AN: Honestly... who the heck taught Ging Nen? Is he that good that he learned it himself? Anyways! Here is the final chapter! I really hope it's good; I struggled writing this because I was very reluctant to let it go.

P.S. Sorry for any mistakes I may have missed.

Chapter 21: Back Home x To x Whale Island - Part 2

Looking back to the bed where his son slept soundly, a small frown swept his facial before he turned back seriously to the metal plate box in front of him. It was about 2am when he woke up almost violently in a cold sweat. For the nth time for who knows how long, he had another nightmare about her...

Ging's been trying so hard to erase her from his memory, but she always came back to haunt his dreams. Well, it's not particularly her that's haunting him, it's the nightmare of reliving the night he lost her. How incredibly weak and useless he'd become. And because of those lingering feelings… he's preparing for the worst. Or possibly what's best for Gon.

He's about to break his promise.

This time not being selfish yet selfish at the same time, he decided to listen to his gut feeling and prepared a set of clues for Gon to follow if and when he became a Hunter.

Using the items he already had in his bag, Ging had taken the time to record a tape for his son explaining his reasons for 'leaving' because in the end, his selfishness would have gotten the best of him. Putting it in a colorful box, he also put in the ring and memory card for Greed Island since he already had it with him to give to Gon when he got older. Although, he thought he was going to give it to him in person instead of leaving it in a box that may or may not be opened.

Is this what's really become of him? Does he have to paint the image of the inner bad person that he is to his son?.

Once he finished sealing the first box within a metal plated one, Ging set it aside then looked outside through the glass sliding door. It's still early morning as the night sky was still displaying it's twinkling stars.

"What am I doing?" Closing his eyes pinching of the bridge of his nose, he released an elongated sigh. "Sky… I really don't know what the heck you saw in me that you loved so much." he chuckled to himself when an image of her smiling popped inside his head, drawing out a sweet smile that played on his lips. "I always thought you were crazy for loving a selfish man like me." Looking over to the bed again where Gon slept, "Thank you for everything."

Standing up, he cautiously straighten up the hotel room in silence so he wouldn't wake up the toddler. Picking up the trash and setting used towels to the side, he quietly put their things that was sprawled across the room back into his bag before heading towards the bed.

It's almost time to catch the boat back home.

Approaching the young toddler who was sleeping on his stomach, Ging knelt down and started poking his son's cheek with an index finger. "Gon, it's time to wake up."

No response.

"Gon…" he shook him lightly. "Come on sleepy head, you gotta wake up." the young toddler whined a little, flipping onto his side facing his back towards the Hunter. "I know I'm tired too buddy, but I need you to get dressed and brush your teeth." Ging gently rubbed his son's back soothingly until Gon finally decided to sit up.

Rubbing his eyes with tiny balled fists whilst letting out a yawn, "Daddy, where we going?"

"Do you remember me telling you about Whale Island?"

"No." Gon said flatly, slightly irking Ging who contorted his face in a brief frowning scrunch and squinted eyes. Looking at his son suspiciously who looked back at him with heavy clouded eyes from sleep.

"Well, Whale Island used to be my home. It was the place I grew up at."

"Oh. W-why we going?" Gon turned around and carefully slid off the bed while Ging watched, making sure that he didn't fall and hurt himself.

"Well there's family we need to see." ruffling the toddler's already messy bed hair, "Get dressed and when you're ready, we'll brush our teeth." It didn't take long for him to let out a chuckle when Gon's cute face formed into a small pout. "Don't look at me like that, we do this every morning and night. Now show me your teeth."

He smiled, happily showing off what few teeth he has. "Are you brushing too?"

"Yup, I have too. We can have a race on who brushes their teeth the fastest. How does that sound?"

"Yea!" Gon cheered, all traces of sleep long gone.

"Alright, take some clothes out first and I'll help you dress, and then we can start the race. Okay?" The Hunter spoke almost excitedly, trying to encourage the toddler to want to brush his teeth.

"Kay!" He took off running towards the bag.

"It's cold outside so take out something warm."

"Kay!"

