didn’t read much on Whale Island, and his own modest island had nothing on the scale the Exam was offering. “Is this where the next test will be held?” He asked, to no one in particular. He put his jacket back on and sprinted to the other side of the room. He opened the door to see Chief standing next to it, seeming like he was guarding the room.
“Ah!” Gon said, jumping back into the room from whence he’d come.
“Sorry.” Master Chief apologized, replacing his rifle onto his back.
“There were a couple of murders last night.” Cortana explained. “Chief thought it’d be smart to protect you, as you were alone and asleep.”
“Well, thanks!” Gon said, rubbing the back of his head, unfazed by the news of two people dead. Chief escorted Gon to exit and when the airship landed, Gon, Master Chief, and the one hundred sixty three other remaining applicants disembarked.
“What is this place?” One muttered. “There’s nothing here.”
“Ahem.” Beans said, coughing into his fist to call their attention. It worked. “Everyone, the exam’s Third Phase will begin here, at the top of Trick Tower.
“Trick Tower?” Asked a man in a yellow beanie and an orange vest who looked like a construction worker. Unbeknownst to the others, his name was Phil.
“To pass this phase, you must reach the tower’s base… alive.” Beans said, adding the stipulation in case they were unclear.. “The time limit is 72 hours. With that, we will now begin the Third Phase. I will pray for your success.” When he finished, he boarded the airship and launched from the top Trick Tower.
“Best of luck to everyone!” Beans announced through a megaphone as the airship pulled away. The candidates had already begun milling about, trying to find a way down. Carter meandered towards Chief’s general exact direction.
“Chief, can I convince you to join us?” Carter asked calmly. Master Chief turned, and saw the group he was beginning to grow attached to peering over the edge. Someone walked up behind them and, after a moment, began climbing down the side of the tower.
“Wait one, sir.” Chief said, putting up a hand. “I need to scout.”
“-a top-class rock climber can handle this, no problem.” He heard the man say.
“He’s going down pretty fast.” Gon said. The man abruptly halted his descent, and began looking around frantically. Kurapika, Leorio, Killua, and Gon began to turn their heads in all directions; up, down, left, right, even behind. Chief heard the flapping sound they were probably reacting to, and began looking around, too.
“Chief! Unidentified contacts, marked neutral on your HUD!” Cortana announced. The climber cried out, and Master Chief ran over to the edge. There were three six-legged, winged creatures with huge mouths and not much else. One dived down below the height of the climber before flying nearly vertically up, scooping him up in his mouth. Chief raised his rifle as the beast flew up over the top of the tower.
“Chief, don’t! It’ll come after everyone on top!” Cortana said. The climber screamed again. Master Chief lowered his rifle.
“G-guess we can’t climb down the side…” Leorio stuttered, somewhat shocked.
“Yeah.” Killua agreed quietly. Chief turned to Gon.
“I’ll be going with my other friends for this Phase.” Master Chief informed Gon. Gon nodded and extended his hand, expecting a handshake.
“See you at the bottom, Chief!” Gon expressed excitement at the upcoming Phase. Chief could tell Gon and the others would make it down. He grabbed Gon’s hand and gave a firm handshake. Gon gasped in both pain and surprise, yanking his hand away.
“Ow!!!” He started, rubbing his hand. “That’s painful!”
“Sorry.” Master Chief apologized, rubbing his head. Gon gave him a thumbs up and a pained smile, so Chief turned away. He meandered towards Noble Team, taking his time to observe the other candidates; looking for anything out of place.
“Any ideas as to how we get down?” Master Chief asked Carter when he reached them. They had gathered on the opposite end of the tower from Gon’s group, so Chief had taken a few minutes to reach them at his strolling pace. Carter sighed.
“Not a one. Aside from climbing down the side, and that obviously isn’t smart.” Carter was disappointed.
“Well, if you eliminate one way to do something, try another.” Master Chief lectured. Carter sighed again and nodded.
“You’re right, of course.” He muttered quietly, then raised his voice and spoke clearly. “Nobles, split up. Search for any way to get down.” Kat and Jun walked towards the northern end of the tower, tapping the ground systematically as they went. Jorge and Emile started their search near Carter and Chief; on the eastern edge of the tower. After a few minutes, Jun and Kat reached the northern end and began spreading out in a search pattern. Jorge and Emile continued to spread their circle outward from the position of two of the most powerful men in the U.N.S.C. One of the two reached to their helmet and paused, before lowering their arm. The other nodded, and tapped his helmet.
“Reconvene.” Carter said into his comms. Jun and Kat had their backs to the two and began their trek back. Jorge and Emile stood from where they were crouching and walked the much shorter distance back towards the two. A minute or so after Jorge and Emile had reached their commanding officer, Kat and Jun arrived.
“First things first. Did any of you find anything?” Carter asked. Jorge nodded, but everyone else shook their heads. “Jorge, what did you find?”
“A trapdoor. Looks like it can only be used once, though.” Jorge divulged. Carter nodded.
“Makes sense. Cortana took the liberty to scan the environment and discovered that there are, indeed, trapdoors. She says there are some that are grouped together in groups of up to five. We’ve decided our best option is to split up, with Chief and I going through a pair and the rest going together down another group. The waypoint to your designated trapdoor should be on your HUD.” Carter was in the zone now. He felt more comfortable conducting military and leadership actions than running and jumping into canyons. The trapdoors appeared on all their HUDs, and they signaled so.
“Alright.” Carter paused. “We’ll see you at the bottom. Dismissed.”
“Sir, who’s in charge of our fire team on our way down?” Jun asked, ensuring no confusion.
“Kat is.” Carter said, as usual. Not only was she the highest rank, but she was also the only original member of Noble, save Carter. The other Nobles nodded and ran over to the other four trapdoors. If another applicant wandered onto the trapdoor, it would be unlikely that they would be able to be used again, so they increased their speed to ensure they were the first. They reached the four without incident, and, as one, activated the trapdoors and dropped down. Carter and Master Chief ran over to their pair and jumped onto theirs.
They didn’t activate immediately, and Chief wondered if they’d already been used. Carter stood a little straighter, ready to find another. Suddenly, the doors flipped; with Carter and Master Chief suddenly falling upside-down. They both righted themselves mid-air and landed on their feet, as they had been trained to do hundreds of times with heights that far exceeded these. They did take a minute to gather their bearings. They were inside a room with only one, locked exit on the far end. The room was made of stone, and appeared similar to the ruins on Installation 05. A voice echoed in the room, and the sound reverberated up through the heights of the room.
“Welcome. I am Lippo.” The voice, belonging to Lippo, announced. “I am the Phase Three Examiner. You two have chosen the Path of Duality. You will have to work together as a team to ever reach the bottom alive. Of course, it wouldn’t be fair if one member was a crutch, so we’ll be separating both of you at some point. Assuming you reach that point.” The mic shut off with a clunk, and the door unlocked itself. The two men walked through the door and found themselves in a hallway devoid of anything but light. The hallway extended a fair distance, with the end being, from their perspective, small vertical rectangle. As they began moving forward, they heard the door shut and lock behind them, sealing them into the tower. Any doubts about whether they should continue on were locked behind the door as well. The door’s actions, of course, did not impact them in any way, so they continued onward. As they approached, the rectangle grew larger, until they could see things beyond it. An enormous, largely empty room lay ahead of them, and as they approached, they could make out that a small balcony extended a few feet beyond the hallway’s end. Beyond that balcony, a large, square area sat in the dead center of the expanse It was surrounded on all sides by nothingness that could be presumed as a lethal fall. On the other end, directly across from the hallway, was another balcony. On it stood nine men in hoods and shackles, staring across the expanse at them. When the two Spartans reached the balcony, Lippo’s voice rang out again.
“This is a duel. You will start individually, without weapons, fighting another opponent. If you both win, you will group up against the other seven men, again without weapons. You can kill them, but they can do likewise to you. If you lose any of them, they will be declared the victor, and you will forfeit all remaining time. If you win all three, you pass this trial.”
“Lippo. How did you get nine people willing to risk their lives for the Hunter Exam?” Chief asked at Cortana’s request.
“They are prisoners in Trick Tower. They are serving long-term sentences, and if they win a duel, they will all receive seventy-two years off of their sentences.” Lippo responded.
“Makes sense. Otherwise, their lives are pretty much over, anyways.” Carter said.
“That’s right. Please remove your weapons and send your first contestant.” Lippo commanded.
“Do you wish to go first, or shall I?” Carter asked Master Chief politely. Chief set down his SMGs.
“By all means, go ahead.” Master Chief responded, pulling out a knife and a device that no one except Chief and Carter recognized and laying them on the ground, near the hallway. Carter walked to the edge of the balcony, and a rumbling sound echoed through the room. Two long pathways emerged, slowly extending outward from the balconies and being placed into a specifically designed area that would support their weight. Carter and a man walked across, and upon reaching the center square, the man’s shackles were removed. He pulled off his hood, and showed his face. Carter was surprised to see an Insurrectionist tattoo emblazoned on his forehead. The man grinned.
“Never thought I’d see another U.N.S.C. soldier again. Look how wrong was I!” The man shouted. He crouched before running at Carter as fast as he could. Carter dashed forward, closing the distance faster than the man, who had realized by this point that Carter wasn’t a normal U.N.S.C. marine in updated armor. When Carter reached the man, he immediately landed a solid right hook on the man’s arm as he tried to block it with his left arm. An amplified snap resonated throughout the room, and the man screamed in pain. He fell backwards and landed on his back. Carter grabbed the man by the scruff of his neck and lifted him into the air with his right arm before slamming him onto the ground. The man’s shoulders were both dislocated, and his wind knocked out. He raised his right arm as much as he could, begging Carter to stop. His breath returned just before Carter picked him up again with his left arm.
“I-I give! I surrender! You win!” The Insurrectionist shouted. Carter clenched his right fist before letting the man slip through his fingers. The man’s eyes were shimmering with tears of either pain, gratefulness, or disgust, but likely a combination of all three. Carter turned his head to the left wall.
“Have I won yet? He gave.” Carter asked. Lippo realized he hadn’t specified what was considered a victory.
“Yes.” Lippo said. “You win. Next, please.” Lippo said, crunching something as he turned off the microphone. Carter showed his hand to the man to help him up and when the man grabbed it, Carter crushed the man’s hand in his own. He lifted the man up, and when he stood, the pain set in and he cried out. Carter turned and strode back to his balcony, where Chief stood ready. When Carter reached the balcony itself, Master Chief walked across the extended pathway at the same time as another man. Just like before, when both reached the center, the cuffs popped off and clattered against the ground. He rubbed his wrists and sighed. He stretched his arms, and pulled off his hood, revealing himself to have a huge scar on his cheek. The scar cut deep, exposing his teeth underneath his left cheek. It would be frightening to a normal person, but the man had to look up to meet Chief’s eyes, which negated the shock and awe. The man cracked his knuckles and stood still, obviously anticipating Master Chief would make the first move. Chief plunged his fingers into the ground, shattering the stone and pulling a chunk of the floor out. He brought his arm back before throwing it with precision across the arena. The rock flew faster than the man could react, and it hit him square in the head. The man stumbled backwards, taking an extra step than necessary and slipping. He tumbled off the edge, his screams echoing up the walls before they were silenced a few second later. Carter walked back across the pathway to the square, standing next to Master Chief. The other seven walked across in a single file line and, upon reaching the square, spread out into a rough line. Their shackles clattered to the floor, and they raised they hoods. One was a blonde caucasian female, the rest were male. One had scar on his temple, and was bald; his tanned head glistening slightly with sweat. One was an African, and the other an African-Italian, both with well-groomed, spiky hair. Neither had any scars to speak of. Another was a prior Insurrectionist on Reach, and he knew he’d be their main target. The sixth had long, black hair and a pale skin tone, but Chief knew that if one of them appeared weak, he was actually stronger. The man’s sly, confident smile confirmed his theory. The final one was a brown-haired young adult.
“Tell us when you’re ready.” The female announced. Her confident demeanor was overtly obvious.
“We were ready when we were assigned.” Carter retorted. The female nodded, and the seven began working in cohesion, moving towards the two slowly in a pincer-like formation. Master Chief stuck his hand in the ground and pulled up another chunk of rock. The African man had strayed an insignificant amount from the group. He had been on the edge of the right flank, and Chief threw the rock to the man’s left, nicking his ear. The African dived to the right, breaking off further from the group, and in that instant, Carter was on him. Noble 1 landed a blow to the man’s stomach, forcing the man to cough up blood. Carter followed suit with an uppercut that made him bite the tip of his tongue clean off. He recoiled, and Carter kicked him, sending him flying towards the other two people on the right flank; the female and the bald man, who had broken off to double-team Carter. The other four; the brown-haired man, the long-haired pale man, the African-Italian, and the Insurrectionist, began to close in on Master Chief, who hadn’t moved much. They soon encircled the man who, unbeknownst to them, had killed hundreds of thousands of others. Chief saw, in his peripheral vision, Carter sweep the female off her feet before grabbing the scarred, bald man by the throat. The African-Italian made a feint forward, and the Insurrectionist leapt from behind Master Chief in an attempt to put the Spartan in a choke hold. He managed to land on Chief’s back, but he reached over his shoulder and grabbed the Insurrectionist by his face. He yanked the man off of his neck and threw him at the Italian, who ducked to his right to avoid the man-sized projectile. Master Chief lunged for the Italian, who was still in motion and had not had the time to avoid Chief. It felt like a freight train, and the Italian threw up blood as Master Chief brought him to the ground. The Italian’s head cracked against the stone, knocking him unconscious. The augmented superhuman turned and saw the pale man apparently summoning flames from his palm. Only surprised for an instant, Chief selected him as the next target. The brown-haired man was next to the pale man, and the Insurrectionist was rising from the position he’d been in. The pale man smiled and launched a stream of flame at Master Chief, who didn’t move. The man’s stream of fire continued for a few seconds, but when it stopped, Chief’s shields had been drained only the slightest bit. His armor was fireproof, so even if the MJOLNIR’s shields couldn’t take the flame, his armor could. The pale man appeared much more fearful of Master Chief, who towered above him by a good two feet, now that his fire was rendered useless. Chief closed the twenty foot distance between them in a second, and grabbed the man by his throat with his right hand. The man struggled pointlessly, and Master Chief’s mind flashed back to Hisoka and Gon. The Insurrectionist and the brown-haired man knew an opportunity when they saw one, and while the Insurrection tried to knock Chief over by diving and tackling at his waist from his left side, the man leapt at Master Chief head-on with a surprising speed, intent on breaking his neck from sheer force of impact. Chief, knowing that their efforts would end in success if he did nothing, crushed the pale man’s windpipe and dropped him, eliminating a factor. In the same moment, he dove to his left, hitting the Insurrectionist head on. The Insurrectionist’s body and the body of the Savior of Humanity collided, and only one continued in its prior direction. One body changed direction to compensate for the greater mass and velocity of the other body. The Insurrectionist flew back with such force that he was launched off the edge of the dueling area. His screams echoed from the pit, but were followed immediately by a different scream, as Carter kicked the female off the arena in traditional Spartan fashion. The only active combatant remaining was the brown-haired man, who tore off his cloak completely. Master Chief was surprised to see plain white pants and a plain white, long-sleeved shirt, reminding him of Kurapika’s garb when he was without his tabard. The man stared at Chief in anger and defiance, and his eyes flashed red, confirming Master Chief’s suspicions that he was indeed related to Kurapika in some way. The man leapt high into the air, winding his arm back. He hoped to connect a blow to Chief’s visor, and on his descent he gained enough momentum to have a serious impact if he connected. The man swung his fist forward, but Master Chief leaned back, out of the way of the strike. The way that the man was position gave Chief a clear opening to attack and possibly kill the boy. His defense was wide open, and Master Chief had been trained to go in for the kill in this moment, completely decimating any opponent. Instead, Chief defied his instincts.
“Kurapika.” He whispered loud enough for the man to hear. The man’s eyes returned to a natural state of grey, and his eyes betrayed a deep surprise and shock as they widened to a size equal to dinner plates. He landed on the ground and skidded across the arena painfully. He had originally planned to land on his feet and twist around, hitting Master Chief again. In the shock of hearing the name of his cousin, he had neglected to land properly, and sustained some injury. Carter ran over to the man to force him to surrender, but Chief raised his hand.
“Wait, Carter.” Master Chief warned him. He stared into the man, who was looking away from him. “Kurapika thought you were all wiped out.” Chief divulged. The man didn’t respond or move; still in shock from hearing the name “Kurapika.” Master Chief walked over to him and reached his arm out. The man still didn’t move. “What can I tell Kurapika?” The man managed to stutter out an answer after hearing Kurapika’s name a second time.
“He-he’s alive. They said all one hundred twenty nine had been wiped out… I thought…” Chief lowered his arm and crouched to speak with him at eye level.
“Well?”
 “They’d said all the Kurta clan had been wiped out. I suppose it’s possible that others passed the trials to leave the tribe, but… Kurapika was four… He’d have been twelve!? He couldn’t leave the tribe at twelve.” The man said, beginning to say anything that came to mind to appease the man next to him. “When the Troupe attacked, I thought I was the only one alive. It turns out that, out of the one hundred thirty members of the clan, I was the only one. I let my rage grow, and ended up channeling it into despicable acts.” The man teared up. “Tell Kurapika… Fuerro is still alive. Please.” The man requested, beginning to sob. Master Chief nodded sympathetically.
“I’ll do that for you. Do you give up?” Chief asked, looping the utterances back to the subject at hand. It wasn’t that he was insensitive; more that he would need confirmation to pass. The man nodded and stood up shakily. He turned slowly and carefully. He walked over to the walkway, across which the only person left was the injured Insurrectionist. The Insurrectionist was in shock from both his own injuries and seeing four people killed and three soundly defeated in a fight against two people. Master Chief and Carter returned to their balcony and reacquired their weaponry. Chief sheathed his knife before looking up at the wall, or Lippo, whichever worked.
“What now?” He asked, somewhat defiantly. Lippo’s microphone popped as it activated.
“Return to the center, please. I will open a door and extend a ramp.” Lippo instructed. The two Spartans returned to the center, and, as he had said he would, Lippo extended a ramp towards an open door. The Spartan pair strolled across the catwalk and, saw in the darkness, a set of stairs leading downward.
“You must reach the bottom of these stairs.” Lippo informed them. The stairway was enormous. Each step was twenty feet across at its longest point. The stairway was laid out in a spiral manner, and it was clear that they descended a great length. Since they were in that spiral format, it would be impossible to descend at a very rapid pace, at least initially. Master Chief sighed.
“Cortana, how far?” There was a slight pause as she sent out multiple radar detections and averaged out the data from each emission.
“Around a mile. These stairs are about two thirds of the way down the tower.” Cortana responded. Chief nodded and, after grabbing his MA5C assault rifle from his back and raising it to a combat-ready position, began his descent. Carter followed just behind him, holding his SMGs up. They both expected, logically, there to be hostile efforts to delay them on their way down.
It had taken half an hour to descend halfway, but when they were forty-five minutes into the run, they were approaching the end. They had been surprised that there were no hostile efforts to hinder them, though what they didn’t know was that the stairs behind the had started disappearing at a rapid rate. If they had been slow, they would have been surprised to see the stair beneath them disappear, before they fell to their deaths.
They were moving at a more rapid pace now than they had been initially, having settled into a pace, and as a result, couldn’t stop in time when the bar appeared in front of them. It was obviously there as a speed bump, meant to hurt anyone heading down the stairs. In truth, it was meant to stall anyone racing against the disappearing stairs or, alternatively, anyone heading down the stairs too quickly. It was at forehead-height for someone who was five foot, but chest height for the two Spartans. The bar bent under both the mass and the momentum of Master Chief, and was torn completely off the wall. Chief slowed only a little bit in surprise and as a result of the resistance presented, before regaining his prior momentum and continuing. They reached the exit a mere minute later, which unlocked for them.
Master Chief didn’t immediately sprint through the door, to the surprise of Carter. Instead, he pressed his helmet.
“Cortana, any exits?” Chief asked Cortana. Carter still couldn’t see past Master Chief, who was blocking the door entirely, so he did not have any context to the hero’s question.
“One. Suspended in the air on the wall to your left. Around 40 yards from your current position. There are rappelling hooks against that selfsame wall.” Cortana informed Chief.
“Any way to get over to the hooks?” Master Chief asked.
“There are small guardrails along the side of the wall. I’m not sure what their specs are; they may not be able to hold your weight.” Cortana warned. Chief nodded.
“Last question. Will the hooks be able to support us?” Master Chief asked, with an air of finality.
“Most hooks should. Unless they were specially designed to be faulty, they should work for weights well beyond yours. I’ll take the liberty to set waypoints for both on both your HUDs.” She said, finally acknowledging Carter. Chief stepped off to his left, gripping something, presumably the previously mentioned guardrail. Carter could finally see that beyond the door lay: Nothing. Empty blackness in all directions. When he reached the edge of the doorway, he found that, had he stepped any further, he would have slid on a very steep incline to who knows where. He groped to his left, unseeing, hand feeling the guardrail. He grabbed it automatically and began feeling with his left foot in an attempt to sense if there was a place to rest his lower body weight. Surprisingly, there was an infinitesimally small ledge that hopefully extended the width of the expanse. It would fit the tip of his foot and no more, but if he carefully adjusted his weight, he should be able to use it to his advantage. He heard Master Chief grabbing a rappelling hook, and a second later, a clank as it connected to wherever he had thrown it. Carter began his blind journey along the wall.
By the time he reached the left wall, which he did without incident, Chief was holding the door open for him. Carter felt around and grasped what felt like a standard U.N.S.C. armaments rack. He found a rappelling hook and yanked it off with a small clank. He turned to the waypoint that marked the door and, with all his might, hurled the hook at the door. The hook stuck into the far edge of the doorway, near Master Chief’s left shin. If Carter had missed, it would have pierced the Spartan’s MJOLNIR shields and possibly rendered his leg inoperable. Carter closed his eyes and jumped. He didn’t know why he closed his eyes; he certainly didn’t do it often, even when performing HALO and HAHO jumps. The rope went limp, and he began to fall towards who knows where.
He felt the line go taut, and he began swinging to and fro as his momentum began to slowly gut itself within the confines of the Law of the Pendulum. He turned slightly to face the wall the doorway was on and planted his feet, stopping his swinging. He began pulling himself up the wall and, upon reaching the ledge that the doorway rested on, Chief held out his hand. Carter reached up and gripped it, and Master Chief pulled the man up. They entered the passageway that the doorway connected to carefully, Night Vision turned on. The path turned right, and, with no other option presenting itself, they followed the path. They continued onwards for another half an hour, doubts creeping into their minds about whether or not they were heading in the right direction. Of course, they’d never been presented a choice, so they didn’t have the option of going the wrong way. So when the first choice presented itself, they stopped.
“Cortana, any suggestions?” Chief asked politely.
“Well, I don’t think there’s a wrong answer. Only early parts of the Exam have had a wrong choice so far. It seems like there are two options, but often, one is better, as opposed to right.” Cortana notified Chief. “Studies show that when people come to a fork, they tend to go left if they have no idea where they’re going. Right should be easier.”
“So, right, then?” Carter asked.
“Yes.” Both Cortana and Master Chief affirmed, with only Chief nodding, since Cortana did not have the ability to do so at that time.
“Alright. Let’s hoof it.” Carter instructed. The two Spartans turned to the right and followed the passageway until it turned left. Upon coming around the bend, they came to a dark, empty room.
“Each of you should stand on a square.” Lippo announced. There were two squares painted or installed on the floor; neither Spartan could tell which it was. Master Chief took position on the leftmost square and Carter on the right.
“You will both be fighting virtual enemies. Trick Tower has many prisoners, but not enough to face an effective challenge. You shall remain in the square, and when an enemy approaches, you may use whatever means you wish to dispatch it. If you have a firearm you would like to use, either turn the safety on or unload it. The enemies will spawn in one minute.” Lippo said, finishing his instruction. Originally, this was going to be a memory game, but one of the two had already shown that they possessed an Artificial Intelligence that could remember farther back than either candidate, or Lippo for that matter. He had been forced to switch the programs of another candidate’s test, who was now struggling to recall how many catfish had been swimming through the pool.
Master Chief put the safety on his rifle and magnum and Carter flipped the safeties on his SMGs. The countdown ran down to zero, and the first enemy spawned. It was a slime, a publicly recognized level-1 opponent. The slime slowly approached Master Chief, who dispatched it with a single shot to its easily visible brain. It shattered into shards, SAO-style, and the next enemy to spawn surprised both veterans. A Kig-Yar was their next opponent; holding a needle rifle snapping its beak at Carter. Carter decided, in that moment, to show Lippo that he knew exactly what to do. The jackal fired a pair of needles at the Spartan, who quickly and easily dodged the projectiles launched his direction, even though they could trace him. The jackal snapped its maw at him and ran at him, intent on injuring him with its claws or its mouth. When it was within easy reach, Carter punched it in the left hip, and it collapsed. However, it didn’t perish and started clawing its way towards him, so Carter smashed its head.
“Actually, its parlyx is located there, and I just crushed it with that blow. The parlyx regulates the flow of electricity around the body, and having crushed it, its body overloaded and could not move.” Carter said, seemingly angry. Lippo seemed to ignore him as the next enemy spawned. It was a pair of men in wintery garb, holding enormous swords. They split up, walking towards the two Spartans. The first charged Chief, who unsheathed his knife. The man swung his sword at Master Chief, who ducked the swing and swept the man’s feet out from under him. He hit the ground hard, letting his sword leave his grasp, and Chief stabbed the man in the head with his knife. Carter’s was even easier; simply pumping a few virtual bullets into the man did the trick. Suddenly, the simulation stuttered and lagged, before shutting down. The lights flickered in the room and, unbeknownst to them, all across Trick Tower.
“I apologize. It appears the electrical trap was sprung on more than one candidate at once, and so the simulations are unable to run at this time. To make up for this, I’ll allow you to pass through this portion of the exam.” Lippo said uncomfortably over the microphone. The plan of the test had been to never end the stream of enemies, forcing the candidates to believe there was a boss. In reality, they simply needed to walk up to the door to end it. The self-same door at the end of the room opened for them. Carter sprinted across the room and, to ensure Lippo couldn’t change his mind, stood in the doorway in order to prevent the door closing again. If it tried, it would simply jam and be rendered inert and nonfunctional. Master Chief ran up to Carter and they both passed through the door together.

