The days quickly passed as the strange pair made their way towards the Hunter Headquarters. And as they traveled Kurapika began to realize that, while he could no longer see anything from his red eyes, the boost of power and endurance that came with them didn't ever fade. His eyes had become permanently the brilliant red hue that normally only surfaced with intense emotions so he found himself hiding his injured eyes under tight white bandages and his cloak's cowl.
But that was not the only change that occurred with the loss of his sight he was quickly becoming extremely sensitive of the world around him the more he trained with Ging. He could not physically see the world but he could hear it, taste it, smell it, feel it all in terrifyingly accurate detail. Ging eventually explained to him that he was unconsciously using his Nen to compensate for the loss of his sight, though he admitted that he had never seen such a thing happen before.
"So what things does a Hunter do?"
"Hm? What we do?" Ging paused tapping his finger thoughtfully to his chin for giving a answer. "It depends really, there are many different types of Hunters, I'm a Archaeological Hunter. Simply put, Hunters who are dedicated to uncovering ruins and reviving ancient societies."
"Like my people now…" The young Kurta said with heavy sorrow in his words.
"Well yeah I guess so… But mostly its about finding and protecting ruins or ancient structures. Why'd you ask?"
"Well I've only read about one Hunter in a book…"
"I didn't think your people would even know who a hunter was let alone have a book about one."
"Yeah I got it from a woman me and my friend Pairo…" He choked at the name of his now deceased friend but continued on. "Her name was Shelia. She said she wanted to become a Hunter."
"Shelia huh? Hm, can't say I've heard of her but it's entirely possible she became a hunter anyway. Do you want to see her again?"
"I don't know… maybe."
"Well you got time kid."
"My name is Kurapika Ging-san." The blonde boy retorted with a frown, crossing his arms across his chest indigently.
"Yes it is, but I think 'kid' suites you better." He answered laughing uproariously as he dodged Kurapika's flying fist with ease.
-x-
Eventually the two of them reached their destination. Kurapita found himself at a loss for breath at the heavy intensity and feeling of power that echoed in the air of the headquarters of the Hunter Association. And he remained unnaturally tense and on edge as he was lead to sit before the Chairman, Isaac Netero.
"So the Kutra Clan is no more…" The chairman said once Ging told him what had happened. "Your name is Kurapika yes?"
"Y-yes, sir." Kurapika answered hastily, obviously quite tense.
"Ohoho" The elderly looking man chuckled playfully. "no need for Sir Kurapika-kun. Netero is fine."
"Oh okay, Netero-san." He answered, his body loosening slightly in the air casualness.
"So tell me Kurapika-kun, what do you wish to do now? We can offer you protection since you are the last of your people, but ultimately the decision is up to you." The tension returned to Kurapika and his expression became chillingly frigid.
"I want to avenge my clansmen, I want to regain their eyes. All I am asking is that you tell me how would be the best way to go about it."
"Well you are defiantly determined, but the Phantom Troupe is a extremely dangerous group. Not to mention the loss of your sight, lessens your odds of defeating them greatly." At that Kurapika leapt to his feet his anger plainly displayed, but the chairmen continued unaffected. "ButI can tell that you have been training with Ging. If you continue you will most likely become incredibly strong. But I don't think that is in your best interest."
"What?! Why not?!"
"Become stronger is good. But not for revenge, strength through revenge is a temporary thing. It almost never lasts and always leads to self-destruction." The Blonde Kurta gritted his teeth angrily, obviously not willing to listen to Netero. "I believe a change of scenery would be best. Be a child for awhile, you might find yourself changing your opinions. Ging, you have a son on Whale Island, yes?"
"Yeah what of it?" He answered with a puzzled expression but quickly he caught on. "You want him to go live with Gon?!" He choked out in shock.
"Yes! Exactly! You did find him after all." The chairmen declared jovially, waggling a finger teasingly.
"Wait just a moment! I haven't agreed to anything!" Kurapika exclaimed in objection.
"Well how about I make a deal with you then. If you to Whale Island and live with Ging's boy for 4 years like a normal kid I will let you take the Hunter Exam. But if you don't you will never be able to take it. Okay?"
"That's not a deal! That's a threat!" The blonde argued helplessly as he realized that if he didn't agree he would never get his Hunter License and be able to go after the Phantom Troupe.
"Hoho I guess it is." Kurapika just moaned, placing his head in his hands in defeat and Ging just shook is head tiredly.
"You win Netero-san… I'll do as you say."
"Good choice!" The chairman answered the Kurta with a smile.
-x-
Kurapika's first thought of Whale Island was 'peaceful'. But when he met the woman named Mito, who he later learned was Ging's cousin, his first thought was 'scary'. Mostly because when she saw Ging she socked him in the face, sending his flying a good 5 feet.
"You got some nerve Ging! Showing up again after all but abandoning your son here!" She snarled at him furiously.
"What was I suppose to do Mito?! I'm a Hunter he would have just gotten hurt if I brought him with me!"
"Baka! That is not what I meant! You don't ever visit! Ever! You don't deserve the title of Father!" She raged at him relentlessly, looking like she was going to punch him again.
"Um, Miss? I know you have your reasons for being angry with him but I would be very grateful if you would let him live." Kurapika tentatively asked the very angry woman, stepping forward to stay her raised hand, letting his cowl fall away to show his face clearly.
"A boy?" Mito blinked down at the Blonde Kurta as if just realizing his presence. "Why are you with Ging?"
"Ging-san, saved me. I am the last of my people and due to certain circumstances I have been required to live on Whale Island for a full 4 years." At his words Mito's eyes grew soft and she let her hand fall from it raised position to crouched down to Kurapika's eye level. Her face grew sad when she saw the bandages around the boy's eyes and his young age.
"Who were your people?" She asked him softy.
"The Kurta." He answered simply.
"I am very sorry for what has happened to you and your people…"
"Kurapika, my name is Kurapika." He told her quietly.
"Well Kurapika, if you really want to you are welcome to stay here. Gon is always say how he would love to have a brother." She told him with a gentle welcoming smile, patting him on the shoulder comfortingly. Kurapika could not deny the motherly gesture was so comforting to him and she felt so genuine. He found himself accepting her offer almost happily.
"I would be very grateful Mito-san." Awarding her a small, rare smile.
"Great! So glad it all worked out. Tell Gon I said 'hi' for me kid!" And just like that Ging was gone, leaving behind a confused Kurapika and very angry Mito.