Hey guys! I'm back! So first things first, like always. This is an AU, although only slightly. The biggest priority you need to know is that in this storyline, the chimera ant arch stopped early. Kite, Gon and Killua were able to infiltrate and put a stop to the chimera ants before the royal guards hatched. It is important context, so don't forget it. Also, although this is less important, Kurapika never came into direct contact with the phantom troupe, to his knowledge. He has, though, successfully gathered all the crimson eyes and has decided to relax by taking classes. You can consider these to be the biggest notable difference between the past of this story and the canon material. This story takes place after everything is said and done, and Gistra Freeces is our protagonist. She is not a fem Gon. She is his cousin, respectively, and she is extremely different from my previous Hunter x Hunter OC. They're polar opposites, almost. Well, I hope you enjoy the story.
I present to you the first chapter of Hunter Academy!
I step out of the taxi, heaving my trunk out with me before slamming the door behind me. What I see makes me shift uneasily on my feet. Before me spans a seemingly endless forest, with no visible pathways. The only other thing in sight is a small building that's not even the size of the house I grew up in. Is that supposed to be the school? Shouldn't it be bigger?
But it's the correct address, I confirm, checking the letter in my hand. The rev of the engine causes me to jump, and I turn to see the taxi take off down the road. Biting my lip, I gaze back to the building. Maybe I should have waited until Mom could come along with me. She couldn't leave during fishing season because all hands possible are needed on Whale Island this time of year, but I thought I would be fine. I often played by myself in the woods, after all. I was usually responsible for my own meals, for tending my injuries, and making sure I was home by sundown. Mom was busy making money and caring for Grandma, so I had to be responsible. I thought, because of that, I could handle myself just fine. I should have known better. This is my first time leaving the island.
Holding the letter close to my chest, I drag my trunk behind me as I make my way over to the door. I knock; no one answers. I stand outside for a few more minutes, hesitant, before I finally place my hand on the handle and open the door myself. I immediately conclude that this can't be the school. Admittedly, I've never been to school before, but I've read all about them and heard stories from the adults on Whale Island who went to school overseas. A school doesn't look like this.
All there is in the building is a counter, with multitudes of little lockers behind it, and a restroom door. And one person, who looks as if she's dressed to be a dog. Her light, pastel green hair has dog ears poking out of it, and her nose is painted to look like a puppy's nose. Even so, her well dressed demeanor tells me she's the one in charge.
"Excuse me," I clear my throat, but I already have her attention. "I'm looking for the Hunter Academy, but I seem to be in the wrong place…"
She shuffles around some papers, holding one up and looking between it and me. "Are you Gistra Freeces?" she inquires. I nod, and she shuffles around some more. Without looking up, she says, "You're in the right place. Welcome to the Hunter Academy, or the H.A. if you prefer. My name is Cheadle Yorkshire, and I work here as Principal Netero's secretary. I also run the mail office, which is where you are now. If I'm correct, you were recommended by the current student Gon Freeces, your cousin."
"Yeah, that's right," I affirm.
"Then there's no need for you to undergo the test."
"Um," I can't help but wonder, "what test?"
"If the student is already a hunter, or someone not recommended, then they are required to find the way to the school on their own. The forest is purposely set to be a treacherous place that could kill you if you aren't careful."
I gulp. I knew this would be dangerous, but they'd really try to kill people before they even get to the school? Honestly, I'm not so sure I want to be a hunter. I don't even know what it is I'd hunt if I became one. I only came because it's been five years since I've last seen Gon.
"Why would you do something like that?" I question, voice small.
"Because," she explains, "this is one of the most exclusive schools in the world. Hunters need to be outstanding to be hunters, but lately the reapings from the typical hunter tests have been at an all time low. To help solve this dilemma, Principal Netero and I started this school to look for those with potential to train. We have to be sure of their potential, though. Someone who wants entry into the school, who is not already a hunter, must make it to the school building to be accepted into class. That way we can be sure that whomever it is has the promise to become an exceptional hunter, and we can foster that ability until he can either graduate from here or pass the hunter exam. Students who are already hunters, and have come for either a higher education or to improve their already learnt skills, are required to make it to the school yearly for a grade. It's simply to keep them battle ready. For someone recommended like yourself who was accepted, however, we trust in the advocate that the person has potential. You'll find a few others at the school who also have never trekked without guidance through the forest. I assure you, you aren't the only one who is inexperienced."
