Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter.

CHAPTER 5

-2 years later-

Renée woke up only to find that the bed next to hers was already empty.

Surprised that Gon didn't wake her up today, she cautiously made it out of bed. She took a quick bath, brushed her teeth and hair, before slipping into a black tank top, maroon shorts, some socks, and her black boots.

"Good morning Tasha!" she greeted cheerily at her foster father.

Tasha smiled at her in return and opened his arms as the girl hugged him. He patted her head affectionately before leading her to the table.

"I want you to eat up today, Renée. Gon might need your help again." he chuckled.

"Again? Shouldn't he be the one who is an expert in fishing? I don't even like the water!" she complained.

Aunt Mito came in and they immediately stopped all conversation about Gon and fishing.

Ever since they told her about knowing Ging's condition, they've been on thin ice for the past two years. Especially when Gon asked her to sign his Hunter Exam Application Form.

She had never seen Aunt Mito so furious. The woman gave Gon a condition, to catch the monster that plagues the river in the forest.

Only then would she sign his form.

Determined to take that exam and venture out on his own, he agreed. This broke Aunt Mito's heart, but she knew it was bound to happen. She just couldn't believe that it happened so soon.

Renée had no problem with asking Tasha for permission. He was worried, but he agreed nonetheless, only telling her to be careful and have fun.

The red-head finished breakfast quickly before clearing her plates and washing them in the sink. "I'll go look for Gon now!" she announced to the two of them before heading out the door.

"Take care!" Tasha yelled after her before falling into a coughing fit. Aunt Mito was beside him in an instant.

"Are you okay Tasha?" she looked at him worriedly. He's been having these fits for weeks now and it has only gotten worse. She knew the man was old but she assumed he was healthy enough, right?

"I'm okay, Mito, thank you." he rasped.

He has gotten worse.

His body is failing him. He was lucky that Renée was out of earshot but then again, with his condition, he wasn't all that lucky after all.

Renée hummed to herself as she walked casually towards the river. It was slightly cloudy today, which was good for Gon. She just hopes that today's the day this is done and over with.

He has broken so many rods before Aunt Mito finally gave him Ging's old one.

The fishing lines weren't an exception either. All of them snapped and frayed until it was of no more use, leaving Renée to buy some for him.

'He did say he'd make it up to me.' she thought, smiling to herself.

She arrived at the river bank to find that her friend was nowhere to be seen. 'Huh? Tasha said he'd be here. Where'd that twerp go?'

Movement in the water caught her eye and she flinched. She was prepared to just run when she heard a voice shout from the tree tops.

"Got it!"

She looked up and saw Gon struggling to keep a hold on the line and at the same time reeling in his catch.

Her eyes widened as the rod bent dangerously and she couldn't help but yell at him before he broke another rod.

"Use your weight you idiot!"

His eyes darted towards her form, far below him, as if realizing just now that she was watching him.

"My weight..?" he pondered aloud.

One could almost see the gears that were turning in his mind before a lightbulb flickered on as he yelled at his sudden epiphany. Gon's grip on the rod tightened and with renewed vigor in his eyes, he ran and leapt, looping the line on a sturdy branch.

The boy was free-falling in the air and Renée couldn't help but be mesmerized as she watched a monstrous fish be lifted from the water.

"I DID IT!" Gon yelled triumphantly, a large grin plastered on his face.

"You could help me you know." Gon breathed at the girl walking in front of him.

Renée only mock-laughed at him in response.

"Right 'cause I really want to touch that fish so I would totally love to help you with it." she said, her words dripping with sarcasm.

The boy can't help but sigh at his friend so he hauled the fish all by himself anyway. It was a challenge given to him after all.

'For the Hunter Exam.' he encouraged himself.

By the time they reached the house, it was already afternoon and a large crowd has started to form around them.

They all murmured, astonished that Gon was able to pull the stunt off.

"A twelve year old kid accomplished what five grown men failed!" one man exclaimed.

"Didn't Ging catch the Lord of the Lake last time when he was twelve?"

"Ah yeah! Must be in the blood."

The boy's chest swelled with pride when he heard their compliments. The case, however, was different for Aunt Mito. It may sound cruel and selfish but she had hoped that the boy would fail on the task she'd given him.

She and Gon stared each other for a long time, hurt meeting determination.

He ran up to her excitedly. "You promised to allow me to take the Exam right?"

The woman walked down the steps and handed him his signed slip. Gon stared hard at the piece of paper, grinning stupidly. "I promise to become a Hunter!" he said as he quickly made his way back to the river, dragging the monster downhill easily.

The crowd dispersed chattering nonstop, returning to their daily tasks.

Renée glanced at Aunt Mito and saw the hurt in her eyes. It went as quickly as it came and the woman turned to her, a smile on her face.

"He has grown up hasn't he?"

"He has. You don't have to worry so much 'cause I'll take care of him and make sure that that twerp doesn't get into too much trouble!" she smiled back.

Aunt Mito ruffled the girl's hair, much to her annoyance, and hugged her. Renée was surprised at the older female's sudden action but obliged and returned the embrace anyway.

"I want you to look after each other. You promise me that you will."

The red-head earnestly nodded. Gon was her friend after all. She would support him and guide him for as long as it takes, if it means that he''ll be safe and happy.

Satisfied, Aunt Mito released her but left one arm wrapped around her shoulder. "Let's make dinner. So that you two can keep up your strength."

And with that, the two headed back inside.

That night, Gon and Renée started packing their things after dinner. They talked among themselves which ones they would need such as an extra pair of clothes, underwear, and bath necessities.

"Do you think we'd need a pen?" he asked her.

The girl only laughed light-heartedly. "I don't think it'll be that kind of exam Gon!"

He mouthed a small "oh" and laughed by himself, placing his rod beside his backpack.

There was a creak causing the two to stop what they're doing and turn towards the opened door.

Aunt Mito stood there with a solemn expression. Gon's expression mirrored hers and he waited for her to speak.

"Are you sure about this Gon?"

"Yes I am."

"Your father left you to be a Hunter!"

"I know that."

"Then why do you want to follow his footsteps!?" she raised her voice a little.

Renée felt awkward watching the two argue, and she shifted on her bed uncomfortably.

"I think it's amazing." he said quietly.

This left the two dumbfounded at what he said and waited, urging him to continue.

"He chose to be a Hunter over being with me. Being a Hunter must be so amazing then! I want to find out how wonderful it is to be one so I can find him and tell him about my own adventures!"

Aunt Mito stared at Gon in shock, tears forming at the corner of her eyes. Then she smiled, confusing the two kids as they thought she would start yelling again.

"You really are Ging's child." was all she said.

END OF 5.

A/N: Thank you so much for reviewing! It really motivates me to keep going with the story. I'll try to post chapter 6 later so please review!