Chapter Text
I stepped off the boat and onto the dock of Dolle Harbor, imminently squinting — damn it's bright out here — at how bright it was and with my eyes still trying to adjust to the brightness of the sun. It was now I wondered in this moment why had chosen Kukan'yu Kingdom to start over. And because my eyes were closed I wasn’t watching where I was going so I ended up bumping into someone. After studying myself and my eyes adjusting to the sun. I go to adjust the big red scarf, making sure that it's still wrapped securely around my neck. As I sigh in relief as I feel the familiar feeling of my companion coiling around my neck.
I focused on not letting my bloodlust show, trying to not care that this was just about the fifteenth time someone else — well, i think I bumped into this person but what ever — has bumped to to me.
It was a man that was on the heavier side, yet still slightly taller than me. He was wearing a white shirt with a red tunic that had these white and red stripes on the front, along with a pair of jeans and a pair of brown boots. He had a big, blonde, scruffy beard and his nose was red for some reason.
My eyes met the eyes of this man and then I lifted my eyes slightly higher seeing a white hat with a little blue whale adorning the strap of his hat just above the rim. That hat… Ah. So this man must be a captain. Cool.
I use my Ren to see if he is of importance or not. His aura is a strong one, and it seems hes keeping it sealed… so he must know Nen? With my newly released free will, this shall be my first interaction.
I reach into the breast pocket of my dress shirt and take out the pre-written notecards I prepared for this excursion. I don’t believe that this man is quite worthy enough for me to speak to him. As I shuffle for the cards, looking for a certain one, I can sense his eyes on me, giving me a once over, once… twice… and then one last time before he spoke.
“Ah hello there, you must be here for the Hunter exam, right? I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before.”
…
…
…
What?
Ok. Hold on a minute. I put my hand up in a hold-on motion as I go through my cards once more now looking for a different one.
‘What's that?’
“Huh? What, ya mean the Hunter Exam?”
‘Yeah.’
“You're telling me that you haven't heard of the Hunter Exam? Have you been living under a rock?” He said giving me a sceptical look.
“Ah well…” I muttered to myself, the scarf around my neck — and subsequently the lower half of my face — muffling what I had said.
I had no clue what the Hunter Exam was. Nor did I care, but it seemed like something interesting enough.
I pick out another note card, ‘Should I do it?’
The man gave me a look that I couldn’t quite decipher and then sighed. “I mean I don’t know, do ya want to?” He asked me.
‘Should I do it?’ I show him the card again. Come on, just give me an order… oh wait shit, I need to make my own decisions.
Yes, I have free will
Deciding that I would indeed take the Hunters Exam I walked off and put the note cards back into my breast pocket. I assume the docks are so crowded because of this exam thing going on.
As I walked through the crowd I noticed that the majority of the crowd were men. Big, weapon-welding men. They all seemed to get off of that strange man's boat just then and made their way to some kind of tour bus. I see a few going in the opposite direction. Odd.
“Huh… ok I guess,” I mutter to myself as I follow the crowd and end up entering the bus. Apparently from what I heard this bus will be taking us away from the docks and to Zaban City. That name sounds familiar — oh and not to mention this Hunters Exam will be taking place here so… that too I guess —. I make my way towards the back of the bus, snagging an empty seat. After a few more people got on the bus it had began to move, so I look out the window as the bus started to move.
I watched as the bus made its way from the docks and into the city. I look at the people outside going on with their day when the bus stopped, the applicants making their way off the bus.
Hmmm… I guess I follow them then.
However when I got off the bus me and the group of Hunter applicants stood there not knowing what to do.
Well shit…
Sigh…
I start to walk off from the group of applicants to go in some random direction. The men had seemed surprised that I had even been there. I must be really good at being quiet. As I walked farther into the crowded streets I thought I heard them ask me something or call out to me but I didn’t really care enough to look back.
The streets of Zaban City were filled with all sorts of things. There were many pop-up stands, shop openings, and lots of people — a hellish amount if you ask me —. There were all sorts of things being sold, from “Rare” and “Ancient” artifacts, to different kinds of foods, and there were even “Fortune tellers”. Damn this place is sechy At some point, I had turned to see a man at one of the stands gathering wondering eyes and glances as he was selling some kind of frog on a stick.
… How odd. Now I'm hungry, how annoying.
I walked over to get a closer look to see how much the frog things cost when I realized that I didn’t have any Jenny on me. What a bother. Well, maybe I can –
CRASH!
I stumbled mid-step, catching on someone's shoulder — ew — and immediately took it back holding it in front of me giving the person I caught myself on a disgusted glare, causing him to scurry away. Whoever rammed into me was strong. Strong enough to cause me to stumble, usually I don't even budge.
I sigh as I turn to see who bumped into me.
As I turned around I went to adjust my scarf and make sure it was still over my mouth. I look down to see a little boy on the ground. The boy had dark green hair that was standing up in every which way with honey brown eyes and a huge smile on his face as he began to stand up and dust himself off.
