It's been a while since I took my leave of absence from the Phantom Troupe. I somehow got the courage to tell Chrollo that I wished to travel around on my own for the sake of it.

Surprisingly, he gave me his blessings to leave the group. Or at least I think he did. Who knows what is going on with the bosses mind...

"Oh, there's the ship" I said, walking towards it.

I'm currently at Whale Island boarding a ship that will supposedly take me to the Hunter examination site.

I decided to participate in this exam and get my Hunter's license out of sheer boredom. I don't have a home or a family to go to so I might as well do this.

I guess you could say, back at the Spider's hideout is my 'home' and 'family'. Chrollo accepted me in the group when I was 12.

Now, at age 17, I am ready to explore and seek other opportunities that doesn't revolve around killing. It's something I wish not to do anymore.

Something happened around 3 or 4 years ago that caused me to lose the desire to kill.

It had something to do with assassinating some clan, can't remember the name, and taking their eyes. Chrollo said their eyes were a special treasure. I don't know why, but it was because of that specific event that I lost the desire to kill.

"It's time to move on to Dole Island! Those that don't make it will be left behind and you'll just have to wait next time for the exam!" Shouted the ship captain.

I shook my head, coming out of my daydreaming stance and sat at a corner inside the ship.

I removed my right hand glove that concealed the Spider tattoo with the #4 on it. If I expose my hand, it'll cause trouble and I wouldn't want to deal with a group of angry people. We do have a reputation. It's a good thing our faces aren't recognizable among others.

After a couple of minutes, I felt the ship moving. With that, I got up from the corner and stepped out.

I leaned against the ships' banister and enjoyed the view.

"I wonder why it's called 'Whale Island' " I thought to myself. "Is it because the island is shaped like a whale? Well, I guess I kinda see it"

"Waiiiiit! Don't leave us!" I heard someone shout from the island's dock.

"Yeah! Wait for us!" Said another person from the dock.

There was a total of two people running alongside the islands boarding dock. One was a kid probably around twelve years old. The other was an older guy, probably a few years older than me at least.

"Hey! You'll never make it! We're already moving!" Shouted a man from within the ship.

A group of people crowded around the banister and laughed at the two.

He isn't wrong, those two will never make it. The ship is already moving and we're almost out of reach from the island.

I looked back at the two people running and they looked like they weren't going to give up.

Suddenly, I see the kid reach for something from his back and I see a fishing rod. He swung that thing towards our ship as far as he could.

Surprisingly, the hook of the rod caught onto the ships flag pole and I see the two guys swinging themselves onto our ship.

Everybody took a couple feet back to prevent getting crashed on by the two. They did, however, land onto our boat safely.

I just stood there and watch in amazement.

I'm impressed this kid managed to get on the ship even after we took off. This kid got potential to be a Hunter.

"What is the meaning of this!?" The captain yelled in anger.

With that, everyone dispersed and did their own thing while the captain was speaking to the two guys that just boarded on our ship.

I went back to the same corner and sat there.

I reached in my pocket and took out my cellular phone. It was blinking.

I flipped my phone and checked my messages. I got one from Shalnark. He's the only one I've been keeping in contact with ever since I left.

Shalnark and I use to date in the past but we had a mutual breakup in which we are still able to be close with each other.

"Hey Aoi. How are you? Bored yet?" Shalnark messaged.

"Not really. Currently on my way to take the Hunter's exam." Was all I could say.

After a minute, Shalnarked responded.

"Well, if things don't go well there, you can always come back to us. I'm pretty sure Chrollo would wish for you to come back"

I chuckled at his message.

Go back to the Spiders huh? I thought to myself.

"As of right now, I'm good. I rather explore and see what else I can do instead of killing and seeking treasures." I replied.

Shalnark responded right after mine.

"Just giving you options. You know I miss you." He said.

I smiled at his message. "Miss you and everyone else too" I replied and closed my phone.

I put my phone back in my pocket and took out my flute.

My flute an instrument I use as well as my main weapon when it comes to fighting. With my nen abilities, I'm able to summon other instruments like the viola, violin, cello and bass with unique skills in each one. I keep all my instruments locked away in my necklace.

I decided to play a couple of melodies to keep the environment soothing for everyone but I was soon interrupted by a big masculine guy who stood in front of me.

"Hey they Missy. What's a pretty young girl like you doing here huh? Taking the Hunter's exam?" Said the big guy.

"Yes. Is there something I can help you with?" I replied coldy.

He smirked.

"Give up already. A pretty cute girl like you will never pass the exam." He respond in a cocky tone.