Gon moved with bursts of energy in everything he did. He messily tossed out clothing in search of his own and all Ging could do was sit on the bed feeling extra tired whilst watching in confusion.

"Geez, where does he get all that energy from?" He's not really complaining since he didn't have to force Gon out of bed because he was still sleepy, but sometimes dealing with his very energetic son this early in the morning can be very tiring and very much annoying.

"Are these warm?" Gon held up a sweater and a pair of pants.

"Yeah." Ging sighed, lifting from the bed walking over to his son.

After helping Gon dress a little and tying his shoes for him, Ging finished dressing himself in his usual attire. When he and Gon had a small race on teeth brushing, although his competitive side wanted to win, he had to keep in mind that when he compared himself to the two-year old toddler, he's practically a teeth brushing master. So he let his son win the race… just as long as he somewhat brushed his teeth, that's all that truly mattered.

When they left the hotel room after Gon helped him clean up a little bit more, they traveled down the docking area and bought breakfast before heading onto the boat. Letting his son energetically roam freely hoping he'll tire himself out before their departure. Ging sat down on the ground of the deck, resting his back against the the boat's wall and looked up to the lit starry morning.

"It's going to feel weird going back home." he chuckled, "I can imagine the look on Grandma's face when she sees Gon… and Mito…" He averted his eyes away from the sky to the toddler who ran about on the deck, grabbing the attention of women who giggled and commented how cute he was. "Hmmm, Mito was a little older than Gon when I left. She was about three right?"

"Daddy! Look a da bird." His little finger pointed high into the sky towards the white seagull who rested on one of the sails.

"I see." Ging watched the bird until it flew away. "Has it really been ten years since I've last been home? It feels a lot shorter than that." Ging closed his eyes thinking about his life over the last ten years.

About fifteen minutes later, the boat started to make its departure from the dock and instantly Ging felt his heart starting to race. It's not everyday he felt this nervous and Whale Island from where they're at now will only take a couple of hours to arrive, give or take. His back is against the wall and hands are tied when it comes to Gon… he hopes that they'll agree to watch from for a while, while he's out doing his own thing.

Calling the Gon over so he could stop running around like a lunatic and to avert the women's attention off of his son. Ging had him settled down next to him so that they could play a game because in the next few agonizing hours, it will probably be his last time to spend time like this with his son. The gut feeling that's been following for a while now is telling him that he'll no longer have his son with him.

Not like the way they are now at least.

"Gon."

"Yes Daddy?"

"Are you happy?" he asked almost sadly. Gon shook his head excitedly as he placed down random cards for their 'little game'. "Good, I'm glad that you are."

Ging set down his own set of cards to this ruleless game. The feeling of losing something dawned at him and attempted to dig underneath his skin when Gon's lively eyes, that reminded him so much of Skylar's, clashed with his-

"Daddy?"

"Hmmm?"

"Are you happy?"

He smiled almost sadly, "Yeah… I am."

#

His throat tightened and heart dropped to his stomach as the sense of nausea washed over him almost completely, but he cannot find the words or the means to express the uneasy anxiety that's inside. When Whale Island came into view, he was nervous, but now that the boat had actually stopped at the dock and it's passengers were leaving. This long awaited guilt moment is finally coming to life.

Waiting until almost all the passengers to left the boat, Ging took hold of his inner courage and grabbed his bag tossing it over his shoulder. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah!" Gon held out his arms when his father leaned down and picked him up to carry in his arm.

"Say goodbye to all your lady friends." Ging exited the boat and Gon happily waved bye to the very beautiful crowd of giggling women who waved their goodbyes back to him. The windy day showed him no mercy as he walked through and about the familiar town that hadn't really changed the past ten years. His childhood memories started to wash his mind, giving him a great sense of nostalgia as he thought back to the times where he was just a small and adventurous boy who felt trapped on the island. One who had no responsibilities and wondered what lied beyond for him off of Whale Island.

Though despite these feelings, it also gave him a sense of remembrance to the joyful and warm feeling of returning home after being away for so long. Funny how when he's been away the longest, Whale Island ended up being his last comfort home to feel somewhat at ease.

