I know you already know this but then again, Hunter X Hunter is not mine. This wonderful anime story is owned by Yoshihiro Togashi

CHAPTER 1: THE BLIND GIRL

For three days, all she felt was the rocking of the ship. All she sniffed was the smell of the salty breeze. For three days, Samara was stuck with these barbarian fools who also aimed for the same goal as she.

To become a Hunter.

She felt relief as soon as the ship she was riding on docked at Whale Island. She and the water were not a good combination. Well... just for her.

This ship falls, and she would fall straight to the depths of the ocean. She could not swim. And that's just one big problem. It's not like she doesn't know how it's just plain useless because she's blind.

Yes. BLIND. A shocker right?

What's the point of knowing how to swim if you can't tell where to go at all? And as mentioned, her senses are dull in water than inland.

Sam lived with her condition for three years, and she has gotten used to it.

The girl immediately transferred to the other ship that was heading to Dolle Harbor and took some rest.

Hours later, she was woken by a voice. What time is it already?

"What's a girl doing on this ship?" one of the passengers sneered, instantaneously dropping her mood. Sam stood up.

"Same thing as you are, I suppose," Sam retorted coolly, calmly walking past him and taking another place inside the boat as there were more passengers.

Finally, the ship began to pull out of the harbor in Whale Island.

Another man scoffed, shaking his head. "Kids these days," he said contemptuously. "You and that other one both. So ready to throw away your lives."

She ignored him, though his words piqued her curiosity. What other one?

"Take care, Mito-san!" A loud voice filled the ship and most heads looked up to the owner of the voice.

'Ah, that other one.'

It was from a young boy, clearly younger than her. Although Samara can't see him but her ears helped to determine where he was.

Unbeknown to her, the boy has black hair, wearing a green jacket and green shorts. He was standing on a wooden rail; both closed fists up in the air.

It followed immediately with chuckling and snorting. Oh, Samara knew what those meant.

'Judgmental idiots.'

She experienced it herself. Why a small, weak little girl would be in this very boat? At first, they thought she was lost. But later confirmed that she is taking the exam just like them.

How much more if they know about her being blind?

She would just receive other doubts or worse, pity. And she doesn't want that.

They think and talk with their bulky muscles, all for a show. For all she knows, they're nothing but bark and can't help but get seasick in the middle of the ocean.

Her reference?

She and most of them were together for a few days. And for three days, all she heard were moaning and vomiting from these men.

Well, she just wished the other kid a bit of good luck and proceeded to be alert in her surroundings. The ship starts to leave once again, making her mood drop a few degrees again.

She just badly needs sleep once again.

...

When Sam next awoke, the ship was in complete chaos. A great storm lurked in the sky, and the examinees were all scrambling to stay alive. Clashing lightning and roaring thunder burst into the sky angrily, joining the howling wind in their torment.

She stood, alarmed, and was thrown against the side of the boat as it lurched dangerously to the left. The men beside her were not so lucky, and all went tumbling across the deck. Though she managed to grab one before a man cracked his head against the floor, the others went stumbling into barrels and tables.

"Get everyone into the passenger cabin!" the captain roared ferociously, wrestling with the wheel.

She hefted one arm of the man she caught over her shoulder, helping him stand. "You heard him," She gasped, shouting to make herself heard over the waves. "Get inside." They staggered over the door of lower floors, and she flung him in carelessly. He moaned in protest as he plummeted down the stairs.

Struggling past the crowd of passengers who'd begun to crowd around the door, Sam sensed around to walk past through.

She could never get used to riding a ship, also not with a storm outside, ready to break the ship. Not with her condition.

As they teetered across the tilting deck to the cabin, she almost tripped over a fallen barrel that had been slung in her path, and someone grabbed her hand. "Careful!" The voice of the boy earlier yelled over the clamor, and they safely made it down the stairs to the passenger cabins.

Once they left the chaos behind them, Sam smiled gratefully. "Thanks a million," She breathed, thankful that they made it through the storm alive.

"No problem!" the boy chirped enthusiastically, seeming completely unaffected by the storm. He let go of her hand and turned away. "I'm gonna go help more people out!"

The ship continued to rock like a wrecking ball and the place filled with vomit stink. Samara covered her nose and grimaced as she sat in one corner.

Disgusting.

If this continues, she'll end up throwing her breakfast because of the smell.

"Bwak!" A man near her moaned.

She just rolled her eyes and concentrated on blocking her nose from the sour stench.