"Same for you big guy. Even though you look strong, you're probably the weakest one judging how you're going around picking on a small girl like me." I said with a smirk.

There were other people in the room I was in so they all laughed at my remark in which the guy must feel humiliated.

"Oh yeah!?" He shouted. "I'll teach you a lesson for messing with me punk!"

The big guy clenched his fist and tried to throw a punch at me.

I immediately got up and readied myself for the fight but it was soon stopped by another person butting in, gripping on the big guys fist.

This person happens to be the older gentleman that was with the kid earlier when they tried to get onto the ship.

"Excuse me, but you have no right to treat a young lady like that. Got it? Now go and get lost!"

The older gentleman, still gripping onto the other guys' fist, twisted it so hard you could practically tell it was almost broken.

"Ouch! My arm!" Shouted the big masculine guy. "You'll regret that!"

With that, the guy held onto his arm and walked away.

I put my flute away and patted the dirt off my pants.

"Uhm..thank you sir." I said awkwardly. I never needed the help. I could've beaten that guy up alone.

"No problem ma'am. Are you alright?" said the older guy.

"Yeah I'm fine. I actually could've taken him on alone" I said quietly.

"Leorio that was cool!" Shouted the kid from earlier as he walked towards us.

"Leorio? That's your name?" I asked

"Indeed. What about your name pretty lady?" Leorio asked with a wink.

"Ugh. Don't call me 'pretty lady'. It's Aoi" I said with a groan. This guy is probably a flirt.

"Ah. Aoi. What a nice name. My name's Gon." Said the kid, flashing a grin.

"Nice to meet you Gon." I said with a smile. "You know, I watched the two of you hop on this ship through that fishing rod. I was pretty impressed with those skills Gon."

"Eh? Oh, well it's my father's fishing rod. It's a pretty tough one since it could hold mine and Leorio's weight together." Gon said with a chuckle.

"That reminds me, I realized there aren't that much women I see on this ship participating for the Hunter's exam. You'e one of the few I see Aoi." Leorio said.

"So? Does that matter?" I asked confused.

"Not really. Just curious. What's your reason for obtaining a Hunter's license?" He asked me.

"Me? Well..." I trailed off. "Let's just say I want to get my Hunter license out of sheer boredom. I'm technically exploring and seeking opportunities I can find."

"Wow. I never heard of anyone wanting to get their license out of boredom." Gon said amazed.

"Yeah, what about you Gon? What's your reason?" I asked.

"Well, My dad is supposedly a legendary Hunter. I never really got to meet him after I was born. He was never home. So I wish to become a Hunter so that I can find him one day." Gon said, clenching onto his fishing rod.

"Cool story. What is your father's name? If you don't mind me asking." I asked curious.

"His name is Gin Freaks" Gon answered.

"Gin Freaks?" I questioned.

I know that name. Chrollo mentioned him once when I started joining the Phantom Troupe. He was someone the Boss was interested in fighting with, as well as steal his nen abilities. I can't believe I am meeting and getting acquainted with Gin's son.

"What about you Leorio? What's your reason?" I asked, shaking off my thoughts.

"Easy. I'm here for the money and women" I he slyly with a laugh.

"What?" I said in disgust. "That's the most dumbest reason I've ever heard"

Leorio stopped laughing and looked at me.

"I'm kidding. I'm actually here to become a doctor. I studied medical health and wish to become a licensed Doctor with a Hunter's pass" He said.

"That's sounds more reasonable than money and women" Said a third voice.

I looked around to see who joined our conversation and noticed a slender guy, blue and white garment and dirty blonde hair walking towards us.

"What? Can't take a joke?" Leorio said towards the new face.

"It's no reason to joke around for the Hunter's exam" Said the new face

"Oh yeah? What about you wise guy? What's your reason for coming here?" Leorio said annoyed.

"My reason is none of your concern. I rather keep it private" New face replied then looked at me.

I couldn't help to blush slightly. I noticed that he was a bit handsome.

"You're name is Aoi right?" He said.

"Uh..y-yeah..." I said quietly. "Yours?"

"My name is Kurapika" He answered. "I came to see if you were alright. You must be overwhelmed to be surrounded by a group of men here"

Kurapika gave me a small smile and I could feel my face getting hot. He seems like a really nice guy.

"I-I'm fine. Leorio and Gon aren't bothering me. It was the other guy that bothered me. But everything is good now." I smiled back.

"We are now docking onto Dole Island! Watch your step!" Shouted the captain as he dropped the anchor.