After asking for directions to Abe Freecss home, just in case she moved, Ging walked down the dirt road and up the seemingly endless hill top that was surrounded by many green trees that lead to a greater wooded area. The entire time during the walk he tried to make small talk with Gon to help ease his nervousness, but if anything it sort of made it worse.

After all, he came all this way for him.

Finally after another few short minutes of walking, he made it up the hill top where a home stood proudly in front of a beautiful sea of crystal water. So free and far away from the town in it's own personal bubble.

"Daddy, is dis-"

"Not now… just hold on okay?" He looked over to Gon before stepping closer to the door. Ging's heart pounded ever so loudly in his ear, against his chest, an earthquake couldn't compare to how shaken up he feels on the inside. With small hesitation…

He knocked on the door.

"Coming!" An older woman's voice sounded. Ging took a few steps back holding Gon even closer to him when locks of the door clicked open and then- "How may I…." the grandmother's eyes widened in disbelief. "My eyes must finally be deceiving me right now... is that really you Gin-"

"Grandma who is it?" A much younger voice radiated from inside the house before coming to view next to the elder woman. Her eyes too had widened in shock. "Ging?"

The Hunter cleared his throat, "You've gotten a lot taller and older since last time… Mito."

"That's what happens you never bother coming back to see us or even keep in contact for ten years. People grow up and move on with their lives-" She looked to the young toddler her cousin's arms. "Obviously you have."

"He looks like Ging, that's for sure." She thought to herself.

"Mito-" The grandmother lightly scolded for her unnecessary attitude. "Be nice, Ging has finally come home and he doesn't need to be bombarded with your little attitude." she eyed the very young teenager before looking back to her grandson. "Would you like to come in?"

"I don't-"

"Come on in, there's a lot of catching up to do don't you think?" She smiled at him before looking over to the young boy in his arms with a bigger smile. "Is he allergic to anything?" Abe moved out of the way allowing Ging to enter.

Looking at his cousin briefly then turned to his grandmother. "No, he's not allergic or is picky. He pretty much eats whatever you give him." Ging set down his bag carefully before also putting Gon down, telling his son to take off his shoes.

"Umm," Mito approached Ging sheepishly. "What's his name?"

"Gon."

"Gon?...Gon...Gon." She tried out his name before smiling. Kneeling down to the ground where the said boy hid behind Ging's leg clinging onto his coat, "Hi Gon, my name is Mito. It's a pleasure to meet you." She held out her hand cautiously, watching as he shyly held out his hand and placing his in hers.

"Hi…"

"Would you like some cookies?"

Gon's expression changed dramatically to that of excitement. He looked up to his father who nodded his head in approval. "Ya!"

Mito giggled, "Alright, I'll show you the way." The young teen stood holding onto Gon's hand and directed him into the kitchen. Ging watched carefully, smiling on the inside knowing that if his grandmother and cousin agrees to take care of him for a while, then he knows for certain that he'll be in good hands.

Not like he ever doubted them in the first place.

"Well-" the older woman cleared her throat looking up at Ging. "Because you are your father's son, I assume you have come here because you were left with no other choice… your dad always tried to do things on his own before asking for help." She smiled at Ging who lightly smiled back. "How about we talk in the dinning room, you have a lot of explaining to do."

"Right…." Following his grandmother into the dining area, they both sat on opposite sides across from each other. Mito came in a moment later with a plate of cookies and Gon following her close behind with a chocolate chip cookie already stuffed in his mouth. Seeing how serious her grandmother was, she directed Gon into the living room instead.

"How are you Ging? You look well, you've even gotten very handsome." Abe shamelessly complimented.

"I'm fine, I've gone through some things, but everything is okay. How are you?"

"I can almost say the same. Your Aunt and Uncle passed in an accident a few years back so it's just been Mito and I. Trying to live normal and peaceful life."

"Hmmm. How is she-"

"Ging, Gon is in the living room playing with a toy he got from your bag. Is that okay?"

"It's not a problem." He awkwardly shifted in his seat when Mito joined them at the table.

"I guess we should start... I assume Gon is your son?" Abe started.

"He is… my one and only."