The boy was all over the place, helping men from getting nauseous. He gave them medicine, towels, and water and even helped them to sit comfortably. She was amazed at this kind gesture.

And to think these were the very men who underestimated him a few hours ago!

The door swung open and two men came in. It was the captain of this ship. "And they want to be Hunters? What a joke!" His remark before landing his eyes on a business-attired man with a lewd smile on his face as he read a magazine. Then his eyes went to a blonde boy sleeping soundly in a hammock before jumping to the boy in green carrying a basket full of fruits. And finally, settling his eyes on the only girl on the ship sitting against the wall with her hands pinching her nose and her face scrunching. "Only four of you, huh?" The Captain turned on his heels and went out. "Follow me."

Right on cue, she could hear two more sets of feet walking on the wooden floor. She wondered who the other two were.

Together, they walked outside and followed him stepping inside the Captain's cabin or something. The noise of the rain was much louder there than below deck.

"Tell me your names." That's what greeted them after settling inside the room.

"I'm Gon." It was from the young boy's voice.

"I am called Leorio." The one from Samara's right was introduced. From what she could hear, his voice sounded older.

Leorio was a tall man with black hair, wearing business suits with matching sunglasses.

"My name's Kurapika." Followed by another younger voice from her left but a little bit older than the boy named Gon and her. Maybe sixteen or seventeen?

He was wearing blue traditional clothes and had medium blonde hair.

"Samara." Just keep it as simple as that. The blind Samara, thirteen years old; short, unevenly cut brunette hair; wears a blue hooded jacket and black shorts.

Mr. Captain nodded. "Now tell me why do you want to be a Hunter?"

'Are they required to answer the Captain?'

"My dad is a Hunter! I wanted to know why he wanted to be one!" The boy answered excitedly.

Well, that's one simple reason to join the exam. Can't he just ask his dad about that?

"Hey! Who told you to answer!? He's not an examiner!" The guy from her right scolded the young boy.

The boy whinnied, "But I just gave my reasons! What's wrong with that?"

Sam rolled her eyes. 'What rights does he have to ask something so personal?'

"Well, you shouldn't! For me, it's a matter of honor." Was the man's reply as he folded his arms against his chest.

"I agree with this guy." Said the remaining person from her left.

His attention wholly went to the blonde. "Hey, how old are you?" He asked. "How dare you drop the honorifics!"

But the young teen ignored and continued, "I'm not obliged to answer and I prefer lying than telling some stranger. My reasons are personal and it should be kept that way."

Sam can't help but agree with the Kura-something guy. She mentally nodded. Glad that someone expounded on the meaning of privacy.

A few seconds later, they fell silent. Sam thought it was over but immediately realized that they were waiting for her to talk.

"We just met. Why should I tell you? I will not tell you my reasons because I don't know you at all." Her reply with ease.

The captain let out a sigh, "Well, in that case, we have three more dropouts." He announced.

"Eh?"

"Do you still not understand? The exam has already begun from the very moment you stepped into my ship. There are many applicants as there are stars in the sky. The Hunter Exam Committee doesn't have enough time to judge everyone. So people like us are hired to help them fail who's not worthy just like you three if you still refuse to answer my question."

'Oh really? Is the Hunter Exam Committee short on staff?' She should have followed Gon earlier. 'Well, whatever.'

The Kurapika guy didn't waste seconds answering him this time. "I-I am the only survivor of the Kuruta Clan. They were killed four years ago by thieves. I want to become a Blacklist Hunter to hunt the Phantom Brigade."

So he wants the License for vengeance. Sam never really imagined meeting someone having some dark history.

That path seems so dark and... lonely.

'The Kuruta Clan sounded familiar.'

"A Blacklist Hunter? The Phantom Brigade is Class A. Even the best Hunters think twice before capturing them. You're looking for your deathbed."

"I do not fear death. What I fear most is that my anger never leaves." Kurapika replied.

"If you want revenge, why become a Hunter?" Leorio asked.

"That's the most foolish question I've heard." Kurapika mocked. "In case your little neurons must have missed. Hunters would have access to certain places, and information which possibly includes records and details about the notorious thieves."

Sam understood what he meant by that, but boy did this guy have a rude tongue.

Leorio steamed with annoyance.

"So what about Leorio-san?" Good thing the Captain asked. His mood immediately escalated and answered the Captain.

"Money of course! With the money, you can have everything! A grand house, a classy car, expensive alcohol, and fine women!" His voice was etched with greedy ambition.

