Hello everyone! This is my first story ever and the only reason why I am publishing it is because it wouldn't leave me alone. Anyways, feel free to give me advice, I promise I won't be hurt by it. ;) P.S Since this is my first story I am unfamiliar with a proper format, so bear with me here. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Hunter X Hunter.
The crow with the green eyes still haunts me in my dreams.
Once again, like practically every morning, I woke up sweating, irritated, and barely able to breathe. Sighing, I stared at my ceiling only to hear the familiar sound of cawing on my desk. Shifting my attention to the bird, I remembered the first time I saw it. I was only 7, playing behind my house in the garden. The sun was shining and the ocean breeze sent a refreshing sent of salt water through the hills.
Then it appeared.
Green eyes, the same exact color of grandmas', pierced my body with its unearthly gaze. It called to me, begged me to follow it. Its very caw brought me on my knees. I could not take my eyes away from the bird. My palms were sweating and my body was shaking in anticipation. Tears of confusion and joy leaked down my face, but I didn't understand, I couldn't. I was only 7 after all. I hadn't seen my grandma in years since she passed, but I not once forgot her deep green eyes that shone like emeralds. I followed the bird in a trance, I ran deeper and deeper into the woods only to stumble upon something horrible. Lying on the ground, barely breathing, was a small animal unrecognizable from its wounds. The smell of rotting flesh made me throw up countless times as I cried. The crow landed on a nearby branch and cawed loudly. The sound echoed through the trees, my whole body froze. Calmly standing, I picked up the maimed creature and carried it back to my house hoping it could be saved. That day was the beginning of my life, my destiny. The one time I didn't listen to its all-knowing wisdom the town's crops were burned to a crisp. It rained a lot after that, maybe the sky was crying from my selfishness, I don't know. Many people went hungry that winter, myself included. It was one of the worst moments of my life.
I vowed I'd never ignore that bird again.
Shaking my head from my thoughts I rose out of bed and walked over to my desk to see a flyer underneath its little foot. Reading it, I froze and groaned in despair. Today, on my 14th birthday, lying on my desk is a flyer for the 287th Hunter Exam.
With a fist clenched, shaking, I stood up and shouted, "I, Jay Elizabeth Carter, vow to take the exam and pass it." My life isn't mine anymore.
Maybe it never was to begin with.
Quickly getting dressed Jay grabbed the flyer and rushed downstairs to find her mentor and best friend, her grandfather. The moment she walked into his study, he zeroed in on her presence.
Smiling softly he said, "Did the old lady pay you a visit again? I swear these meetings just keep getting closer and closer together. What do you have in your hand this time Jay?"
Jay walked toward him and slammed the flyer down on his desk with a huff. "Apparently, she wants me to die an early death."
Squinting at the flyer he replied. "Nonsense, your grandmother loves you too much for that, but the Hunter Exam?" He whistled. "My girl certainly knows how to pick them."
"Are you KIDDING me? I will get killed, grilled and EATEN FOR BREAKFAST! I just turned 14! I'm too young to die!" Jay said worried as she draped herself across his desk.
"Nonsense, you have been keeping up with your daily training and you have ridiculously strong mental fortitude. Plus, your grandmother wouldn't make you do it if you couldn't." Grandfather Isaac stated.
Relaxing, Jay sighed. "You're right, it's not something I should worry about. It's not like I have a choice anyways."
"That's my favorite granddaughter" Isaac said chuckling.
"I am your only granddaughter!" Jay cried.
Sobering his expression Isaac thought about what this meant. He was concerned for his granddaughter, no matter what his outward appearance said, since this turned out to be a bigger problem than he could have anticipated. As he pondered the possibilities, he studied Jay. Her dirty blonde hair was plastered to her face and her emerald green eyes shone with fear and determination. My, you look so much like your grandmother Jay, it's no wonder your souls are linked. I wish she could witness your growth. Grabbing his heart he thought, I miss you so much Elena… my love.
Returning to the situation at hand Isaac asked, "Have you been meditating? Any contact with her?"
Sulking, Jay replied "No, I opened my essence like you said to draw her in, but she has been ignoring my attempts. Sometimes I wonder if it's her in that stupid bird."
"Someone is a little salty it seems, or is it that time of the month?" Isaac said grinning. He tried to cover his mouth with his white beard to stop his snickers, but to no avail.
Annoyed Jay replied. "And you call me the fresh one old man, you should wash out your mouth with soap."
Shrugging he stated, "I learned it from the best, and you know who that is…"
Silence enveloped the two as they made eye contact. At the same exact moment they both shuddered "MOM". Isaac still couldn't wrap his head around how crass and rude his daughter was. He still couldn't see how she got married, it was a miracle.
Refocusing he said, "Well we both know she shares that bird, but with what else is a mystery. Next time you meditate don't let out a drop of your essence. She will notice the change and come searching for you, I can guarantee that."
Nodding Jay started to walk out of the study when her grandfather stopped her. "JAY!" he shouted, "Happy Birthday! I left you a present in the kitchen, be careful not to hurt yourself with it."
Excited Jay ran to the kitchen to see a slim tall object wrapped in paper. Curious she opened it up to see a beautiful wooden staff with the first names of her family members engraved in the wood. Touched by the gesture, her eyes started to mist up. Jay thought, I guess I will never be truly alone huh? Thanks grandpa.
Well, that's the beginning. I thought it was a cool idea that people might enjoy. Don't know what I am going to do with it though... Feel free to review, only if you want to though. I'm not that picky. Anyways, if you are reading this right now thanks for taking the time to read my story! It really means a lot. I hope you have an amazing day/night!