It had been half an hour. So far, they’d used an hour and a half of their allotted seventy two, and they’d had to pass only two more mini-tests. There had been a few traps interspersed between tests, but they had been surpassed easily. For instance, one trap had been a boulder rolling after them. Chief and Carter worked in tandem and managed to push the boulder in the direction from whence it had come. Lippo was impressed enough that, according to him, he hadn’t activated the next trap. The two final trials had been a canoe trip down artificial rapids, which had led them to the level of the tower that the exit was, and a race. They would have to start on a gunshot, and the floor behind them would begin disappearing. They would have to reach the door at the other end, which they did before the first few tiles had completely dissipated. After walking between the doorway, they reached small, well-lit room with two doors, and they knew it was time to separate.
“Before we begin,” Lippo announced his presence again. “I’d like you two to know that it is highly unlikely at this point that you will not pass. You will hit the two hour mark shortly, and this test is meant to take an hour, should you survive. Before you two are separated, I would like to congratulate the two of you. I have never seen anyone pass so quickly or proficiently on any later Phase of the Exam. Now, you will each choose a door. You will enter it, and perform as you see fit during the trial presented to you. Please select your door at this time.” Lippo finished. Master Chief took the one on the right and Carter on the left. The doors opened with a clunk simultaneously and Chief stepped through his door. The room was a bright white, with a door on the opposite end. The door clunked shut behind Master Chief, and a flash emitted. He blinked and glanced around. At his feet he saw a green, standard-issue U.N.S.C. marine helmet. He picked it up and, after examining it briefly, took out the recording software and plugged it up to his own helmet.
“Stay close, Jenkins!” Chief heard a familiar voice.
“What the…” Master Chief muttered.
“Mendoza! Move it up!” Sgt. Johnson shouted. The view turned to the sergeant waving forward. “Ok! Let’s move!” The camera shook as Jenkins ran. The FFW symbol appeared.
“What is it, Chief?” Cortana asked. The FFW disappeared.
“Maybe there was an accident… you know, friendly fire or something?” A man asked, nervously, hoping it wasn’t anything different.
“What do we have, sergeant?” Captain Keyes asked, walking up to the man he was addressing.
“Looks like a Covenant patrol. Buncha elite units. All KIA.” Johnson said. The FFW appeared again, before stopping a moment later. A clip of Jenkins running played, and six marines, Jenkins included, Johnson, and Keyes stopped.
“I got a bad feeling about this… ” One muttered.
“Boy, you always got a bad feeling about something…” Johnson shouted.
“Sergeant, can you hear me?” A man asked over the comms all of a sudden.
“What’s going on, soldier?”
“We’ve got contacts!” The voice shouted. “Lots of ‘em! But… They’re not Covenant! They’re…” The comm descended to unintelligible shouting.
“Corporal! Do you copy, over?” Johnson shouted. “Mendoza, get your butt back up to second squad’s position and find out what the heck is going on.” Mendoza tried to speak, but Johnson interrupted him. “I don't have time for your lip, soldier! I gave you an order…”
“Sarge! Listen…” Mendoza shouted. A screeching sound squealed above everything. A door popped off its hinges, and the egg-like beings, Flood infection forms, spread out. Chief knew what was about to happen. It was still embedded in his mind. It didn’t.
The infection forms scurried past the soldiers, seemingly running in fear of something. They didn’t even bother with the soldiers, who didn’t fire at them. Master Chief felt something he hadn’t felt since he first encountered that clip:
Dread. A red glow appeared from beyond the door, and a small rumble reigned. The soldiers backed away from the door, scared.
“Get your rifles up, soldiers!” Johnson shouted. Suddenly, the whole wall caved in and the screen went black. The playback disappeared, and Chief saw a faint red glow beyond the door opposite him. Chief snapped up his SMGs and faced the glow, grinning, ready to face his fear.
“Cortana, options?” Master Chief asked, a sly tone entering his voice.
“Hmm? Options for what?” Cortana asked.
“What?” Chief was surprised. “Did you not see the clip? The glow is dead ahead.”
“No, I didn’t.” Cortana responded, almost annoyed. Master Chief’s eyebrows raised. He decided to chance it and sprinted to the door. The door opened and Chief stepped into a familiar brown, stone room that was similar to the other rooms in Trick Tower. It had two more doors, one of which ground open. Master Chief snapped up his rifle and entered the room presented, prepared for combat. It was circular, with around 60 doors.
“Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan John-117, applicant #527, is the first to pass. Total time, 2 hours and 3 minutes.” Chief put his rifle away and stepped aside. Behind him, another door opened and Carter stepped out. He saw Master Chief through the final door and entered the circular room.
“Commander Spartan Carter-A259, applicant #247, is the second to pass. Total time, 2 hours and 3 minutes.”
“Getting a bit slow, aren’t you, Chief?” Cortana asked. Chief ignored her, turning to Carter instead. Master Chief presented his hand, which Carter promptly took and shook.
“Fine work, Carter. We should do this again sometime.” Chief said. Carter nodded.
“We should get the HICOM to set something like this up.” Carter said. Master Chief let go of the handshake, and sat against the wall, next to the door. The door ground shut at that moment.
“How are things going at home, Cortana?” Chief asked, curious.
“Chief, it’s been three days. There shouldn’t be anything different.” Cortana said, sighing. “Earth’s still there and the Arbiter’s finishing negotiations.” Master Chief nodded and lay his head back, relaxing. Carter sat beside Chief.
“Wake me when the next participant arrives.” Master Chief asked Cortana quietly.
“Yes, sir.” She said. Chief closed his eyes, and it felt like no time had passed before Cortana cried out his name. “Chief!” He was startled to see three hours had passed, as opposed to mere seconds.
“Lieutenant Commander Catherine-B320, applicant #248, is the third to pass. Warrant Officer Emile-A239, applicant #250, is the fourth to pass. Chief Warrant Officer Jorge-052, applicant #251, is the fifth to pass. Warrant Officer Jun-A266, applicant #249, is the sixth to pass. Total time, five hours and sixteen minutes.” The four walked over to where Carter sat and stood at attention, lined up by rank. Kat saluted. Carter rose and returned her salute, before giving instructions.
“At ease. You have nearly three days of leave, provided it stays in this room. Feel free to do whatever you like, so long as no one dies.” Carter said. The four Spartans nodded and sat against the wall, and Carter sat against it as well. After an hour, with the exception of Jun, they hadn’t moved an inch. Jun’s movement was the removing of his helmet. A door ground open to the left of all the Spartans.
“Hisoka, applicant #44, is the seventh to finish. Total time, six hours and fifteen minutes.” Hisoka raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and glanced around the room. His eyes stopped on Master Chief and he grinned, before scanning the rest of the room. From his past encounters, he could tell Chief wasn’t a part of whatever group the other Spartans were, but if he didn’t know any better, he would have assumed the Demon was. He sat down next to the door he had exited out of and, like the others, the door ground shut.

“Gittarackur, applicant #301, is the eighth to pass. Total time, twelve hours and two minutes.” Gittarackur sounded like a pair of chattering teeth, with his head vibrating with every movement. He clacked when he turned to look at Hisoka.
“I figured you’d already crossed the finish line.” Gittarackur sighed to Hisoka. He turned to Noble Team and Master Chief. “You, on the other hand… I’d underestimated all of you.” He looked back to Hisoka. “Surely, at least you finished first?” Gittarackur asked. Hisoka simply smiled and shook his head. Gittarackur raised an eyebrow with some difficulty. Another door ground open.
“All right! I’m the first to finish!” Hanzo shouted, running out of the door. Turning, he saw Noble Team, Gittarackur, Hisoka, and Chief. “What!?”
“Hanzo, applicant #294, is the ninth to pass. Total time, twelve hours and three minutes.”
“No! I don’t believe this… I came in ninth!” Hanzo shouted. Jun smiled as he polished his rifle. The man leaned back against the wall, but kept a watchful eye on everyone. He didn’t trust any of them, and the feeling was mutual. Kat sighed and flicked the screen on her arm, turning the page on the report on the new MA5D’s accuracy at 102 meters. Nearly a half hour later, another door ground open.
“Geretta, applicant #384, is the tenth to pass. Total time, twelve hours and twenty-seven minutes.” Lippo announced to the nine other waiting members.
“Eh… Not bad, I guess.” Geretta muttered, sitting down and leaning his huge club against the wall within expedient and easy reach. The door ground open a moment later, and another man walked in.
“Garzo, applicant #439, is the eleventh to pass. Total time, twelve hours and twenty seven minutes.” Garzo was a taller, less well-built man dressed in a tan, beaten, and dirtied robe that appeared to be a torn tabard; underneath which was obvious metal and skin-tight armor. A helmet covered the man’s head, looking not dissimilar from Emile’s EVA helmet, save the lack of a skull emblazoned on the front. The helmet gleamed in the flickering torchlight as the man stared at Master Chief for a few moments before sitting down. Emile stood and walked over to the man, sitting next to him. Emile coaxed the man to begin talking, and after a half an hour, both seemed to be actually enjoying themselves. Around three hours after Garzo had passed, another door ground open, and two applicants exited.
“Jester, applicant #517, is the twelfth to pass. Kiri, applicant #405, is the thirteenth to pass. Total time, fifteen hours and forty minutes.” Jester was a man in a purple suit, a green suit vest beneath his suitcoat, purple suit pants, black shoes, and pale, unnaturally white skin, topped with a head of green hair. He smiled at everyone and walked over to Kat. Sitting down next to her, Jester tried to make conversation, but Kat refused to humor him. Kiri was a younger man in a black trenchcoat, black shirt, black pants, and with a large black sword that was likely taller than he was strapped to his back. His black hair matched everything else about him. Kiri glanced around the room warily, as all previous applicants had done, and sat against the wall.
“Samuel Smith, applicant #487, is the fourteenth to pass. Total time, 19 hours and 56 minutes.” The man had what appeared to be a pair of tomahawks strapped to his back, and wore ragged cloth. He his appearance resembled a stereotypical cowboy from Earth. On his belt were a slew of knives and sheathes. Three sheathes were empty and one knife was damaged. He looked glanced around before walking into the middle of the floor and laying down to go to sleep. Hisoka kept a smile to himself. He knew that if he tried to kill the man now, every applicant in the room, save Gittarackur, would attack him. He felt that everyone except the ones in armor wouldn’t be too difficult, but they were all presently unknowns, and Hisoka didn’t like dealing in too many unknowns. Nor did he feel an enormous urge to fight the man. It was there, sure, but not enormous. Instead, he began building a card pyramid.
“Fenwick, applicant #465, is the fifteenth to pass. Total time, 20 hours and 18 minutes.” The man had a cloak with fur lining, a leather shirt, cloth pants, and held a sword in his right arm and a rounded shield with vertical stripes in the other. He was a scruffy-looking man, and looked to be a noble warrior not because of his skills, but because of his morals. Fenwick’s glance paused on the man sleeping in the floor, before he lay eyes on Kiri. He walked over to the young, clean-shaven adult, and though they appeared as near-polar opposites, they spoke as if they were friends.
“Judgement, applicant #222, is the sixteenth to pass. Total time, 22 hours and 22 minutes.” The man walking in bore a black cloak. Nothing could be seen beneath it, aside from a pair of black boots. The man’s hands were covered in black gloves and he had a skull mask on. He held a sawed-off shotgun and a sword in his right and left hand, respectively. He glanced at everyone in the room, before staring at Jun, who was alone. He raised his shotgun slightly, and Jun’s head snapped up. Judgement walked across the room and sat away from everyone. Hisoka licked his lips. He certainly wanted this man to fight him.
“Gregory Hill, applicant #342, is the seventeenth to pass. Total time, 26 hours and 8 minutes.” Master Chief glanced up, along with most of the other applicants. Gregory had nothing of interest, and was wearing a sweater, beanie, and jeans. Gregory looked around and began to appear somewhat unsure of himself.
“Chief, that’s definitely a civilian. If the candidates end up fighting each other, Gregory will be the first to die.” Cortana said to Chief, quietly.
“I know. I’ll do my best.” Master Chief muttered. Carter, who was on the Savior of Humanity’s right, snapped up with a start. He’d been asleep, but had hid it well enough that no one had noticed, so most people were surprised by his sudden movement. He looked around the room slowly, taking everyone in. He pressed his helmet, watching a recording of everything that had happened since Gittarackur’s arrival, fast forwarding periods of inactivity. Kat rested her head against the wall, having finished reading the accuracy reports from 100 meters to 500 meters, with each meter being thoroughly and accurately tested.
At the thirty hour mark, a cart was rolled in from one of the doors. It contained 70 trays, each with a bowl of rice, a cup of tea, and a small, solid stick of grain. The nearest person, Fenwick, simply reached over and grabbed a tray. Everyone except for Chief stood up and grabbed a tray.
“Chief, why don’t you go get some food?” Cortana asked. “Oh, right. You don’t like seeing people, or them seeing you.” Master Chief nodded.
“I’m not hungry.” Chief added, in further agreement with Cortana. Two doors ground open at the same time. A small man ran through, raising his arms in triumph. He had a pink hat, a red vest over a white shirt, and a bow and arrow.
“Yes! The goal!” He shouted in a high pitched voice. The other man walked through the door with less fanfare. He had black pants, a blue sleeveless shirt, an orange belt, and was carrying a spear. The little man turned his head away in disgust.
“Pokkle, applicant #53. Goz, applicant #371. Both arrived simultaneously, and are number eighteen and nineteen, respectively. Total time, thirty hours and four minutes.”
“Hey, old man…” Pokkle said. Goz turned. “In a tie, the applicant with the lowest number wins.” Pokkle smirked. Goz ignored him and, eyeing Jorge, walked over to him to talk. Interestingly, Jorge actually talked back, and the two laughed uproariously when Goz told Jorge about an incident on the way to the Exam. It seemed the two had actually run across each other earlier before the exam. Another door ground open a few minutes later.
“Siper, applicant #80, is the twentieth to pass. Total time, 30 hours and 7 minutes.” A woman wearing a sniper rifle stepped out. Jun looked up and grinned, before lowering his head again. By the end of the second day, there were thirty two applicants who had finished.
“Sommy, applicant #118, is the forty first to pass. Total time, sixty one hours and fifty four minutes.” Lippo announced. Sommy was dressed in all black, and had a trained monkey as his companion. Master Chief was getting slightly restless. From what he’d seen of Killua, Gon, and Kurapika, they could easily beat this course in a matter of hours. Of course, his may have been easier than theirs, but still. Leorio may have slowed them down, though, but not around two days.
“Man, still ten hours left?” Pokkle asked. “I finished too early.” Hisoka was busy stacking cards again, and Carter had gathered Noble Team in a circle to quietly discuss intel on what the next challenge might consist of. Chief moved for the first time since any of the other applicants had arrived, and around half the people in the room glanced at him with varying levels of interest. He took his rifle off of his back and traded out magazines. Then he closed his eyes, though the others couldn’t see it, and took apart the rifle faster than even Hisoka could follow. He began cleaning the individual pieces. Around five minutes later, he put it back together at around the same speed, eyes closed again. Noble Team, Hisoka, and Gittarackur were the only candidates unsurprised by his speed with regard to the deconstruction and reconstruction of the rifle. Master Chief then repeated the process with the magnum and the two SMGs. Another door ground open.
“Jent, applicant #98, is the forty second to pass. Total time, sixty two hours and eighteen minutes.”

