DISCLAIMER: I do not own Hunter X Hunter
Chapter One: The Chase
The storm raged outside. Rain hammered against the windows, and thunder rolled in the distance. A flash of lightning lit up the night—just long enough to show two figures standing at the door.
Morgan opened it.
A woman, dressed in dark attire and exuding an air of authority, looked her over with sharp, assessing eyes. Shoulder-length black hair framed her face, and her voice—silky and precise—cut through the silence. "Is this the Normin house?"
Morgan nodded, keeping her voice steady. "Yeah, but the owners aren't here."
The woman's gaze flicked around the room before she spoke again. "We're with the Rios family. We have a search warrant for a report of theft. Is there anyone else here?"
Morgan stiffened. The word "theft" hit a nerve, but she forced herself to stay calm. "They're not around. Are you really allowed to search without the owners?"
The woman raised an eyebrow but didn't answer right away. She stepped inside, her gaze still sweeping the room. The man who followed was tall, with light brown hair and eyes that seemed to see too much. He studied her in silence, his sharp gaze never wavering.
The woman, still moving about the house, spoke again. "The warrant's valid. We're here to search."
Morgan took a deep breath. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing in on her. She had no time to waste.
"I have what you're looking for," she said, cutting through the tension.
The man stopped in his tracks, his cold eyes locking on hers. The woman turned, curiosity flickering in her gaze.
"And what would that be?" she asked, her tone now clipped, no longer playful.
Morgan didn't say another word. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the signet ring, holding it up for them to see.
The golden band, engraved with a crest—a legionnaire's head, crossed swords beneath—shone under the dim light.
She is the thief.
…..
Morgan stared at the boats, scanning each one. The first was too simple, the second too flashy, and the others... forgettable.
Just ask, she thought, sarcasm lacing her mind. Thanks, captain genius—ME. That's exactly what I'm about to do.
Her stomach growled. Great, getting snarky with myself now. And hungry.
She walked up to two guys deep in conversation.
"Excuse me…"
They gave her a glance before turning back to their talk, as if she hadn't even spoken.
Annoyed, Morgan cleared her throat and tried again.
This time, they stopped and gave her a look. "Miss, the road's wide. No need to excuse yourself," one said, voice dripping with condescension.
Two idiots, she thought. "I was trying to get your attention," she shot back.
They exchanged confused looks, then focused on her again. "So, what's up?" the second guy asked, his tone demanding.
Morgan bit back her irritation. She forced a tight smile. "Could you tell me which boat goes to Zaban City?"
The first guy raised an eyebrow. "Zaban? You doing the Hunter's Exam?"
His friend laughed, loud and incredulous. "Come on, Tim. No girl would be crazy enough to enter the exam!" He kept laughing, like the idea was some kind of joke.
Morgan's jaw tightened, but she kept it together. "No. I'm just visiting family," she said, her voice cool. "Can you point me to the right boat?"
All Morgan needed was directions to the right boat—then she could leave these two frustrating idiots behind. Their condescending comments were starting to get under her skin. Every time she mentioned taking the exam, people either laughed or gave her that look, like she'd walked into her own grave.
Not like I actually wanted to do it, she thought, her frustration simmering.
Tim broke the silence. "There's no direct boat to Zaban City. But you can catch one to Dole Harbor. From there, you can take a bus to Zaban. For Dole, you'll need to board a ship for either Lone Pier or Whale Island. The fifth ship goes to Lone, the eighth to Whale."
Morgan nodded. "Which one leaves first?"
The other guy hesitated, then smirked. "Whale Island, I think," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "It leaves in an hour. Lone's ship sets off at five. Got it? Or are we done here?"
Morgan nodded again, her voice flat. "Thanks."
Whale Island, obviously, she thought, irritation bubbling beneath her calm surface. Before boarding, though, she'd need to find somewhere to eat while she waited. Her eyes scanned the area, settling on a spot that seemed decent enough.
Just as Morgan made her way to the diner, someone bumped into her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," came the apologetic voice.
"The road's wide. Of course, you didn't," she snapped, eyeing the blonde teen in front of her. He wore blue clothes that looked almost tribal. "Next time, maybe watch where you're going."
The teen didn't miss a beat. He frowned, clearly irked. "You didn't notice me either. If you had, you wouldn't have walked right into me."
Oh, so it's my fault now?
"I know exactly where I'm going, pretty boy," she shot back, her tone dripping with annoyance. "Look, I'm in a terrible mood, my stomach's growling, and now you've made it worse. I don't have time for this. I've got food to find and a boat to catch! Maybe you should get glasses so you can see the people around you!"
Without waiting for his response, Morgan spun on her heel, marching off toward the diner, her stomach reminding her why she couldn't be bothered with this idiot.
