Chapter 6 - Brave at heart

''You might belong in Gryffindor

Where dwell the brave of heart

Their daring, nerve and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart.''

~J.K Rowling


-12 years old-

Today, Gon went out to the woods by himself to catch the Lord of the lake. He woke me up this morning. The sun hasn't even risen.

''I'll go catch the Lord of the Lake, sis. Wish me luck?''

I smiled and sleepily pulled his forehead to my lips. ''Go get 'em, tiger!''

''Rawr!'' He chuckled and crawled away.

''Get some grapes for Foxy, will you?''

''Sure!'


After he left, I wasn't able to sleep anymore. So, I showered and prepared myself for the day to come.

I took out and dressed in my light brown cropped trousers, a white short-sleeved shirt, and black combat boots. The complete ensemble looks plain, yes, but to someone like me who is a fan of star-wars, I couldn't help but fangirl very hard at my beautiful idea.

To complete the costume, I took out two earth-brown long scarves I bought from the market and crossed them against my chest and back, fastening them using a brown belt. Next, I bandaged my arms. It's good because they also covered my scratch marks, although I'm not that bothered about them actually. I twirled around, happy with the costume. Light and pretty. I could easily run with these.

I then gathered my wavy black hair and gathered them in a bundle, squeezing the excess water into my towel.

Opening our window, I breathed in the unpolluted cool air. The house was high up on a hill that from my vantage point, I could see the vastness of the forest and the port not so far away. It was amazing how much I could see. In my past life, I remember having to squint my eyes just to try and make out the words from the board a few feet away. Now, my vision seems stark clear, my scent of smell sharp and my hearing not so bad. I wondered if it had something to do with the environment. Computers and mobile phones aren't trendy here and there were no cars roaring and beeping outside. The air is also unpolluted.

Or maybe it was because of Ging's genes.

Most likely.

Grabbing my book on Basic surgical techniques and an unread book on Traditional herbal remedies, the sixth edition, I've put them in my brown backpack and expertly climbed up the roof, making absolutely no noise.

Smirking at my success, I sat down cross-legged on our red shingled roof and concentrated, entering my meditation state.

There are six Nen types – a card with an XX brand on its back, floated and slowly rotated to face me inside my subconscious. Nen types – it says. Six cards followed, containing data on the six nen types. Enhancement – has the ability to enhance or strengthen themselves or other objects. Example – Gon, Ging, Uvogin. People with this type of Nen are often simple, straightforward and selfish. Transmutation – has the ability to change the quality of aura to suit their needs. Example – Hisoka, white-haired kid, best friend of Gon. People with this type of Nen are often prone to deceit and fickle. Rare to show their true intentions. Conjuration – creating objects from aura. Example –blond guy. Name uncertain. Something rhyming with 'ka'. I don't know anyone else. People with this type of Nen are probably people who think before doing something. Patient and smart. Noble? Specialisation – Chrollo Lucifer. Very rare Nen type. Could have many possibilities. Conditions needed to strengthen their powers. Manipulation – control of animate or inanimate objects. One of the Phantom troupe – the one with the cell phone is a manipulator. Information INSUFFICIENT. Emission – has the ability to attack from a far. Example – the man in the black suit. Name unknown. Information insufficient.

Nen nodes are found on bodies. If I concentrate enough, I can feel its flow. Zetsu is the ability to null your aura so you can hide and sense better. I think it's the easiest. So I had tried and mastered it first. Now… I only need to stay still and wait.

Wind swiftly went past. The crickets sung in the background. Birds are waking up. The baby birds chirping, hungry. Their mother's flew away to hunt some food. Roosters crowed. As the sun rose up higher, slowly, everything came alive. Grandmother Abe has risen from bed. Mito's alarm clock rang. She groaned and hit it to stop. She started to rustle and stretch.

The wind hit me, sending the salty breeze of the ocean to my face. A bird flew and landed on my still shoulder, chirping curiously at me.

Zetsu complete.

I rummaged my bag for a small stop-watch.

Now. Concentrate your aura to your fists. The bird flew away from the resulting high-pitched sound. I tried breathing normally but doing this thing for more than 5 minutes hurt. Let's see if I can extend it a bit longer. My temples throbbed. And I released the aura, exhaling and inhaling heavily.

I waited until the growing headache subsided before I concentrated my aura to cover my body again. Last practise… Concentrate it to your eyes. 1, 2, 3… Go! 1, 2, Breathe in… 3, 4, Breathe out… 5, 6, Breathe in… 7, 8, breathe out… 9, 10…

I clicked the watch and let out a deep sigh, willing the repeated twinges of pain in my head to subside.