“Hi, I’m Gon. I’m really sorry that I bumped into you, mister.” He said as he looked up at me with his overly excited expression, holding onto the straps of his backpack and a… fishing rod?
Ah, a child. I use my Ren, and It seems that the boy's aura is strong… but not concealed, nor as strong as mine. He mustn't know Nen yet.
…
…
…
Did this brat just call me mister? Well, actually I can't even be mad at that. Before my journey here I had cut my hair a shit ton and my outfit doesn’t scream female either. Oh well, I guess that couldn’t be helped.
I go into my breast pocket and shuffle through the cards again.
‘It’s ok.’
It seemed like the little boy was going to ask me something — most likely if I were mute or not — but was interrupted by someone calling out for him.
“What do you think you're doing Gon? Let’s go!” A tall man in a dark blue suit called out farther in the crowd. He was holding a red and black checkered suitcase over his shoulder with a death grip as if someone would just sweep by and take it. And honestly, I can't blame him, the people around here look suspicious.
Behind him was a man with some kind of tribal getup and had almost shoulder-length hair, and next to him stood a blonde girl-boy? with the same length of hair and was wearing a deep blue tabard with what looked to be an all-white training uniform underneath.
Well, this is quite the group…
“Oh hey mister, are you taking the Hunters Exam too?” The boy asked me, an excited tone in his voice and a gleam in his eyes as he looked up at me.
Ah, this exam thing again… what is so important about it? Well, maybe they know where it is. I don’t bother going through the cards again, instead just nodding in affirmation.
“Hay! That's not fair! We had to go through your whole trial to have you be our navigator, just for this guy to run into us and join our group!?” The tall man with the suit yelled.
I glance over at the man in the tribal get up and something clicked. Ah, so I’m guessing that that man isn’t a part of this little group but someone to take them to the Exam. Navigator.
“No Leorio, calm down.” The girl — wait… no boy? — said, placing a hand on the taller man's shoulder. The blonde is the calm one then. I’ll keep that to memory.
“No kurapika, it wouldn't be fair to us. And plus he wouldn’t be able to come with us because he hasn’t passed our navigator’s test.” The tall men — Leorio — said. He’s beginning to become annoying. Truly a nuisance…
I let my blood lust seep from my body, the air around me, and the group of boys — plus maybe a girl? — thickening with tension.
I saw the tall man's face shift from anger to confusion then to wariness. I caught a glimpse of the examiner's expression, his eyes widening as he stared at me… ah so he knows Nen too?
“No, no I believe that he is worthy of taking the exam. He’s made it this far after all. He's so close to the exam site anyway, it would only be far.” The navigator said giving me a brief nod as he turned and continued walking.
I contained my bloodlust instantly, as I began to follow the man, decidedly less annoyed.
“WAIT WHAT!” The tall man exclaimed.
I shuffle through my cards once more before turning to glare at him, showing him the card.
‘Shut up’
“Hay!” The man yelled, It seemed as if he were going to say something else but I didn’t bother to listen to him as I faced back forward and ignored him.
Kurapika — nah, I think I'll call ‘em or maybe her? Pika — walking next to him, it seemed as if they were just barely coming to their laughter.
And then there is Gon, who just seemed ecstatic that I was going with them. As we walked, my hands were getting a lovely little workout as the boy kept asking me all sorts of things…
“So, what's your name mister?”
‘Seo-Rin’
“That's a nice name. Where are you from?”
‘Can't say’
“Why do you want to be a hunter?”
I think for a moment at that. Ah, this one, I don't think I have a card for yet.
‘Not really sure’ I show him the card while shrugging my shoulders.
“Oh, would you like to know why I want to be a Hunter?” He asked me with a kind smile on his face.
That smile, it reminds me of… my oldest child. Why does my heart ache at such a reminder?
I nod, a small smile forming under the scarf.
“Well, my dad is a Hunter and I want to become a Hunter too. The same as him if possible. I want to know what's so important about being a Hunter.” Gon said, a gleam of determination in his eyes.
…cute. He definitely reminds me of my daughter.
I reach over to pat the top of his head. Yes, I think that's a fair reason to do this Hunter Exam.
“Mhm” I hum, letting him know that I had listened.
After that he seemed content with walking next to me in silence. The tall man and Pika seemed to be talking about something not important enough to really eavesdrop on. And the navigator guy was looking around as he walked in front of the group, occasionally looking down at what I could only assume to be the address of the exam site.
Hmmm… I feel the feminine urge to take the paper and run. But the voice of reason in my head says that wouldn't be the best idea, so I don't think I'll be doing that.
As we walked through the sea of people, we ended up reaching an space where there were less people the in the crowded streets we were just in. Thank goodness, if another person had bumped into me — more like fucking shoulder check me — with out apologizing I was sure I was going to tare their arms off.
As I yet again calmed my bloodlust and my thoughts, the navigator came to a stop in front of me and the group.
“Here we are. I'm pretty sure that's the building.” He said pointing to a little Roman shop in front of him.
Oh… what? Wait, a Roman shop? What is this Hunters Exam?