Morgan could hear him grumbling behind her, but she didn't care. Her stomach hurt from hunger, and she felt like she might pass out if she didn't eat soon.
The moment she smelled the food, her mood changed completely. The smell made her stomach growl even louder. She grabbed some food and started eating fast.
After finishing her meal, Morgan paid and left the diner. With an hour before the ship to Whale Island left, she walked slowly through the busy street, feeling much better.
As Morgan passed a group of people, a child's scream and cries broke through the air. Her steps slowed, and she turned to see what was happening. What she first thought was just a scuffle between kids turned out to be much worse.
A girl, no older than six or seven, was crying. Her eyes, full of tears, were locked on an older boy who seemed to be her brother. They looked alike, their hair dark like raven feathers.
Morgan frowned, looking around in disbelief. Were people really just standing by while these kids were being mistreated? What was wrong with them?
Looking closer, she saw that the onlookers had looks of pity and fear. No one seemed willing to step in, paralyzed by their own worries.
Her gaze shifted back to the two children. What could they possibly have done to deserve this? Was it really necessary to humiliate and hurt them like this in front of a crowd?
"Where's my big bro?!" the boy shouted at the burly old man holding him up by his shirt.
A sharp laugh rang out, making Morgan's skin crawl. It sounded wrong—like the noise of a hungry animal rather than human laughter.
"Who knows what happened to your brother?" the man taunted, sneering. "Maybe he's dead?" More laughter followed, this time from the group with him.
So, the man wasn't alone.
Another burly man with a wild grin stepped forward. "What happens to him is up to us," he said. Morgan could tell right away he was the leader.
The little girl's cries got louder, and the boy squirmed, trying to break free from his captor. Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Anger burned in Morgan's head as she watched.
Without thinking, Morgan stepped out of the crowd, walking straight toward them. Before the man could react, she kicked him hard in the side, making him stumble and drop the boy, who hit the ground with a heavy thud. The man groaned in pain, sitting down hard.
The crowd gasped. Whispers filled the air, calling her crazy. She didn't care.
"Who the hell are you?!" the man shouted, pain mixing with anger in his voice.
"Sorry, I lost my way, and you're all in my way," the girl said, sounding childish as she lowered her raised foot back to the ground.
"Liar! You really think we'll buy that crap?!" one of the minions yelled.
"Don't get involved, hag!" the boy snapped, trying to insult her.
Morgan met his gaze, her eyes cold and unyielding. "I'm doing this for your sister, kid," she said, her gaze softening as it shifted to the little girl. The boy flinched but said nothing.
"Hey, girl, go play somewhere else. This is none of your business," the self-proclaimed leader sneered, still grinning smugly.
"Why don't you play with someone your own size?" Morgan shot back. "Look, I'm in a hurry. Let's be adults here. Can you just answer the kid about his brother?"
The leader chuckled and stepped forward. "I could… but maybe someone should take our challenge first."
"No! Sister, just go—"
"Too bad the kid's not allowed to play," the leader said, his grin widening. "But if you're willing to take his place, we can work with that."
"No…" the boy muttered, his voice heavy with despair.
Morgan smirked. "Then I'll play in his place. How about that?" She tied her auburn hair back. "If you win, I'll come with you."
The older men exchanged excited looks. Morgan could feel the disgust rising in her throat but kept her mask on, staying aloof. She handed the boy her cinch bag, offering a reassuring smile as his worried eyes met hers.
"The rules are simple," the leader said, sitting down on a barrel. "Beat me and make me surrender. Got it, girl?"
"Sure, old man," Morgan said with a mock salute.
His minions chuckled, their overconfidence radiating through the air like arrogance.
"Alright," the leader clapped his hands. "Let the challenge… begin."
The crowd tensed, and Morgan could feel the weight of their eyes on her. Some were even placing bets, clearly favoring the men.
"Let's see who strikes first!" he taunted, rushing toward Morgan. But she was faster, dodging his charge and quickly pouncing on him, pinning him to the ground.
The leader seemed taken by surprise. Morgan didn't hesitate—she jumped onto his back, her legs wrapping tightly around his neck, locking her feet together. She squeezed with all her strength. The leader's face began to turn blue as he struggled beneath her unrelenting grip.
"You bitch," he gasped, clearly stunned by his own helplessness.
"Surrender!" she ordered, her voice sharp and commanding.
It was almost absurd how easily she had him trapped. His own crew was watching, their arrogance now turning to unease.
"Where's his brother?" she demanded, applying more pressure.
The leader groaned, his body writhing beneath her. Without blood flowing to his brain, he couldn't hold on much longer. "He already... escaped. We heard he was hiding in the neighboring town... so we thought we could use his sibling to lure him out."