Ideally, my punches plus my aura will result to a powerful hit. I've tried it only a few times – secretly, of course. I haven't told Gon anything about auras yet. I thought about it. But it will be too troublesome to explain. It will also attract too much unwanted attention, mainly on how. Besides, Gon will be fine if things go according to plan (let's ignore the fox-bear incident). And I don't intend to use any Nen on anyone. If I play my cards right, I can make it look like I'm not aware of what I'm doing.

Also, Gon isn't really the epitome of subtlety.

Laying myself flat on the cool roof, I watched the fluffy clouds swim through the blue sky. I smiled as I remembered a certain shadow-ninja from another universe – Shikamaru.

''Ah… troublesome.'' My smile grew into a big smirk. Next thing I know, I was giggling.

I turned to see my brown pack and imagined the books I have in there. Borrowing anything else other than textbooks is difficult. I can't really borrow adult books yet… Such a shame.

''Ah… how lovely it would be to be the Kakashi of this world?''

Life is too dangerous and short here. Might as well do everything I want to do before I die. I've always wanted to read good smut books in public, but finding one with a good plot is difficult. Maybe I could write one myself and have it published. After passing the Hunter's exam, it shouldn't be a problem…

That is… if I survive that exam.

Oh COME ON! Maybe you'll just need to survive to do everything you want then! Imagine that!? Money! Endless amount of money! You can buy anything, everything you want! Buy as many books you want, build a library! Imagine the clothes you can buy! The make-ups and the food…

Imagine the fights you'll have. The monsters I'll have to face. The blood and the gore. The fear of dying, of looking at death's face and telling him to fuck off…

Well…

''…Gin? Are you up there again?'' Mito's sweet voice broke me out from my growing depression.

''Yeah. I'm here.'' I slipped my bag around my armpits and slid down. I let my legs dangle in the air. My hands gripped at the roof's edge as support. Smiling innocently at Mito's disapproving stare, I greeted her; ''Good-morning, Aunt Mito! Lovely day, isn't it—''

'' Get in here before you fall!'' She took a few steps back. Gripping the edge tighter, I jumped into the room. As cool as Jacob Black.

Sighing again, Mito massaged her forehead as if to drive away the frown threatening to decorate her forehead. I felt a little guilty. But I don't think me being in the roof is her problem. It's the fact that Gon's not here and our pending departure.

''Aunt Mito, would you mind if I help you in the market today?'' I asked softly.

Mito stared at me. Her face was blank but her eyes, sad. Then, her lips curled to a sad, defeated smile. ''…Okay. Come eat some breakfast downstairs. Then, we go.'' She paused, looking at my outfit. I twirled and let the soft brown scarves fly around me. Mito just smiled and left.

I could also use this time to hunt for good weapons.


The talk of the town was Gon, as expected. The islanders also wasted no time asking me if I'll go with Gon, as expected. When one of them asked me this, I looked up to Mito. She knew this was coming, too. I reached for her hand and gave it a little squeeze.

''Well… someone needs to look after him!'' I smiled.

They chuckled and gave me some friendly pats on the shoulders and wished me good-luck. Mito squeezed my hand back. Then, she leaned down and kiss me on the temple.

''Go.'' She whispered softly. ''I know you were going somewhere else, Gin.'' Then, she placed a heavy pouch in my hand.

''A-aunt! I have some savi—'' she silenced me with a finger.

''Buy all you think you both need, for me.''

Biting my lip, I gave her a shaky smile. I really appreciated it. Mito's very kind. I feel very sorry that we're hurting her. I tiptoed and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. ''I'll be back before sunset… mom!''

Then, I ran.


I've thought of many types of weapons. But it's so complicated. Gon has no weapons at all when he entered the exam. And the lucky brat had no need of it. His fishing rod and skill was good enough.

But I'm not Gon. I wasn't brave like him. I'm not very patient, either. I panic quickly. I can't change other people's minds and connect with them using just my charms and wit. No, I am more like a fight or flight kind of person. That's why I need weapons. I can't afford to rely on anything else.

Sword-fighting, no matter how cool it looks, is a no-go. It requires practise and lots of learning. Even though, I found some books on it, I can't really make sense of the details much. Also, it's difficult to practise without an instructor.

Bow and arrow, is a possible yes. But too conspicuous to carry around. The key is for me to look as harmless as possible. Having a bow and a bag of arrows will obviously attract attention. Not to mention, can restrict my moment.

