ꕥ

Once an sufficient amount of people finished the first half of the first phase, a metal gate shut the dark tunnel close; which prevented anyone from going back in or coming out. Valentine briefly shut her eyes to suppress the pity for the man; who was just inches away from victory before it was too late, that was slowly bubbling within her chest.

After that, Satotz started to explain the next half of the First Phase. They were about to pass a menacing and treacherous area, known as Swindlers Swamp; where many creatures would deceive their prey, before devouring them. Many tricks could be played on them and if they weren't careful, they were as good as dead.

Especially if they were unable to keep track of Satotz himself and the moment they'd lost him, was the moment you'd lose your life.

'Don't fall for it!'

Searching for the voice, Valentine found herself looking at an injured man peeking out from behind the wall.

'D-Don't fall for it!',The man cried out, stepping out from the shadows and he pointed at Satotz in an accusing matter,'He's lying, he's an imposter! He isn't the examiner, I am! Take a look at this'

Dragging out the ruined body, he gestured towards the destroyed and rugged body of an animal that had Satotz's face plastered onto it. Zanily enough, it's tongue was sticking out and it's eyes were slashed with crosses.

'This is a Man-faced Ape, one of the creatures that dwell within the swamps. These creatures love the taste of human flesh. However, their limbs are long and thin, so they're quite weak; that's why they disguise themselves as humans. They trick humans into following them into the wetlands, where they team up with other animals to devour them. He plans to trap every single examiner here!'

Raising an eyebrow unamused, Valentine pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at the 'examiner', having heard about these creatures before on her island, they always had one flaw in their transformation.

They can't mask their auras.

Suddenly, a breeze pushed back Valentine's hair as she quickly reached up her hand and felt a trickle of blood slowly fall down her cheek, the surface of a card rough between her fingers as her shimmering golden eyes narrowed.

Three cards had embedded themselves in the scathed man's chest, making him fall dead to the ground and while three cards went flying towards Satotz, he had expertly caught all three between his fingers.

A dark chuckle was heard escaping the jester's lips, the sound ripping through the silence that hung in the air and filling agitation to it's brim.

'I see, I see.. so that settles it then',His eyes opened to stare at the examiner, golden irises piercing through his frame harmlessly; but not quite that,'You're the real one'

Saying nothing, Satotz threw the cards in his hand to the ground.

Slowly lowering her hand, Valentine noticed blood coating the edge of the card and she threw it to the ground before slowly reaching up, gently touching her cheek.

Pulling her hand away, Valentine's eyes narrowed at the blood coating the tips of her fingers and feeling the soft feeling of fabric wiping at the liquid coating her skin, she looked up; gently smiling at the blonde.

'Examiners are selected by the committee to perform this job without pay. Any Hunter, those who bear the title we seek, would have been able to block that attack with ease',He explained, the magician looking quite calm. If anything, the edge of his lips tugged upwards to form a egotistical smirk.

'I'll take that as a compliment',Satotz spoke, before warning indifferently,'However, should you attack me for any reason again, I shall report you as turning against an examiner. You will immediately be disqualified'

'Sure'

As vultures circled above them and flew down, ripping into the flesh of the dead corpse, Valentine winced slightly. Just as Leorio had said, nature can be cruel at times.

But, this also meant that they couldn't let their guards down at all while completing the first phase. Which was fair, a basic lesson was needed to be taught to every Hunter; which is to never let your guard down, no matter what.

For the creatures that lurked around the continents of the world were beyond the ordinary imagination.

Slowly reaching down, Valentine picked up the discarded card and slowly turned it over, taking a peek at it.

ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴄᴇ ᴏғ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛs

Looking up towards the magician and seeing that his back was turned towards her, Valentine moved her foot back and angled her body, before throwing the card right back at him. As expected, he had expertly caught the card in his hand; not even having to turn his head.

With a sharp glare towards him, Valentine turned away and looked towards Satotz as he finished his speech; the First Phase had resumed.

ꕥ

Valentine was unmistakenly and hopelessly lost.

While the trio had been walking together, she had gotten lost in the fog and had been separated from Killua and Gon.

Around twelve minutes had passed and it was safe to assume, that she had absolutely no idea where she was going.

Shivering at the atmosphere that had surrounded her, Valentine pulled at the sleeves of her shirt and she had begun to wish that she had brought a sweater along with her.

Hearing a small rustling, the young girl jumped and a small shriek left her lips as she turned around, her golden hues wide with fear as she looked towards the shaking bush.

Swallowing down her nerves, Valentine slowly began to move towards the bush and sweat profusely flowed down the temple of her forehead as she slowly reached forward, her soft fingers brushing against the thick leaves.