“Three minutes remain.” Lippo announced. There were fifty nine applicants in the room, and Chief was interested in what was taking the four so long.
“It’s finally over.” Umori muttered, sighing.
“Yeah, that took forever.” Amori agreed. A door ground open. A man, beaten up and barely standing, staggered through the open passageway.
“Made it in time…” The man gasped, before collapsing face first onto the ground. Imori checked his pulse.
“He’s dead.” Amori announced to the other candidates.
“The fool.” Umori said. “Better to live and try again, than to pass and die.”
“One minute remains.” Lippo announced.
“Looks like it’ll just be the fifty nine here.” Amori said. Another door ground open. Out of the darkness of the passageway emerged Gon, Killua, and Kurapika, like phantoms from a grave. Kurapika appeared remorseful as he stepped out. Master Chief raised an eyebrow beneath his helmet, wondering what happened to Leorio.
“Kurapika, applicant #528, is the sixtieth to pass. Killua, applicant #99, is the sixty first to pass. Gon, applicant #530, is the sixty second to pass. Total time, seventy one hours and fifty nine minutes.”
“My butt hurts…” Killua groaned. “I didn't expect a slide for the short and easy path.”
“Thirty seconds remain.”
“That was really close.” Gon said cheerfully.
“My hands are covered with blisters.” Kurapika chuckled.
“Same here.” Leorio grunted. Chief rested his head back, relieved. He then began to wonder why he felt relief for their arrival.
“Leorio, applicant #529, is the sixty third to pass. Tonpa, applicant #16, is the sixty fourth to pass. Total time, seventy one hours and fifty nine minutes.
“We all cleared the tower together, thanks to Gon.” Leorio said, rubbing Gon’s hair.
“We entered the long and difficult path. Then cut a hole in a wall, to sneak in the short and easy path.” Kurapika orated. Master Chief had no idea what the “short and easy” and “long and difficult” paths were, but he was glad to hear how clever Gon had been.
“Man, I can’t believe you actually came up with that idea on the spot.” Leorio said, proud of Gon.
“I realized that we could break the walls, using the weapons. But it took over fifty minutes.” Gon smiled, before humbly adding the stipulation. A loud buzz rung out, waking any sleeping candidates.
“The Third Phase of the exam is over.” Lippo announced. Chief rose, along with the others. “Sixty five applicants have passed. One of them has died.” A final door ground open, and natural light flowed in for the first time. Master Chief was sure to step outside before anyone else could so that he could view the area where the Fourth Phase would take place before anyone else. Any advantage, no matter how minuscule, was still an advantage. He stepped out onto a well-trodden dirt area. In fact, from what he could tell, the entire base of the tower was pretty arid and dry, with little foliage aside from a few patches of grass, at least near the base of Trick Tower. Chief walked a few yards beyond the tower’s base before stopping and taking in the view. Few views compared to the one presented to him, but unfortunately, Master Chief had been to all those that could rival it, and so he was relatively unimpressed. He heard the crunch of gravel underneath someone’s feet and glanced back. Carter stepped outside the tower, followed by the other Nobles in order by which they passed Trick Tower. They had only been to Installation 04, so they were a bit more impressed by the view the mesa boasted of the surrounding valley, which stretched for dozens of miles in all directions. A river cut through the middle of the landscape, and the dense forest surrounding the base of the mesa covered the rest of the landscape. The six Spartans took in the sunlight, letting it soak into their eyes for a brief moment to get themselves used to the sudden change in lighting, before Jun stepped aside to let Hisoka through the door. The magician had a large, deep gash on his right shoulder, and a smaller, less noticeable, but more painful one in in his left abdomen. If left untreated, for most people, it would result in death in a matter of hours. Hisoka didn’t seem the least bit affected by the pain. The other candidates seemed to realize that if they respected any of the candidates’ talents, they would exit in the order by which they passed the Third Phase. As the candidates began trickling out one by one, a man in a black shirt walked up towards the center of the gathering applicants. The man’s more noticeable features were his bright purple mohawk on his otherwise bald head, and large, thick glasses that at certain angles would reflect the sunlight in such a way that no one could see his eyes. As Tonpa left the tower, the man put his arms behind his back and stood straight. The candidates looked at him, expecting him to introduce himself.
“I am Lippo, the examiner of the Third Phase. Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations on having escaped Trick Tower. Only the Fourth Phase and Final Phase remain.” Lippo orated. For every one of them, it was the first time seeing him.
“Two more…” Hanzo grumbled. Lippo jerked his right thumb behind him, pointing towards an island, far off in the distance.
“The Fourth Phase will take place over there, on Zevil Island. Let us proceed.” Lippo turned and led the candidates down the side of the mesa.
“I thought we were done running.” Leorio grunted. At the base of the mesa, Lippo turned to his right and began running off into the woods. Everyone followed closer than they had during the First Phase. If they were left behind here, they wouldn’t be able to participate in the Fourth Phase, and being eliminated between phases was too humiliating to bear. After about seven miles, which was nothing compared to three days prior, Lippo arrived at a place where the island was much closer. He stopped and faced the candidates before snapping his fingers. A man rolled a cart to Lippo. It appeared like a librarian cart, but contained too much sophisticated technology for that. The man stopped when the cart was next to Lippo.
“I need you to draw lots.” Lippo announced.
“For what?” Pokkle asked, echoing the sentiment of the group. Others were also verbally expressing their confusion and concern.
“To determine who will hunt and who is hunted.” Lippo continued ominously, silencing all mutterings.
“In here are sixty four numbered cards.” Lippo said, gesturing towards the box. “In other words, your ID numbers are on the cards.” Lippo raised his finger to emphasize the point. His left hand hadn’t moved from behind his back, aside from during their run. “Now, I need you each to draw a card, in the order by which you exited the tower. Will the first person come forward?” Chief walked up to the box and stuck his hand in carefully. He wouldn’t want to break the card. He pulled it out and saw that it was blank, before realizing there was a cover on it.
“Sir, do I remove the cover now, or…” Master Chief asked, concerned.
“You will remove them after I tell you to.” Lippo said bluntly. Chief nodded and retreated back to his former position. Carter took his cue, stepping up to the box and grabbing a card with equal care. He was followed shortly after by Noble Team. After Jun walked back, Hisoka walked towards the box and drew a card. It took nearly fifteen minutes, but Tonpa scraped the bottom of the box and pulled out the final card. When he returned to the group, Lippo made a motion for anyone muttering to silence themselves at that time.
“Everyone’s taken a card?” Lippo asked. No one responded in the negative, so Lippo continued. “Then, remove the seal from your card.” Master Chief peeled off his cover and saw a number.
“The card indicates your target.” Lippo announced. Everyone’s hand instinctively went to their chest to cover up their badge. They also peeked around, looking for their target’s ID badge, which was negated by the fact that everyone’s hands blocked the badge. Chief noticed Gon’s eyes widened as he looked down at the card in shock.
“This box has recorded which card each of you drew.” Lippo said, patting the box lovingly. “This means you’re free to dispose of the cards if you wish.”
“Cortana, you have my number?” Master Chief asked quietly.
“I thought you were supposed to ask the girl for hers.” Cortana shot back, but Chief didn’t rise to the bait. “Yes. I’ll put it on your HUD and mark it hostile.” The number appeared, as promised. Master Chief saw a man in a suit carrying a briefcase marked hostile on his radar.
“The objective is to steal your target’s I.D. tag.” Lippo announced, to the sighs of a few. “Naturally, you’re free to use any method you choose to steal the I.D. tags. Including killing your target and taking the tag off the corpse.” A few candidates smiled, and those who had sighed gulped in fear. In particular, number 342 seemed to be quaking.
“That sounds like the fastest way.” Amori said calmly.
“Listen carefully!” Lippo shouted, raising his hand. “Your target’s I.D. is worth three points. Your own I.D. is also worth three points. All other I.D. tags are worth one point. You need six points to advance to the Final Phase. So while on Zevil Island, you must gather enough I.D. tags to be worth a total of six points. That is the condition for clearing the Hunter Exam’s Fourth Phase.” Lippo finished, and gestured towards a steam-powered paddleboat that was docked a few hundred yards away. The applicants loaded aboard and the ship began making its way to Zevil Island. Around three minutes into the ride, a woman summoned all the candidates to the bow. She arrived a moment later.
“I’d like to commend everyone aboard for their excellent work during the Hunter Exam’s Third Phase!” She announced. “I will serve as your guide. My name is Khara!” Khara wore a headset that didn’t make her much louder than she already was. “It will take two hours for this boat to reach Zevil Island. All sixty four remaining applicants are automatically qualified to take next year’s exam!” She finished with a wink. No one said a word, cheerful or otherwise. They knew that in this phase, friends could well become enemies “So if you fail this year, don’t feel bad. Please try again next year…” Her voice began to lose its prior happy-go-lucky cheer as no one reacted in any way.
“The battle has already begun.” Kurapika said quietly.
“Yeah, everyone’s removed their I.D. tags and hid them.” Leorio agreed. The Savior of Humanity hurriedly took off his ID badge and put it into his backpack. The backpack, tucked between the armor itself and the rifle, didn’t have much. It contained a few extra magazines and some U.N.S.C. paste rations, so there was plenty of space for the tag.
“Well, you’re free to do as you’d like, for the next two hours.” Khara said, regaining her demeanor. “Please enjoy the boat ride!” She walked off and entered the bridge, away from the other candidates. Leorio, Kurapika, and Chief were sitting against the port side of the boat, leaning against the side. Leorio peeked at Kurapika, who was sitting to his immediate left.
“Speaking hypothetically… If you happened to be my target, I wouldn’t show any mercy.” Leorio mumbled quietly to Kurapika.
“Naturally. If you happened to be my target, I would say the same.” Kurapika said in an ordinary voice. Leorio leapt away from the side of the boat in surprise and pointed at Kurapika accusatively.
“Am I your target?” Leorio asked with frantic gestures at himself. Kurapika laughed slightly.
“I was speaking hypothetically.” Kurapika said, mirth seeping in his voice.
“Oh, right…” Leorio said, remembering the stipulation he had added to the conversation himself.
“Don’t worry. You are not my target.” Kurapika reassured him, before rising and walking towards the bow of the boat.
“I-I see…” Leorio said. Kurapika got up, and began walking towards the bow of the boat. “And you aren’t my target!” Leorio shouted after him. Kurapika kept a small smile to himself. Master Chief stood up from his spot before heading to Noble Team. They were on the starboard side, sitting together and strategizing quietly and listing the boat a little. Five tons on one side of the boat would do that. Upon noticing him, Jun and Kat backed away to make space for him. He wordlessly thanked them with a nod and seated himself.
“Are we working together?” Chief asked Carter, who nodded.
“We’re also revealing our targets to each other to ensure full cooperation.” Carter informed Master Chief. Kat began the circle, taking out her card and showed #405. #405 was Kiri, the swordsman in black. Jun’s target was #80, the sniper names Siper. Jorge held his up, showing #506, was a man with nothing more than a sword and a trench coat. He had been seen speaking with Hanzo a few times, but other than that, they had no information. Carter held the #342, the civilian. Chief sighed slightly. Emile held up #517, Jester. The man was an unknown, and while he certainly portrayed an insane demeanor, he may have been bluffing. Master Chief held out his card.
“Well, I’m glad we don’t have each other.” Jorge said. “That wouldn’t have ended well. Someone would have had to bag three.”
“I’ll help you five this round.” Chief stated, to Carter’s relief. Carter nodded gratefully. Master Chief glanced around and noticed Judgement staring him. Chief signed “Do you want a picture?” in UNSC hand signals, but Judgement didn’t react. Master Chief stood.
“I’ll go check on my fr- companions” Chief stumbled. He didn’t have friends. They were just civilians he felt a duty to protect. He turned quickly and walked off, with the members of Noble staring after him. He saw Gon seated on the port side of the boat, in a position similar to Kurapika and Leorio minutes prior. He reached Gon at the same time as Killua did.
“Yo.” Killua muttered.
“Hello.” Master Chief said stiffly. Gon said nothing, so Chief and Killua sat on either side of Gon. After around fifteen minutes of silence and deep thoughts, Killua asked.
“What number did you draw?”
“How about you?” Gon asked Master Chief.
“Secret. And you?” He asked, nodding to Killua.
“Secret.” Killua muttered. The three were silent for a little before Gon and Killua laughed. As friends, they wouldn’t share secrets.
“Don’t worry.” Killua said, reassuring the two. “You two aren’t my target.”
“And my target isn’t either of you.” Gon said.
“Show our numbers at the same time?” Killua asked.
“Okay!” Gon said. Master Chief didn’t say a word.
“Ready, and…” Killua and Gon said at the same time, like a chant that schoolboys would say while jumping rope. “Show!” Killua, and Gon whipped out their numbers. Chief was surprised to see Gon with such a difficult target. Killua was shocked to see it, too. Gon, on the other hand, wasn’t surprised in any way by Killua’s target.
“#44 is… Seriously?” Killua said, startled. “You have really bad luck.”
“You think so?” Gon asked, blushing. “Who’s 199?”
“You don’t know, either?” Killua asked. “I didn’t bother to memorize everyone’s numbers. After the initial explanation, I started checking tags, but everyone had already removed them.” Killua held an air of disappointment. He noticed Gon looking strange and stopped talking. Master Chief saw a fire in Gon’s eyes that he hadn’t seen in anyone but Spartans. Even motivated ODSTs couldn’t summon such a flame.
“Gon?” Gon looked over at him, his fire disappearing. “Are you happy… or scared?” Killua asked, smiling.
“Both, I guess…” Gon said. Chief nodded slightly, slight enough that Gon didn’t notice. “In a straight-up fight, I wouldn’t stand a chance. But if I only need steal his ID tag, then I have a real shot. Right now, I might actually have a chance. That scares me a little… But I think it’s worth it!” Gon finished by clasping his hands together in determination.
“I see.” Killua said, smiling. He stood and grabbed his skateboard. “Well, let’s all do our best.” He began walking away, then stopped. He did a dramatic, over-the-shoulder peak. “Make sure you stay alive, you two.”
“Uh-huh! You, too!” Gon shouted, giving him a thumbs up. Killua turned and walked off towards the bow. Master Chief sighed to get Gon’s attention, which worked. Gon turned and smiled at Chief, eyes clearly expressing curiosity.
“You know, I have that feeling, too. The combination of excitement and fear is called ‘soldier’s high.’ I’ve gotten it more than once. There was a time I was shot from one side of a city to the center. I barely made it as the spaceship launched.” Master Chief stated the event on High Charity nonchalantly, as if he did it every day. And to tell the truth, he didn’t get as much excitement from it. Gon’s eyes widened.
“Woah, wait, you did what!?” Gon expressed extreme surprise. Chief ignored his disbelief and continued.
“I know Jorge got it when he left the Covenant Supercarrier just before it was torn in two by a slipspace bomb they planted, and I think Noble Six did too.” Master Chief wasn’t revealing classified information, per se, but it sure wasn’t public. “I think Six got it when he used a MAC to shoot down a Covenant CCS-class battlecruiser, but I couldn’t say for sure.” Master Chief stopped talking and peeked over at Gon, who had his mouth open wide with fascination.
“Wow!” Gon shouted. His exclamation was so loud that Killua turned his head on the bow but decided against going back. Chief smiled behind his helmet.
“Tell him about the Halo rings.” Cortana whispered. Master Chief shifted uncomfortably.
“Do you want to… hear any stories?” Chief asked. He’d never done this before. He’d never told anyone about anything that happened, aside from after-action reports. What was it about Gon that made him want to talk to him?
Gon nodded his head rapidly, and Master Chief remembered he’d asked a question. “Well, I can’t tell you anything classified, but I can tell you one story.” Everything on Installation 04 was unclassified by now, and much of it was even public knowledge. There had been little use denying it after the Flood showed up on Earth. “We had just escaped Reach on the Pillar of Autumn, being forced to take a random slipspace jump to prevent the Covenant from finding us.” Gon raised his hand, and Chief nodded at him.
“What?” Gon asked. Master Chief realized the boy didn’t know what Reach was, who the Covenant were, what in the world slipspace did, or what the Pillar of Autumn was.
“Reach is… was a major planet of the United Nations Space Command. Kind of like the government of human space. The Covenant attacked it, and it fell after months of bitter struggle. We boarded the spaceship, the Pillar of Autumn, and activated slipspace. Normally, you choose your destination, and in a slipspace jump, you can go distances very, very quickly. However, in this case, we were just trying to escape, so we did a random jump that landed us where the story takes place.” Chief breathed out. He hadn’t been one for words, and his vocal chords were worn out.
“What’s the Covenant?” Gon asked. Master Chief realized this was even more crucial to the story than any of the other information.
“Cortana, can you show Gon images of Unggoy, Sangheili, Kig-Yar, Jiralhanae, San’Shyuum, Mgalekgolo, and Huragok?” Chief asked, pulling Cortana out of his helmet. Her avatar appeared and she sighed.
“Can’t you ever ask for something challenging?” Cortana asked sarcastically, before flashing images of each creature that Master Chief had requested. Gon smiled, seeing the little blue aliens appearing above Cortana’s chip.
“Can you do life sized?” Chief asked, unsure. This wasn’t something he’d ever asked her to do before, but he was having fun, which was also something he hadn’t done in years. Cortana paused, before a life-sized blue Unggoy appeared. It was about a Gon and a half in height, and Gon slid away in surprise. The Unggoy disappeared, being replaced by a San’Shyuum on a chair. In this case, Cortana had chosen the Prophet of Truth as her example, and the prophet’s ornamental decorations were Gon’s height. The prophet disappeared, replaced by a Kig-Yar sniper. Up to this point, the beings had all been silent and motionless, but for laughs and giggles Cortana decided to have this one move. It snapped its beak at Gon and raised its beam rifle. Gon stumbled backwards, surprised. The Kig-Yar disappeared, and a Huragok floated a few feet above the display. It also moved, but displayed non-hostile reactions.
“Pause here, Cortana.” Master Chief asked respectfully. He reached over and pet the Huragok’s blue head, and it did its best to smile at him without a mouth. “This is the only non-hostile Covenant, at least until a few weeks ago.” Gon smiled and stood up, looking at it with curiosity.
“Cortana, resume, please.” Chief asked politely. Gon backed up, ready to be surprised, but was still knocked on his butt when an enormous Jiralhanae appeared, roaring. There was no audio, but if there was, the entire boat would have heard the roar. The brute raised a spiker towards Master Chief, but the image switched to one of a Sangheili zealot. The zealot held an energy sword and crouched, ready to rush Gon. The image switched again to one of a Mgalekgolo. The Mgalekgolo was the largest image, at a towering 13 feet. Gon was absolutely amazed at all the creatures, and looked up at the Savior of Humanity in admiration. Chief and Gon were standing by now, and Master Chief sighed.
“Well, that’s most of the Covenant. That’s not where their power lies, of course. Their ships do it all. In fact, they were glassing Reach when we made it out. Our random jump didn’t help much, though, and the Covenant still found us. We were boarded, and so Captain Keyes, the commander of the vessel, ordered me awakened…”

The gangplank dropped onto the island with a thunk. Chief had only been able to tell Gon about the events on Installation 04 before they had arrived at the island. He had only just detailed his escape before they had called for everyone assemble on the bow.
“Thank you for your patience, everyone.” Khara announced cheerfully. “We’ve finally arrived at Zevil Island! Now, please disembark in the order by which you cleared the Third Phase. After each person disembarks, we’ll wait two minutes for the next person’s turn.”
“That means we’ll be waiting here a while.” Killua muttered to Gon. They would be waiting around two hours.
“You will stay on this island for exactly one week. During that time, you must amass your six points of I.D. tags and return here. All right then, the first person may start!” She shouted with finality, pointing into the air. Master Chief walked over the gangplank onto the island. When he has stepped on the gangplank it bent low enough to concern him on its capability with regard to his weight. Chief reached over his shoulder and brought his rifle up to a combat-ready position, and set foot on Zevil Island. The dirt crunched before he reached the undergrowth of the forest, which dulled his steps from crunches to thuds. He wandered into the woods until he was sure the applicants still remaining couldn’t visually see him. When that was the case, he stopped moving and returned his rifle to its former position, idle on his back. He decided that the best course of action would be to wait until Carter came before deciding on a rendezvous point. So he leaned against a tree.
“Two minutes have passed since you left, Chief.” Cortana notified him. He nodded, and after a few seconds, by which time Carter would have moved beyond easy visibility of the candidates, he tapped his helmet.
“Carter, it’s Spartan 117. I’ll send out a ping. Come to my position when I do.” Master Chief instructed his superior officer.
“Alright, Chief. I’ll contact the others after they leave the boat so we can’t be overheard. Is that alright with you?” Carter asked politely. Even a fool could have told that Carter would have done it that way without Chief’s approval. It’s not like shouting would be undetectable, and staying within sight of the boat and using hand signals could expose the coded language within.
“Alright.” Master Chief said, shutting off his communications. “Cortana, send out two active radar pings.” On his radar, Chief saw two rings flow out from his position and a green dot appear as the active radar pings detected Carter. The dot began making its way towards him, and looking up, Master Chief could see Carter’s head among the trees. Carter gave Chief a hand signal that meant for him to drop to the ground, and Master Chief obliged. After a few seconds, Carter began talking into his comms as he instructed Kat on what to do. After about half a minute, Chief saw two waves appear, starting from Carter. He saw a second green dot appear. Its movement had given it away, and Master Chief’s radar had been able to passively detect it. Kat arrived at Carter’s position, and Carter began talking into his comms again. The process was repeated for the other three Spartans, and when they had gathered, Carter pointed towards the general direction of the opposite end of the island from where they were standing.
“We’ll establish an FOB on that end of the island.” Carter briefed them. “I’ll brief us enroute to the general vicinity of the site.” Chief was surprised; He didn’t think Carter would have any idea where to put the FOB, especially considering none of the others had any access to a geographical map. Cortana had dowloaded one for him earlier during storytime, but they wouldn’t have had one, especially since they didn’t have an A.I. Carter led the group in a single-file line, occasionally having a pair break off and give deviant tracks. Along the way, they were able to view the river’s expanse between the trees. After around 10 minutes of walking, Carter stopped in an even more secluded part of the forest. The area was naturally surrounded with thorns; nature’s equivalent to barbed wire. And without actual barbed wire, nature’s attempt would have to do.

Their FOB wasn't much. In fact, aside from a few holes dug in the ground, there wasn’t anything apparently different. The mines, of course, weren’t apparent.
“So, whose target should we go after first?” Carter asked, open to suggestions. They all immediately pointed at him, to his surprise. “Why?”
“Yours is liable to end up hurt or dead the soonest.” Kat informed him. “He’s clearly a civilian, not specially trained like most of the other applicants at this point. Anyone with an ounce of sense would go after him if they planned to get three badges instead of their target, and when that happens, there’d be a very small chance of ever seeing that badge again.” The others nodded their consent. Carter stood.
“Alright, then. We’ll split up in pairs to look for ‘Gregory Hill.’ If you find him, notify me. You have your objective, let’s execute.” Carter dismissed them, and the Demon went with Jorge towards the starting point. Master Chief and Jorge presumed that if Gregory Hill was frightened, he would have wandered away from the start as fast as he could. Of course, it was unlikely that he would do anything other than wander straight in order to get away as quickly as he could, so it wouldn’t be too difficult to spot him. If he hung near the edges of the island, which would be the only alternatives the Spartans could see to going straight, then he would be seen before seeing anyone else, and even he would know it was bad strategy. Straight it was.

“Sir, target located.” Jun radioed to Carter. Carter and Jun were paired together, and as Chief and Jorge had presumed earlier, Mr. Hill was lost. But he was wandering around the woods, not running from the start. Carter acknowledged over the radio and moved to circle behind the civilian, who had been marked hostile on his IFF.
“Should I take him out?” Jun asked, testing the waters.
“Negative.” Carter said. “Intentional civilian casualties will not be tolerated.”
“Yes, sir. Should I provide covering fire, should he pull a weapon?” Jun asked.
“That’s why I brought you.” Carter replied curtly. The man had stopped in the middle of a clump of trees. The trees were arrayed in a rough circle, and the center was relatively clear of any debris from the trees surrounding it. He glanced around nervously, obviously deciding whether or not he should stay the night there. In nearly any other circumstance, it would be near perfect. He was concerned whoever was hunting him would find him easily and kill him while he was asleep. He shouldn’t have been so concerned.
“On the ground, now.” Carter’s voice was firm, and Gregory could tell he wasn’t messing around. Of course, seeing that it was the Hunter Exam, it was unlikely that anyone would be messing around. “I have two submachine guns pointed at your back.” Carter stepped forward, and Gregory remembered the man had instructed him to fall to his knees. He promptly did so.
“Hands behind your head.” Gregory put his hands behind his head, as per the man’s requirement. The man reached into the Gregory’s back pocket and pulled out his tag.
“Thank you for your cooperation. Don’t move from this position for five minutes, and you’ll be allowed to live.” Carter informed him. “Do I make myself clear?”
 “Yes, sir!” Mr. Hill shouted. Carter put the tag in his backpack and walked off, letting Jun watch the man. After five minutes, the man hadn’t moved. It was only at the fifteen minute mark when he began to, for fear of moving before the allotted time was spent. He had no way of telling the exact time, so he waited extra to ensure he had fulfilled the requirements. By the time Gregory shakily rose from his captive state, Jun had rejoined Carter, and the two had requested that the other four reconvene at the FOB. Gregory turned and saw Hisoka standing behind him.
“Mmmm… What were you doing?” Hisoka asked, curiously. Gregory stepped backwards, but tripped on a root and fell on his back.
“Agh!” Gregory shouted. He opened his eyes and saw Hisoka standing over him and smiling.
“Hmm?” Hisoka asked, licking his lips. “You looked so… unprotected.”
“Someone t-told me to stay that w-way.” Gregory stuttered, desperate to not die. “If I didn’t, he’d kill me.” Hisoka raised an eyebrow. An applicant showing… mercy? Hisoka didn’t feel the desire to kill this man in the least. He did want to know, however, who was letting his opponents live. A pair of butterflies flew out of the bushes, but Hisoka ignored them and walked off. Either whoever left the man alive was very stupid, or… Hisoka smacked his lips in anticipation.

Kiri wandered in the woods, looking vainly for his target. A man with nothing but a shotgun, named Jent, was on the loose, and if Kiri could capture him before he himself got caught, he could camp out somewhere and wait the Fourth Phase out. If he waited too long, the man would settle down and become even harder to track down. He heard the snap of a branch underneath a superior force behind him and turned to see two people approaching him. One of them snapped their fingers, almost mocking the fact that they had failed to remain undetected. They were of abnormal height and had an armor that seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t place them. Kat and Emile looked down at the boy, and Kat smiled behind her helmet.
“We weren’t looking for you, but lady luck sure is on my side. Hand over your badge, please.” Kat held out her right palm towards the young man, which was the one she had lost to a banshee bomb during an operation she put together to put a nuke on a CCS-class battlecruiser. Well, she lost an arm, the U.N.S.C. lost a Spartan, and the Covenant lost a ship and their tactical advantage in the area. The tradeoff wasn’t too bad, actually, since sh- Kiri gripped his sword, and Kat’s friendly demeanor changed instantly.
“Arms behind your head, get on the ground.” Kat demanded, magnum in hand and pointed at Kiri’s head in an instant. Kiri put his hand behind his head and looked up at her. She had moved relatively rapidly, but he had seen it coming.
“Man, two versus one is hardly fair.” He said, smiling. He knew he could outmaneuver both of them.
“Against either of us, one versus one wouldn’t be a fair fight.” Emile retorted. Kiri gasped, and his knees gave.
“No freaking way.” Kiri placed them. They were the ones on the statue memorializing Reach. “You’re supposed to be dead.” Emile looked down on him with concern.
“Well, shoot, Kat. I don’t know if we can keep him alive now that he knows.” Emile addressed Kat with concern. Kat glanced over at him, before smiling behind her helmet. She knew what to do.
“Look, Kiri. If you don’t want us to kill you now, you’ll need to do exactly as I say.” Kat said, careful to put a touch of intimidation in her voice. Kiri gulped.
“First. Don’t move.” She instructed, walking towards him. He obliged when she grabbed his sword and drew it, but felt incredibly nervous at having his only means of both offense and defense being taken from him. It was lighter than she expected, but still, most things were to her. She hurled it into the side of a tree, where it stuck. This time, Kiri’s gulp was audible. It would have been even louder if he knew the tip of the sword was barely sticking out the other end of the tree.
“Second. Give me your tag.” Kat said, palm outstretched and voice firm. Kiri sighed and reached into his trench coat, pulling out it out. Kat palmed it and put it in her backpack.
“Third…” She hit Kiri on the top of the head and, before he could react to that blow, the back of the head. The top of the head was where the formation of longterm memories was made. The temporal lobe on the front held short term memories, but the skull wasn’t as thick there and there was a higher chance she would have killed him with her blow if she’d hit there. The blow to the rear of the head was intended to render him unconscious, and the blow completed its task flawlessly. He fell forward onto the ground, nose bleeding.
“He won’t be waking up for a few hours.” Emile noted dispassionately. Kat only nodded before turning back towards the FOB. With any luck, they hadn’t been compromised.