So, in conclusion, the best weapons that will suit me will be knives. Simple, portable and deadly. I nodded at myself. I like it!

I happily skipped towards the blacksmith's shop, going past the forgery. The doorbell rang as I went in and I smiled at the grumpy man behind the counter then to his young apprentice.

The grumpy, scowling man didn't say anything. The first time I came here was when I was 9. But I didn't even get to take a step before the owner bellowed at me to get out his shop. I didn't expect such a violent reaction, so by instinct, I ran out. I tried again and again of course, but the result was always the same so I contented myself with just looking at the displays from outside, ignoring his watchful eyes.

Now, I waited for him to shout at me again to get out. But nothing came out. He probably heard of the Twins leaving to do the Hunter exam tomorrow. Nevertheless, I took a careful step towards him. He 'humphed' and opened his newspaper.

The inside of the shop was warm, though no fireplace was there. The smell of steel, fire and smoke were rich. Inside here, the smell of the ocean was cut off. It's like being in an entirely different world. Gone was the peaceful, quaint atmosphere I know about Whale Island. Inside, surrounded by steel, metal and fire, contained inside these dark wooden walls, I was reminded of everything that is not Whale Island.

Tall glass cabinets containing different weapons stood behind the counter. Different weapons like axe, swords, maces, spears, bayonets and war hammers of various sizes and types hung on the walls.

Whooh! I think I'm falling in love. I placed one hand against my erratic heart. A part of me was getting excited and inspired just looking at the weapons. 'I want to learn how to use them all' said the crazy part of me.

However, the more rational part of my head tells me to get a hold of myself. These are weapons that kill. They are made for blood, death and despair.

But also justice and life. How else are you going to protect yourself and Gon? Besides, there was no harm just looking and marvelling at their sheer awesomeness.

The owner 'humphed' again. I turned and found him looking at me with a strange spark in his eyes. He placed a cigarette between his dark lips. The owner was a big, burly man. His shoulders were very broad from all the hard-work his job as a blacksmith requires. I wondered if he was a Hunter or some kind of fighter before.

I approached the young apprentice instead of him. He smiled at me. ''Hello.'' I bowed. ''Please, can you help me choose?''

''Sure! What kind of weapons are you looking for?''

I looked around. ''…Some throwing and combat knives, maybe?'' I asked while I looked around with Nen focused around my eyes.

One of the Katanas glowed. But I can't use that.

''Knives are this way, Miss.''

I let go of the Nen and followed the guy. ''I want them easily accessible but also easy to hide.'' I started to explain. ''Also, I plan to strap some on my arms and legs. So I need a gear, a weapon strap or something… I… really would like to avoid some hand to hand combat but there is a very high chance it will happen. That's why… lightweight and sharp throwing knives are my major choice. Then I'll have combat knives strapped on my arms and legs where I can easily reach them if I am forced to fight in close combat. Do you have any suggestions?'' I looked up for a response but found him nonplussed. I supressed a sigh but I smiled at him patiently and looked down to hide my annoyance.

Some help, he is.

Activating my Nen around my eyes, I easily spotted one knife in particular. It was a medieval dagger. It looked okay, but a little too big for my hands. I needed something with a good grip, lightweight and sharp.

''Uh… I need something with a good -''

''—MOVE, brat. Lemme handle this.'' Cut off by the boss. The young apprentice politely stepped back.

I looked up at the man who looked back at me. ''Easy to conceal, easy to access, long-ranged and short-ranged.'' He grinned again then removed the small used-cigar from his lips, handing it to his apprentice who took it carefully and left to dispose of it.

I nodded, oddly feeling excited.

The big man then began placing different types and styles of knives on the glass counter. I smiled appreciatively as the ones he picked were ones which I could see will fit someone small and *cough* fragile as me. He then took out some straps. Then, with a wave, he let me examined the stuff.

I picked up a very slim short knife about the length of my arm with a black handle. Twirling it between my fingers, I breathed in and loved the way it almost felt like holding a pen.

''Stiletto. That's a stiletto, a stabbing weapon. Blade's like a needle, yes? That means it's only very good for stabbing, not for slashing or cutting. That's a good one.''

I nodded and placed it to one side. ''I'll place it on my right leg.'' I told him even though I don't really have to. ''But how do I know if it needs sharpening? It looks sharp to me but I don't know how to test if a knife is sharp enough.''

The man nodded. He seems to like my question. ''If you can cut an arm hair with it, it's sharp enough. You can test by cutting paper too. If it tears the paper right through then it's sharp. Of course, if you're an expert, you'd know just by looking.'' He raised an eyebrow and with deliberate slowness, he picked up another knife. ''All my knives and weapons here are sharp, you know. Here…'' I took it, carefully.