Branches spread apart and leaves fell to the ground as something burst through the shrubbery, causing a shriek of fear to break through her lips as she fell to the ground.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Valentine waited for whoever it was to deliver a finishing blow but when nothing had happened, she slowly peeled her eyes open and they widened, brightening at the sight.

Standing in front of her was a small blue bird with white designs on it's wings, down it's back and around it's small head making the little bird look like a small and puffy cloud.

Eyes softening, Valentine slowly reached forward and holding out her hands as the small creature slowly backed away, flailing one of it's wings with a panicked chirp leaving it's beak.

"It's okay",Valentine spoke softly, keeping her hands cupped in front of her and stayed still, waiting for the bird to decide if it trusted her or not,"I'm not going to hurt you"

Small and soft black eyes stared up at the girl in caution as it's small chest frantically shook with panicked breaths, before the small bundle of feathers slowly waddled towards her outstretched hand, it's small body shaking with anxiety as it held one of it's wings close to it's body.

Feeling as the small creature settled down in her cupped hands, Valentine slowly lifted her hands and stood up from the ground, her kind and gentle eyes studying the small bird to try and see what was wrong with it.

Watching as the young bird slowly stood to it's feet, she saw as it's body slowly began to tilt and the small bird only flapped one of it's wings to try and keep itself upright, only to end up leaning against Valentine's thumb.

Finally seeing the problem, a frown settled onto her lips and sympathy filled her eyes.

"You're hurt",Valentine said, worry clear in her tone as she gently placed the small bird on her lap and took her bag off of her shoulders, digging through it and took out a piece of string she had broken off from a piece of clothing.

Looking around on the ground, she picked up a stick and used her shirt to muffle the noise as she broke the small stick in half, breaking it into smaller pieces.

Gently picking up the small bird's wing, a look of panic filled her eyes as a small shriek of pain left the small creature's beak and it quickly turned it's head, survival instinct kicking in as the small bird bit onto her finger.

Exclamations of pain that had left the girl's lips were drowned in the pained and panicked cries coming from the baby bird, but she continued on even with the pain blossoming through her finger.

Biting on her bottom lip, Valentine placed the two broken pieces on either side of the bird's wing and begin to tie it into place with the string.

Tying up the last knot, she sat back and admired her work with a small smile on her lips, watching as the bird looked at it's wing, a small chirp leaving it's beak as it looked back up at her.

A small giggle left her lips and Valentine looked around the foggy area, biting down on her bottom lip, slowly placing the small bird on her shoulder, feeling as his claws tightly grasped the material of her clothing.

"Okay, little buddy, let's find our way out of here",Valentine stated and her little companion looked up at her, giving a small chirp in response.

ꕥ

Walking through the dense fog, a chill ran down Valentine's spine and she felt as the small bird upon her shoulder shivered, moving closer to the girl's neck as her blonde hair enveloped the small creature in a blanket of warmth.

Looking around the thick fog, Valentine opened her mouth to reassure the small bird but instead, she bumped into a rough obstacle and pain sprouted on her forehead as a small yelp left her lips, her rump landing on the tough ground.

Hearing a panicked shriek, Valentine felt a soft surface nuzzling against the skin of her cheek and she gently reached up, softly caressing the small creatures head in reassurance.

Looking up, gold connected with icy blue and her eyes widened with joy upon seeing Gon and Killua's faces.

"S-Sorry about that, Killua",Valentine stuttered, her eyes wide and blown with apology.

Grumbles left the boy's lips as he frowned and rubbed his forehead, trying to soothe the tender spot as he looked towards the golden eyed girl.

'Are you guys okay?',A worried voice asked and the two turned their heads, looking towards Gon as he looked at the both of them in worry.

Letting out a small scoff of annoyance, Killua slowly stood to his feet and brushed the dust from his clothes.

'You should watch your surroundings, idiot',The snowy-haired boy scolded, his icy eyes coldly looking up at the golden-eyed beauty.

A sweat drop formed at the base of her forehead and she slowly reached up her hand, itching the back of her head with a nervous laugh.

Seeing a hand in her peripheral view, Valentine turned her head and looked up, her golden eyes connecting with soft chocolate brown hues as a kind smile lit up Gon's face, offering his hand to help her up.

Grasping his hand in her own, Valentine was gently hauled to her feet and letting go of Gon's hand, she frantically wiped at the dust coating her clothes.

"Thank you, Gon",The girl thanked, giving the green haired boy a bright smile and he gave her his own in return.

Just as Gon opened his mouth, a small and muffled noise caught his attention, causing him to go silent and blink lightly, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Clearly hearing it as well, Killua's eyebrows pinched together and his icy eyes looked around the dense fog for the source of the noise.