My head's already spinning, and I've barely been here five minutes. It all makes sense...I think….but that's too much information all at once! Ms. Yorkshire apparently notices my uneasiness.
"Don't worry about it too much, and try to think about it as a normal school. You still go to classes on different subjects, and there are still extracurricular activities. Since Gon is your cousin, I'm sure you'll make friends in no time at all. I'm sure he can introduce you to some people. There isn't a single person in the school, student and teacher alike, who doesn't know your cousin."
It doesn't surprise me. He was always like that on Whale Island, too. "So...how do I get to the school, then? If it's in the forest, but I don't need to go through it…."
"I'll take you there, myself," she states, finally moving from behind the counter. Then, she leans down and moves aside a rug to reveal a trapdoor. Before she opens it, though, she hands me two keys. "The silver one is for your mailbox here. The number is engraved on the key. You can come at anytime to check your mailbox, although I won't always be here. Since you are a recommended student, you're allowed to use this passageway to go between here and the school. The brass key gives you access to this passage from the school. Don't lose it, or you'll have no other choice than to either risk your life braving the forest, or stay inside the school grounds until you're skilled enough to make it back safely."
As she opens the hatch, I stuff the keys into my pocket and again force my trunk into motion. The underground passage is well lit, the floor well-kept stone. Ms. Yorkshire continues to fill me in as we walk, my arms beginning to strain with the effort of towing my possessions. She describes to me the courses available, how the only mandatory classes are Geography, Martial Arts, and Nen Practices, and how there are plenty other options available. She explains the dorming systems, and how I'll be placed in a dorm depending on my Nen type.
"Girls and guys aren't separated," she informs me. "It would take more funds to build extra dorms for each gender, and we have a disciplinary system with strict enough punishments to keep any ill thoughts and behaviors in order. Another unique aspect about our school is the age ranges. Your status as a student or teacher varies on your experience and connections, although preference among other things is also factored in. There will be students here older than some of the teachers, and each class you take will contain people of various ages different from you. We do our best, despite these differences from other schools, to give our students and faculty as close to a normal school life as possible." We come to a staircase and begin our ascent, and when we're nearly to the lit trapdoor at the top, she turns back to me. "If you have any problems, you can always come find me. I hope there's nothing that concerns you too much, of course. Now, again," she opens the door upwards and steps aside for me to pass, "welcome to the Hunter Academy!"
I step out into a large room, one entire wall made of glass. Before the enormous window sits a heavy oak desk, and behind the desk, an old man stands. If not for how Ms. Yorkshire looks, I would've done a doubletake when I saw him. The shocking white of his hair is obvious in his dangling beard, mustache, and eyebrows. The hair on the top of his head is all yanked into a single ponytail, the rest of his head bald. He doesn't wear a suit like I'd think an adult would in a school, but instead wears a strange white and blue loose outfit.
"You must be Gistra!" he proclaims with a smile, arms folded behind his back. "We're glad to have you here at the H.A. I am Principal Netero!"
He's the principal? "Nice to meet you," I extend my hand. He shakes it, and I find myself surprised at the sturdiness of his hands. I expected him to be more frail.
"Likewise, young lady," he greets me. "Take a seat, and we'll discuss your schedule." He waits for me to sit in one of the two chairs in front of the desk before he takes his seat in the one behind it. Then he hands me a list. "So, you can take up to six classes while you're here. Since you must take three mandatory classes, the other three are up for you to decide. You don't have to take any other classes, though. You can take only the three and still graduate. What you now hold in your hand are all the other classes we provide, which includes the clubs existing. If you wish, you can start up a new club of your own."
I scan the classes, some of which seem a little out of place. There're the usual maths and sciences, but also cooking, archeology, medicine, criminology, and other courses I've never heard of a high school offering. I suppose I've never actually been to a school myself, though, and there will be people here old enough to go to college. The clubs include typical sports, along with treasure hunting, inventing, and detective clubs.
"Well?" the principal interrupts my thoughts, startling me. "Do you see anything else you'd like to take?"