“We did well today, Nobles.” Carter announced. Master Chief was grouped up verbally with the other members of Noble Team for convenience. “I’d like to try for one more before the day is out. We still have two hours before nightfall. What say we hunt down Jorge’s?” Jorge nodded and grabbed Chief’s shoulder, shaking it.
“I’ll take Chief along with me.” Jorge said, smiling. It was rare he met other Spartan-II’s. “The rest of you take the night off.” Carter nodded.
“Nobles, looks like you get leave for the next twelve hours.” The other three lay back against trees. They weren’t tired, but they were weary. There was indeed a difference. Jorge and Master Chief left the group, with Jorge carrying his typical chain gun and Chief gripping his rifle. The two stalked forward for a few hundred yards before stopping and facing each other.
“Well, Jorge, it certainly has been a long time.” Master Chief said.
“Too long, really, John.” Jorge agreed. “So, any idea where our steampunk swordsman is?
“Not a one.” Chief admitted. “Let’s go towards the center and see if we spot anything.” Jorge nodded, and the two Spartans set off at a quick but quiet pace.

The dusk finally diminished, and Master Chief let Jorge know the updated position of his target. His target was wandering, just like the previous two targets apparently were, but he seemed to be wandering with more of a purpose. His sword was out and he was watching his surroundings warily. It had become obvious about five minutes prior that he was not glancing around to find his target, but rather to look for his pursuer. It was becoming night, and though that wouldn’t affect either Spartan, they had hoped it would have an effect on the man’s sight. They planned to move in when he fell asleep, and since dusk had fallen, he would hypothetically lie down in the next hour or so, and fall asleep within the next three. It was most unfortunate, then, that the man apparently detected one or both of them, and was keenly aware of their presence. The result was that the man would likely stay up all night, and then most of the next night, as well.
“Still, the first shot would work.” Chief whispered to Jorge.
“Again, we can’t scale his reflexes. Hopefully he drops, but there isn’t a way to check.” Jorge voiced his concerns again. Master Chief sighed.
“Well, I don’t see other options.” Chief noted, to Jorge’s chagrin.
“All the same. For some reason, I don’t see this ending well.” Jorge muttered.
“If I might interject…” Cortana interjected, and after listening, the two agreed her plan was better than either the other two.

The man whipped around, and Jorge ducked behind the tree in a flash. But the flash wasn’t fast enough. Even though Jorge was twenty feet away and was behind an object, the man was in front of him in a second. He held his sword to Jorge’s neck, and snarled beneath the handkerchief that covered his mouth and nose.
“Who are you, and what do you want?” The man asked, harshly. Jorge looked down calmly at the man.
“My name’s Jorge. What’s yours?” Jorge asked, not answering the second half of the man’s question.
“Watashi.” The man stated without emotion, neither relaxing nor strengthening his grip on his sword. Jorge nodded.
“Nice to meet you.” Jorge said, and budged ever so slightly to the right. Watashi had sprinted past the tree from Jorge’s left, and so he was barely to his left. Watashi noticed the shift, but mistakenly thought it was Jorge’s attempt to slip away. He gripped his sword tighter and pressed it closer to Jorge’s neck. It was, in fact, his attempt to ensure a better shot with a smaller likelihood for friendly fire. The Demon’s shot was straight and true, and Wabash’s eyes went wide as the back of his head disappeared. He fell forward onto Jorge’s armor, splattering blood and flecks of brain against it, before gravity’s force overtook him and he fell to the ground, his sword clattering against a root. Jorge grabbed Watashi’s tag from his trench coat's interior pocket, and turned towards Master Chief.
“Fine work, but we have our first fatality.” Jorge said, a tinge of remorse in his voice. Chief walked up to him and tried to wipe the blood and grey matter off Jorge’s armor, but only managed to smear it. Jorge sighed.
“Well, that’s never coming off.” Jorge mumbled, before laughing. “Ah, yes it will. But now we have to explain this to the others.” Master Chief nodded.
“The enemy was an unknown, but clearly dangerous. We took the necessary precautions to ensure the survival of every team member.” Chief said it like it was an after-action report, which would end up having to be written. Jorge nodded in agreement with Master Chief’s rough draft.
“You recall that you just let off an unsilenced shot, right?” Cortana asked sarcastically. Chief and Jorge nodded once before jogged back towards the FOB and, more importatly, away from the scene. To be safe, they went at around ten miles an hour. Unfortunately, the man following them was going far slower, and so he wasn’t detected on their radar as they blew past him. And since his dark cloak blended in well in the night, they couldn’t see him visually, either.

Dawn broke, glinting off Emile’s helmet as he looked for his target. He was being shadowed by Kat, who was in the trees above. Kat was also searching for #517, Jester. But that was secondary to ensuring that neither Jester nor whoever was targeting Emile surprised him.
The boundary between forest and plain was in no way blurred, and was in fact very drastic. Emile stepped cautiously out, and looked around. His eyes widened as he saw Jester carelessly sitting in a tree across the plains.
“Shoot.” Emile muttered, before remembering his comms were on. He had been reporting the distance across the field by his estimation when he spotted #517.
“Affirmati-” Kat started, before Emile interjected.
“No, don’t. Jester’s sitting in the tree across from us, but he doesn’t seem to have noticed us. If you miss, he may run.” Emile said, groaning inwardly.
“Did you just imply I might miss?” Kat asked, growling slightly.
“I’ve had a change of heart.” Emile sighed. “But that change of heart came with the realization that I need to refresh on my… nonlethal stealth takedowns. I haven’t done that in a few years, and I’m rusty.” Emile said into the comms. It was true. There had been little reason to use any sort of nonlethal takedowns against the Covenant, and he and his commanders had had some… disputes regarding the state of some Insurrectionists prior to that.
“Alright. I’ll cover you if things go bad.” Kat informed him. Emile didn’t reply. He had a feeling they would.
“I’ll loop around through the forest and come from behind.” Emile stated his intentions, and Kat affirmed them. Emile began carefully stalking between the trees, ensuring he couldn’t be seen by Jester, but at the cost that he couldn’t visually ensure his target remained. Kat debated with herself internally, before deciding to follow Emile. If Jester moved, they would have wasted their time, but it was worth the risk to ensure no one snuck up on Emile. Emile was zoned in, ensuring he didn’t make much noise as he swished through the leaves instead of crunching them. Of course, while he was being quiet, he certainly could have been more so if he'd been going at a slower pace. Instead, he was running at around five miles per hour around the perimeter of the trees. The trees masked his visual approach, and as he drew within a hundred feet, he slowed to an even stealthier pace. He made sure to keep a tree between him and Jester as often as he could, but when he wasn’t able to, he could keep an eye on Jester. Jester hadn’t budged an inch since Emile had spotted him across the field, and Emile took it as a good sign. After around five minutes of slowly closing, Emile was just below and behind Jester. Jester still showed no sign of noticing the Spartan. Emile crouched, before bursting upwards. The strength in his legs was showed by the height he managed to jump, and he tackled Jester to the ground. Emile flipped the man over, but the man showed no sign of being aware that he’d been tackled. Emile put a hand to the man’s neck as Kat leapt down from a tree canopy and ran over.
“Did you knock him out?” Kat asked, curious. Emile shook his head, and Kat’s brow furrowed with concern under her helmet.
“I checked his pulse. He’s dead.” Emile sighed. “I guess I really do need to work on my nonlethal st-” He stopped, noticing something on the man’s shirt. It appeared to be dried blood, and if it was, that would mean he had been dead for a while. Emile tore off the man’s suit and vest, and saw a scar over the man’s heart, about two and a half inches in length. There weren’t any other wounds to be seen. Emile rummaged through the corpse’s pockets, and felt two things. He found the man’s target card, and learned that he was actually Jester’s target. He also found the man’s tag, but when he pulled it out, a piece of paper fell out with it. Emile opened the note, and saw something written on it.
“Never replicate.♦” The note read, and Emile repeated it allowed. Neither of the Spartans had a clue what it meant, but if they had brought Master Chief, they would have learned that Hisoka killed the man because he looked similar to him. Instead, Emile put the tag and note in his backpack.
“We’ll report this this to Carter. It’s important he knows this man didn’t die because of the tag.” Emile grunted. Kat nodded, and the duo walked back to the FOB.


Jun had requested that Chief come along to help him steal Siper’s badge. Carter had consented, and when Kat and Emile returned, Carter let the pair set out. No trouble had been expected, so they were sent out alone. At the moment, Jun was leaping from tree to tree high above Master Chief, who was running on the ground at twenty miles an hour. He was darting around large trees and plowing through the smaller or dead trees. Jun flipped around and shot in the general direction of their pursuer before landing on the tree branch and turning back. He landed well and the pivot was flawless, so his momentum was not slowed as he ran. The shot missed and the pursuer continued on, unfazed by the shot, momentum not blunted in the least.
Jun had located his target, Siper, lying in the overgrowth and targeting Gittarackur. She was unaware of the presence of the Spartans behind her and seemed to be in the zone, so to speak. Chief had begun closing on her slowly from her blind spot. Jun saw, through his scope, her slump over, with blood gushing from her head and her scope shattered. Gittarackur paced towards Siper, but Master Chief dived for her and grabbed her body before running back into the woods from whence he'd come. Gittarackur seemed surprised at Chief’s sudden appearance but recovered quickly and held up a pin to throw it towards the fleeing man. Jun’s rifle cracked. The shot missed just barely, and a few of the pins in Gittarackur’s head flew a distance before sticking into a tree. Gittarackur dropped his pin in surprise, but other than that he didn’t react much to his pins disappearing and his advantage being lost. Instead, he began chattering his way towards Jun’s position. Jun fired another shot, but Gittarackur was expecting it and ducked his head to the left. The ground behind the man broke apart and cascaded outward as a foreign object was shot into it at an excessive speed. Jun recognized any future shots from the same position would miss and so he leapt after Master Chief, who, in the meantime, had secured the tag and dropped the dead weight. Gittarackur began running at an astonishing pace after the duo, and so they increased their speed.

Carter heard a fizzling in his helmet as the connection was established between his comms and the Demon’s. Shortly after, the other Spartan’s voice rang out.
“Carter, it’s Chief. We’re being chased by Gittarackur, and can’t shake or kill him.” Chief paused, and rifle fire clattered in the background. It was accompanied by a sniper shot shortly afterwards, and then Carter heard Master Chief breathe out as he ran. “We could use the others.” Carter’s eyebrows rose. The man with the title Savior of Humanity needed help? His eyebrows lowered again, preparing a plan.
“Will do, Chief. We’re on our way.” Carter said. He saw a map on his HUD that Cortana had sent, highlighting their position relative to Jun and Chief’s. It flashed as it updated, with the two Spartans heading towards a clearing in the distance. Carter turned and shouted at the other members of Noble Team.
“Get up! Let’s work for our money!” Carter exclaimed, gesturing with one hand and grabbing one of his SMGs in the other. The others quickly rose as well, and after a few seconds, they made their way towards their pursued comrades.

Master Chief wasn’t pinned down. The man shot pins and Chief dodged them, simple as that. In fact, he’d managed to shoot a few of them out of the air. But Jun’s shots had a bad habit of missing the man, who most of the time had to dodge them. He certainly hadn’t shot them out of the air with his pins, but he hadn’t had much difficulty dodging the shots Master Chief had sent his way, and Jun could only fire off one at a time, so Gittarackur could easily predict his shots and maneuver out of the way, even though the bullet’s speed was over six thousand feet per second. Gittarackur wasn’t trying very hard, actually. He could have sliced their throats a few seconds into the chase. But then, neither were Master Chief or Jun. They were all toying with each other. Jun and Chief, unbeknownst to Gittarackur, were allowing him to live in order to practice an effective ambush. They were there, after all, to train, and they planned to do just that. Gittarackur, unbeknownst to the Spartans, was herding them towards Hisoka. Hisoka didn’t know about it yet, but Gittarackur had finished, and he knew Hisoka would want the three tags they possessed, since he hadn’t. One side would reach their goal before the other.
Carter snapped his fingers, and Jorge stepped out from behind a tree, laying down a barrage of bullets. Gittarackur had somehow sensed Jorge behind the tree, and when he sensed Jorge’s motion, it was a simple matter to duck the barrage. Twisting, he glimpsed a skull on the ground. He doesn’t know nen; how did he use zetsu? Gittarackur wondered, suddenly concerned for his own safety. He quickly flung a pair of pins at the skull at the same time as the man behind the skull fired his shotgun. One needle was hit by the blast and flung backwards, and the rest of the buckshot blasted away Gittarackur’s right leg below the knee. He wouldn’t have reacted otherwise, but since his leg was gone, he couldn’t rely on it any more and fell to the ground, off balance. The other needle flung towards the skull, but at the last second, an orange sheen appeared on it, and the needle bounced backwards before falling to the ground. Gittarackur was stunned again; that should have killed the man. Kat apparently also used zetsu and fired at Gittarackur, who didn’t notice until after the noise reached his ears. It hit his left arm, structurally impairing his movement. The pain was nothing, and he didn’t mind losing the arm, but since most of the nerves had been disconnected by the bullet, it was physically impossible for him to move it. Gittarackur flung a pair of needles at Kat, but she had ducked back behind the tree and the needles whizzed past her and hit another tree. Had she stayed, the needles would have hit her in the head and neck. Chief twisted around and fired an accurate burst at Gittarackur, who flipped into the air with only his right arm and left leg. The barrage missed completely, but Jun’s bullet didn’t. Since it was only a few meters away, and its maximum range was nearly three miles, the round ripped completely through Gittarackur’s head. He collapsed to the ground, blood beginning to flow. In the time it took Master Chief to reach the body, however, the needles in his face had apparently disconnected and his face began morphing into that of a strangely attractive young man with large, black eyes and long hair. His appearance wasn’t dissimilar to that of Hisoka, but nor was it very similar. A beeping noise interrupted the silence that had followed the chattering of bullets. Chief found a radio in the man’s pocket after digging around. He pressed the button to activate it, and Hisoka’s voice reached his ears.
“I heard gunshots. What’s going on?” Hisoka asked coolly. “Were you going to treat me with new toys?”
“No.” The Demon growled coldly. Hisoka actually gasped, but recovered very quickly.
“Oh, my. You’re not Illumi.” He cooed at Master Chief.
“You’re right.” Chief responded curtly.
“Well, I wonder who’ll have to break the news to Killua his brother was murdered?” Hisoka asked, suddenly holding an ace.
“You.” Master Chief said, ripping the ace in half and tossing it into a fire. Chief pulled the tag off the body and walked a few hundred feet to the spot where Hisoka sat on a fallen tree, facing away from Master Chief. To tell the truth, Chief had felt horrible when he learned Gittarackur was Killua’s brother, and he was still a bit shaky. So when he got a new ping on his radar that was identified as Gon, he nearly stopped to catch himself. The only thing keeping him walking was the fact that if he stopped, he’d give Gon away. He didn’t know if Hisoka had seen Gon yet, so he was very careful to do nothing to expose him. Hisoka turned towards Master Chief and began staring at him, before licking his lips.
“Mmmm… a ninety. And that’s before learning it. If you had, I would demand you fought me here and now, but I see you have room to grow.” Hisoka smiled and waved as he walked away.
“I’ll see you in, say, a week?” He asked cheerfully.
“Not if you don’t collect your badges, you won’t.” Chief said, serious as ever.
“Ooh, so harsh. I’ll do my best, just for you.” Hisoka said, smiling. Master Chief turned around and walked back to where Noble Team was hiding.

Killua felt something fall out of his head. He looked down in surprise and saw a small yellow needle. For some reason, he felt more freedom, but he didn’t care about it any. He picked the needle up and tossed it at a tree, behind which the man stalking him was hiding.
“You fail at hiding.” Killua announced, but the man didn’t move. He sighed, and turned back towards the path he was following.

The night on the second day was still young, and the other Spartans were asleep. Chief sighed, and decided it was safe. His watch continued for the next three hours, and it was dark enough that no one would notice. He would have to make it fast, though. He took out a paste ration and grimaced. Bacon and Spinach was one of the worst ones. He was kind of hungry.
Master Chief took off his helmet and squirted the paste quickly into his mouth. He swallowed, before spraying the rest in. He put his helmet back on hurriedly and put the paste tube back in his backpack. He felt better. His radar blipped, and he saw a neutral dash forward a few feet before stopping, and the blip dropped off. Chief quickly marked it hostile, but made no visible sign of movement. The neutral was currently on his five o’clock, and Master Chief was in a tree, overlooking their FOB. An explosion woke all five Nobles at the same time, and they turned. A target card flew and embedded itself in the ground next to Kat. Looking over, she saw the #251. She reported this, and Carter nodded.
“Chief, why didn’t you warn us?” Carter asked. It was a legitimate question laced with accusations.
“Because I was about to take action, before realizing he hadn’t entered the minefield yet.” Chief said. “I was planning to shoot him if he entered the middle of the minefield without triggering a mine.”
“Alright.” Carter acted content with Master Chief’s summary, but Chief could sense the frustration. If it had been a sniper, someone could have died. Of course, Master Chief’s scans couldn’t detect a sniper, and he wasn’t focused at the time. He’d been eating. But that was unnecessary information. Chief nodded, accepting the silent criticism, and turned outwards and away from the other five. He would bag his target’s tag upon the morrow.

The Demon rose, his mask glinting in the light of the star that dominated the day. He grabbed the made man by his wrist and crushed it, but he showed no fear, nor much pain.
“I’ll never tell where my badge is.” The man gasped, grinning rebelliously at the larger man. Master Chief looked down at the man, took his other upper arm, and broke it. The man grinned again, in pain. “I refuse.” Chief paused, talking with Cortana, before taking out his knife and pointing it at the man’s eye.
“I will pull your eye out if you don’t tell me where it is.” He said, and the man quivered. He had ommetaphobia, luckily enough, and feared his eyes being touched, not to mention pulled out.
“I…” Master Chief moved his knife closer, slicing his eyelid just enough to make blood seep into his eye. “I’ll tell you!” Chief sighed. Like an Insurrectionist; tough until truly scared. The man pointed towards his briefcase as best he could with his broken wrist. “It’s in there.” Master Chief dropped the man, who instinctively reached out to break his fall with his arms and cried out as a result. Honestly, when the man put up such resistance, the Spartan had expected it to be hidden underground or in a tree. The man should have known that, had he died, the second place he would search would be the briefcase; after his own body. The man whimpered, unable to caress his wrist, as Chief crushed the locks in his hand and opened the briefcase. He broke the M1 Thompson that was inside in half and tossed it back towards the man before grabbing the badge and closing the briefcase. He stepped on it, shattering its structural integrity and rendering it useless, before tossing it back at the man. He’d seen the steroids the man had taken at the beginning of the exam, which were wearing off at this point. It would explain why the man had gotten so far, and why he had been so resistant to the pain. He turned and left the man, hoping he would be able to make his way to a water source. If he didn’t, well, that wouldn’t be the Savior of Humanity’s problem.

Master Chief turned around again in a flash, straining his eyes in vain, searching for the contact that had popped up on his radar. The contact had been marked hostile the second time it had flashed into existence, but even on the fourth time, he was unable to actually visually identify it. He paced over to the spot at which the contact appeared and meticulously panned over the area, to no avail. Chief turned back towards the Forward Operating Base and continued towards it. He did, of course, know that should he lead the contact; applicant or otherwise; to the hidden location of five of humanity’s greatest weapons, he could technically be tried for treason. With that knowledge, upon reaching what appeared to be a beaten path, he did a right face that would have opened the eyes of many U.N.S.C. personnel and began marching towards the river. He knew the contact would continue stalking. If he were overly optimistic, he would hope that being in such an exposed area would give the contact less cover, but he wasn’t overly optimistic. He knew that he could continue without rest for the remaining five days at around half combat capability, and that was his advantage. Aside from a select few, half his combat capability would outmatch their full raw fighting power, and then some. Hopefully, whoever was stalking him wouldn’t be among the select few.
Judgement smiled behind his mask. The difficulty level had just been raised, albeit insignificantly. He would wait until the man inevitably fell asleep before taking is badge swiftly and quietly. He knew if he killed the man, he would incur the wrath of the U.N.S.C. He didn’t know how big that organization was, exactly, but the ship that had called itself a frigate when it had discovered their world dwarfed many of the ships in the navies worldwide. The man’s uniform gave his allegiances away. And in the Hunter Exam, giving those away usually didn’t help. He chuckled inwardly, realizing the hypocrisy of his own statement since in this case it had. He would have already killed the man three and a half hours ago, had he not known. It was moot, though, and he sprung forward. He barreled through the air, maneuvering between tree branches and, when possible, leaves, before landing on a branch seven trees away from his original starting point. The man turned and looked upwards in the direction of his starting point, and Judgement smiled again. The man had some sort of detection system which only detected him when he leapt, never when he landed. That wasn’t that bad, so long as he was far away from his starting point. He felt something pull on the edge of his hood and ignored it. It pulled again even harder, nearly yanking the hood off, and Judgement was finally forced to glance around. He didn’t see anything on level with him, and looked down to see Hisoka beneath him, licking his lips. He had a finger pointing upwards, and when he pulled the finger towards himself, Judgement felt a pull. He was… honestly unsure how to proceed. If he wanted the tugging to end, he would have to effectively give up his prey, and he truly, dearly wanted it to cease permanently. But was it worth losing his prey, and possible the Exam? Hisoka began to turn his smile upside down, and flicked out a card in his other hand. Judgement knew if he wanted to survive today, he would have to fight to do so. He leapt off the branch quietly enough that his target’s detection system wasn’t triggered, and faced Hisoka. They were around the same height, but Hisoka’s hair put him around four inches above him.
“Now, then… What shall I ever do with you?” Hisoka asked quietly, to… himself? Judgement? A second, not currently visible companion? Judgement assumed the former, braced for the latter, and answered, in case it was neither.
“Nothing. I am hunting to become a Hunter, and you should be too.” He spoke, for the first time during the exam. His voice certainly wasn’t natural, since he was using a scrambler, and as he spoke, a thin mist began secreting out of his mask. An unfortunate side effect of the life support system. The gas certainly wasn’t toxic, and wasn’t intended for intimidation, but it certainly worked for the latter. Judgement pulled his shotgun slowly out from under his cloak, which fell away as he raised his arm. He had some thicker armor surrounding his body, and it was useful for both protection and intimidation. Hisoka’s smile reasserted itself.
“I am.” Hisoka said, and Judgement realized suddenly that Hisoka meant to take his tag. He nearly slapped himself; he should have realized it sooner. Hisoka moved like the wind itself, becoming invisible to the human eye, but the effects could still be seen. Judgement’s cloak was torn as three cards were sent his direction. It had billowed behind him as he had dived away, but he was otherwise unharmed. He raised his firearm towards Hisoka, but the magician yanked on Judgement’s hood, pulling both him and his aim off balance. He fired, and though it was intended to be aimed, it ended up being aimless. The man fell onto his side, with the thought in the back of his mind that his target was irrevocably beyond his reach. On the forefront of his mind, though, was the fact that Hisoka had vanished.
“Not bad…” Hisoka whispered in his ear. Judgement’s reflexes were keen, but not as much as Hisoka’s. Hisoka grabbed the elbow that was sent his way and twisted, breaking it. To Hisoka’s surprise and joy, the man reacted in no way to the immense pain and whipped around, firing his shotgun. The round tore through the wisps of smoke that were distinctly white and pink, and he turned around. Hisoka was faster still, and backed out of the reach of his flailing arm. Before Judgement could react again, Hisoka raised a card at him.
“…but not good enou-” A bobber appeared, and to Hisoka’s shock, it hooked the badge off his chest. The man took advantage of this and rushed him, holding a dagger. Hisoka flicked a pair of cards at him offhandedly, stopping the man forever. The badge and hook landed in the hand of a boy.
That boy… Hisoka thought, shocked. Gon turned around, running away as Hisoka stood staring at the boy. Hisoka thought briefly about chasing after the boy, but decided he’d earned the badge. He would congratulate him shortly. He turned back towards Judgement’s dead body, over which stood the man who had slain his hundreds of thousands. The man tossed the badge at Hisoka, before turning and walking after Gon. Hisoka raised an eyebrow. Today had certainly been… beneficial. Perhaps he shouldn’t have let his bloodlust slip a tad after the man hadn’t reacted in pain. Still, even with the intense desire to kill, Hisoka should have been able to detect the boy. Hisoka raised his eyebrows again. He used Zetsu without learning it!? This boy was indeed impressive. Hopefully, the man could live up to him. Seeing as the man had snuck up behind him, he may well have learned Zetsu as well.
“Mmmm… that was fun.” Hisoka muttered to himself. “We’ll talk later.”