A small and muffled chirp sounded from behind Valentine's curtain of blonde locks, causing the boy's to turn towards her and watch as a small, blue head poked out from the wall of hair.

A small gasp of awe filled the air and the girl looked towards Gon; who's eyes were widened to the max as they brightly shined as if stars had been captured within them and a wide smile spread across his lips, his feet energetically bouncing.

'He's so cute!',Gon exclaimed, leaning forward to get a closer look with his mouth gaping open in a wide smile and his hands gently clasped around the straps of his backpack.

Slowly reaching up, Valentine gently caressed the side of the small bird's head and he closed his eyes, relaxing into the soft touch.

"I found this little guy earlier",Valentine admitted, watching as the two boys watched the bird; one in fascination and the other with pure curiosity,"His wing was hurt so I decided to help him"

A small awe left Gon's lips and he slowly reached forward, gently petting the small bird's head; watching as he closed his eyes in complete bliss to all of the attention he was getting.

'What's his name?',Gon questioned, taking his hand away and watched as the tiny bird snuggled up into the girl's locks of hair once more.

A small hum of thought left her lips and Valentine raised her hand, placing her fingers under her chin in thought.

"I hadn't thought of that yet",Valentine deduced and pursed her lips in thought,"I'll decide on one later, when we're out of this fog"

ꕥ

Endless amounts of screaming filled the children's ears and the small bird resting upon Valentine's shoulders flinched at the noise, hiding his body deeper into the curtain of protection her locks provided.

'I wonder what's happening',Gon stated, brown eyes looking around into the endless terrain of fog,'I can hear screaming all around us'

'That's why we need to be careful',Killua responded, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his shorts.

'I haven't seen the guys in a while, I hope they're safe',Gon said, a worried frown coating his lips.

Suddenly, the trio stopped walking at the feeling of the ground rumbling underneath their feet. Randomly, the ground had around them had split open and they soon felt themselves falling.

The world around them turned dark and a small chirp of fear echoed through Valentine's ear, before an unsettling rumble echoed throughout the dark cavern of the beasts mouth.

Gently cupping her hands around the small bird that was on her shoulder, Valentine brought her hands close to her chest and the three got spat from the beasts mouth, light emitting from behind her eyelids, before she landed on something soft as a small weight flew from her hands; blades of grass tickling the skin of her arms.

Slowly peeling her eyes open, gold and ice blue connected as Valentine's body froze, her muscles tensing as she studied their position. His face and body were inches from her's, his arms caging her in as his hands kept him upright; keeping him from falling on top of her, his spiky white locks falling in front of his face.

Blinking in shock, her lips parted and her wide eyes stared into the wide irises of ice that stared right back into her own, her cheeks set aflame with the color of blood, heat traveling up her body in waves.

The two sat there staring at each other for what seemed like hours when it was only a few seconds and Gon watched the scene, his innocent eyes blinking in confusion.

Why hadn't they gotten up yet.

'Ugh, guys?'

Finally snapping out of whatever trance she was in, Valentine quickly pushed him off of her and scrambled back, red coating her cheeks as she cleared her throat.

Feeling something crawl up her leg, Valentine looked down and watched as the small bird tried to get back up to her shoulder, causing the blonde to let out a small giggle as she picked up the small critter, placing him back on her shoulder; feeling as he happily settled onto his resting place, nuzzling the skin of her neck.

Hearing someone clear their throat, golden eyes glanced up and saw a hand stretched out in front of her, causing Valentine to glance up, seeing Killua looking at her with an expecting look.

'Are you going to let me help you up or are you just going to stay there, staring at my hand?',The icy eyed boy asked, boredly.

Blinking in shock, Valentine's mouth agaped in shock and blinked at the out of character action of the snowy-haired skateboarder, before snapping out of her shocked exterior as she placed her hand in his, getting hauled to her feet.

'I guess he must not have liked the way we tasted, huh?',Gon spoke up, laughing uncomfortably causing Valentine to quickly pull her hand from Killua's grasp, stuffing her hands back into her pockets.

ꕥ

Further into their run, Valentine had noticed Gon's sudden disappearance and came to a haunting stop, looking around for the green-haired ball of energy, before grabbing her silver-haired companions sleeve which caused him to come to a stop.

Just as he opened his mouth to start shouting at her, Valentine quickly cut him off and her anxious eyes glanced around the foggy terrain.

"Ughh, Gon's gone",Valentine deduced.

The silver haired boy's eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement and turned his gaze towards the empty spot the blonde was looking at. Noticing that their green clothed companion was indeed absent, Killua shrugged lightly and turned away.

'That's weird, but he'll catch up',The icy eyes boy said nonchalantly.

Letting out a thoughtful and worried hum, Valentine took the baby bird from her shoulder, placing him into the silverette's hand.