"Okay, we get it. Money runs the world, yippee. Now my turn." Samara inserted, making Leorio's ecstatic face pop. "Ever since I was six, I wanted to become a Hunter. I also want to be the best!"

Leorio laughed and patted the young girl's head. "See? Even a little girl in her age wants fame! You just had to be rich to become one!"

The brunette slapped his hand and pushed it off of her head. "Get your hand off my head. And don't lump me in the same category as you. I said I want to become the best Hunter, not a rich Hunter! Money can't buy expertise!" Sam fumed.

"Watch it brat! There's no such thing as money can't buy."

"But you can't buy manners, Leorio." Kurapika pointed out.

Unfortunately, Kurapika can't keep his mouth shut. Dropping the honorifics again caused Leorio's face to tic.

"That's the third time. Follow me to the deck. Let's end the 'Noble' blood of the Kuruta Clan here." He mocked.

'Okay, that was below the belt. Surely, no one can stop the fight now.' Sam moaned. They still have other things to prioritize right now!

Like convincing the captain not to fail them!

"Take back what you said, Leorio!" Kurapika demanded, clearly insulted and outraged.

"Leorio-san to you. Come!" He walked out of the room and was followed by Kurapika.

"I am right behind you!"

Sam just pinched the bridge of her nose. "Hey, the Captain's not done yet! Can't you just drop the fight first and convince the Captain to not throw us off this ship?!" She screamed, hoping it would knock some sense into their heads.

And did they listen? No! Not even one glance at her and went out.

Should she just save herself then? Plead the Captain for her sake?

"Shouldn't we stop them? What do you think?" She asked the boy left behind.

"Let them fight." He answered eyes never left where the two older teens went off to.

"What?" Confusion was etched on her face.

"My Aunt Mito often said 'If you want to know someone, start by finding out what makes him mad. They both have a good reason to be angry, so it's better to let them fight." Gon explained.

She was speechless. Gon does have a point. "I guess you're right." The girl agreed but still had second thoughts. "So, what are we going to do now?"

The Captain laughed before turning his back on the young teens. "Why not you kids help us maintain the ship from the storm?"

It's not like they have anything much to do. Both kids genuinely agreed to his request. After all, they are passengers on this ship. The ship sinks and so are they. They need the help they could get to survive this storm.

The Captain left to instruct his other crew what to do, while Gon and Samara followed where the other guy went.

"How can you do that?" Gon suddenly asked as they continued to walk against the hard blowing of the wind.

"Do what?" Sam asked, instantly interested in what he was talking about.

"You can't see, right?"

Sam halted and spun to face him. 'Did he mean that?'

The question immediately dropped the sudden interest she had a couple of seconds ago. She snorted, trying to be in denial. "Yeah, right. Why would I be here if I can't?"

"But you can't." Gon insisted. "You seemed like you could. That's amazing! How can you do that?"

Sam blinked. What gave away? Was it her eyes? Her actions?

Anyway, it's not like it has to be a secret or she has feelings of remorse or whatever. Samara's not just the type to openly reveal her conditions. She doesn't need a charity of pitiful words.

"I-I am used to it. I trained my other senses to act as my eyes instead. I just listen before I act."

Gon grinned widely. "That's just so cool Samara!"

Samara can't help but smile. "Well because I am cool." She haughtily said. Then she remembered her first interaction with him. "Thank you for helping me a while ago. And with that, you can call me Sam."

Gon tilted his head in wonder. "Sam? Why Sam? How about Samara?"

Sam chuckled. "I just shortened my name. Sam sounded cooler and I only allow a friend to call me that."

The boy beamed and held both of her hands and shook them. "Then, I'm already your friend, Sam!

The girl laughed as Gon continued to shake her hands off before heading to help the crew.

Blustery winds kept on banging the ship. The heavy and big drops of rain were not helping their condition too. It hinders some of the crews' sight against the dark and stormy night of the ocean. And the mast will not hold on any longer. Any moment, the sails would give off and be sent away by the howling wind.

Amid Leorio and Kurapika's fight, one of the masts crashed down by the strong wind. A scream pierced through the loud wind. A sailor who was going to fix the mast fell off, and if no one's going to catch him, he'll go straight to the wild ocean.

Gon bolted a run and was followed immediately by Sam. As if on cue, Sam knew right away what Gon was going to do next.

The girl cursed.

She can't jump over the rails! The harsh, cold water would just instantly drown her.

"Gon!" Sam caught Gon's feet before he jumped off the boat and successfully grabbed the man. Gon and the man ended up hanging beside the ship.