Gon smiled to himself and shouted praises in his head. Suddenly, the praises seemed very convoluted and, now that he thought about it, so did his eyesight. And… everything else, really. He managed a few more steps before his knees buckled and he fell to the ground, Hisoka’s tag falling just out of reach. The man Tonpa had pointed out nearly a week ago as Geretta stood over him, smiling down.
“Approximately seven thousand.” Geretta addressed Gon, reaching down and grabbing Hisoka’s tag. “Do you know what that number represents?” Gon couldn’t answer, so Geretta went ahead and told him. “It’s the number of times I had the chance to kill you. It’s also the number of times you swung your fishing rod.” Geretta reached down and dug in Gon’s backpack, before finding the boy’s tag. “Your skill with a rod is amazing, but skill is one thing, and caution another.” The man rose, walking off with his tag. Gon closed his eyes and, if he could, would have clenched his fist.
“Screw you…” He muttered pathetically, but with a fire that he knew would have fueled a punch if his muscles weren’t relaxed. He was still in the position he’d fallen a few minutes later when he saw a green boot thud to the ground in front of his eyes. He couldn’t turn away, but he could close his eyes, and he did so to avoid getting the dust that had burst out in a small plume from the force of the impact in his eyes. Master Chief crouched down and peered at the boy’s neck. There was a small red welt there, probably as a result of whatever toxin was flowing through Gon’s body. He pulled a miniature, portable OptiCan and squeezed the gel onto his hand, intending to rub it on Gon’s wound for thirty seconds, as per the MediGel instructions. He was stopped short by a dragging sound and the sound of footsteps. He and Gon looked up to see Hisoka carrying Geretta and holding both his and Gon’s tags in his hand. Chief rose quickly, pulling up his rifle, splattering the MediGel onto the bottom of the rifle.
“Give me one good reason not to push you through the gates of Hell.” He demanded. Hisoka smiled and tossed Geretta’s body onto the ground at Master Chief’s feet. Geretta’s head was facing the opposite way it should have been, and so he was lying both on his back and facedown at the same time. “That’s a very bad reason.”
“Alright. I’ll give you two.” Hisoka said, smiling. He walked over to around five feet away from Gon’s body before tossing a pair of badges at him. They both luckily landed face up, so both could see they were Gon and Hisoka’s numbers.
“You didn’t… come back to… get your tag?” Gon barely got out. Hisoka crouched and smiled at him. The barrel of Chief’s rifle lowered as well, maintaining an angle where the trajectory of the first bullet would be certain to enter and, at this distance, exit Hisoka’s head.
“No. I have all the tags I need.” Hisoka said, holding up #222, #281, #384, and #118. “I just came to congratulate you. But now that I’ve given you the tag, you owe me one, OK?” Hisoka smiled at Gon, before rising and walking away. Master Chief looked after Hisoka to ensure he left quickly and quietly, but he heard a rustle to his left. He glanced in the aforementioned direction before doing a double take. Gon was standing, albeit shakily, without the need of an OptiCan? Chief actually lost his focus for a brief moment, stunned at this medical miracle. Gon struggled to raise his right hand, which held Hisoka’s badge. When he did, his teeth were clenched.
“I… don’t want to owe anyone… anything!” Gon demanded at Hisoka. Hisoka had stopped when he heard the rustling, and turned around now. “Take your badge… I don’t want it.” Hisoka walked back towards Gon, and before Master Chief could stop him, he punched Gon in the face so hard he knocked him back over thirty feet. The boy was unconscious when the punch connected, so he couldn’t feel the other impacts. Chief pointed his rifle and fired a burst at Hisoka, but all it hit was a smoky image of him. Master Chief whipped around to face Gon’s body, over which Hisoka was standing over.
“I’ll take the badge back when you can punch me in the face, just like that.” Hisoka said to Gon. Gon couldn’t hear a sound, so Hisoka made sure his voice was raised enough that Chief could hear him. Master Chief fired a burst again, but once more, the mist had begun to thin by the time the bullets ripped through the facade. He whirled around, but Hisoka was gone. He realized Gon needed to be his first priority and ran over to the boy. He grabbed the OptiCan from where he’d left it and upon reaching Gon, he squeezed out a little of the limited MediGel before spreading it around gingerly on the red welt on the boy’s neck. After thirty seconds, he stepped back. Gon should be awake in the next half hour, seeing as it took a normal twelve year old about an hour to wake from a blow like that. When he awoke, he should also be able to stand properly. Chief looked around and realized that Gon had actually held onto Hisoka’s badge during his flight, an impressive feat, even for a Spartan. Master Chief decided to rest against a tree while he waited. No one should be hunting him now, but Gon was a freebie for anyone that needed an extra tag. Or, in this case, two.
Gon came to about fifteen minutes after the impact. He rubbed his chin before standing, and, to Chief’s surprise, fell back to his knees. The Spartan ran over and grabbed the boy’s arm. Gon Freecs stared up at Master Chief, with both water and fire in his eyes, in an incoherent dance. The man called the Demon saw that the buckling of the knees wasn’t a physical injury; it was a mental one.
“What’s wrong?” Chief asked Gon simply enough. Two words that Gon couldn’t explain just yet. He put Hisoka’s tag in his pocket before grabbing Master Chief by the arm and pulling himself up. Behind his helmet, Chief’s eyebrows skyrocketed. When they’d first met, Gon couldn’t do much more than make Master Chief realize someone was touching him. Right now, Gon was resentful and broken, and in his anger, the Savior of Humanity realized he felt a dull aching pain when Gon’s grip released. It was interesting, to say the least.
“I was helpless against him…” Gon muttered, absolutely outraged. Chief paused. He certainly couldn’t say he wasn’t. But then, oftentimes, he was in a seemingly helpless position. But it wasn’t the same; Gon was actually helpless. He wasn’t able to fight Hisoka on even terms with a weapon and at full strength, and at the time, he’d just been injected with a muscle relaxant. Of course, Master Chief had been in the same position, helpless against the Gravemind. But the Gravemind had released him, and Hisoka had released Gon. His mouth was moving, and he thought he might have been thinking out loud.
“So was I.” Chief responded quietly. As he said it, he felt relief and, oddly enough, surprise when he realized the truth in it. In a straight-up fight, the odds were relatively even. But Hisoka fought with trickery and deception, not in a fair and respectable manner. And since his bullets couldn’t hit Hisoka, his fighting skill was downgraded immensely. Gon looked up again, the fire being washed away by the tears and the tears being dried up in the flame, until both began twirling and whirling out of existence. Gon had taken a big hit to his ego, and he took comfort in knowing that the Savior of Humanity, the slayer of hundreds of thousands, was helpless against the same man he was, though the gap was certainly thinner in the veteran’s case.
“I’ll give him his badge back.” Gon assured Master Chief, who nodded. There was no doubt in the man’s mind that the boy could do it eventually.
“Definitely. Keep it for now; you still want to pass.” Chief asked. He felt chills running down his spine as Gon failed to reply; instead, his glare burned past his titanium alloy and body suit and straight into his heart. Master Chief realized Gon was putting his pride above his goals, and he had seen the result of that far too many times. “Well, we’re both passing. Do you think any of the other three need help?” Gon blinked, before his face betrayed the traces of a grin. The thought of his friends certainly seemed to make Gon feel better, and his nod seemed to hold a confidence that he didn’t have prior.
“Yeah, probably Leorio.” Gon’s response was nearly reflexive. If Leorio had been nearby, the man would have hit Gon in the back of his head and started snarling. Chief nodded in recognition of the probable truth in Gon’s statement before tapping his helmet to inform Carter of his new course of action.
“This is Master Chief, reporting in. I have retrieved my target’s badge, and my pursuer is K.I.A. One of my associates is in a similar position, and we’re going to help another of our…his friends.” He knew he didn’t have friends, so why did he keep having the nagging feeling of a bond with the four? Carter might have noticed, as well. For a Spartan to have affection towards anyone… It was certainly frowned upon. If Carter…
“Understood, Chief. We’ve located Kat's, Jun’s, and my pursuers. We’re currently on the lookout for Jorge’s.” Carter seemed unfazed by the other Spartan’s slip-up. “You are authorized to take whatever action you deem necessary in that regard.”
“Thank you, sir.” Master Chief responded, truly grateful and silently relieved. He waited until Carter had signed off before turning his attention back to Gon, who was looking expectantly at him in turn. “I’m authorized.” Gon grinned, but the grin only had hints of joy. He really was truly outraged, Chief realized, by his defeat at the hands of Hisoka. He had a tinge of fear that Gon would end up killing Leorio’s target, but he repressed it quickly.

Using his unique sense of smell, Gon could detect Leorio’s cologne from a few kilometers away. So when Leorio was less than half a kilometer away, it wasn’t difficult to locate him. they found him after a few minutes with Kurapika, apparently waiting near the starting point for some reason. When Leorio got over the shock of having someone drop to the ground inches behind his head, the two newcomers learned that he was scouring the island for his target, but after a day or so, he still had absolutely no idea where his target was. Gon was unsurprised by this development and offered to help Leorio find his target, which he accepted. It turns out Leorio’s target was a woman by the name of Ponzu. She specialized in chemical weaponry, and was definitely someone to look out for.
“Any idea where she is?” Gon asked, already expecting a no. His expectations were fulfilled.
“No.” Leorio shook his head, sighing. “I’ve been searching and searching and I still have no leads.”
“She’s that way.” Gon calmly informed teens, pointing in what appeared to be a random direction. He had his nose lifted in the air.
“Wha- How do you know?” Leorio asked, confused and shocked. It hit Master Chief and Kurapika just then that Leorio hadn’t actually seen Gon track anything with his nose yet, so his disbelief was completely understandable.
“I can smell her chemicals. They’re coming from over there, c’mon, let’s go!” Gon took off with a run towards, well, no one knew. Not even Gon. But wherever the scent led him, the others would follow close behind. And so they did, romping through fields and forest, for nearly three hours, with few obstacles, other than someone tripping. Surprisingly enough, it was Kurapika. When their journey ended, they were standing before a cave. The sun had started dipping below the horizon, and the birds had ceased their singing as they hunkered down for the evening.
“Is that where she’s at, Gon?” Leorio whispered, hoping not to be heard. There was a chance his voice would be amplified in the cave, even from a few meters away from the entrance. If Ponzu knew he was there, she could gas the cave when he entered inside and he wouldn’t make it out again.
“Yep, definitely. The scent is really strong and dense; so it’s inside something. And the scent leads here, anyways.” He responded, sure of himself. The explanation was logical enough. Kurapika crouched, in a bit of pain still from his fall.
“Alright. What do we want to do?” He asked, clearing his mind of unnecessary distractions so he could begin to plan. It was a talent few could match, with the exception of every A.I. in the U.N.S.C. Leorio sat his briefcase down next to Chief’s feet.
“I’m going inside. You guys stay here.” Leorio announced, holding his hand out to prevent them from going in. Leorio picked up a stick and started walking towards the cave. It was about four feet long and had a pointed tip to it. When he reached the maw of the blackness, he began poking the cracks in the walls and ceiling, checking for traps. Finding none, he tossed the stick further in. It clattered against the stone flooring. Suddenly, to Leorio’s surprise, nothing happened. He turned back towards the others and gave them a thumbs up. Gon returned it, and when Leorio returned, Gon looked about ready to run into the cave himself. Leorio took the time to grab his briefcase before speaking to them.
“Alright, I’m going inside alone. Don’t enter until I give the OK.” Leorio demanded of them, crushing Gon’s hope.
“Thirty minutes.” Kurapika said, raising his hand and holding up three fingers. Leorio raised an eyebrow at him. It was more likely that he hadn’t understood rather than he hadn’t heard.
“Eh?”
 “If we don’t hear anything from you after half an hour, we’re coming in.” Kurapika said in a non-negotiable voice. Gon nodded firmly in agreement, and the only one over 20 did the same. Leorio closed his eyes and shook his head at them.
“Unacceptable.” Leorio said, surprising the three. Chief didn’t express it, but he was shocked Leorio wasn’t going to lean on his more able friends. Earlier on, he would have been willing to throw all three of them into a boiling pit of acid if it would make him a Hunter. Now, he wasn’t going to take an opportunity that almost assured his moving on to the next phase. Of course, he had tried to duel Kurapika a few days earlier, so Leorio certainly could do his fair share of stupid things. “If something happens, you guys should return to the start.”
“No, sir.” Master Chief announced, surprising Leorio.
“Since we’ve teamed up, I won’t abandon you now.” Kurapika added, closing his eyes. Leorio’s face softened, though he still turned his back on them.
“Then I quit the team.” He said as he walked away dramatically. He would have given a backwards wave or pumped a shotgun if the situation was appropriate or he had such a firearm. “It’s selfish, considering all you three have done, but I’ll do this alone.”
“No.” Gon said, making Leorio grunt and gasp at the same time. The man whipped around with a snarl on his face.
“What did you say!?” Leorio began running back towards Gon, taking lengthy strides that shrunk the distance between them rapidly. When he reached the boy, he stopped his momentum rather well, being able to look down at the young boy immediately after stopping. Gon, however, failed to waver, and continued to stare upwards at Leorio. It took him only a second to make the situation thoroughly uncomfortable before he responded.
“Doesn’t matter what you say. We’re staying here.” Gon said, brow furrowed in determination.
“Because we’re f-” Chief caught himself. “Er, all friendlies.” Master Chief realized he’d been having a serious issue with accidentally almost using the word “friend” when he didn’t really have any.
“Still got a problem?” Gon said, daring Leorio to continue. Kurapika’s eyes bore deep into Leorio’s when he glanced at them. Leorio didn’t rise to the bait; instead, he sighed in defeat and shoved his hand deep into his pocket, seemingly out of embarrassment.
“Alright. Do what you want.” He said. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a lighter before entering the cave. Turns out the hand into the pocket had a purpose. To Gon’s surprise, Leorio tossed his briefcase over his shoulder at him. Gon managed to catch it, mostly because Leorio was unexpectedly a very good shot.
“Hang onto that for me.” He said, utilizing a backward hand wave since it was finally appropriate. Kurapika and Gon sighed in amusement and Chief sat down. He wasn’t resting; he’d actually chosen a position that would allow him to accelerate at a faster rate than if he’d been standing.

“I hear a monkey!” Gon announced, smiling. Kurapika giggled.
“I hear a parrot.” Kurapika said. They both looked at Master Chief.
“I hear howler baboons. That’s a talented bunch out th-”
“Kurapika! Chief! Gon! Don’t come in!” Leorio’s voice reverberated out of the cave, and Chief used his position to tear forward, disregarding Leorio’s instructions. Everyone had taken off at the same time, but with the indentation the Spartan had left in the ground to accelerate quickly, there was no question as to who would reach the Kurapika and Gon ran in behind him, and when Master Chief skidded to a halt above Leorio, the other two boys were still halfway through the cave.
“Leorio!” Gon shouted upon reaching the end of the cave where Leorio lay and Chief stood. Around Leorio were several sliced-up parts of snake, and Leorio himself was absolutely covered in snake bites. A knife was laying next to Leorio’s hand, obviously having been used to kill at least some of the snakes. The cave was illuminated by a flickering lamp in the center. Bourbon the snake charmer sat against the wall and was facing the entrance, though his head was bowed. Ponzu, Leorio’s target, sat against the wall, looking uninterested. Gon ran past Master Chief and bent low over Leorio to attempt any sort of medical treatment he could.
“You fools… Why did you… enter the cave?” Leorio asked, barely conscious. In truth, it was difficult to make out anything he said.
“They’re vipers.” Gon announced. Kurapika looked surprised; he had reached the same conclusion at the same instant Gon had. That coincidence, while interesting, wasn’t pressing. Gon’s tone had been serious, and indeed, it should have been. “Individually, their poison is relatively weak, but there are dozens of bites!” Gon grabbed one of Leorio’s arms and started sucking on one of the bites before spitting. It was a technique that wasn’t in as much use in the U.N.S.C., since many of their environments had a distinct lack of the reptilian species. All the same, every soldier was taught it just in case of any venomous injuries, and so the Spartan was familiar with it. He was also familiar with the risks, one of which Gon was exposing himself to.
“Gon!” Chief warned. “If you have any openings in your mouth, you’ll be poisoned as well.”
“No worries there!” Gon announced, smiling. He grabbed Leorio’s arm again and sucked a different bite.
“Leorio, do you have any antidotes or anti-snake venom in your briefcase?” Kurapika asked urgently. It was clear Leorio wouldn’t be awake much longer. Kurapika’s timing was close.
“N-No.” Leorio faintly, lapsing in and out of consciousness. A few seconds after that he was unable to remain awake, no matter his efforts.
“Leorio!” Gon shouted in a vain attempt to awaken the man.
“We have to stop the bleeding!” Kurapika exclaimed, and Gon nodded. Leorio’s bleeding was more important than his state of consciousness. With Master Chief tightening the bandages, they were extraordinarily secure, and Leorio’s bleeding was cut off in a matter of minutes. With the immediate need taken care of, there wasn’t an obvious option in the cave itself for the new issue: The poison.
“Alright; we need to take him to a doctor. If we need to, I can call in an evac bird; but he’ll be disqualified from the Exam.” Chief stood and walked quickly towards the exit. He stopped when he heard a cacophony of hisses and saw a river of snakes blocking his path. The exit was almost completely blocked by the vipers. He heard a few drops the ground and saw that there were some in the cracks on the wall and the ceiling of the cave. That meant it would be hard to eliminate every snake, even with a fragmentation grenade. Aside from that, if the grenade went off wrong, it could kill everyone in the cave. Even him, if it was close enough. He clenched his fist and turned towards Bourbon.
“Bourbon. I’ll say this once. You’ll let us out, now.” He demanded. Bourbon didn’t respond, not even with a twitch at the Spartan. The man was stupid, brave, or high. Ponzu interrupted his thoughts.
“It’s no use.” Ponzu spoke for the first time. Master Chief looked over at her. Her eyes lacked irises; they seemed to only contain large black pupils. But all the same, had he been a normal marine, he may well have found her attractive. She had a turquoise hair color and a large hat that undoubtedly contained something devious. It was a large enough hat to contain explosives. In fact, it could hold enough of the right kind to breach a hull on a standard U.N.S.C. frigate from the inside. However, it was unlikely she’d had access to that. It was more likely that she kept something along the lines of a kill-switch. The veteran’s guess was that when she died, it would release a gas or explosive of some sort.
“Why not?” Chief asked, having taken all those details and more into his head and analyzed them in-depth. Ponzu didn’t notice the pause.
“He’s dead.” Ponzu said without remorse or hesitation. Kurapika sucked in his breath.
“Gon, hold Leorio.” Kurapika said. Gon obliged, and the blonde walked over carefully towards Bourbon’s body. He reached out to check on the man and verify Ponzu’s claim, but quickly withdrew when a mass of hissing vipers appeared around Bourbon’s body. Still, Kurapika was able to lean in relatively close without having any snakes bite at him.
“Looks like anaphylactic shock to me.” He said. “You use bees?” Ponzu looked up at this, before nodding. She tapped her large, yellow hat lightly twice, and a multitude of bees crawled out of as-yet-unseen pores in the hat.
“You see, they also come out if I scream or am attacked.” She informed them, before making a figure eight motion with her finger. “You can come back in now.” The bees turned around and entered her hat again. The Spartan had been right, sort of. It was a less-powerful weapon that required a less-serious aggravation. All the same, there had been enough kill switches and the like during battles with the Insurrectionists that when he saw something liek that the reaction was automatic. She lay back and sighed.
“Bourbon was my target.” She said, something only Gon was unaware of by that point. She looked unintentionally dramatic in the flickering light coming from the lamp in the center of the room. “I was tracking him, and after confirming he’d entered the cave, I deployed a sleeping gas. When the gas dissipated, I entered the cave. Bourbon was sound asleep… but he had already set his trap. When I reached to take his tag, the vipers surprised me and I fell back, screaming. My bees were trained to attack anyone nearby and did so. I didn’t know he’d already been stung by the same kind of bee before, and because of the vipers, I couldn’t help him in time. The sleeping gas didn’t reach into the crevices of the cave, so all the vipers were still awake. The problem is, even though he’s dead, the trap is still active. And we can’t look for a way to disarm it. So we’ll just have to wait for the final day.” Ponzu finished with a sigh. Clearly, she had given up.
“How will that help?” Kurapika asked. “No one knows we’re in here, right?” Master Chief decided to hear what Ponzu had in mind before mentioning Noble Team.
“The examiners, on the final day, will come back and pick up any people left on the island. Each badge contains a tracking device, and that’s how the examiners locate you. If you don’t have your badge, well… You’ll be left behind.” She finished dramatically. “Since there are probably a lot of tags in this one area, they’ll be heavily inclined to look for us first.” She sighed. “I’ve already given up hope on the Exam.”
“But Leorio…” Gon muttered. It was obvious Leorio would be lucky to hang on for another few hours. Days would require divine intervention, and would probably result in brain damage. If he survived through Ponzu’s plan, he would emerge from the hospital as a different man.
“I’m sorry. I told him not to, but he didn’t listen. He felt he had to warn you.” She said, her tone somber. “There isn’t anything you can do.” Kurapika returned and held Leorio up; keeping the poison away from his heart.
“Unlikely…” Chief muttered. “He’s probably carrying an antidote. A slip-up in the field, a bargain, a antidote could only bring benefits.” Before he could say anything else, Gon had let go of Leorio and was in front of Bourbon’s seated body. The Spartan had planned to be the one to do it, since he had armor that was resistant to bullets, but for the first time in a while, he didn’t react in time.
“Kurapika. Look after Leorio.” Gon instructed him firmly. The blonde had no other option and was doing so already, so he obliged. Gon inhaled deeply and reached into Bourbon’s cloak. The vipers who coated the man lashed out, coiling around Gon and suffocating the boy. Gon was relatively unfazed and continued to dig into Bourbon’s cloak.
“Got it!” He shouted, holding a pair of needles and a jar of antivenin. He tripped on one of the snakes on his heel and fell backwards. The Spartan ran over to the boy and scooped up the jar and needles. “Go… Take care of Leorio!” Gon demanded, and Master Chief nodded before the boy fell backwards, unconscious. The snakes had bitten him numerous times, but when he lost consciousness they ceased their coiling and returned to their master. It seemed they realized he wasn’t going to threaten their master any longer. Chief inserted one of the needles into the jar and pulled upward on the plunger, sucking up a healthy dose of antivenin into the syringe. He quickly inserted the needle into Leorio’s arm and pressed down lightly on the plunger so that the antivenin wouldn’t burst a vein in its rush. It took a minute, but the antivenin counteracted the venom in his system and he was put back on the right track. Master Chief didn’t notice it, though, since he was already inserting another needed into Gon’s arm. The boy hadn’t suffered the effects of the venom for very long and, combined with his resilient body, he was back in action in seconds.
“I don’t believe it…” Ponzu said, eyes wide in shock. “He jumped into a nest of poisonous snakes and risked his life for something he didn’t know would be there?” Gon smiled at her.
“Actually, they’re venomous.” He corrected her, before his eyes popped in realization. “Hey, do you have any sleeping gas left?”
“A couple canisters, yes. Why?” She asked, confused. No one had caught onto Gon’s plan yet.
“Will you trade it for this?” Gon held out Bourbon’s badge, and Ponzu gasped in surprise and shock.
“That’s Bourbon’s! When did you…?” She trailed off, realizing he’d taken extra time to get her the badge she needed. That act touched her heart.
“That gives you six points, right?” He asked, smiling devilishly. His left eye had a black eye, so he actually looked intimidating, even with his friendly demeanor.
“Yeah… But what are you going to do with the sleeping gas?” She asked. He smiled again, this time a bit more friendly.
“We’ll release it in the cave to make all the snakes go to sleep.” Gon answered. The Spartan nodded. It certainly could work.
“The gas would be more effective from in here, but we’d all fall asleep too! What’s the point if we-” Chief slammed his foot down, making the cave vibrate slightly. The other three applicants looked over at him, surprised.
“My helmet can recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen for over an hour and a half. Is that enough time?” He asked innocently, before realizing, too late, that all capabilities of the MJOLNIR armor are classified. Ponzu half-nodded, before stopping.
“But won’t the gas leak in?” She asked. “You’ll fall asleep, too!”
“It won’t.” He added, but her protests continued. He kept his wits about him, and didn’t tell her that the time was in the vacuum of space.
“You might leave all of us here and escape by yourself!” She added. “I can’t trust you.”
“Chief wouldn’t do that!” Gon shouted, indignant.
“That’s highly doubtful.” Kurapika shook his head dismissively. Leorio made no response, although no one expected he would.
“I won’t leave anyone behind.” Master Chief reassured her. She was surprised that everyone stood up for him, and sighed.
“Alright.” She said. “I can’t get any more confirmation than that.” She set up a gas canister and waited for Chief’s go ahead. He pressed something on his helmet before giving a thumbs up. Ponzu nodded back and unscrewed the top. The gas burst out with in ferocity, and Ponzu immediately fell backwards, asleep. Leorio’s eyes snapped open at the sound.
“What…” He breathed in at that moment and fell down in Kurapika’s arms, asleep. Kurapika set Leorio down before inhaling himself and falling unconscious. Gon lasted the longest, but after a few seconds he breathed in as well and fell asleep. Master Chief stood over the four limp bodies, counting in his head. After around two minutes, the sound of snakes dropping to the ground from inside the cracks began to ring out. The sound made sounded much like a slap. It took another three minutes for those sounds to cease. Chief picked up Ponzu and Leorio and tucked the two under his right arm. He picked up Kurapika and hefted him over his left shoulder and did the same with Gon before making his way out of the cave. His first few steps were the typical grinding of pebbles, stones, and dust. After that, however, he was forced to contend wth more unstable ground. The sound of the snapping of bones and crushing of organs was heard as his footsteps landed atop inactive snakes. The snakes were unable to hold up against his weight and the force of impact and gave beneath his feet. He was forced to withstand the agonizing sound for the four minutes it took him to leave the cave at a leisurely pace. When he finally did make his way out of the mouth of the cavern, he saw that the sun had dipped below the horizon. Master Chief set Ponzu down and after taking Bourbon’s badge from Gon, he made the trade for her badge. He justified it in his head as a trade-off for her survival. He lifted the other three and carried them on his shoulders as he climbed a tree a few hundred meters away from Ponzu, and hopefully any other applicants. He set them up carefully, each to his own tree branch, before sitting above them all and keeping watch over them. And so ended the third day of the Fourth Phase.