"Alright! Dole Island! Time for the Hunter Exam!" Gon shouted in excitement.

"Let's get on with it then" Leorio said as we all prepare to step off the ship.

As soon as we stepped off the ship, we were instructed to go and find a place called 'Zaban City'. The only way to get there is through a certain location that contains a really tall tree.

We took a look around and noticed that there was a good amount of people here, meaning it's a bit over crowded.

"Sheesh, there's too many people here." Leorio said

"That's because it's the Hunters exam! We're all excited!" Gon screamed in joy.

"How will we get to Zaban City?" I asked.

"I guess we could check a map?" Kurapika answered with a question.

I noticed that we all somehow grouped together.

So we all checked a nearby map and noticed that the mentioned tree is within the mountain like path.

"I just overheard a couple of people saying that there's an express bus that will lead us to Zaban City. Probably a better way than cutting through some dumb tree." Leorio said.

"Hm? But I think passing by that tall tree would be better" Gon said

"What? Are you serious? Come on, taking that bus would be a better option" Leorio said.

"I'm not gonna take it. I'm going to the tree" Gon said as he walked away.

"Suit yourself! What about you guys?" Leorio said, looking at Kurapika and I.

"Sorry Leorio, I also think taking that bus is not a good idea. Something suspicious about it. I'm going to join Gon in searching for that tree" I said and waved him off.

"Same here" Kurapika said cooly and walked alongside with me.

"Fine then! See you three at Zaban City!" Leorio shouted and stomped away.

With that, the three of us headed towards the mountain path meanwhile Leorio is off taking a bus that will probably take him to nowhere.

The three of us were silent. It's basically Kurapika and I following Gon. It looks like Gon is sniffing around like a dog which is oddly peculiar.

"I'm assuming you caught an interest in Gon as well?" Kurapika whispered to me quietly.

"Huh?" I looked at him confused.

"I mean, you're interested in knowing what Gon's capable of also right?" He said

"Yeah." I answered in agreement. "Gon sure is an interesting kid"

"Hey guys! I think we should go and collect some herbs" Gon said

"Herbs? For what?" I asked.

"Well, just in case any of us gets injured. It will heal us well" Gon said, scratching his cheek.

"I guess we can do that" Kurapika said. "We can split up. It'll get the job done faster"

"Alright! Let's all meet up at that giant rock when we're done" Gon said, pointing at a nearby rock.

With that, the three of us split up in search for herbs.

It seems very tedious to do this but I have no complaints. Gon sure does make a good point. There is a possibility of anyone getting injured from this exam. It's obviously not going to be easy.

After a couple minutes of collecting, I headed back to the gigantic rock Gon mentioned and saw that no one was there yet.

I gently placed the herbs on the ground and took out my flute to play some melodies for this quiet environment.

Playing my instruments are always a good way to keep myself occupied if I'm alone.

*rustle* *rustle*

"Who's there?" I said, alerted from the sound.

There was some noises coming from a bush and I stood back, ready to right whoever or whatever is coming.

*rustle*

*rustle*

*rustle*

Someone popped out from the bush and I was about to attack them.

"Woah! Aoi!" It was Leorio.

"Leorio!?" I said surprised.

I quickly put my flute away. Good thing I didn't attack him.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned him.

"Well...turns out that bus was actually a trap. I tried to follow you guys here but I got lost." Leorio said, ashamed at his mistake.

"Oi. Leorio, you're back" Gon said as he walked back towards us.

"Yeah." He said quietly.

"I see you noticed that bus was a trap?" Kurapika said.

"Yeah I got it! Don't need to hear it from you" Leorio said annoyed.

"Awesome. We collected enough herbs. Let's continue heading towards the tree. I actually spotted it so we're not far from it" Gon said as he stashed the herbs in his backpack and started walking.

Without any hesitation, the rest of us followed him.

We eventually made out way to the Tall tree that the captain mentioned. Past the tall tree was a small passageway in which we went through.

Pass that passageway ended up being a small abandoned town like area.

It was awfully quiet and very creepy at the same time.

"It's too quiet" I said in a whisper.

"I agree. Something doesn't seem right" Kurapika said in agreement.

"Did you see that?" Gon said.

"See what?" Leorio questioned.

"That" Gon said ponting at a small figure clothed in white and wearing a mask.

Within a couple of seconds, we ended being surrounded by more people dressed in white and wearing colorful masks.

We all took a fighting stance. Ready to fight if we have to.

I don't know what is going on, but they are getting in our way towards the examination site.