Episode 10: Instant Name Change

Note from 'moi': Yes, Mermaid Sorceress Koaru, I am going to continue this story and update it every week…I'm glad that you liked it. Thanks a lot! Now let's get on with the show…! v

Everyone seemed wholly gob smacked at my sudden change in gender. They were all surrounding me like a whole swarm of bees to honey, bombarding me with questions.

These were some of the questions that I caught on but the rest I could not quite catch them.

" Haru, is that really you? " Gon demanded.

" Uh, well I – " I was suddenly interrupted by Killua.

" You are a girl underneath that cloth? " he asked me.

"…Yes, I guess but I – " again interrupted, this time by Leorio.

" You really are cute, Haru! " Leorio praised me.

There was also one thing that I was also aware of. Kurapica was the only person who remained in his chair, watching me, out of the corner of his eye.

" STOP IT, EVERYONE! " Mito-san shouted at the top of her lungs. " THERE IS NO NEED TO START PUTTING THE PRESSURE ON HER! AFTER ALL, SHE IS ONLY A GIRL! "

I could not help but smile a little.

Then, the woman cleared her throat, composing herself as she placed her hand on my shoulder protectively.

" Now then, I would like everyone to take their places, if you would please do so, " she announced, directing me to a chair as well on which I sat on without any protest.

I found myself sitting right beside that boy, Kurapica.

" Okay, let get on with business. I think a change of names would be wise, don't you think so everyone? " Mito-san continued.

" I agree, Mito-san! " Gon agreed.

" I second that! " Leorio replied.

Killua nodded his approval.

" Kurapica? " Mito-san looked to him, waiting for his answer.

" I leave it to everyone to decide. I'm fine with anything that goes, " he answered.

Mito-san nodded.

" Since we have everyone's consent, what are we going to name her? "

Soon, everyone started talking away.

" SILENCE PLEASE! " Mito-san thundered. " ONE AT A TIME! "

At this, everyone duly quietened down.

Then, Gon raised his hand.

" Yes, Gon? " Mito-san said, gesturing towards her nephew.

" Well, I wanted to let Kurapica do the naming for her, if you don't mind since earlier on the three of us had already decided on Haru… at least when she was a boy before, " Gon explained awkwardly, glancing at me then Kurapica.

" Well, that's a very good explanation, Gon, " his aunt told him. " You are a very considerate boy. "

I peeked timidly at Kurapica and then looked away quickly when our eyes met once again.

" Kurapica, dear, would you do the honour of naming her? " Mito-san asked him.

He did not reply at first.

" Kurapica? " Gon called out to his friend.

There was silence as everyone waited for Kurapica to speak, including me.

Without warning, I saw his cheeks turn pink.

" Hikari… " he mumbled, so softly that only I could hear since I was sitting right beside him.

" I'm sorry, Kurapica but I didn't catch what you were saying before. Could you repeat it again? " Mito-san asked the seventeen-year-old.

"…H-Hikari, " he repeated.

Again, our eyes met and his face flushed even redder than before.

" Hikari… " Mito-san trailed off, looking thoughtful. " It means light, isn't it? "

Kurapica nodded mutely, although he avoided my eyes.

" That is a very well-thought out name for her, Kurapica, " Leorio praised him.

" Does anyone disapprove of this? " Mito-san asked, looking around for any objections to be raised.

Nonetheless, there was none.

" Well then, Hikari, it is! " she declared.

" Nee...Hikari? " Gon said. " I forgot to ask your age. Leorio, here is nineteen. Killua is twelve just like me and Kurapica is seventeen. So, what's yours? "

I smiled at him before answering, " I'm sixteen years old, I think."

Gon's eyes widened in surprise.

" Eh? That means you are older than me! " Gon exclaimed. " Nee, Hikari-san? "

I laughed a little and shook my head.

" Gon, there is no need for honorifics. I mean, I'm your friend right? So, you just have to call me Hikari, okay? "

Gon grinned and nodded.