"Ah, um..." Rushed, I quickly pick out the first class that seems reasonable. "Biology. That looks like it could be...nice."
"Is that all?"
Not really seeing anything else in my haste, I answer, "Yes."
"I'll set up your schedule, then," Ms. Yorkshire intervenes for the first time, scribbling on a notepad. "For the time being, I'll take you the one of our Nen instructors. I believe Wing is off the clock right now." She looks to Netero for confirmation, and he nods. "I'll take you to him, then, and we can find our your Nen type. Then we can decide what dorm to put you in. You do know what Nen is, correct?"
I do because of the letters Gon has sent. He's given me instructions, even, on how I can awaken my own Nen and how to figure out my Nen type. Unfortunately, though, I've been unable to see my aura yet. "Yes, I know."
"Good, then let's be on our way," she smiles. I nod to the principal, and, once again, begin hauling my trunk as I follow the dog woman out of the room. The halls make me stop, overwhelmed. The ceiling is as tall as a fully grown tree! And outside of every room are two engraved pillars that span the length from floor to ceiling. Gold plaques reside above each door, telling any passersby what class takes place inside.
When I realize Ms. Yorkshire has stopped to wait for me, I hop into motion, flushing red. I'm sure this is typical for a school, and I was just unaware. She must be annoyed that I stopped and slowed her down just to look at everything.
We don't pass many people, and when we do pass any, I keep my head down and eyes averted. The only one I really care to see is Gon, and he'd call out to me if he saw me. Wait, would he? It's been five entire years since we've last seen each other. I've grown quite a bit, and I've changed my hair, too. Actually, would I recognize him, either? No, I would. There's no way I wouldn't recognize him.
Ms. Yorkshire leads me to an inner courtyard and lifts a phone to her ear, which I study curiously. There weren't many phones on Whale Island. They've always fascinated me, and I know how they work, but I've never actually used one myself.
"Lucky for you, I just happened to be out for a breath of fresh air." The new voice draws my attention to a disheveled man behind me. I do my utmost not to stare at him for too long. Everyone here I've seen has been strange so far. Even though he's actually the most normal looking person I've come across, I hadn't been expecting someone so….messy. Although odd, Ms. Yorkshire and Principal Netero were both fairly neat, and official in their mannerisms. This black haired man is nothing of the sort. He's dressed nicely, with dress pants and a buttondown shirt, but they're full of crinkles, and his shirt is sloppily half tucked in. His dark hair also lacks any sort of order to it.
"Ah, Wing, this is Gistra Freeces," Ms. Yorkshire introduces. "Gistra, this is Wing. He is one of our Nen instructors here, as well as the person who taught Nen to Gon and Killua."
I flinch at the mention of Killua. Of course I know who he is. Of all the people Gon has met in his travels, he likes to talk about Killua in his letters the most. I've never met him, though. When Gon came back to Whale Island and brought him along, I had been unlucky enough to be visiting my dad overseas.
Wing extends his hand. "Gon told me all about you, Gistra. It's nice to finally meet you."
"It's nice to meet you, too," I shake his hand. Now I think I remember him, or his name at least, from Gon's letters. This man is someone he seriously admires.
"Well then, let's get down to business. From what I've heard, you don't know what Nen type you are."
I bite my lip, then hesitantly admit, "I haven't been able to awaken my Nen at all, actually."
Against my expectations, this doesn't seem to faze Wing, or Ms. Yorkshire. "Then," Wing declares, "we'll begin with that."
It has begun! I didn't mention this in the afore note, so I'd better get it in now before I start getting questions. I will be leaving out any physical descriptions of Gistra, as per my tradition. I do this with all my stories to give you, my readers, the freedom to imagine the main character how you see fit, or even put yourself in their place. Please, I'd love to hear how you all imagine her! In the last chapter, I will not only share some of the ways other people have imagined her, but will share with you all how I myself picture her. I look forward to reading your comments, whether they're criticism or praise or just plain side thoughts. Please spare me nothing. I can handle criticism, and I promise to try not to let any praise go to my head. Whatever happens, I'm excited to share this story with all of you! Please take care of me! I'll update soon.
Till then, Kisses from SnowyNeko! :3 MEOW!