I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to post today. Turns out, I made it! I'm glad I did, too. I was worrying about it all day. Well, I am glad, but...I guess I also could've used an extra day. I've mentioned that the progress with this story has been slow before, and it is. It's coming along, don't worry, but I don't have much leisure time to work with. Meaning, I don't have much of a buffer as to where I am in writing and where I am in posting. That buffer is how I keep a steady schedule for updating. I need to pick up the pace a bit. Luckily, I just hit a good part and got super into writing, so I'm good for now, but I'm still anxious about catching up and having to delay posting for you guys. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Anyway, enjoy!


I yank Komugi aside in the hallway and ask, "Could you take off your glasses?"

It takes her a few moments to recognize my voice before she obediently slips them off. "Why?"

"It's a project for biology," I explain, hastily taking the picture before telling her she can put her glasses back on. "We moved on to genetics yesterday and were told to take pictures of someone's eyes for a project. The teacher says that eyes are the best examples of the complexity of genetic make-ups, or something like that. I forgot to take it last night, and this morning you'd left before I could ask. Thank you, I won't keep you any longer."

"N-no, thank you for thinking about me," she stutters out, sniffing.

Just like that, we stand there silent for a moment. Then I wave, "See you tonight," and hop off down the hallway to go to Nen training. As I make my way through the halls, it occurs to me that I could detour. I don't particularly want to go practice Nen, since Killua's going to be there, and I could reason that I went to drop off my camera in my room. Wing being the teacher, I could probably get away with it...but Killua would probably not be so accommodating. Ah, and I really shouldn't be late during my first week!

...a week. What is this, my sixth...seventh day here? My feet actually stop moving as I think about it. It's already been a week? I actually survived this long? The days have felt a bit like they're all melding together, ever since I came here. I wonder how long I'll be here. I'm sure Gon would pay for my traveling fees if I wanted to go home, just like he paid the tuition for me to go here. Actually, I had been planning on returning home to visit on the first break I got, but I can't do that now with the play. But what about besides breaks? Am I actually going to stay here...and graduate? I don't even know how long that would take! I don't know if I can stand it for a year, or more. And Gon will probably graduate before I do...or is that how it works here? From what I've gathered, time isn't an actual requirement for graduation at this school. But it would make sense if he's closer to graduating than I am, since he's been here half a year already.

I blink, realizing that the halls have almost entirely cleared out, and skip into a rush. I'm an idiot! If I'd wanted to go put my camera away, I should have done it just now! Now I'm going to be late, and have to protect the camera! Mr. Omokage will kill me if I return this to him damaged!

The second I step out into the yard, Killua's voice reaches my ears. "What held you up?"

I flinch, stopping in my tracks. I don't think I've ever wished to have a weaker body before, but now I do, so I would be panting and actually look like I dashed over as fast as I could. Which I did.

"My grade relies on your progress, you realize," he goes on griping. "Wing's going to make your progress my test grade, which means I've got to rely on you to pass this class! I won't have you slacking off!"

"My apologies," I close my eyes, reigning in the urge to huff. Why is Gon friends with this guy? He always described Killua as a good guy in his letters, but he's nothing of the sort! Gon was right, however, when he said that Killua seems to be good at everything. The guy's got a talent for pissing me off.

"If you're sorry, get to work! We're working on Ren, remember? Take a good look at my aura right now."

Indeed, hs aura spikes off of him furiously, enveloping a good five feet radius around him. I set my camera down in a nearby rock, stepping away from it to attempt to copy him. Of course, it takes me multiple tries and a bucket full of 'encouragement' from Killua to get my aura to begin protruding outwards.

"Alright," Killua nods when I've finally got it. "Now hold that for three minutes."

My eyes widen, and I nearly falter in my efforts to keep Ren going. "You're joking! This pressure is as strong as if I was supporting twice my own bodyweight dangling off a cliff with one hand!"

"If that's the metaphor you want to use, then just hang off that metaphorical cliff there for three minutes. If you don't, you'll fall do-wn to your death."

I clench my teeth, sweat already beaded on my face. You know, I actually might be looking forward to the play. It'll be fun to chase this guy around with murderous intent and without consequence. A little too much fun, perhaps.

"Hey, how's Mito doing?"

I startle from the sudden question, but quickly stabilize. "Shouldn't we refrain from talking so I can concentrate?"

"I'm your teacher, and you'll answer when I question you," he shoots back. "You also will not lose focus, or you'll be punished. Now, answer my question."

"My mom's fine," I pant, blinking hard to prevent sweat from dripping in my eyes.

"And your grandma?"

I eye him. "Why do you care?"

"Stop asking and start answering."

"She's healthy as ever."

"What's been going on at Whale Island? Economy, events, anything significant? Tell me a story."

"Sorry," I grumble. "There's nothing to tell. It's the same as always."

"Ah, you're boring. You seriously can't think of anything?"

"Well excuse me! Excuse me for having lived on the quietest island in the ocean where nothing interesting ever happens!"