Gon yawned and stretched. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, before gasping. From his position on the tree branch, he could not only see the entire island, but also, on the horizon, Trick Tower. He found it gorgeous.
“Wooow…” He stated, with amazement sprinkled in his tone the way sugar is sprinkled onto something when a child has it. He looked round and saw that Kurapika was reading on a tree branch a few feet away. He looked over and smiled.
“Good morning, Gon.” He said politely. Gon smiled at him, and Leorio groaned loudly. He turned and saw Leorio on the ground, moaning. He was on his side and looked like he might be in pain.
“Is Leorio alright?” Gon asked, thinking he had fallen. It wasn’t an illogical conclusion. What was illogical was Kurapika’s giggling. Clearly, Leorio was unharmed.
“Oh, yeah. He climbed down an hour or so ago, but fell back asleep at the bottom.” He said.
“Where’s Chief?” Gon asked Kurapika. The Kurta didn’t answer; instead pointing upwards. Gon craned his neck and saw above him the augmented supersoldier scanning the horizon, looking for other applicants. Somehow Gon caught his eye and he looked downward. Gon smiled up at him and waved, and Chief gave a small, short wave with his hand before dropping down. Since everyone except Leorio was awake, there was no need for him to continue to scan the horizon for potential foes. He accidentally hit a smaller branch on the way down, which caved under his weight and fell to the ground. It hit a couple feet away from Leorio, who gasped and jumped backwards. Master Chief landed on both feet on a branch about level with the others.
“Leorio, are you alright?” Chief called out. Leorio looked up with a death glare.
“Yes, thank you very much!” He shouted, raising his fist at the Spartan. Kurapika smirked and Gon laughed loudly. “Great, now I’m wide awake.” Leorio muttered.
“Good thing, too. It’s the last day of the Fourth Phase.” Master Chief answered, to the surprise of the other three.
“What?” Gon asked, voicing the thoughts of the others. Chief nodded.
“You three were asleep for three days. By Cortana’s calculations, we have an hour and a half before we need to go.” He informed them. Gon’s eyebrows shot up.
“But… what about Killua? Will he have…” Gon trailed off as Master Chief stared at him.
“Have faith in your friend, Gon. He is an assassin, right?” Chief asked. Gon nodded, and Master Chief continued. “He should have gotten his target’s badge a few days back. Whenever you three are ready, we’ll head over to the starting point. That’s the only place they’ll logically have us gather, since it’s the only place everyone will be able to recognize and head towards.” Kurapika nodded.
“That analysis does make sense…” He muttered, holding his chin in his hand. He closed his book with the other and put it in his satchel before dropping down from the tree. Gon leapt down from the tree, brushing his shirt off. Last of all came Chief, whose dust cloud covered the other three. Leorio coughed and Kurapika covered his eyes, but Gon just smiled.
“Well. Let’s all go to the starting point!” He exclaimed, and Master Chief nodded in agreement. The two of them began making their way in that direction, and the other two followed shortly after. They picked their way among the branches and the undergrowth of the forest, with Chief in front to absorb most of the dangling spider webs. He apparently missed one and Leorio caught a facefull.
“Eck!” Leorio shouted, dropping his briefcase and clawing desperately at his face. “Web! I can’t see it!” He started spitting and continued rubbing his face furiously. Kurapika threw his head back and, to the surprise of the two still standing upright, he started laughing. He’d only let out an occasional chuckle up until that point, but for some reason, this he found funny enough to laugh loudly at. Gon laughed as well at Leorio’s mishap, and behind his helmet, Chief found himself smiling.
“Caught you!” Cortana said. “You broke your no-fun rule!” Master Chief hastily assumed his usual lack of emotion, but it was too late. Cortona’s face appeared on his HUD, grinning. “You hoped I wouldn’t notice, didn’t you.”
“Don’t tell.” Chief said, with some slight mirth in his voice
“As you command.” She said. Leorio stood back up.
“It wasn’t that funny, you guys. Come on, let’s get to the starting point.” Leorio said, blushing. Master Chief nodded and turned back towards the starting point. The four of them were a few hundred meters away, and it certainly wouldn’t take an hour and a half to get there.
And indeed, it didn’t. When the four arrived a few minutes later, they saw that they were, in fact, not alone. There were a few others waiting there, including Noble Team, Hanzo, and…
“Killua!” Gon shouted, running over to the boy. Killua turned at the sound of Gon’s voice and smiled, but when Gon didn’t stop he cried out and held up an arm. Gon tackled Killua in a hug, knocking both to the ground.
“I-Idiot!” Killua grumbled, shoving Gon away. “Cut that out, it’s embarrassing.” He sighed, his cheeks turning red. He stood up and saw Chief staring at him. He rubbed his head and looked away from the man, blushing harder. Gon stood up and exhaled, smiling.
“Well, we still have nearly an hour and a half. What should we do, Killua?” Gon asked. Killua dusted himself off.
“Well, I’ve been waiting here for five hours.” He said in a bored tone. “Man, none of these phases have been any fun! I hope the last one has something enjoyable.” He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and leaned backwards against absolutely nothing. Chief sat down, holding his magnum in his hand. He decided to clean it then and there and before anyone could blink, he’d stripped it apart and begun cleaning the barrel. Killua’s eyes widened. That… now that was cool.

“The Fourth Phase of the Hunter Exam has ended!” A female voice announced over a loudspeaker. “Would all the remaining applicants please return to the starting point? You will be given an hour of extra time. If you do not return during this time, you will fail the exam.”
“Furthermore, you are not allowed to exchange tags after reaching the starting point. Anyone caught swapping tags will be disqualified.” The loudspeaker finished.
“Another hour!?” Killua protested, annoyed. In the hour and a half, Hisoka and a man with a sword and shield had shown up, and Pokkle had showed up during the announcement. Gon was sure not to look at Hisoka, and Killua began to grow suspicious of what was going on between them. When he tried pointing it out, Gon would always find a distraction. Sometimes it was funny, such as when Gon tried a magic trick with a card. Killua let it go for now, though sometimes he would bring it up just to make Gon freak out.

“We will now check the tags of everyone here!” Khara announced, ecstatic. Everyone held up their badges, and she began writing down their names, corresponding with the numbers they collected.
“Alright. It seems as though sixteen applicants have passed the Fourth Phase!” She announced, raising her arms in joy. The blimp from the Second Phase landed on the island near the starting point, to the surprise of most of the applicants. “You are to board the airship, which will take you to the Fifth and final Phase!” Khara announced, gesturing towards the airship.

Master Chief leaned against a wall, arms crossed in disinterest. Leorio was leaning against a window, and Kurapika was staring out of it. Gon was staring at Chief, waiting for him to do a trick or to tell another story; Gon didn’t care which. Leorio sighed out of the blue.
“Pathetic.” He muttered. “I needed you three to do everything for me in the Fourth Phase.” He opened his eyes and looked at them. “I promise I’ll return the favor. So…” He looked away again. “Thanks.” Gon and Kurapika smiled at him, and Master Chief nodded in his direction.
“I have an announcement for all applicants.” Beans’s voice rung out over the PA system in the airship. Everyone looked upward, even though it wouldn’t do any good. “The Chairman wishes to interview the remaining candidates.”
“Interview?” Leorio muttered to the others, but Beans continued before he could get in another word.
“When your number is called, please come to the first reception room on the second floor. We will start with the first number. #44, Hisoka-sama.”

“#527, Master Chief-sama.” Beans called. Leorio had already gone, and so he waved him off.
“Good luck in there, Chief! They ask some difficult questions.” He said, winking. Chief ignored him and continued walking away. When he arrived at the designated place, he was asked to sit.
“Well, I’d like to ask you a few questions.” The Chairman said, once Master Chief had obliged. Chief nodded, and the Chairman continued. “First, why do you want to become a hunter?”
“I don’t particularly want to. I was informed the exam would be good training and so I was ordered to take the exam. I have certainly enjoyed my time here more than I thought I would.” Master Chief answered, carefully.
“I understand. Are there… any candidates you’re keeping an eye on?” He asked slyly. Chief thought for a moment before responding.
“#99, Killua. I haven’t been around him enough to trust him yet, but I’ve met him.” He said. The Chairman nodded.
“Who would you least want to fight?” The Chairman asked. Master Chief had to think for a moment.
“#528, #529, and #530.” He stated, to Netero’s surprise. The other ones like him had said they would least like to fight each other and him.
“Very well. You’re excused.” He said, gesturing towards the doorway. “Beans, send in #530.”

“Gon.” Kurapika asked. “Are you ok? You’ve been acting strange lately. More… subdued. Did something… happen on Zevil Island?” He asked. Leorio had gone to the bathroom for a few minutes, and Chief was next to Gon.
“My target was Hisoka.” Gon mumbled, and Kurapika looked at him in shock. “I waited for the perfect opportunity and stole his badge. But Geretta was tailing me, and got me with a poison dart. He stole all my badges, but Hisoka killed him because he was his target. Then Hisoka gave me back both my badges, and said I owed him.”
“Hisoka said that!?” Kurapika asked, growling. He didn’t like the idea of anyone owing anything to that monster.
“I told him I didn’t need his help… so he sent me flying. I was so mad… that… I couldn’t do anything against him…” Gon trailed off, tears welling in his eyes. Master Chief had to look away; he’d seen this scene too many times when people were being evacuated from planets just before a glassing. They were outraged that they couldn’t do anything against the ships that the Covenant had sent. After a moment, Gon quickly wiped away his tears and sighed.
“But then, Chief let me know that sometimes, even people like him are left powerless. I still felt miserable and wanted to help somebody, so we decided to come help you!”
“Gon.” Kurapika said. “Leorio and I have only made it this far because of you. We’re truly grateful.” Gon smiled at him.
“I’d also like to thank you.” Gon said. They stared at each other in silence for a few more seconds before they heard a door crashing open at the end of the hallway.
“I’m back!” Leorio strutted towards them. “What’d I miss?”

“Well, lady and gentlemen, I hope you all got plenty of rest. This hotel is owned by the Hunter Association, so it’ll be all yours until the battles conclude. And with that, here is the instruction for the Final Phase.” Netero announced. A board covered in a cloth was wheeled over to him.
“The Final Phase will be a one on one tournament.” He tore away the cloth, and all the applicants were stunned. The bracket seemed strangely shaped, but what had them so concerned was the fact that there was only one apparent winner. And, presumably, only one person who would pass the exam.
“So… the last person standing wins?” Leorio muttered.
“No.” The Chairman said, surprising them again. “They lose. Since, after all, one win is all you need to pass.
“One win?” Gon asked, surprised.
“Then, in this tournament…” Chief began.
“The winners will be removed, and the losers will keep moving up the bracket. The more matches you are able to fight, the better you did.” He added. “The last person standing is the loser.”
“So you’re saying only one person will lose?” Hanzo asked.
“Exactly.” The Chairman assured Hanzo. “And here is the bracket!” He tore away a strip of cloth and the pictures of each candidate was attached to a bracket. The first two matches would be Gon and Hanzo, and Kurapika against Hisoka.
“Impressive, right?” The Chairman asked, pleased with himself. “After all, each person has at least two chances to win.”
“But some people, like #530 and #294, will get five chances.” Pokkle said.
“Why didn’t you use a balanced bracket?” Bodoro asked. The Chairman smiled.
“Because, again, it’s based off of merit. Those with more chances did better throughout the entire exam.” Killua raised an eyebrow. He did… worse than Gon?
“That doesn’t sound right. How did you judge our performances?” He asked. The Chairman winked.
“That’s a secret, young man.” Killua frowned.
“Well, can you tell us our score?” Killua asked, annoyed. The Chairman paused, before smiling at Killua.
“No!” He shouted, surprising Killua.
“Why not!?” The boy asked.
“Because… they’re classified.” The Chairman smiled at him. “The rules are simple. Weapons are allowed. No cheating. If your opponent admits defeat, you win. However!” He quickly added. “If your opponent dies, you automatically lose. Are we clear?” No one side anything.
“Then, with that, let the final exam begin!”

The first two, Gon and Hanzo, stepped into the courtyard and prepared themselves. Neither had chosen to use any weapons. At least, neither of them had any visible weapons. It was very possible that Hanzo had some hidden away, or Gon would improvise.
“The first match is Gon versus Hanzo.” A referee said. “Please step forward.” They took a few steps towards each other. Hanzo turned and smiled towards the referee.
“Hey. You were the examiner who tailed me during the Fourth Phase.” He said, smiling. “Nice to see you again.”
“You noticed?” The man asked, not losing composure.
“Naturally. I’m assuming each applicant was tailed by an examiner during the Fourth Phase. I assume everyone else noticed as well.” Gon had a slightly confused look, and so did a few of the other candidates, momentarily. Thanks to Master Chief’s radar, he had noticed a few times.
“You have my thanks.” Hanzo said. “My score was higher because your reports on me were accurate. Though, of course, the outcome was never in doubt!”
“Y-Yes.” Said the referee.
“Moving on, I have a question for you.” Hanzo asked, pointing. “We only win if our opponent surrenders, correct? It doesn’t count if we knock them unconscious. No TKOs, either.”
“That is correct.” The referee said. “Now then, let’s begin.” He backed away from the others before raising his arms. “BEGIN!” He shouted, bringing them both down. Gon sprinted away from Hanzo at an amazing speed in order to widen the distance. Gon knew that if Hanzo got off a blow, he wouldn’t stand a chance. To Chief’s surprise, Hanzo caught up with the boy in an instant and gave him a chop in the back of his neck. Gon fell to the ground, unable to move.
“Well, this would normally be over.” Hanzo sighed. He picked the boy up and pressed his knee against his back.
“Here, wake up.” He said, taking the boy and pulling him into his knee. Gon grunted in pain, and his back popped in response.
“You must feel terrible.” Hanzo said nonchalantly. “I hit you hard enough to make your brain bounce around. Do you understand? You have no chance against me. Might as well give up now…”
“No way!” Gon shouted, defiant. Hanzo took the boy’s head and pushed it horizontally. The boy’s neck was imbalanced momentarily, but he didn’t break it. However, Gon couldn’t see straight. He coughed, miserable. This was the second time he was powerless, and he didn’t like it.
“Think about it.” Hanzo sighed. “If you surrender now, you’ll be in decent shape for your next fight. There’s no reason to be stubborn. Just surrend-”
“Never gonna happen!” Gon shouted again. Master Chief, though impressed by the boy’s resilience, began to feel worried for his safety. Hanzo slapped the back of boy’s head and got up, leaving Gon facedown on the floor.
“Give up.” He said. Gon struggled to his feet, and Hanzo punched him in his stomach. Gon crumbled back to the ground.
“Gon! Don’t be silly! You’ll still have another chance!” Leorio shouted. “You should…”
“Leorio!” Kurapika stopped him. “If you were in Gon’s position, would you surrender?”
“Hell, no!” Leorio answered. The two were suffering at the sight of their friend being injured. Chief had seen this sight many times in the Spartan training program, and so he felt little pity. Especially since they were six at the time. Hanzo kicked the boy’s crumpled body, sending him flying across the floor. When Gon tried to stand again, Hanzo brought his fist down on the boy’s head.