"So why have you come back Ging? Is being a Hunter not satisfying enough for you?" Mito glared at him, still feeling bitter that he just up and left her behind without saying a word all those years ago. Ging was the only one she had it seemed and when their already small family started to drop like flies with her parents death and his father's disappearance, leaving just her and her grandmother. She really wanted to know how her cousin was doing. She really cared for him and thought that he would at least keep in contact. She'd waited for him for all these years and when she finally gave up on him, here he is. Popping up out of the blue with a son whom nobody knew existed.

Can you blame her for feeling like that?

"Mito." Ging looked at her almost distastefully. He really hates dealing with people with attitudes, but he's putting up with her's because he sort of 'owe' it to her for not saying goodbye even when he knew how fond she was of him. Turning to his grandmother, "Grandma… something came up and I can't take care of Gon without him being put at risk. I came back home hoping that maybe you can babysit him for me while I'm gone."

"What about his mother?" Mito asked, nodding a head towards the living room where Gon resided.

Ging looked into his cousin's eyes. She couldn't have known how her simple-minded question sent a tolerable yet forceful pang in his chest. He doesn't like talking about her and if he did... it was very rare that it happened. Matter of fact, because he doesn't like talking about her, he almost forgot to mention her in the tape he recorded for Gon. He didn't like speaking of her for Gon, but he had to know of course. It is his mother and he might be curious about her one day.

"We were separated." It was all he wanted to say. He glanced over to Mito whose eyes were focused and held back great resentment towards him. But after what he's gone through, her little sore eyes of anger doesn't phase him a single bit.

"How long will it be?" Abe asked.

"Indefinite."

Staring into her grandson's steady eyes, she could see past his calm demeanor and see that he's desperate. She doesn't really want to pry herself in his business by asking a million questions, so if he needs help, then of course she will help. Ging is family and this also will be a great time to get to know more about the new addition of the Freecss family. Her great-grandson Gon. With an honest smile on her face, she started to speak. "If you need help then-"

"Are you Crazy?!" Mito stood from her seat slamming her hands onto the the wooden table staring right into Ging's eyes.

"Mito-" Abe started but was cut off by the boiling angered teen again.

"No Grandma!" she unintentionally yelled at her, but focused her source of anger towards her silly cousin. "You can't do that Ging. You just can't pop out of nowhere and expect us to put our lives on hold because you want to be irresponsible. That is your son and you should take care of him! If what you're doing is that dangerous then drop it and take care of him instead. He's going to need you Ging!"

"Mito I wasn't talking to you." The young father said a little hard out of annoyance. Who is she to butt in his business like that? Why in the world would he ask her? She's too young to make a big choice like this.

"It doesn't matter! How dare you leave us all alone and expect us to take care of your son for you for who knows how long. You can't do that! You leave for ten years and you expect us to be okay with this favor of yours as you abandon your son for some silly adventure. No! You're a parent Ging."

"Why are you yelling to me about things I already know Mito? I know I'm a father and because I'm a father I'm looking out for my son and doing what's best for him for the time being."

"So abandoning is your answer? Is that how your fathering skills work Ging?"

Ging stood from his seat briskly throwing his hands onto the table like what she had done earlier. He really doesn't want to lose his cool like this, but this girl is bugging him and the more she points out the obvious the more she digs under his skin.

"I'm not abandoning him and I'm not going to sit here and explain myself to you when I wasn't even asking you. I'm looking out for my son's life and I knew that if I brought him here then he would be in a much safer place than if I kept him with me. I'm not asking you to watch him forever, just until I come back."

"You can't be a Hunter then!" She choked out as tears started to spill from her puffy eyes.

"But I am a Hunter Mito, it's time for you to accept and get over it." He sent her a glare before looking over to his grandmother who wore a deep sorrow expression. "I'm leaving."

"Then leave! But Gon stays here. Obviously it will be irresponsible for Grandma and I to let you leave with him. I can't allow you to leave him here for an indefinite amount of time, come back to take him with you, and possibly come back again because of some dangerous thing you're doing. If you want what's best for Gon than he is here to stay forever! I'll be his guardian and I will make sure you will never see him again."