He smirks, and my temper flares wildly. "You really aren't the brightest. Whale Island is amazing! I've never been to such a peaceful place, and the forests are so much fun to explore! You live there, and yet you can't even see that much? You really have no stories?"

As he talks, it feels like the fire in me dies. Even though he just called me an idiot...does he really think so highly of Whale Island? It isn't all that great, but he actually likes it? I don't think I've ever heard such praise for the island from an outsider. It's….I don't know. I feel kind of fluffy about it.

Then he snickers, and that fluffiness fades. "I-diot. Your aura reflects your feelings if you're not careful! Everyone can see how you feel!"

Blood rushes into my cheeks, mortified. Mortified and undeniably furious. "You did that on purpose!"

"Mm, maybe. And there's your three minute mark. You're done."

My Nen immediately falls away, but the damage is done. Half of the class has stopped to stare at the two of us. My fists shake with the strain of keeping myself in place as I fight the need to run away.

"I really hate you," I seethe, only loud enough for Killua to hear. Then my blood runs cold when he grins, his eyes possessing clear murderous intent.

"The feeling's mutual."

"That was wonderful control of your aura," Wing compliments, stepping over to us and giving Killua a warning glance, "although it fluctuated quite a bit. Still, most aren't able to last that long on their first try, or even their third."

I keep my mouth shut, simply nodding. Honestly, I don't particularly care that I did well. I would have rather done terrible instead, considering what just happened.

"You should be aware that, unless you pay attention, Nen will always show some aspect of your emotions. It isn't always obvious, but it'll be there if someone looks. If you're embarrassed to be so open, you'll have to learn to better control your aura."

Although Wing smiles at me, the blood drains from my face. You mean...you mean if I don't learn, everyone will be able to see me? They'll be able to read my emotions? That's as good as them reading my mind! Why did I ever sign up for this?

Maybe...no, I already decided I won't leave, but then what is there to do? Master Nen? How long will that take?

"You'll be fine," Killua mumbles, hands stuffed into his pockets. "How many times do I have to say it? My grade depends on you, so you'll excel."

"You won't be doing that again this class, though," Wing instructs. "It would be unhealthy to push your body so hard for so long, so take it easy meditating the rest of the hour. Killua, you can do the same."

"Yes sir," the boy yawns.

Wing adds, "No napping."

I sit on the ground before the two of them finish their bickering, collecting myself. At least after this class, I can spend the rest of the day in my room. I can just eat a large breakfast in the morning to make up for skipping dinner. I'm actually glad I only chose four classes, 'cause if I'd chosen any more, I'd have to have multiple classes in a single day. It's kind of nice to be done after one class period.

Killua plops down nearby, closing his eyes and meditating. His aura immediately draws attention, his entire body glowing steadily. No one could mistake him for a beginner. Even to me, it's obvious he's been at it for years.

I close my eyes and try not to think about him. It doesn't matter how good at it he is; I need to work on my own Nen.

XX

"You know, I was told you're a prodigy, but I never asked what for." I glance over to Komugi, who's busy attempting to organize the books piled at the foot of her bed.

At my words, she fumbles and drops the book in her hand. "Oh, um, I'm really good at playing Gungi. The best, actually."

"Hm, I've never heard about it," I admit. "Is it a board game, like chess? Or a sport?"

"A b-board game. Apparently, I started using Nen while playing without knowing it."

"You'll have to teach me how to play sometime." Who would have thought you could get into this school just by playing a game well?

"I would be glad to!" Komugi grins. Then her smile vanishes and she wipes her nose. "I-if, that is, you'll accept me as a teacher."

"I'm sure you'll be a fine teacher," I assure her flippantly. "You're talented enough at the game to be considered a prodigy, after all. Maybe we can do it over summer break, when we get bored of the festival."

"Of course!"

Komugi responds, but I've already shifted my laying position to face the wall. They really let her into the school just for being able to play a board game? She did say she was the best, but does that the world's best? Or does that just mean she's a top contender? Either way, what an odd way to use Nen. I never considered something like that. I guess...I really should think of what I want to do with my Nen. I haven't really thought about it before. What is it I want to do with my life?

As I stare at the wall, I blink in surprise. Actually...have I really never….I haven't. Not once. All I ever thought about was...Gon? How I could follow Gon? I knew it was often on my mind, but I never realize how...domineering it was. If he's all I ever considered, then...who am I?

Do I even have a dream?


What to talk about... How about that little revelation she had at the end? You know, when she realizes she's never really thought of her future. I think this moment is the real beginning of her life, or, at least, a giant step forward in her life. She's finally begun to think of herself and where's she's going, rather than just trailing after her cousin. Before this, the most she ever really considered herself was through the negative feelings she got from Gon's absence. She also seems to have the tendency to be kinda hard on herself. Have you noticed? What else have you noticed about her character? One of you guys mentioned that she had a mean-spice. That's an awesome description! I look forward to hearing what else you guys have to say!

Till then, Kisses from SnowyNeko! :3 MEOW!