'They're damn heavy!'

But she alone was not enough. Their sudden fall, the weight of the two, and the ship's rocking were too much for Samara. Their weight dragged her further over the rails. One more pull from their side and all three of them will be shark bait. She closed her eyes and concentrated on putting in more strength to pull them up. As stubborn as she was, her feet refused to leave the wooden floor and hoped for help.

To her surprise, the weight suddenly lightened. There were people beside her, pulling Gon's legs as well. They hauled their bodies up, let them sit down, and rest.

Gon rubbed his nose. "I hit my nose."

"Are you both crazy?! The ocean is wild, the currents are extremely strong, and you... you... well, it's really dangerous!" Kurapika scolded like a mother, towering over their smaller body.

"If we hadn't caught the girl, all three of you would have drowned for sure! And you!" Leorio jabbed his pointer to Sam. "You could have yelled for help! A young girl like you can't pull them at once!"

The girl blinked her eyes before laughing out loud, making Gon laugh as well. Five minutes ago, they were like cutting each other's throats and now both of them act like hyperventilating grandmas. She shook her head and smiled at the three boys.

She never expected to meet these kinds of people in the exam, despite their differences. One is pure and innocent; the other is a bit loudmouthed and hotheaded; the last is reserved and composed.

But the three were all good in their ways. Especially Leorio and Kurapika. Despite their fight, they prioritized saving others.

"Thank you." She said softly, facing Leorio and Kurapika. "If it hadn't been for you guys then maybe, Gon and I would have fallen off. I can't even swim." She joked but what Sam said is entirely true.

"What about the duel between the two of you?" Gon asked.

The girl groaned at the boy, wanting to strangle him for reminding them. She had hoped what happened just now would stop them from fighting since they forgot, but Gon had to remind them.

Both boys stopped, words were stuck in their tongues. Leorio scratched the back of his head before he and Kurapika looked at each other.

It was the blonde who broke the silence, "I apologize for my rudeness... Leorio-san." He slightly bowed his body.

Leorio can't help but sheepishly chuckle. "What the heck? It's a bit awkward. Just call me Leorio, Kurapika. And I take back what I said." With this, Kurapika smiled after what the older man said.

"Er, yeah, just call him that. Adding an honorific doesn't suit him. And you..." She points at Leorio. "Should think before you run your words from your mouth. Insulting someone or wherever they came from will give you serious problems." Sam stated, staring at them.

"Really, how will insulting get me into serious trouble? There's no policy I'll get prisoned if I insulted someone." Leorio asked in curiosity.

"In the place where I come from, insulting is equal to having a big crime." Sam sighed. "You'll be an enemy to all. They'll do any possible means to destroy you." Samara warned making Leorio gulp.

"Where exactly is your place Sam?" Gon asked. The question earned confusion in Kurapika and Leorio's eyes.

"Sam?" Kurapika followed with another question.

The young girl pointed to herself, cracking a smile. "Yours truly. And while we're at it, I officially allow you to call me Sam."

"What about 'Samara'?" Leorio raised an eyebrow.

"She doesn't like it because it's not cool." Gon decided to answer. "So she shortened it."

To a certain old man, he doesn't approve of what it meant. "What's so cool about 'Sam'? Samara suits you much better. It's a cute name for little girls like you." Leorio teased and pinched her cheeks.

Sam huffed and pushed Leorio's hand away from her already swollen cheeks. "You think your name's so cool? Your name stinks like an old man!" She argued.

The two started to bicker about which name is cool or not. Kurapika and Gon tried to separate and calm them. But they both shut the two and went on to insulting names. Leorio inserted a question if it's such a big deal in their place to insult someone then why is she a ranting, domineering bully?

The fight of insults only stopped when the Captain roared with laughter and walked to them. "You guys pleased me. The four of you passed."

Four heads perked up. "But... I thought we already failed?" Sam asked, confused.

"Let's forget about that. All of you interest me so you passed." The Captain confirmed once again. "You'd rather come with me so I can teach you more things about the ship's handling."

Gon was very cheerful to agree and pulled Sam's hand, dragging the girl along. "Common, Sam! That would be fun!"

"It's not like I could navigate with my condition. It'll be useless." The young girl whinnied in a low voice but still allowed him to get dragged.

"Even blind, you won't know unless you try!" Gon shouted.

Leorio and Kurapika remained in their spot and watched the younger teens run as they follow the Captain.

"Samara's Blind?" Kurapika looked baffled.

"What?!" Leorio cried.