“It’s been three hours…” Pokkle muttered. Gon’s blood and vomit stained the floor, and his body lay crumpled.
“There’s nothing left for him to vomit.” Bodoro muttered. Hanzo walked over to the boy.
“Get up.” He instructed, for the umpteenth time. Gon shakily moved his arms and legs. It was clear that he was putting all his strength into moving his arms a few inches.
“That’s enough!” Leorio shouted. “I’ll fight you in his place!” Hanzo just looked at him.
“If you can’t take it, leave. It’s only going to get worse.” Hanzo said.
“What was that!?” Leorio asked. Two other examiners in suits and ties tan up and stood before Leorio, blocking his path.
“No one may interfere with a one on one match.” The referee shouted. “And if you step in, Gon will be the one disqualified.” Leorio gritted his teeth.
“It’s okay…” Gon told Leorio. “Leorio. This is… nothing… I can still fight…” He said, looking up slowly. His face still showed his raw determination. Even Linda hadn’t shown that much determination three hours into her introduction to the Spartan program. Gon was barely standing, and when Hanzo kicked away one of his feet, he fell facedown to the ground. Hanzo put one hand on his back and one on his arm, and Master Chief looked away. He knew what was going to happen even before it did.
“I’m going to break your arm.” Hanzo said. Gon looked up, stunned. Hisoka made a movement for the first time in three hours. Leorio and Kurapika were shooting death glares at Hanzo, and Killua’s gaze had started to turn from indifference to a kindling anger. Chief didn’t show anything, but he began to feel the start of anger as well. If Hanzo didn’t stop, or Gon didn’t surrender, Master Chief would end up interfering. The Spartan lived without emotion, however, and by the time he got to that point, Gon would be a sack of meat and bone chips.
“I’m not joking around, so give up.” Hanzo said. He had been “not joking” six times in the last 2 hours.
“Never!!!” Gon shouted, his voice reverberating around the room. Hanzo pulled the boy’s arm up and pushed him down, and a snap was heard throughout the room. Pokkle covered his mouth, and Garzo looked away. Gon started whimpering and growling at the same time, so it sounded like more of a squeaking. But even the examiners were beginning to look concerned by this point.
“There you go. You can’t use your left arm anymore.” Hanzo informed him. Leorio was gritting his teeth so loudly that Hanzo could hear it, but he ignored it.
“Kurapika. Don’t try and stop me. If that man does anything else to Gon…” Leorio muttered.
“Me? Stop you? Don’t worry about that.” Kurapika said, smiling a sickening smile. His eyes began to flare red. “There is no chance of that happening.”
“I’m sure you’re in too much pain to listen, but hear me out.” Hanzo said. He put a hand on the ground. “I am descended from shinobi, a clan of covert agents and assassins.” Killua quietly snorted. Hanzo lifted himself up and balanced on one arm. “From the day I was born, I was forced to endure harsh training to in order to master the art of ninpo. For eighteen years, I have trained my body and technique, without rest. By the time I was your age, I had already killed a man.” Killua, Hisoka, Noble Team, and Master Chief were not impressed. Every single one of them had matched that feat and surpassed it. Gon was not frightened, and the other applicants were too concerned about Gon’s safety to care about the fact the man had killed someone at age twelve.
“At this point in time, you cannot defeat me in combat.” Hanzo said, elevating himself higher as he balanced on only his fingers. He switched, and began balancing on only two fingers, and then shifted again to balance on only one.
“I’m trying to be nice. Admit defeat.” Hanzo instructed. Gon surprised everyone in the room with a hard kick to Hanzo’s face. Hanzo had been distracted by his storytelling, so he hadn’t seen Gon get up quickly. Hanzo was sent flying backwards, landing on his back. However, Gon was unbalanced and fell to the ground… onto his left arm.
“Ow!” Gon screeched, before sitting up. “My head’s cleared a bit, after all that pain and that long explanation.”
“Yes!” Leorio shouted. “Go on, Gon! Kick him while he’s down!” Kurapika smiled at Leorio, and even Killua smirked a little.
“If you’re eighteen, you’re only six years older than I am. Besides, this isn’t a battle to see who’s strongest. It’s a battle to see who can last the longest!” Hanzo leapt back up to his feet.
“I let you kick me on purpose.” He said, nose bloody and face bruised.
“Liaaaar!” Leorio called out, pointing accusatively. The mood in the room had changed rapidly. It was clear that nearly everyone was cheering for Gon at that point.
“You don’t understand. This isn’t a warning. It’s an ultimatum.” Hanzo said, rubbing away the blood. “Was it too hard for you to understand? Then I’ll make it easier for you.” He reached under his arm and pulled out a blade.
“First, I’ll cut off both your legs. They won’t be able to reattached.” He made a diagonal swipe, followed by another, in order to make an X in the air.
“A permanent injury should help wake you up. But first, I’ll ask you once more. Surrender.” He smiled cruelly, his blade flashing. The two stood in silence, before Gon shouted at him.
“I won’t accept that!” Everyone in the room looked at him, stunned. The color drained from Kurapika and Bodoro’s faces. He was willing to risk his legs over it? Hanzo scrunched up his face in confusion. “I don’t want my legs cut off, but I don’t want to surrender. So let’s find a different way to fight!” He shouted. Hanzo’s eyes narrowed in confusion and he began to sweat.
“DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR OWN SITUATION!?” The man burst out, angrily. Hisoka and Bodoro began laughing, with Bodoro looking away.
“Excuse me.” The older man muttered, as he laughed.
“You don’t get to make demands!” Hanzo exclaimed. “Are you trying to insult me!? I’m seriously gonna cut off your legs!” Gon stared up at the man. Hanzo was losing his composure. He was no longer intimidating.
“But I still will not surrender.” Chief smiled again behind his helmet. This boy was really good at making him smile. “Besides, if you do that, I’ll bleed to death and you’ll lose.” He looked over at the referee. “He’ll be disqualified if that happens, right?”
 “Yeah.” The referee nodded.
“See?” He said, looking back at Hanzo. “Neither of us wants that to happen. So let’s think of a better way.” Hanzo gritted his teeth, angry at the boy but suddenly put in a position of being powerless, despite his greater strength and skill. The atmosphere had shifted to a lighter tone, now that Gon wasn’t in peril. Suddenly, however, it shifted back as Hanzo stabbed his blade forward, barely piercing Gon’s forehead. He caused the boy to bleed, but other than that, he got no reaction.
“You really don’t get it… If you die, you’ll never get another chance. If I kill you here, I need only to try again next year. We are not on equal footing!” He finished with a shout. Hanzo and Gon stared at each other, neither moving an inch, and neither speaking for a few minutes.
“Why won’t you concede? It’s easy to do…” Hanzo finally asked. “You can try again next year. You value your pride more than your own life!? You’re really willing to die for your pride?” Gon didn’t answer, and Hanzo began to sweat. Finally, however, Gon answered the question burning in everyone’s head.
“I’m going to find my dad.” Gon said, firmly. It was a statement of fact.
“Your dad?” Hanzo repeated, confused.
“My dad is a Hunter. So I’m going to become a Hunter and find him!” He paused dramatically before continuing. “I believe that I’ll find him one day… But, I have a feeling that if I give up now, I’ll never find him! So I won’t surrender.” Gon’s expression didn’t change. Hanzo began to sweat even more.
“If you don’t yield, you’ll die…” Hanzo said. He pushed his blade farther, and Gon backed up with it. But he didn’t yield. After a moment, Hanzo sighed and sheathed his blade.
“I give up. You win.” He said, to the astonishment of everyone in the room. “I can’t kill you. But I can’t think of a way to make you surrender, either. I’ll take my loss, and take my chances in the next battle!” Hanzo turned back towards the other candidates, but stopped when he heard a voice behind him.
“I can’t accept that.” Gon said. “That’s not fair!” He pointed at Hanzo as if he was the very symbol of the lack of fairness. Hanzo stopped, but even from a distance it could be seen that a vein was bulging in his head. “We both have to think of a way to settle this fight!”
“Heh, I knew you’d say that.” Hanzo said, sighing. He whipped around and started screaming. “But there’s no point! You won’t surrender!”
“But I don’t want to win like this!” Gon shouted back.
“What am I supposed to do!?” Hanzo retorted.
“We can work together to figure it out!” Gon exclaimed. Hanzo stood straight.
“In other words, I’ve already given up the match. You’ve won. But you want me to think up a way to win again, just to make you feel good about your victory? Is that right?” He asked, eyebrow twitching.
“Yeah!” Gon exclaimed, smiling.
“You moron!” Hanzo shouted, hitting the boy into the air with his fist and knocking him out.
“Hey ref. I lose. Let’s move onto the next match.” Hanzo said.
“Understood.” He said. “Gon, applicant #530, has passed the Hunter Exam.”
“Before I return though, I’d like to speak to the executive committee. When the boy awakes, he’ll probably refuse his victory. Only one person doesn’t pass, right? If that person is Gon, then all our fights are meaningless.” He announced. Everyone bowed their heads in acknowledgement. Two men in suits and ties picked up the boy and carried him out of the room. They would be giving him medical treatment before putting him in a bed to rest quietly.
“The next fight will be Kurapika versus Hisoka! Please step forward.” The referee requested. Kurapika quickly removed his tabard and put it in his satchel before stepping forward into the center of the room. Hanzo had returned to the applicants, and he stood watching, uncomfortable. Everyone had distanced themselves a tad from him when he’d arrived, and he could tell he had been alienated.
“Let’s begin.” The referee said, before stepping backwards. Kurapika grabbed his bokken and held them in his hands, pointed towards Hisoka. Hisoka grabbed a pair of cards and held each in his hand. The referee raised his hands, before bringing them downward.
“BEGIN!” He shouted, and Kurapika leapt into the air, hoping to bring an early aerial strike to Hisoka. He knew Hisoka could easily dodge it, but he hoped to detect how the man moved. Instead, Hisoka flung his cards towards the boy, who was forced to spiral in midair to avoid the cards. One flew between his legs and the other flew past his neck. He felt the breeze of them before he swiveled back around to strike Hisoka. The man had unsurprisingly disappeared, and when Kurapika turned around, the man was standing where Kurapika had started, smiling. Kurapika landed on his feet, rushing at the man, who did a flip over his charging form. To Hisoka’s surprise, however, Kurapika swiveled around and hit the magician in the back of the head with his bokken. Hisoka stopped mid-flip and landed on his feet. Kurapika skidded to a halt and on both feet, his bokken in an X shape to block any incoming blows. They had unintentionally assumed the position they were in mere seconds prior, but neither noted it nor cared to. Hisoka casually flung a pair of cards at the boy again, but since these were slower, Kurapika was easily able to hit them both out of the air. He brought each bokken down on a card, forcing them downwards. However, he had hit the rear of the cards, and they swooped back upwards. Kurapika barely had time to note it before he received a pair of wounds on his arms. The cards had shot backwards like boomerangs. He grunted and saw Hisoka running towards him. The man punched towards Kurapika, who easily dived sideways to avoid it. However, he was somewhat surprised when Hisoka’s knee hit him in the side. He was forced upward as Hisoka had planned, but what he hadn’t planned for was Kurapika using the opportunity to hit him in the head again with his bokken. Kurapika knocked the man sideways slightly with the blow, but Hisoka came back with a punch to his stomach. Kurapika gasped and jumped backwards as Hisoka threw another blow. Kurapika knew if this fight had been to the death he would surely have died by now. He landed on his feet, but found Hisoka right behind him.
“I have information on the spiders.” He whispered, and Kurapika gasped. He dropped his bokken and fell to his knees as Hisoka stood.
“I give. He wins.” Hisoka sighed, waving.
“Kurapika, applicant #528, has passed the Hunter Exam. Next up is Jun-A266 versus Hanzo!”
“BEGIN!” The referee shouted. Jun ran back from Hanzo, similar to what Gon had done. And like before, Hanzo appeared to his left. But unlike last time, Jun had actually been baiting him.
Hanzo’s eyebrows raised as Jun delivered a swift upwards kick to the ninja. Hanzo didn’t fall to the ground; he had too much pain tolerance for that. But he certainly felt some pain from the blow. He delivered a swift chop to Jun’s neck, but the Spartan didn’t feel a thing. Hanzo, however, was surprised to see the man’s neck glow orange and his strike not connect. Jun and Hanzo landed on their feet, mere feet apart from one another. Hanzo moved first, leaping into the air and bringing his fist down towards Jun’s head. Jun sidestepped the blow, but Hanzo had expected that and brought his foot up, kicking Jun in the chin. Jun was unsurprised and simply let the momentum take him. He flipped backwards and landed first on his hands before flipping back onto his feet a few yards away.
He hit the ground running, sprinting towards Hanzo with his right fist raised. Hanzo sidestepped the blow that never came, and was hit in the gut by Jun’s left hand. He was surprised when he saw Jun swept him off his feet at the same time, and even more so when Jun didn’t let him fall face-first onto the ground. Instead, the sniper grabbed the ninja by his red scarf and held him there, choking him, a few inches above the ground. Hanzo repositioned his feet and threw his weight forward so that he wouldn’t fall if Jun let go. He then grabbed Jun’s arm and tried to snap it, but was surprised to find that, while he did break the man’s grip and shields, he couldn’t break his arm. Jun delivered a kick to the man’s stomach as he was attempting to right himself, and that blow knocked Hanzo onto his back. Jun followed up with a flurry of punches and blows that kept Hanzo on the ground. The man coughed, before maneuvering his feet into a position where he could launch himself backwards. When he did, he moved out of Jun’s immediate range and landed on his feet. Hanzo coughed again, and realized his sight was beginning to blur faintly. Jun in the meantime had run after the man, who leapt in the air above the Spartan and brought his foot down on his head. Similar to before, however he was met with a shimmering glow. Unlike before, however, it popped when his feet connected and he realized he’d broken it. Hoping that made the man vulnerable, he turned around and when he hit the ground he rushed towards the Spartan. Noble 3 turned around and gave Hanzo an uppercut as he lunged towards him. The man was knocked backwards a few feet, unconscious. When he woke up a few seconds later, Jun was standing above him with his foot on his chest. Hanzo tried to stand, but found it difficult to force the man’s foot off his chest.
Jun said again. “Please surrender.” Hanzo shook his head, and Jun suddenly remove the pressure. Hanzo, who had been pushing with all his might, suddenly flung upwards and off balance. He managed to get to his feet but instead of turning and striking Jun he stumbled forward. Jun gave him a Spartan kick in the back, launching the man forward around ten feet. He slid against the ground, his bald head scraping against the floor. He felt his head wipe against the blood and vomit that he had forced from his opponent earlier.
“Surrender, or I’ll kill you. I’ve been ordered to take the test, and I’m sure admiralty wouldn’t mind me doing it again next year.” He said. Hanzo realized that this man actually would kill him. He had intended to kill Gon, but the way he stared at him made that non-negotiable. The Spartan, on the other hand, would certainly kill him if he didn’t surrender.
“I give.” Hanzo said, gritting his teeth. His next opponent wouldn’t last long against him now.
“Jun-A266, applicant #249, has passed the Hunter Exam. Next is Hisoka versus Samuel Smith! Please step forward.” The magician and the cowboy stepped forward, facing each other. For some reason, Master Chief expected the cowboy to grin and start juggling his hatchets. It didn’t happen, and the referee rose his hands.
“BEGIN!” He shouted. Hisoka smiled; he’d actually dealt with someone similar to the man earlier. Smith began by drawing four knives and hurling all four towards Hisoka like darts. Hisoka smiled and ducked, but was surprised to see them begin to rotate like frisbees of death. He barely managed to get beneath them, though one grazed his cheek. Smith didn’t relent; instead, he pulled another pair and hurled them like darts towards Hisoka before grabbing another pair and rushing him with them. Unlike the man Hisoka had fought in Trick Tower, the man’s blades did not return and fly at him from all directions. Hisoka was able to duck the pair Smith had thrown at him and land a blow on the man who was attempting to stab him. Samuel dropped his knives, but was very lucky in that one actually fell in such a way that it lacerated Hisoka’s leg. Hisoka was surprised as well, but Smith didn’t capitalize on it. He took the time to draw his hatchets instead of grabbing a pair of knives and stabbing Hisoka. Hisoka’s surprise had completely dissipated by the time Smith’s hatchets were swinging towards his arms. Hisoka grabbed the hatchets out of Smith’s hands and licked one of the blades.
“Mmm… simple, simple.” He said. He smiled at the man. “I do appreciate your futile efforts.” He leaned in towards the man and whispered something in his ear.
“I lose again.” Hisoka said. His leg wound wasn’t deep, so he wasn’t bleeding much. “I’m just so bad at this.”
“Sammy Smith, applicant #487, has passed the Hunter Exam! The next fight is Hanzo versus Pokkle. Please step forward.” The referee said. Pokkle gulped and walked forward; facing Hanzo. Hanzo cracked his knuckles.
“BEGIN!” The referee chopped downward, and before Pokkle could blink, he was disarmed and unable to move. Hanzo had the smaller man secured against his knee and was exerting force. The smaller man was quick to give up.
“Hanzo, applicant #294, has passed the Hunter Exam!” The referee shouted, but Hanzo wasn’t excited. He was, in fact disappointed with himself.
“The next fight will be Hisoka versus Emile-A239. Please step forward.” Emile stood across from Hisoka, who smiled. Hisoka rested an arm against his side, and sighed.
“Before we begin, I have a question.” Hisoka asked the referee. “Who do you think will win?” The referee gulped.
“I have no opinion.” He stated. “Are we ready to begin?” Emile nodded, and after a moment, Hisoka did as well. The referee raised his arms before chopping downward.
“BEGIN!” He shouted. Emile ran towards the magician and swung his fist, but the man disappeared in a puff of smoke. Emile whirled around and saw Hisoka was behind him.
“I expected more from y-” Hisoka started, but was halted when Emile swept his legs out from under him. The Spartan jumped on top of Hisoka, until he didn’t. Hisoka disappeared once more in a cloud of smoke, and Emile’s radar picked up movement to his rear. He spun around once more to find a punch from Hisoka being landed on his stomach. This one immediately shattered his shields, but Emile took the opportunity to grab the magician’s arm. Hisoka smiled, before grabbing Emile’s arm with his other arm. He forced downwards, and was surprised when the Spartan’s grip didn’t break. He forced down harder, but only loosened the Spartan’s grip. It was enough, and Hisoka forced Emile to let go completely. Hisoka backed away and smiled towards the man.
“Well, now. That’s better.” He said, grinning. Hisoka snapped up a pair of cards and flung them at the Spartan, who caught them and flung them back at the magician. Hisoka caught his cards and flung them back at the Spartan. Emile caught them and flung them into the ground, embedding them into the floor and ending the pointless frisbee game. He stared at Hisoka, who ran towards him and swiped at him with a card. Emile sidestepped the card and chopped upward, hitting Hisoka’s arm. However, Hisoka had anticipated this and reached out with his other hand. He grabbed Emile by the throat, stopping the Spartan cold. Hisoka lifted Noble 4 into the air. Emile’s shield’s popped, and he grabbed his knife. But before he could unsheathe it, Hisoka grabbed his arm and pinned it against his chest. Emile kicked in the air, his efforts futile.
“Alright.” He said. “I give.” His tone had a “just wait until recess” feel towards it, and Hisoka licked his lips at the thought. It was clear that Emile would kill Hisoka the next time they faought, if given the chance.
“Hisoka, applicant #44, has passed the Hunter Exam! The next fight is Pokkle versus Killua. Would the two please…”
“I give.” Killua shouted.
“E-Excuse me?” The referee asked. “Did you… are you giving up?”
“Yeah.” Killua said. “Is there a rule against that?”
 “N-Not particularly… I mean, it’s just…”
“Alright.” Killua said, smiling.
“Pokkle, applicant #53, has passed the Hunter Exam! Next is Emile-A239 versus Carter-A259. Please step forward.” Emile hadn’t had a chance to line up with the other candidates, so Carter was the only one to step out. He nodded towards Emile.
“We haven’t arm wrestled in months, have we?” Carter casually asked, to the surprise of everyone in the room. Emile shook his head.
“No, sir we haven’t. Is that what you propose?” He asked, smiling behind his helmet. He was stronger than Carter.
“Indeed it is, Noble 4. Referee, is that alright?” Carter asked. The referee glanced over at the Chairman, who was laughing.
“Yes, yes it is.” Netero announced. The referee nodded.
“Get in your stances, and I will call when to begin.” The referee instructed. Carter and Emile knelt before one another and stretched out their right hand, as was traditional. The referee raised both arms, before bringing them downward at a ferocious speed.
“BEGIN!” He shouted, and Emile took an early lead that Carter couldn’t recover from. The Spartan leader’s arm bent downwards, and though it slowed, he couldn’t keep it up and eventually fell.
“Alright. I give.” Carter said. “Good work, Emile.”
“Emile-A239, applicant #250, has passed the Hunter Exam! The next battle is between Master Chief and Killua. Would they please step forward?” Master Chief’s footsteps thudded against the ground. The ground cracked slightly under his footfalls, but Killua wasn’t afraid in the least. In fact, he smiled at the Spartan.
“BEGIN!” The referee shouted, chopping his hands down. Killua didn’t bother moving, instead calling out to him.
“You weren’t there. But Kurapika, Leorio, and Gon were. They saw me.” Killua smirked. He held up one of his hands, before manipulating it into a claw. “My fingers are sharper than knives.” Chief didn’t answer, instead beginning to circle the overconfident young man. Killua looked at him slyly.
“I’ll never give you an opening. Don’t both-” His eyes widened. Did… Did he just…
Master Chief left an afterimage of himself, and began circling the boy faster. The afterimages sped up with him, and soon, Killua found himself surrounded. Even though they were poorly done and clearly the first time the Spartan had made them, it stunned Killua that the Spartan could use his trick. Killua was still easily able to pinpoint Chief out of all the fakes. Master Chief reached behind his back and drew out an object that no one in the room, save Noble Team and Gon, recognized. When he activated, two blades of shimmering blue appeared, stretching nearly four feet in length. Killua saw it was nearly as tall as he was. Chief brought the sword down against the ground, and not only did the ground seemingly melt before it, it turned the ground immediately around it a glowing red. Killua felt afraid, but shook his head. He couldn’t lose focus. Instead, he pointed a finger at the real Master Chief.
“Nice try.” He called out, laughing. Chief didn’t respond; instead, he lunged for the boy with his sword. Killua dived out of the way and grabbed the sword, intending to snatch it away from the Spartan. Instead, he cried out and jerked his hand back. His hand was covered in burns and crimson seeped out of his hand. He landed awkwardly, but regained his balance momentarily. Master Chief skidded to a halt after his lunge and faced Killua. Killua’s eyes began to fade, with the light seemingly being lost in his eyes. He stared at Chief, before vanishing. Master Chief stared where the boy had been milliseconds before, unmoving. The situation remained unchanged for a second. That second was seared into the memory of everyone present before it was shattered. Master Chief’s arm flashed upward and the tip of the sword was fourteen feet above the ground. Before the other candidates’ eyes could process it, Killua dropped behind Chief. It was obvious he had been planning to dive straight down for Master Chief’s head, but the sword had forced him to adjust. Instead, he kicked Chief in the back. The Demon was launched forward ten feet, with his legs never leaving the ground and his balance never wavering. He seemed to simply slide across the floor, as one would slide across an ice rink. He brought his sword down to his side again and gave Killua an over the shoulder look. Killua’s eyes were covered by his hair, and Master Chief saw that, though he may win the fight, he would have to nearly kill the boy. That wasn’t at all what he wanted to do. Not to Killua, and not to Gon.
“I give.” The Spartan said. Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and a few of the other applicants in the room was stunned by that. He’d barely moved during the fight, and seemed much better prepared for the fight than Killua was. To Hisoka’s skilled eye, however, the choice was wise, though unusual. One of the two would have to surrender, and Killua would not. It was likely Chief’s next fight would be a victory as well.
“Killua, applicant #99, has passed the Hunter Exam! The next fight is Carter-A259 versus Bodoro. Please step forward.”
Carter walked past the boy, who spat on the ground. He’d wanted to enjoy himself, and as he was just starting to for the first time during the exam, he was denied. He wondered how the boy would react when he heard about his brother’s death. He stared across the room at the older martial artist, silently assured of his success.
“BEGIN!” The referee shouted, dropping both limbs down. His limbs had reached his side by the time Carter’s fist connected with the older man. He hadn’t punched very hard; if he did, he’d lose. Bodoro chopped the Spartan’s outstretched arm without enough force to damage his shields before the pain set in and he grunted. Carter smiled behind his helmet before releasing a series of chops and thrusts at the man. Several of the man’s nerves were shut down from the signals Carter’s impacts had sent or from the damage done. Bodoro’s arms were rendered inoperable and when he attempted to launch a kick towards Carter’s face, Noble 1 caught his leg and flipped him facedown onto the ground. Bodoro recognized he could no longer continue and quickly gave up. He wasn’t looking for a relative he hadn’t seen since birth, and he had taken the Exam many times before, so one more attempt wouldn’t hurt him in the least.
