(Four years ago...)
A hush fell over the room as a mysterious black-haired woman glided into the abandoned building, drawing all eyes upon her. Adorned with a white Kitsune mask with delicate black and red accents, she concealed her identity with precision. Her attire, a black furisode kimono, exuded elegance, complemented by a perfectly arranged bun atop her head. A crimson flower adorning her hair echoed the hues of her kimono, while her hands rested regally before her stomach. Despite the cold, murderous gazes of the other members of the notorious criminal group—The Phantom Troupe—she moved with undeniable grace, unfazed by the intensity of their scrutiny.
The auras emitted by the individuals carried a deadly aura, instilling fear in anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in their presence. As the masked female advanced, there was no sound of heels clicking against the cold floor; it was as if her body was made of air, enveloped in an unfamiliar aura that sent shivers down the spines of those around her. Coming to a halt, she turned to face the leader of the Troupe, who sat in the corner of the room engrossed in his book, though he was well aware of her arrival seven minutes earlier than anticipated.
Chrollo Lucilfer, with his pale complexion, sleek black hair, and piercing grey eyes, bore the distinctive marks of a cross-shaped tattoo on his forehead and earlobe earrings.
As he addressed the masked female, his voice cut through the silence that pervaded the room. "I'm glad you came..."
Silence enveloped the space, all eyes fixed unwaveringly on the mysterious figure before them. Each member of the Troupe consumed by their own barrage of questions. None among them knew the purpose of her presence in their midst, except for their enigmatic leader, whose smile remained fixed upon his pale face. Rising from his seat, Chrollo extended his right arm towards the masked woman, eliciting gasps from his comrades as she chose to ignore the gesture.
"Who does she think she is?" questioned the female with pink-tinted hair, her tone as stern as ever.
Observing the exchange, the leader of the Spiders silently commanded his subordinates to vacate the area, leaving only the two of them alone. When the surroundings cleared, the masked female lifted her disguise, revealing a pair of dull eyes that met the sparkling grey eyes of her counterpart. "What do you want?" Her voice, cold as ice, cut through the air.
If the man were an ordinary person, he would have fainted or flee in terror at the sight of her. However, the pale man found satisfaction in hearing her voice, knowing that only a select few were privy to her true identity, and even fewer had lived to tell the tale.
His friend Shalnark's advice rang true. The female had always been elusive, avoiding phone calls and keeping her personal contact information strictly private. If one wished to reach her, they had to resort to finding her in person or sending a letter—a method for which he had paid handsomely to facilitate this meeting.
Chrollo had been eager to reunite with her ever since their initial encounter in Meteor City, during a time when she had taken temporary refuge in the area. He had heard countless rumours about this enigmatic figure, known by many as the Akagitsune."I want... you... to join—" Chrollo began, but before he could complete his sentence, the female turned her back on him, effectively cutting him off and forcing him to confront her retreating figure.
"I decline your offer." Her words were final, spoken with unwavering resolve as she walked away, leaving Chrollo to ponder her rejection in silence. In the blink of an eye, the masked female vanished, leaving behind no trace of her scent or presence. The man stood alone inside the abandoned building, a grin spreading across his face as he pondered the encounter.
•••
(Present time)
Leaning against a sturdy tree, you immersed yourself in the pages of a book you had found in Mito-san's room. Glancing up, you watched the twelve-year-old boy sitting patiently, clutching his father's fishing rod as he awaited the lake monster to take the bait. A heavy sigh escaped your lips, knowing that if Gon succeeded in catching the creature, Mito-san would be forced to allow him to embark on his journey to join the 287th Hunter Exam and search for his father, Ging. Memories of Mito-san's sorrowful expression from a year ago flooded your mind when Gon expressed his desire to become a Hunter.