''Combat knife?'' I asked as I tried on its grip and weight.

''Why did'ou think so?'' I could hear the smile from his voice.

''The grip's good, a little heavier than the needle but still light. I like the blade.''

''Gerber Silver Trident, double serrated blade. You're right, the grip is good. Good for you, brat. Strap it to your weaker hand. Are you left handed or right?''

''Both. I'm Ambidextrous. But I admit I feel stronger in my right hand. But I can write and throw knives in both hands and both are just as good.''

He nodded. ''You practised then. That's good. Well done.'' Then, as if catching himself, ''Might keep you alive for a bit.''

I smiled at his cute antics. ''Thanks.''

''Use that for main combat. It can slash, cut and stab. Grip's good so no problem there. It's also very sharp so be careful not kill yourself with it. Here's another one; it's twin. You can fight on both hands with them?''

''Hmm-mm…''

A pause. ''You can fight with them, can't you?''

''Yes! Of course! I've been practising…Not just with another person.''

The man face palmed. ''You know, it's actually different when you're doing it for real, right?''

I nodded, remembering the mother foxbear.

''Here: straight edge knife. Good for survival, easy to handle and easy to sharpen.'' I opened my mouth. ''Here's a whetstone. You know how to sharpen, right?'' I nodded. He continued, leaning forward. His dark eyes sparkling from the glass's light.

''Listen, this one, use it for carving, gutting your game, or whatever. You can use it to kill but that's-''

''-not very hygienic.'' I continued. He nodded.

''But if you have no choice, use it. Keep this in your pack.'' I nodded.

Now, I have a stabbing knife to be placed on my right leg, a survival knife in my bag and a twin combat knife on my left and right arm.

''Can you recommend another combat knife for my other leg, please?''

He paused. ''Here…'' He gave me three knives. They felt lighter than the others. All black with circles at the end of the handles. ''Throwing knives. You say you've never fought with a real person before. You've practised throwing knives, you said?''

''Yes. I think I am very good at them.'' I boasted.

He nodded. ''Three of them at each leg. That stiletto, give it back. That's no good if you're not experienced.''

I pouted. ''But I like it!''

He glared at me. ''Give them back, kid.''

So, I did.

He placed four straps beside the knives. ''Wait a minute.'' He walked around and emerged out from behind the counter with a short stool.

''This…'' he brandished one weapon strap that had three sheaths. '' is for the throwing knives. But we're placing them on your thigh, instead of legs. Your legs are too thin and you say you wanna conceal it, didn't you? ''

I nodded.

''So, we'll place them around your fat thighs. Make them easier for you to grab too.''

''Excuse me? Did you just say my thighs are—''

''Fat, yes brat. Now, place your big foot on the stool.''

I swallowed the hurt and crossed my arms on my chest. He pointed at the short stool. I placed my foot on it. ''My legs aren't fat! They're muscles!''

''Yeah, yeah.''

I scoffed at his rudeness. They're muscles!

He crouched and leaned down to secure the straps around my thighs. ''Hand me the knives. Now, up the other leg. Knives…'' He knelt and held out his hand. '' Arm... Knife…Other arm…'' I gave him the last knife and he carefully slipped the knife in the thick material.

I stood up and tried jogging at my position, punching and kicking through the air. ''It's a little weird.''

He stood and placed his hands on his hips, silently appraising me. ''You'll get used to it. That your outfit?''

''Yep!'' I proudly said and gave a little twirl. And its Star wars inspired!

''You have a shit fashion sense.''

''—Hey! This is an original fashion trend! It's extraordinary, out of this world fashion from a galaxy far, far away! - Why do you look like that?''

''You're crazy.''

I flipped my hair and winked. ''Thank you!''

He closed his eyes and shook his head. ''Overall, you have six knives on your legs. That's more than enough since you say you're good at them. And you have two twin blades on your arms so you have something to pull out very quickly in a hand-to-hand combat.''

I nodded. I've been smiling way too much, my cheeks started to hurt. This, plus the knives I've collected will me more than good enough. But… man, I didn't know he can be this kind! 'Never judge a book by its cover' is so true.

''…Overall, that's 115, 000 Jennies. Including the weapon straps, that will be 195,000 Jennies.''

''…''

''Don't tell me after all my help, you can't pay?''

''…Oy, Old man…'' I growled out. ''That can't be that much! You're pulling my leg!'' I shouted. What the fuck? That's fucking expensive!