“Carter-A259, applicant #247, has passed the Hunter Exam! The next fight is Master Chief versus Garzo. Please step forward.” Neither did, however. They had to wait for an examiner to help Bodoro off the floor and carry him towards the other applicants. When he arrived, they lay him down on a mat to rest. Carter waited for them to finish their task before leaving and allowing the other two applicants to face each other. Once they had, though, the referee brought his arms up before slicing through the air.
“BEGIN!” He shouted, and Garzo let his machine pistol rip. The bullets cut through the cloak under which he had concealed the draw and flung towards the Spartan. The bullets fired were far faster than the pins that Illumi had flung towards the U.N.S.C. personnel, but that was why the ability was called “bullet time.” As time seemed to slow down for the Demon, the rounds did as well, until they became visible, and finally, dodgeable. Master Chief leapt into the air and twisted his body with the rounds. Most projectiles were already mostly off target, due to the distance. However, Chief’s amazing athletic ability allowed him to nab one of the bullets as the distance between them closed. Every other shot that was fired missed the superhuman and collided with the back of the wall. Master Chief landed on the tip of his right foot before leaping off of it again to preserve his momentum. He turned around in a three hundred and sixty degree circle to increase the momentum of the throw before hurling Garzo’s own round back at him. Garzo was able to see the bullet coming as a result of Chief’s flamboyant acrobatics. When he ducked his head to the side to avoid the bullet hurling towards him expediently, he caught a glimpse of green before a foot connected with his stomach. Master Chief had sprinted at over forty miles an hour to the man and when his attention was focused elsewhere, landed a solid, fast-moving kick to his opponent’s gut. Garzo flew into the air, cloak flapping in the air before it was stilled by his impact with the ceiling. The man was stuck in the ceiling briefly, since the crater he had made fit his body perfectly and prevented him from losing his position. However, gravity proved itself mightier, and the man was dragged back to the surface of the planet. He landed nearly as hard as he had going up, and the floor dented beneath him. Chief reached over to check the man’s pulse, but Garzo reached out and gripped the Spartan’s arm. Garzo had hoped to use the man’s brief moment of pity to pull Master Chief towards him and land a blow to the Spartan’s helmet while he was off-balanced. Instead, Chief’s reflexes were proudly displayed, and he brought his other arm down on Garzo’s. Garzo felt the crack before he heard it. His arm had been broken. He spat in his helmet, but since he didn’t surrender immediately, Master Chief twisted his broken arm and pinned it against his back. Garzo cried out before giving up, but not before he ensured that Chief knew it wouldn’t end with that fight. If they confronted each other in the future, Master Chief knew, they would end up fighting. He knew he’d likely win, but in the meantime, he marked Garzo as hostile on his HUD.
“Master Chief, applicant #527, has passed the Hunter Exam! The next fight will be Kat versus Bodoro. When Bodoro is deemed ready, the match will begin.” Bodoro was still lying on the mat, injured. He had made astounding progress in his healing, but was still incapable of moving. Master Chief returned to Leorio and Kurapika.
“Great job, Chief.” Leorio was smiling but clearly unnerved at the efficiency the Spartan had displayed. Chief looked down at the man and nodded once before sitting with his back against the wall. Kurapika, even after four years of training himself with his bokken and without, truly felt comparatively inadequate. He was looked away from Master Chief but felt a tug on his tabard. He turned back and looked down to see Chief’s hand gripping the edge of the fabric.
“What is it, Chief?” Kurapika asked. He did his best to smile, but was honestly frightened of the man now.
“I just remembered something.” Master Chief said to the boy. “If you swear you won’t externally react to the information for the next five minutes, I’ll tell you it.” The Kurta’s eyebrows rose, before narrowing. He sucked in a deep breath before nodding. He didn’t know what it was, but he was sure he could handle it.
“I met Fuerro during the Third Phase. He told me to tell you he’s still alive.” Chief said. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, and when he opened them again, Kurapika was doing his absolute best to keep his promise. It wasn’t working out as well as Kurapika had intended. Kurapika felt a hand on his shoulder as Leorio tried to calm him down. His eyes faded beck to grey for a brief moment, before reverting to one of the seven most beautiful colors in the world.
“Why… Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” Kurapika asked. “Why didn’t you tell me as soon as…”
“To be entirely honest, I had forgotten.” Master Chief admitted. Kurapika gritted his teeth.
“You’d forgotten? This was the most important piece of information you could have told me, and you knew that, and you forgot?” Kurapika was seething now. He felt rejected, and he was lucky that he didn’t have to fight anyone next. He could have killed someone. Maybe even his friends. Tears welled up in his flaming eyes and he tore those self-same eyes from the Spartan, sobbing now.
“If I’d told you, could you have trusted yourself earlier?” Chief asked. “This is the first time when you are honestly incapable of harming others.” Kurapika, even with his vision reddening, could see the logic in it. It didn’t dampen his rage much, however. He tried to cut through the fury with logic, but failed. Kurapika refrained from screaming; he’d promised Master Chief that much. But he did vent his anger another way.
Chief was honestly surprised by the Kurta’s blow and the strength displayed by it. He saw it coming moments to late, and tensed himself for it. A normal blow would have merely bounced off the shields, maybe making them flicker. A strong blow would certainly dent the shields, but Master Chief wouldn’t have moved, and the person would have come away with pain and nothing else. The only sign of their blow would have been a brief fizzle in the shields. The Spartan wouldn’t even have reacted.
Kurapika’s blow broke completely through the MJOLNIR shields and forced Chief’s head sideways. His neck was by no means broken, nor damaged in any way. Since he was wearing his mask, his face wasn’t damaged, either. However, there was actually a small dent where Kurapika’s fist had landed. The armor could have withstood the bullets Garzo had been pumping out with less damage than it had just taken. Both the Demon and Leorio were genuinely surprised by the blow. Kurapika hadn’t calmed down much, but he wasn’t throwing punches anymore. Anyone who had noticed the blow was staring now. They’d all seen what his comrades were capable of, not to mention this man, who seemed to supersede all of them. And to see the young boy, in a fury, land a blow that no one else had managed to with their best efforts or even with bullets, was shocking. Hisoka had a full smile and wide eyes, and Nobles 5 and 3 were stunned, along with Garzo. Kurapika took deep, carefully-timed breaths, before unclenching his fist and putting a hand to his forehead. He wobbled where he stood before collapsing to the ground. Master Chief was a blur and he managed to catch the Kurta just before he hit the ground. But the blonde didn’t thank him. He was unconscious.
When Kurapika came to, nothing seemed to have changed. Bodoro was still on the mat, Garzo still had a broken arm, and everyone was in similar positions. Kurapika tried to rise, but he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“You need to rest.” Chief told him. “You missed two rounds. Bodoro lost to Kat and Garzo to Jorge. Jorge wasn’t very rough with the man, but he still beat him heavy-handedly.” Kurapika nodded before lying back down.
“Any word on Gon?” He asked, curious. Master Chief shook his head and Kurapika lay his head back with a sigh. Leorio was swaying back and forth on his feet nervously. He was next, and it was unlikely he would win if Bodoro had been in perfect condition. Luckily for Leorio, his opponent was far from his best. After about half an hour, Bodoro was able to stand on his own, and the two stood across from each other. Bodoro looks a stance that, unbeknownst to Leorio, was only meant for defense. Bodoro realized he was in no position to defeat the man quickly, and so opted to allow his opponent to tire himself out. Leorio held up his fists and the referee raised his arms.
“BEGIN!” The referee chopped through the still air, and Leorio ran towards the kung fu master. He and his opponent both knew that the match would likely be decided by whoever landed the first blow. Bodoro decided that he would wait for Leorio to launch the his attack before striking. Leorio had a similar plan. He would let the martial artist attempt to strike him and in that moment he would strike whatever limb was being used. Since both applicants had decided on similar strategies, Bodoro didn’t attempt to injure Leorio when he closed on him. Unfortunately, by the time both realized the other wasn’t going to launch the opening strike, Leorio was running full speed only a few feet away from Bodoro. Leorio ran into the aging martial artist at full speed, knocking both onto the ground. Leorio landed on top and, since he hadn’t landed on the floor very hard, was the quickest to regain his senses. He began landing blow after blow on the senior citizen, who in turn had regained his wits after the second blow. Leorio was thrown off Bodoro, and the aspiring doctor skidded across the floor on his back. The martial artist attempted to capitalize on Leorio’s suboptimal state, but Leorio landed a kick to the man’s left shoulder. A pop was heard as it was dislocated, and Bodoro realized he wouldn’t be able to win the battle with that injury. He gave after he came to that realization.
“Leorio, applicant #529, has passed the Hunter Exam!” Kurapika smiled. Everyone he had hoped would pass, had. Killua’s phone rang and he excused himself. “Garzo versus Fenwick is the next fight! Would the two please step forward?” The two stood across from each other. Fenwick held a sword and a shield and Garzo held up his machine pistol. The referee raised his arms, but Fenwick stopped him.
“I give. I refuse to fight injured men.” He said with finality. The ref nodded.
“Garzo, applicant #439, has passed the Hunter Exam! Bodoro versus Fenwi-” Fenwick dropped his shield and waved his hand dismissively. “Uh, Bodoro, applicant #191, has passed the Hunter Exam. Fenwick, applicant #465, has failed, but is automatically registered to take the 288th Hunter Exam. With that, the Hunter Examination has officially ended. Would all the passing applicants follow me?” The referee turned towards a door, but it opened on its own. Killua stood in the doorway, head down and phone in his hand. He was breathing heavily, and appeared close to killing someone. The referee stopped moving, and for a few seconds it appeared as though time had stopped. It restarted with a crunch, as Killua’s hand enveloped the remains of his phone. The parts clattered to the ground, and Killua began to walk slowly towards the other applicants. The boy’s hands began to elongate into claws, and when he looked up, everyone could see his pupils had disappeared completely, replaced by irises. He looked around the room before pointing at Hisoka, Noble Team, and Chief in turn.
“Which of you killed Illumi?” He asked in a low, low voice. Hisoka cast sidelong glance at Master Chief, who remained silent. When no one answered, he raised his voice and repeated his question. Cortana was devising a plan to defuse the situation when Kurapika asked a serious question.
“Who’s that?”
The room was struck with silence again. Other than Chief and Hisoka, none of the applicants recognized the name. Killua broke it.
“He’s my brother.” The statement would have had more weight if they’d known what Illumi looked like. “He was using his Gittarackur disguise.” That turned some heads, or it would have if he hadn't already been the center of attention. Jorge, Jun, and Kat lowered their head slightly and Killua noticed it. He pointed a finger at them, shakily.
“Did you do it?” He accused, pointing. Jun swallowed. He could tell the child was shaken and could certainly pose a serious threat, like his brother had.
“Out of necessity.” Carter said, stepping forward. Master Chief put his helmet in his hands. Killua wouldn’t understand that. To his surprise, Killua smiled a smile that was free of devilry and witchcraft and retracted his claws.
“I appreciate your honesty.” He said. He turned to walk out of the room again, but was surprised to see Gon standing in the doorway.
“Gon!? What are you…” Killua stopped. The lad was staring at Killua with eyes that shone with anger.
“Where are you going, Killua!?” He asked, completely serious. Killua looked confused.
“I’m going home.” He said, silently asking why that was an issue. Even though he didn’t like his brother much, he was still blood, and his death had shaken him and his whole family. Gon narrowed his eyes.
“You said you hated it! Why do you want to go back?” Gon asked. Killua raised an eyebrow. He didn’t honestly know. It just felt like it was the right thing to do. Unbeknownst to him, it wasn’t because he was needed at home. He felt nothing towards any of his family members. It was because it was drilled into him: Should his mission fail, or a family member be killed, he should return home, without exception.
“I don’t know. I just need t-” Killua was stopped by Gon. Gon had begun walking towards him and by the time Killua had reached the word “need,” Gon could have reached out and touched him. And he did just that.
“But why do you want to leave me, Killua?” Gon asked, hugging Killua tight with a single arm. Killua gasped at Gon’s sudden display of affection.
“Because… Because…” Killua stuttered, but Gon hugged him tighter.
“Why, Killua?” Gon was actually beginning to cry a little, but tried to hold it in.
“I don’t know!” Killua shouted, his voice reverberating around the room. “I don’t know.” His voice softened, and Gon pulled him closer.
“That’s what I thought.” He whispered in the assassin’s ear. Chief rose and went over to the two boys, and he was followed in turn by Kurapika and Leorio. Master Chief placed his hand on Killua’s shoulder, but Kurapika and Leorio didn’t restrain themselves, instead rushing to hug the two. Everyone else began to quietly file out of the room, until the quintet was alone in an enormous room, standing above Gon’s blood and vomit and hugging each other. It took an hour for Gon and Killua to stop crying, and a half hour longer to untangle their arms and bodies, though they weren’t trying very hard. Chief had abstained from doing a full-on hug, instead opting to do an over-the-shoulder man hug with Kurapika and putting his free hand on Killua’s shoulder. When they eventually separated, they stood in a pentagon, looking at each other. Kurapika spoke first.
“I realize there’s no way we can remain together. Leorio’s goals vastly differ from mine. I’m sure Chief’s differ from those of Killua. In other words, this may be the last time we see each other for a while.” Master Chief nodded.
“After this, I’ll need to head offworld.” The Spartan let them know. Even though the planet had only just been discovered, it was unlikely he would be able to stay. He was likely going to need to put down more Insurrectionist groups and possibly aid the Arbiter in maintaining his control of the Swords of Sanghelios.
“I’m gonna become a doctor.” Leorio sighed, and Killua grabbed Gon’s shoulder and squeezed. Gon yelped in pain. Killua was nice enough not to grab the broken one.
“I’m going wherever Gon’s going.” Killua grinned. Kurapika started, and everyone turned their attention to him.
“August 31st. Yorknew City.” Kurapika muttered. “That’s when I’ll be meeting Hisoka. he has information on the Phantom Troupe. If it’s alright, could we meet then?” He was met with a series of nods. Killua gripped Gon’s shoulder again, and tears burst out as Gon cried out again.
“You know, I think I know where we should go after this.” Killua said, grinning slyly at the boy.
“Where?” Gon asked, curious and in pain.
“Heaven’s Arena.” He said, smiling at Gon. Gon had a confused, puppy-eyed look on his face, and Killua started explaining as they walked out together. Kurapika sighed and looked up at Chief, a smile on his face.
“Well. Thank you for being my friend during this. I haven’t had friendship in four years. It’s been a real pleasure.” He stopped and giggled. “I’m also sorry for punching you in the face.” He added, as an afterthought. Master Chief nodded at him.
“It’s fine. I haven’t had any friendship in over thirty.” Chief realized that last bit was classified and said nothing further, but Kurapika’s eyes widened, before he closed his eyes and nodded. Leorio put a hand on Kurapika’s shoulder.
“Well, you’ll know where to find me. I’ll become a doctor, no matter what it takes!” With that, he picked up his briefcase and left the room. And also with that, the only two souls in the room were Master Chief and Kurapika. Chief turned to Kurapika.
“I realize that your goals are the most dangerous of all of us. I’d like us to have a means of contact. Do you…?” Kurapika quickly nodded at Master Chief’s unspoken question and pulled out a phone. Chief tapped it, and somehow, Cortana flowed through his shields and into the phone. She installed something that was essentially a speed dial for them before leaving the phone.
“Contact me if you need anything.” Master Chief instructed him, walking out of the room. Kurapika followed close behind. They found Satotz waiting for them outside.
“Well, as you two are the last, I believe I will escort you to the briefing that will be starting shortly. We will be handing out licenses.” Satotz turned to the right and began walking in his strange manor, with Kurapika and Chief following him close behind. The hallway ended, easily enough, at a door that Satotz opened upon reaching. The Chairman was behind a microphone at the front of what appeared to be a college lecture hall. He smiled and nodded towards the final two applicants.
“Well, alrighty then. We’ll get started in a moment.” The Chairman said, turning and having a quick discussion with Lippo. Master Chief and Kurapika said down on the same row as Leorio, Gon, and Killua. Killua had his feet on the chair ahead of him and was leaning back in his chair. Leorio had a pencil and notebook out, ready to take notes. Gon was sitting up straight in a respectful posture. The row directly behind them was lined solely with the members of Noble Team, who were recording the briefing for future reference. Behind them sat Garzo, arm in a sling, looking sullen at having won by default. Further down the row was Bodoro, equally sullen. Below Bodoro was Hanzo and Pokkle, who sat next to each other and were engaging in small talk. Between Noble Team and the ninja and archer was Samuel Smith, who seemed to not be paying attention, and, in fact, almost appeared asleep. The only applicant on the front row was Hisoka. One of the reasons for that was that no one wanted to have their back to the insane magician. When Kurapika and Chief had taken a seat, Netero cut Lippo off and turned back towards the applicants.
“Congratulations, applicants, for passing the 287th Hunter Exam. Menchi, if you would, please…” Menchi nodded and began passing out packets of information. When the Demon received his, he skimmed it quickly while the Second Phase examiner finished handing out the packets. When she had, she walked back towards the front of the hall as Netero began again.
“The packet you are holding contains several things. First of all, your Hunter License. If you did not receive one, please raise your hand.” No one did, so Netero continued. “Please note that, should you lose this, you will not receive a replacement. In addition, please keep in mind that, having passed the exam, you will not be permitted to retake it. Page two through seven details the exact benefits and amenities you will as a licensed Hunter.” A flipping sound was heard as Pokkle turned a page. He glanced up in embarrassment as every eye turned to him briefly, and the Chairman paused as Pokkle shifted uncomfortably. A smile graced his face for a moment before he forced it to vanish and continued speaking.
“The rules and regulations of the Association begin on page seven. It is expected that within twenty-four hours, you will have read, understood, and consented to the rules, and you will be held to them from that point on. On page forty is basic information about the Association itself, such as the founding, jobs within, and responsibilities. Forty one through seventy contain special conditional instructions, such as if you are selected as an examiner or called upon by the Association to embark on an expedition.” He paused and glanced up. Hisoka appeared to not be paying attention, but he was. Samuel appeared to be asleep, but wasn’t. Everyone else had their full attention on the Chairman.
“As soon as the briefing is over, you will be permitted to leave and go wherever you please. The only certainty is that you may not remain here for very much longer. You are dismissed.” The Chairman waved towards the door, and no one moved. They were busy reading their packets. The Chairman stepped off the podium and Lippo pulled him aside. The referee left the room first. He had a plane to catch.
“Hey, Kurapika. It explicitly refrains you from black market work.” Master Chief whispered, leaning close to the blonde. Kurapika smiled.
“My clan is more important than this card.” They had both skipped past the list of amenities provided by the badge to look at the rules, but Leorio was grinning and giggling like a little kid at Christmas at the long list of benefits.
“Half off any college tuition? Automatic free parking even in no parking zones?” He was reading out loud, excited but quiet. “Free stamps and use of public facilities?”
“Hey, Gon. It has some rules about Heaven’s Arena, like that you can’t go higher than a Floor Master.” Killua whispered, elbowing Gon. Gon smirked.
“Yeah, well, you can’t kill Hunters without due cause given by someone above the rank of Captain in the Hunter Association.” Killua frowned at him.
“Hmm. Nothing about if you’re offworld, I see.” Chief muttered to himself. Carter leaned in close to him.
“We’ll have to find a way to set up contact between the Association and the U.N.S.C.” He whispered. Master Chief nodded in agreement. Jun tapped his helmet, and Jorge flipped a page. The scene remained unchanged for the most part for the next two hours. The two youngest in the room, Gon and Killua, were beginning to get restless as they read through all of the rules. Garzo, Chief, and Emile were the only ones who had finished the rules and regulations section, the most tedious part of the packet. Hisoka and the other members of Noble Team were getting close. The first person to finish was Garzo, who folded up the packet and placed it under his cloak. He stood up and walked out of the door. He would have to hike down to the bottom of the mountain, where he had arranged for an associate to drive him somewhere. The door creaked shut, and Master Chief flipped the final page. After he finished absorbing the information on hunting other Hunters, he noticed the footnote on the bottom of the page.
“If you sell your license, it will be useless to anyone except you.” No fear of that. He tucked the the packet back into his backpack and stood. He opened the doors and stepped outside. Looking around, he saw a door close at the other end of a courtyard and presumed Garzo was leaving through it. He stepped into the courtyard and leaned against a tree. He sat down and rested his head against it. The next person to come out left nearly an hour after.
“Chief?” Kurapika asked, closing the door behind him. “Do you have a means of leaving?” Chief nodded towards him once, before leaning against the tree again. Kurapika took strides towards him, and the door crashed open. Killua’s laugh echoed around the courtyard, but was quickly replaced by Gon’s shout. Killua had taken Gon’s packet out of his hands and ran out of the room with it. Killua leapt into one of the trees, and Gon shimmied up the trunk to reach him. Killua was laughing too hard to notice as Gon snatched his packet back. Gon looked sternly at Killua, who peeked at the boy, who was on another nearby branch, with a mischievous grin. Before Gon could react, Killua had started tickling him and he started kicking and shouting. Leorio walked out of the room and saw Gon’s packet flutter to the ground. He looked up to see Gon, in his desperation to get away, roll off the branch. Leorio gasped and caught the boy as he felt to the earth. He looked up at Killua, who gave a sideways smile. Kurapika laughed, and the door opened again. All five Nobles streamed out, with Jun talking in his helmet.
“Chief! ETA in one.” Carter shouted. Master Chief nodded and rose.
“Well, I have to go in a minute. I’ll try and see you all again in August or September.” Chief waved, and a whine could be heard above them. A pelican dropship set down in the courtyard, and Killua gasped.
“Cool…” He muttered in awe, and Carter stepped aboard the dropship. He was followed shortly after by the other Nobles, and Master Chief hopped aboard. However, before the pelican began making its ascent towards the U.N.S.C. frigate a few miles above the ground, the Liberty or Death, he smiled at them from behind his helmet.
“If you four ever want to come to the U.N.S.C., feel free.” The boys looked at each other, and by the time they looked back, the pelican was on its way to the frigate. After a minute of staring, they all covered their ears as a loud screech was heard. A bright flash made them cover their eyes as well, and when they looked up, the frigate was gone. All that remained was a bright blue fog.

As Chief stepped out of the pelican in the hangar, Cortana began laughing in his helmet. Master Chief seemed confused and took her out of his helmet.
“What’s so funny, Cortana? Please tell me you aren’t going rampant early.” Chief asked.
“You made friends without me needing to intervene!” She exclaimed, appearing with a smile on her chip. John realized that he had indeed.

 

[Avouleance]

Is it possible to link to a google doc or some other sharing service? Because that's a wall of text at the moment and a comment link could really help make it more easy to read.

 

[Hall Kervean]

Is it possible to link to a google doc or some other sharing service? Because that's a wall of text at the moment and a comment link could really help make it more easy to read.

Shore.
Lemme try and pitifully fail at setting one up.

 

[Hall Kervean]

Is it possible to link to a google doc or some other sharing service? Because that's a wall of text at the moment and a comment link could really help make it more easy to read.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EiokZOd8dHHcTWyDMLhFkK6xKiJRw1W_H_S6pkLlMPE

 

[Hall Kervean]

Izzat gud

 

[Avouleance]

Sorry but I'm not sure I can commit the time to make notes on this and I've no real connection to either universe. Good luck getting feedback though.

 

[Hall Kervean]

Thanks fam lol.