"If taking custody of my son away from me is what you think will keep him from me for good then so be it." He's feeling pissed that Mito had the nerve to intervene like that and think that she can play mind games on him. He knows he's not the best father and already accepted it. He knows that he is selfishly picking his career over raising his son, but if it means Gon will have a better and happier life out of his custody, then so be it. He's failed Skylar so many ways now, but he has no other choice.

He is who he is and that's not going to change.

Exchanging one last look with his grandmother, he walked over to the living room where Gon sat quietly with a confused yet very sad expression on his features. Walking past his son, he went to his bag by the door and took out whatever toys and clothing that belong to Gon and neatly set it aside. Looking at his son who looked like he wanted to cry now, Ging closed his eyes knowing that if he said something to him then it is going to hurt him more and be harder to let him go.

He pulled out the Nen box and stood when Mito came to his side still in tears.

"Give this to Gon when he becomes a Hunter." Mito's lithe fingers softly brushed against his when she took the box. Giving one last look to what's left of his family, Ging picked up his bag, opened the door, and left without saying another word.

Mito stepped outside and shouted as her tears fell harder, "Don't you ever come back here!"

Realization hit Gon hard as he quickly brushed past the 'strangers' and hastily put on his shoes sloppily. His little heart fluttered fast against in his chest out of fear. He goes wherever his dad goes right? He's not going to leave without him right? Gon rushed out of the house ignoring the calls of the ladies as his eyes focused intently on his father's back who continued to look away.

"Daddy!" Gon ran as fast as his little feet could carry him, but it didn't even matter how fast or how hard he ran… his father became too far to reach. And as hard as it was to see him walk out and being left behind with people he didn't really know… he stopped. Out of breath and out of hope. "Daddy...where are you going?"

Gon sat on the ground and held his hand out waiting to be tickled so he didn't have to cry… but he never bothered turning around. His back continued to face him until he was no longer in sight. Golden hues filled with a pool of tears and spilled as he started to cry. He doesn't understand why he is being left behind. Why? Why would he leave without saying a word?

"Mito don't you think you were a hard on Ging?" Abe watched distantly at the crying toddler who wailed for his father.

"No and I meant every word. We both know that Ging isn't suited for parenting. He can't keep doing that to his son... not when he's so young."

"You're blinded by your rage Mito. Can't you see that you've just torn a son away from his father whom he clearly loved unconditionally?" The elder woman pointed to Gon who cried even harder. "I guess it's a good thing he's still young… he might not remember any of this as he gets older." Abe retreated inside the house, "And bring that child inside before he catches a cold!"

Feeling a little guilty to what she have just done, she set the box to the side before heading outside towards the wailing child. "Gon…" he looked at her, tears still streaming down his puffy cheeks that matched his teary eyes. "Everything's going to be okay… I'm here for you." She picked him up holding him close in her arms as he continued to cry out for his father.

Giving one last look down the hill where Ging left, a sense of deja vu filled her before turning around walking to the house whilst rubbing the toddlers back. There's no way she's going to let Gon turn into his father. If being a Hunter means being abandoning everything that's important to chase after fantasy dreams...then by all means...she won't let Gon be a Hunter like her irresponsible and selfish cousin.

"Gon, this will be nothing more than a forgotten memory… it won't hurt for too long."

Epilogue - Before DC

"What am I doing here? She's going to flip the world if I show up." Ging rested against the railing of the bridge looking down at the coursing water underneath made him feel a little uncomfortable. It's been twelve years since he last stepped foot on this bridge where his life changed forever…

"I hope you didn't change your mind about me tagging along while you slept. That would be a very bad thing."

"Well I'm already here… might as well make myself known." Turning away from the water, the Hunter nervously dug his hands in his pockets and walked into the semi-busy streets. Since the last time he came here, which was when Gon was still very small, the town had changed so much where it became almost unrecognizable. That's bound to happen naturally.

"Ging! Isn't it beautiful?"

Tugging at the blue scarf around his neck, "Is hot out here or what?" He disliked the position he's in right now. Since his meeting with with Gon on the World Tree, all he could ever think about is her. He managed to cast her away from his thoughts over the years almost completely, but as always… she found a way to slither into his mind. Maybe that's why he's here today before he gets ready to leave for the Dark Continent.