"Here, watch him",Valentine requested and quickly ran in the direction she thought he had gone, Killua watching her with an annoyed gaze, rolling his eyes as he huffed.

Looking down at the small creature in his hand, Killua watched as he looked up at him with small, beady black eyes, staring up at him intensely causing his eyes to narrow at the small bird.

'What?',He questioned, watching as the small bird only ruffled his feathers and turned his eyes away, letting out a small chirp of defiance.

Rolling his eyes, Killua simply stuffed his hand, that wasn't holding the baby bird; into his pocket and continued walking.

'You're lucky you're cute',The silverette mumbled, a small huff leaving his lips as he looked back down at the small bird and watched as he nuzzled into his hand.

ꕥ

Knowing that he had gone the way she was heading, Valentine sped up and reached an open space, glancing around before her golden eyes locked onto a sight that made her blood boil.

Reaching into the bag strapped on her back, Valentine grabbed a sharp-edged dagger from the pocket of her backpack and turned, throwing the weapon with perfect persision towards the arm that held Gon in the air.

Running towards the figure, Valentine watched as the clown-like man released her companions neck and dropped him to the floor, turning his head towards her just as the edge of her shoe headed towards the side of his cheek.

However, the man had skillfully dodged and took a few steps back, a creepy smile grew on Hisoka's face as he licked his lips, watching as the girl landed in a protective stance in front of her green-haired companion that she was beginning to see as a friend; scowling up at the older man causing his smile to widen.

'Hmm.. both of you pass and don't worry, your friend over there is alive because, he passes as well. I hope you'll both become good hunters'

Before he could say anymore, the man had received a voice message through his radio and after responding, he threw Leorio over his shoulder.

'We all need friends',Hisoka stated,'You can both continue on your own?'

Cautiously, Valentine nodded her head and Gon just stared at the man for a moment, before slowly nodding as well.

'Such good kids'

A disgusted frown pulled at Valentine's lips and the two watched as he slowly walked away from them, causing the girl to sigh in relief, falling onto the grass as she turned towards Gon.

"Are you alright?",She questioned,"You had me worried when you just suddenly left, you should've said something before disappearing!"

Turning towards her, Gon nervously smiled and scratched the back of his head.

'I'm alright, Valentine',Gon told her,'I was just worried for Leorio and Kurapika'

Sighing in relief, Valentine wrapped her arms around the boy and slowly let go, hearing Kurapika's voice calling out their names. The blonde rushed towards them, asking if they were alright and Valentine simply smiled brightly at him, reassuring the older male.

"We made it",The blonde girl exclaimed, hopping in place as she high-fived the spiky haired boy beside her.

Lightly chuckling at the duo's actions, Kurapika trailed after the two who led the way to the finish line and watched as they energetically babbled on, bright smiles on their faces.

ꕥ

As the three walked through the end of the forest, a certain pair of oceanic blue eyes looked through the crowd of applicants and landed on the three.

'Gon!',Killua called out, a smile spreading across his face and his eyes looked towards Valentine, his smile slowly fading before gently outstretching his hand towards her,'Here'

Looking towards his outstretched hand, golden eyes lit up with joy at the small ball of fluff nuzzled into Killua's hand and Valentine gently took the small bird into her hands, watching as he gently bit her hand; giving the girl small love bites.

'I thought you two died on us',Killua snickered.

While sweat formed at the base of his temple, Gon scratched his head with a wide smile and nervously laughed.

'We were caught up in some trouble with Hisoka is all',Gon said nonchalantly, but everyone could see as he trembled.

Raising an eyebrow, Killua looked towards the two blondes and Kurapika nodded as he began to explain their encounter with the Jester that caused many caution signs to blare within his head whenever he was near.

'Attention everyone, The First Phase is officially over. These gates will open and take you to the Second Phase of the exam, I won't be coming with you all, as my job is now done',Satotz said and bowed,'I thank you for having me as your Exam Practitioner and I wish you good luck in the future phases'

Watching as he slowly walked back into the swamp, everyone turned around as a loud creak echoed throughout the air and the metal gates opened, revealing the way to the Second Phase.

'Let's go, Killua! You too, Valentine!',Gon exclaimed, taking Killua's arm and Valentine's wrist.

The trio passed through the gate, laughing and Valentine smiled at the two boy's.

She would protect them, no matter the cost.

••

Hey guys, I really hope that you all enjoyed this chapter and if you guys have an idea as to what to name the baby bird, I'm all up to suggestions. I was thinking of naming him Zeus after my bird that had died that actually has very similar coloring but I wanted to know your thoughts of a name for the little cutie.

And what kind of nen type do you think Valentine has?