"That was easy," Morgan remarked dryly. "Why should I believe you?"
He groaned again, his teeth grinding. "You'll see him in the station jail. He's hiding behind the police's protection!"
Without hesitation, Morgan released him, her expression unfazed.
The leader's eyes burned with fury. "You think you can make a fool out of me?"
Morgan knew the moment she let him go that this would happen.
He struggled, but then his voice rang out with a command, "Get her!"
Cursing under her breath, Morgan grabbed her bag from the boy, muttered 'go and hide' before bolting without hesitation. Her heart raced as her legs pumped harder, pushing her faster. She stole a quick glance over her shoulder, spotting the group hot on her heels. At least, she thought with some relief, they had forgotten about the kids.
She zigzagged through narrow alleys, darted down dimly lit corners, and took sharp turns, praying each one would offer a new escape route. Their shouts of "Stop!" echoed in the distance, but the growing crowd of onlookers seemed more interested in the spectacle than helping her.
She had to shake them—somehow.
"Catch that girl! She's a thief!"
Morgan couldn't help but roll her eyes at the absurd accusation. Are you kidding me?! That's oral defamation!
But the other part of her brain shot back, And yet, I claimed a crime I didn't commit.
"Thief!" the cries rang out, echoing off the walls as she dodged and weaved through the crowded streets, desperate to gain ground.
In a quick, wild moment of inspiration, she hurled whatever objects she could find—stones, stray crates, an old barrel lid—hoping to slow them down. The tactic worked. She saw the gang falter as the debris caused enough of a delay.
The path ahead split in two, and without missing a beat, Morgan veered right. They'd likely divide to follow, and that was her chance to break free.
She collided with a woman hauling fresh fish, sending the entire basket flying onto the ground. The woman shot her an angry glare, and Morgan offered a sheepish smile before sprinting off.
The footsteps behind her grew louder, but she pushed herself harder. She rounded another corner and, instinctively, pressed her back against the wall, slipping her sword out from its sheath.
"Split up!" she heard them shout.
Great, she thought, time to make them regret it.
A moment later, the footsteps grew louder and closer. Without hesitation, she swung her sword, the hilt connecting with someone's forehead. A grunt of pain followed, and the person crumpled to the ground, stunned.
She scanned the area quickly, her breath steady. That's when she saw him—the blonde teen from earlier, lying flat on the ground, looking up at her in disbelief.
"I'm sorry, I thought you were—" she began, then cut herself off, realizing how odd that sounded. "Never mind. Let me help you."
She extended her hand to him, but he simply brushed it off with a sharp jerk.
"Don't bother," he muttered, his voice laced with irritation.
"It seems you have a habit of bumping into people," he said, annoyance creeping into his voice.
Morgan raised a brow but didn't reply.
He then turned to the girl. "Careful with the sword. There are civilians around."
"I didn't ask for this," she muttered, her eyes scanning the street, tension building in her shoulders.
Before she could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed behind her. She glanced over her shoulder, a quick flash of panic crossing her face. She tried to dart away, but his grip tightened on her wrist, stopping her.
"Look, I know I wasn't nice earlier, but I really need to—" She tugged, but his hand held firm. "Let go!"
"Those men chasing you... You steal something?"
"No—it's not like that!" Her voice caught, frustration rising. She glanced around, hearing the shouting voices grow louder. "I don't have time for this!"
"Over there! Get that thief!" someone yelled, and Morgan's heart skipped a beat.
Her eyes widened. As he shifted his focus to her pursuers, Morgan sunk her teeth into his hand, then swiftly swept her leg to trip him. She didn't wait to see the outcome. She was already sprinting.
She scanned her surroundings, her focus sharp, desperate to find a place to hide.
"Shit," she muttered under her breath.
From a distance, she spotted more of the gang near the Whale Island boat. The Lone Pier boat was closer, and she wasn't about to risk running into them.
She made her way to the boat, moving briskly, and paid the fare. The crew told her it was too early to board. She didn't give an explanation—just said she had nowhere else to wait.
'If it wasn't for that blondie...' she fumed, then immediately scolded herself. "No, this is on me. I tried to be some idiot hero."
Morgan sank onto the wooden floor, the hard surface grounding her. Her thoughts drifted back to the kids she'd helped.
'I hope they're okay.'
She exhaled deeply. She had hours to kill now. This is what she gets for trying to be a savior.
But maybe it wasn't so bad. She couldn't just leave them. The exam was coming up, sure—but she'd make it.
'This damned exam.'
She stared at the wide blue sky, voice barely above a whisper.
"What's so great about being a Hunter?"
Hope you enjoy!
I removed this story before. Now I'm reposting it. LoL.