Having resided on Whale Island for nearly three years, you had maintained a low profile since your departure from Kukuroo Mountain. For the first month following your departure from your family, you moved from place to place, aware that your older brother Illumi and twin brother Milluki possessed formidable skills in tracking anyone. Their relentless pursuit left you feeling helpless, prompting you to reach out to your father, Silva, and strike a deal. Until you reached the age of fourteen, the agreement stipulated that you would remain hidden from his sight, effectively erasing your existence in his eyes.
As you gazed up at the bright sky, a pang of regret washed over you as you wished you had brought your younger siblings with you when you left the estate, particularly Killua. You knew that he had endured immense suffering more than anyone, even before being declared the heir to the family business. Recalling Killua's dream for having friends, hindered by Illumi's constant surveillance, filled you with a sense of longing and remorse. If only you could turn back time and take them from their predicament, but alas, time travel remained a mere fantasy.
"Y/n-san, I caught it!" Gon's voice broke through your reverie, drawing your attention back to the present moment. A cold wind tousled your dark hair as you smiled at the innocent young boy, his joy palpable as he proudly displayed his catch—the elusive lake monster.
Gon with his unwavering determination to become a Hunter and reunite with his father, you couldn't help but empathize with his longing. His steadfast pursuit of his dream reminded you of yourself, and you admired his resolve, making him special to you. Before you knew it, you found yourself making a decision that would change the course of your newfound life. You resolved to accompany Gon on his quest to become a Hunter and search for his father. It was the least you could do to repay Mito-san and her family for their kindness in welcoming you into their humble home for the past three years.
"Don't worry about Gon, Mito-san. I won't leave his side until he achieves his goal," you assured the ginger-haired woman. In response, she pulled you into a warm embrace, gratitude evident in her gesture.
Mito-san's silent sniffle caught you off guard, marking the third time someone who wasn't a sibling had embraced you. It was a gesture that still felt unfamiliar, as you struggled to adjust to physical contact with others. While Gon's hugs had become somewhat more expected and had been more comforting, this embrace from Mito-san left you feeling slightly bewildered.
"You are like the sister he never had," Mito-san whispered in your ear, her words accompanied by a warm sensation on your shoulders. Glancing towards Gon, you found him smiling warmly at you, his expression hidden from Mito-san's view. "Take care of him, Y/n. I'll expect the two of you to come back home," she added, her voice filled with both concern and hope as she released you from the embrace.
You nodded in reassurance, silently vowing to protect Gon and ensure his safe return, feeling a newfound sense of responsibility settle over you.
Stuck in a whirlwind of emotions, you found yourself at a loss for words, unsure of how to react to Mito-san's heartfelt sentiments. Reflecting on your time with Mito-san and her grandmother, you couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by their kindness—their warmth a stark contrast to the darkness and chaos that had once plagued your life. Recalling the day Gon had stumbled upon you in the forest, inviting you into their home for dinner, those memories remained etched in your mind as if they had occurred just yesterday.
The fear of being hunted by mafia leaders and Illumi's relentless pursuit had gripped you tightly, leaving you running for your life until the compassionate gaze of an innocent boy offered you a glimmer of hope amidst everything.
"Lay low." Those were the words you had whispered to yourself, a mantra to guide you in your newfound life on Whale Island. Indeed, your father would never have thought such a move from a Zoldyck child like yourself. Known for your affinity for big cities, settling on Whale Island seemed inconceivable to him. Yet, it was here, in the welcoming embrace of Gon's family, that you found solace and acceptance. They treated you as one of their own, imparting invaluable lessons and filling your life with experiences you had never known before. In them, you found the family you had always longed for, though you couldn't help but yearn for the presence of your beloved younger siblings.
When you boarded the ship with Gon, preparing to embark on your journey, the parting words of Mito-san's grandmother resonated in your mind. "Chase your dreams, but always remember to know the road that will lead you home." Smiling and waving to the people of Whale Island, you couldn't shake the feeling that you were leaving behind more than just a temporary stop. Deep inside, you knew that despite the adventures and challenges that lay ahead, you considered this humble island your true home—a sanctuary of warmth, acceptance, and belonging that would remain in your heart wherever your path may lead.
This was where you belong.