''Well, if you can't pay shit, you can't buy shit! Give them back!''

''No!''

''WHAT?! Give 'em!''

''You're fucking with me!''

''And if I was… Wait—What did you just say, brat!?''

I smirked and covered my mouth dramatically. ''Oh… Did I offend your virgin ears? I'm sorry!''

''WHAT!?''

I laughed heartily at his expression.

''Who the hell taught you those words?!''

''What… like fuck, shit, bullshit, shithole, asshole, asshat, fuckers, fucking hell, dickheads, pus-''

''STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP!'' Still laughing, I slapped away the huge hand in front of my face. Then, I threw Mito's purse towards him. He caught it. There's four big steps towards the door and it's a pull.

''That's my first instalment!'' 1, 2, 3, 4, PULL!

The doorbell rang.

''—BRAT!''

''Goodbye Blacksmith-san! Thank you for your help!

And I sprinted away at full-speed.


The blacksmith pinched at his nose and sighed. He stood in front of his shop and stared at the dusty road. The girl, only in a matter of seconds, was gone.

''... Quiet genius, my ass. That girl's crazy. Not to mention, a fucking potty mouth.'' He murmured to himself.

''...What to expect? It's Ging's girl.''


Dinner that night was a quiet affair. Mito didn't talk much and Grandmother Abe remained her calm and smiling self. Gon also was uncharacteristically quiet. After dinner, Gon and I climbed up to our room.

After a while, in my pyjamas, I decided to eavesdrop and sat at the top of the stairs.

''It must be in the blood. No one has been able to catch the Lord after Ging pulled it off, at age 12. And now, his son has accomplished the same feat, at the same age. His eyes has the same shine as his father's. We can no longer stop him.''

I silently agreed with Grandmother Abe.

''And how about Gin? Gin's different!''

I stiffened.

''She'll go wherever her twin will go, Mito. Those two came here together, they will leave together, and come back together. We can't stop her either.''

Mito stood up. ''Excuse me, Grandmother.''

I stood and walked back to our room. I laid down in bed and opened a book, pretending to read. Mito's footsteps sounded from the stairs. She hesitated by the door for a moment then went in with an added determination in her steps. She addressed Gon, asking again if he was sure of what he's planning to do.

''He chose being a hunter over raising you and your sister, Gon!'' He did, didn't he? Selfish, bastard.

''Isn't amazing?'' Gon replied and caught Mito off guard. ''Being a hunter is so great, he was willing to abandon his own kids!'' Yes. Someone needs to sort out his priorities. Why have kids when he can't raise them?

''Being a hunter is a dangerous job! You'll never know when you'll lose your life! I inwardly nodded. Tell me all about it, Mito. Why do you think I have these dark circles around my eyes? My mind just keeps making up things of how I'd die!

''I want to become a hunter and discover why it's so important to my dad!''

I closed my eyes and tried to keep my anger at bay. God, I hate it when this topic comes out.

''And you? Gin? You know how dangerous everything is, right?'' Mito's voice shook, she knew there was no hope in stopping us and yet, she still tried. She's amazing.

''I'll go wherever Gon goes, Auntie.'' I said softly. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. ''I will keep his reckless ass safe. That's a promise.''

Mito's eyes softened in relief. Then, all of a sudden, her eyes sparked fire. ''Gin! What did I say about language!?''

''Ah… Haha…''


Author's note:

Whoo! This took me like...a day and a half to finish! I think I overdid writing because my eyes are now hurting a little from the glare of my computer. But oh well... So... Gin decided to have knives as her main weapons. What do you think of her outfit? Also, what do you think so far of her character? I'd love to hear your thoughts! But thank you for reading! Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!

To animagirl: My first reviewer! Thanks so much ! Yes! I finished the whole manga ages ago. Haha Well... Like you, I just don't really like Kyouya! Urgh! I know he's handsome and sexy but he was just so awfully tsundere! He's got some cute moments and I understand that he's personality is just like that but... (growls). Yeah.. I understand your point about Erika, too and yes! I think she's so frustrating to watch! But I'm happy that she found something she really liked to do, though. Something outside of Kyouya. But I just hate that arc with Rina! You know that right? I mean... WTF? Hahaha! I guess my personality is just a little different from Erika. Too prideful (like Kyouya) and too much of a feminist. But I know the feeling of wanting to fit in too. Anyhow, thanks for your review and thank you for liking Gin! Please continue reading and giving me your thoughts when you're not too busy.

So long, readers!

xoxo

Abby D.