He's here to pay an old friend a long overdue visit.

After walking almost aimlessly for another ten minutes, he finally found himself standing in front of the small cafe he head she worked at. It's been almost fourteen years since he last saw her... has life changed for her like it has changed for him? Ignoring the sign that read closed, "Today it's going to be opened early for me." Ging mumbled and pushed past the door, alarming a small bell upon his entrance. His eyes traced all around the cafe looking at the many decorations until one spot on the wall grabbed his attention. He wanted to step closer and take a look to ease his racing heart... but-

"I'm sorry, were not open yet." A petite woman came from the back of the cafe wiping her hands with a towel as she made her way to the front. "If you could please just-" the brunette's heart stopped, her hand lightly lifted over her mouth in shock and her eyes widened as she stared at the man in front of the cafe.

"Yo, it's been a long time… hasn't it Hana."

"Ging?" Tears welled in her eyes, "Ging!" Hana instantly dropped the towel she was holding to run and practically jumped the much older Hunter, holding him in a very tight embrace. "Oh, Ging! It's been so long since I've last seen you. I can't believe you didn't bother saying hi or stopping by over the years. Wait!" she gasped, "Not long ago a few of my customers talked about a young Hunter being in critical condition and I was so worried for him because I heard it was your son. How is he? Is he doing better? What have you two been doing this entire time? What did you do two-"

"Hana." Ging blushed, pushing her off of him. "I wasn't with Gon when he got hurt, but if it makes you feel any better he's doing fine now."

"Oh good." She stepped away with a smile. "That's a relief. So tell me everything, what have you been up to?" She walked to an empty table and he followed her. Waiting for him to sit down, Hana just couldn't help, but feel happy to see him again. Her life has changed a lot over the last few years, but she always wondered what kind of life Ging and Gon had together. It annoyed her how she was never able to pinpoint Ging to actually send a letter or call him. He's a pretty hard man to find and so she gave up and hoped that one day he would stroll in like he did today.

She couldn't be anymore happier than she is right now.

"You go first, tell me what you've been up to." Ging smiled at the pretty woman. Hana hadn't really changed much it seemed...he's just happy she didn't chew him out like how his cousin did all those years ago. Hana's brown hair has gotten a lot longer but he couldn't quite tell how long since it's up in a ponytail and despite the natural aging, she still looks pretty great. Still very pretty indeed.

"Well, I've been married for seven years now and I have two kids of my own. My oldest is a girl, Emily, she's five. And my youngest is a boy, Alex, he is three. They're quite a handful and sometimes they drive me insane, but they're really good children. Honestly, I don't know how you did it Ging. How could you be a parent and be a Hunter at the same time? That must've been difficult." She smiled happily, meeting his brown eyes.

"It did get difficult and I stopped raising Gon when he was two. Long story short, I turned to my family in need of a babysitter and I ended up losing custody. In the end I think it was for the best, even if it was hard on me. Though I did leave him things to help find me if he wanted to see me. I kept tabs on him over the years so it wasn't like I was totally absent from his life."

"But you weren't there for him either." Ging shrugged his shoulders and Hana just rolled her eyes. "Have you at least seen him since?"

"Yeah… we had uh..." he turned away awkwardly, recalling the embarrassing reunion during the election. Having him crying and apologizing so suddenly just made him flustered even more, especially when it was in front of a lot of people. "It was very interesting and before you ask I would not have that reunion again. It was just too much for me, but we did meet again later on."

"Oh, yeah? How is he?"

"He's a really good kid. We spent hours talking and he reminded me so much of...her." The Hunter looked to his old time friend. Yes, he and Gon may share a lot of similarities, but Gon reminded him so much of Skylar. They both were energetic and had bubbly personalities.

Observing at how distant he almost became, "Ging… all those years ago when you asked me to handle your home. I kept a lot of personal belongings and sold the house. I assume you don't want any photographs, but when I was going through Skylar's personal items… I found a letter that was written for you."

"For me?"