And as I looked over to the others I realized that I must have been the only one to get the memo because they were staring in awe at this really big white building next to where the navigator had pointed.
Ah well, yeah. I guess that dose look more like an exam hall of some kind?
They begin to walk up to the taller building talking nonsense about how exciting it was to finally take the Hunters Exam.
But I start to quietly snicker to myself when once the others realize that the building they were about to enter — with all the confidence in the world— wasn't the one, but the little Roman shop next to it.
Fucking hilarious…
I walk over to the door of the a shop contemplating weather I should hold the door for them or not but my body moved to hold the door open before I could think any farther on the matter.
I walked in as our navigator as asked if the back room was open for some reason. This place looked so small from the outside. Ooo, maybe the exam in underground that would be something. Oh what if…
I was brought back by a small tug on the hem of my — overly oversized — dress shirt. I look down to see Gon looking up at me. Huh, I must have zoned out.
“Rin, come on, let’s go take the exam.” He said in an enthusiastic and excited tone.
We walk into the back room. It looked like any other private room in a Roman place. It had a round table and four chairs in the middle, I walked over and sat down in one of them — dang, I've been walking just about all day haven't I? —.
I decided to put my head down, rest the ingredients on the table and I move my scarf up slightly to use as a makeshift pillow, making sure its still over my mouth. I hear the navigator tell us to wait here. Ok, I can wait here. I tried.
“For what? Where are all the other applicants?” I heard the tall man ask.
“I can't wait for that combo!” I hear Gon add-in.
…What combo. Danm, this is why I need to stop zoning out.
“Gon, that was just a password to get us inside.” Pika clarified. Ah, that's what they were talking about then.
“Only one in ten thousand. You’re very lucky.” I hear the navigator say causing me to turn my head still resting in my arms.
“Hmm?” I hummed in question.
“That's how many ever make it this far. So considering that, you did great for first timers.” He clarified as he looked at all of us, his eyes resting on me a little longer then the others as if asking a question.
Have I done this before? No. Not that I can remember…
I shake me head no to his unspoken question. In response he nodded turning away as he turned and wished us luck. But Gon had ended up thanking the man and shaking his hand.
“I hope that… next year, I can help you all again.” He said as he closed the door behind him, leaving us in the room.
He was nice I guess.
Sigh…
BANG!
It began to feel as if the room was falling, or rather… slowly going down? Ah, an elevator then, so it seems my guess was right. The Hunters Exam will be underground.
“Tch, That bastard thinks he’ll see us again next year because he expects us to fail.” I heard the tall man say as he sat down across from me and Gon sitting next to me with a smile on his face… sweet boy.
Oh yeah. He did say he would like to help us next year. Jeez have some faith… well, in me at least.
“Once every three years. That's how often a rookie passes the exam.” Pika spoke.
I sit up at that and take out my cards, ‘Really’
He nodded, “Yeah. Some can’t handle it. It’s too mentally and physically taxing. Then there are veterans, who break the rookies into never retaking the exam.”
“So that's why people who want to e Hunters are willing to risk everything for it,” Gon added.
“You bit the nail right on the head, my little friend!” Leorio exclaimed.
“Being a hunter means making more money than anyone in the world!” He continued.
“Wrong!” Pika cut in. People become Hunters to join the world's most noble profession.
“Shut up goody-goody.”
Oop.
“Selfish money grubber!”
This is getting good.
The two, for some reason then go on and on about convincing Gon to become either kind of Hunter. Poor kid.
Just as Gon begins to sink into his chair about to say something when the elevator comes to a halt.
Sigh…
Thank goodness. I thought started to think those two would never shut up.
Me and Gon get up from our seats, going to stand in front of the door. Think goodness I thought that those two would never shut up.
Me and Gon get up from our seats, going to stand in front of the door of the elevator waiting for it to open.
This is it. I've made it… my new life.
For a moment I look down at Gon, who stood next to me. His hands were clenched tightly on the straps of his backpack.
… he seemed nervous.
I place a hand on is shoulder, causing him to look up at me, a question in his eyes I give him a small smile from under my scarf that he seemed to have noticed because he smiled back, his grip on the straps loosening a little.
While I don't have a true reason for doing this, — other than my newly regained free will — he does. And with that being said, I think I would like to help this boy pass this Hunters Exam, and maybe even pass it myself. From the tall man and Pika’s arguing earlier I heard them talk about being able to basically do anything with consequence.
And I believe that… that could be useful.
I sigh…
I reach for my pen along with a blank note card, the action catching the others attention.
‘We've got this’
As I show them the card the air felt less tense and the others smiled, a glint of determination in their eyes.
“We've got this!” they say in unison as we hear a beep and the doors of the elevator begin to open.
This… will be my first act of true free will.
Let's hope it's a good one…
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Notes:
Hello there you. Yeah, you! the person who made it through the first of many chapters. Thanks for reading, I won't have a set posting schedule. Maybe once or twice a month. But pls do be patient and sorry for any spelling errors, I did most of this on my phone. Anyways BYE! <3