Solemn Child (Hunter x Hunter Fanfiction)

Chapter 1

Death will definitely swallow her whole.

It surrounds her as if she's a prey. She can't argue however, she was never the type to deny her weakness. Death stands beside her lamp, watching her. She stared back and didn't say anything. Death didn't have a face, but neither did she.

Because who in the world has ever seen their own face?

She have only seen her reflections, but never her face. It's not like she will be able to anyways. She wore a mask, a literal mask. It kept people from seeing her real face. Not even her brother remembers what she looks like. But she's not going to make an exemption for him.

If she took her mask off, she will surely get blinded. The smile on his face is brighter than the sun. Anyone who looks at him will be left blinded or in awe.

She didn't want to take a chance.

She'll keep wearing this mask that her father gave her, yes she will. Because they don't need to see her. And she doesn't want to look at the real world. So she'll keep up this false sense of security, she won't take her mask off.

*~*~*~*

Gon sat at the end of a branch, eyes staring at the water intently. He observed the Master of the Lake attentively. He watched with wide eyes as the fish bit the bait.

"Woah!" He almost stumbled into the lake as the fish tried to pull away.

He grabbed his fishing rod tightly and attempted to pull harder. He jump and swung around the tree with the rod still in his hands. The string got caught on the bark, making it easier for him to pull. However, the fish suddenly jerked away and he almost lost his grip on the rod. He gritted his teeth and jumped downwards.

He swung around another branch and pulled downwards. His efforts were rewarded as the Master of the Lake jumped up and out of the water.

Letting out victorious cry, he grinned widely.

*~*~*~*

Mito carried a basket full of fruits and passed it to the person beside her. The townspeople are preparing for a big feast tonight. A very important boat will be passing by, and from what Mito heard, they are going to take a rest here. The ocean is always stormy, so it's to be expected.

A small jingling sound of bells caught her attention. She looked to her right and almost screamed when Merendy suddenly appeared beside her.

"Holy shit!" A merchant shouted as he jumped almost a foot in the air. Mito wanted to do the same, but she promised herself that she will get used to it.

"Ah, Merendy! Where have you been?" She asked, concern written all over her face. The masked little girl looked down at her feet.

"......Forest....." She eventually uttered out. Mito released a tired sigh.

"Were you looking for Gon?" She received a small nod as an answer.

"Mito-san, look!" A person nearby exclaimed. He pointed a shaking finger at the huge fish on the ground.

"........The Master...." Merendy whispered to herself. She walked towards the huge crowd silently. None of them noticed her as she made her way to the front.

There, she saw her brother standing proudly. She saw him looking at the fish with delight.

Suddenly, the crowd parted and Mito came into sight. She looked sad but didn't say anything.

"Mito-san! I caught the Master of the Lake as promised, so I can go take the Hunter Exam, right?" Gon beamed proudly. Mito lowered her gaze, not willing to answer his question. The answer is already evident anyways.