"Yes, would you like to see it?" Not giving him a chance to answer she stood from her seating and walked to the back. Disappearing for a few minutes leaving Ging alone and slightly confused in his thoughts before she came back with a small letter in her hand. "I've been wanting to give it to you for a really long time, but you're a hard man to track down."

Taking the letter from her, "Did you read it?"

"No." She answered truthfully. There were many times that she wanted to open it, but it's none of her business.

Ging carefully observed the letter and quickly found that there was nothing special to it. A simple white envelope with his name written on it. To this day, after almost fourteen years since her passing, all the crap he's gone through, the fun adventures, reached mini goals, obtaining new information. None of that fulfillment could compare to the little fulfilling time he had with her. To this day he still loves her even if he tried to forget her completely. Thinking about her didn't hurt as much as it used to. He still doesn't like talking about her because it only reminded him how weak he'd been in the past. He was never quite fond of that feeling.

But somewhere along his never-ending journey, he found a way to ease his pain so-

"Wait! What the hell Ging? What are you doing that for?"

"I don't need to read it." He ripped the paper into fragmented pieces. "I don't need a letter from her to tell me how much she loves me or how much she wishes we had a longer life together." he continued ripping as Hana watched in disbelief. "I don't need her to tell me to follow my dreams or to take care of Gon." Ging finished with the last bit of paper and swept them together in a small pile on the table. "I don't need to read about those things because I already know. I know how much she loved me and I know how badly she wanted to share a happy life as a family. I know her and that's all that really matters. Reading that letter won't change anything. What's done is done."

"But.. what if she had to say something else Ging? Did you ever think about that? What if it was something very important?"

"Hana… I've gone fourteen years without knowing what she had to say, let alone that the letter existed. I don't need to know because I don't care anymore."

"If you don't care anymore… then should I keep what really happened to her to myself?" She challenged, though it was futile because all he did was give her a smirk.

"Go ahead. Keep it to yourself... I'm going to find out on my own."

"Wait... you're not-"

"It was nice seeing you again." He gave her a smile raising from his seat and walked towards the door ready to leave when he suddenly felt a small hand grab his. "What Hana?"

Tip-toeing on her toes she attempted to reach his height. Whispering into his ear, "Are you going to the Dark Continent?" She pulled away looking straight in his eyes searching for an answer.

"So you know about it?"

"She told me about it a little. I don't know what it is and I could careless about it."

"Then why-"

"I want you to be safe...please. I will tell you everything that I know about her that she kept away from you if it'll mean that you won't go." she held onto the sleeve of his sweater. "Please Ging...I know we haven't spoken if forever but I still care about you a lot. I care what happens to you and Gon. You two are like family to me."

The Hunter let out a low chuckle, prying her hand off of his sleeve keeping his eyes locked with her hazel hues.

"Do you know who you're talking to?"

"Umm, yeah I do and it scares me that you have so much confidence."

"Don't worry Hana." he placed a hand on her head. "I'm going to be alright... I'll see you in fourteen years" He joked lightly, holding her soft gaze for a short moment then gave her a smile before leaving without saying another word. Feeling speechless, she watched him walk away until he became nothing more than a tiny figure in the distant.

Ging is like the wind... he comes and goes as he pleases. A force that can't be controlled or ever be tamed.

"One day he's going to find out and wants to know why. That's just the way he is...have a little faith in him."

"Skylar… he's so reckless." A smile passed on her lips and turned away from the door. "I wondered if he even noticed this hanging." The brunette turned to the photo that hanged proudly on the wall amongst many other photo and decorations. Bringing life and history to the small family cafe. Lifting a hand, she idly traced over the picture of Skylar who smiled widely holding onto Ging's arm as he himself covered his half his face with the palm of his hand, his mouth visible and open from the complaints he was babbling when the photo was taken. She misses her best friend... she misses the way things used to be. She just hope that Skylar lived that dream she always wanted to have... but-

What will Ging Freecss do next?

Flashback

An idle finger traced along the smooth expanse of her bare back. The early morning sunlight that shone through their bedroom window reflected an ethereal glow off her skin. This is where he secretly wanted to be, by her side and because he already made up his mind about her. He wants to be with her forever.

"Ging?" Skylar stirred from sleep, sounding out a sleepy moan before turning around to face him completely. A fresh blush dusting her cheeks. "You look so handsome."

"Yeah Yeah." He tore his gaze away from her amber eyes in embarrassment.

"Ging?"

"What?"

"If you could only stay in one place forever… where would it be?"

Ging smiled warmly. What kind of question is that? He might not openly express it all the time, but right here right now, where they lay together underneath the sheets after a passionate night as the morning sun shines and brings incredible warmth to their already intoxicating love-

"I would stay here with you...I want to wake up next to you and know that I found something more important than what I wanted."

"Really? This isn't like you Ging. You're starting to sound awfully cheesy." she giggled happily, her pretty smile bringing soft flutters in his heart. Meeting his brown eyes once more, she sighed in euphoria and snuggled against his naked chest. His warmth always brought her comfort and she would gladly turn to him before anything else. "Though I will have to agree with you… there's no place in the world that I rather be than in your arms."

A pink blush painted his cheeks, trying to ignore how she always made his heart race fast. Pulling her body closer to him, he promptly placed a kiss on her forehead and felt that she did the same when he received a kisses from her along his collarbone.

"Ging… don't ever lose sight of what lies beyond past your dreams and desires. If you don't take a look, then you'll miss what's more important to you than you could ever imagine. Make every moment count and enjoy it to the fullest."

"Y'know, you have the weirdest times to start lecturing me." He chuckled.

"I'm just saying this before you leave again." she pulled away slightly to lightly peck him on the lips. "You want that something you can't see in front of you… just don't forget about what you can actually see."

"I see you…" he smiled fondly at his beautiful girlfriend. "If it worries you... I promise to keep that in mind when I'm out on fulfilling and exciting adventures." Ging poked her cheek and she rolled her eyes. He knows she isn't quite fond of him leaving, but she's learning to accept that side of him.

"I love you Ging…"

"Yeah well…" He let go of her, turning over his side with his back facing her, mumbling out a few incoherent words as he swiftly pulled the sheets over his head.

"Huh? I didn't get that Ging!" She giggled as she fought him in a tug-of-war trying to pull the sheets off his face. "Ging, I want know what you said!"

"I didn't say anything, now get off of me you crazy woman!" His voice muffled from the sheets.

"Awww are you shy Ging? You've said it once before, surely you can say it again." Skylar laid on top of him.

"You're harassing me, get off!"

"Not until I hear you say it." She laughed a little before diving underneath the sheets and clung onto his body. Pressing herself firmly against his pack, her arms wrapped around his torso and placed small aimless kisses on his back. After a minute she heard him groan lowly then removed the sheets back down to uncover their faces. Letting out the body heat that formed out and letting the cool air of the room pass over them. "Ging?"

Turning around to face his girlfriend with a deeper blush dusting his cheeks. His eyes connected with her honest ones and he knew that she's going to be the only person he openly say this too. "Sky, do you promise to leave me alone if I say it?"

"No." She smiled, cupping his cheeks, rubbing the pads of her thumb over his stubble facial hairs.

"You're a complicated person, you know that right?"

"Sure."

A smile washed his expression. Brushing her dark hair out of her face, he leaned in close to the shell of her ear, softly whispering: "I love you."

Her heart soared high into the sky, "I love you too."

AN: Oh! I didn't want it to end, but it had too! Thank you so much for everyone who has reviewed, favorited, and followed! It was really encouraging during this journey, especially since this is my very first story. I know in the first few chapters was a bit rough, so I will be doing a lot of heavy editing to fix my many mistakes in all chapters. With that being said, I hope the ending was satisfying enough. I did my best to match Mito's story and the visuals given… but I added some extra so I hope that was good. I decided to pull a Gon and kept Skylar's secret. I left hints in previous chapters and I'll let you decide what really went down. XD

Thank you again for reading till the end all current and future readers! Always feel free to let me know what you think, comment, asks questions, review, etc.

Thank you for the new favorites and followers!

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! thaliaray1812, JokeLover123, and Guest.

Thatsoneperson

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