Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter! It belonged to Yoshihiro Togashi! That would be so awesome if it is!

The Hunters 1st Hunt

The Blind Girl x Introductions

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For five days, all she felt was the rocking of the ship. All she sniffed was the smell of the salty breeze. For five days, Samara was stuck with these brainless barbarians whom also aimed the same goal as she was.

To become a Hunter.

Samara felt nothing but relief as soon as the ship heading to Dolle docked at Whale Island. She and the water was never a good combination. And nope she's not hydrophobic. It's more of being afraid of drowning. That's a big difference.

She just prefers land over the water. Her senses seemed dull. This ship falls, and she would fall down 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. 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 in land.

But enough with the drama. It's not like it's a big lump in her life. Sam lived with her condition for seven years, and she gotten used to it. It helped her lot of things. One of those things is to enhance her senses and be sensitive to her surroundings.

"I will become the best Hunter in the world!" A loud voice filled the ship and most heads looked up to the owner of the voice.

It was from a young boy, a year younger than her, black haired, wearing a green jacket and green shorts. He was standing on a wooden rail; both closed fists up in the air. Although Samara can't see the boy but her ears helped to determine where he was.

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

'Tsk, the judgmental idiots.'

They think and talk with their big and bulky muscles. 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 five days, all she heard was moaning and vomiting from these men. She pities those fishes though. They had to eat those gross and sticky gags. And thinking about it just made her want to barf.

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 another doubts or worse, pity. And she would not want it at all. Samara snorted, she even doubted it if there's someone in this boat who had the same sharp senses as she was.

Well she just wished the other kid a good luck and proceeded to be alert in her surroundings. The ship just left a few minutes ago, making her mood drop a few degrees again.

Samara cussed. A storm is coming. The smell carried by the wind and the birds' restlessness told her so. That would be five times worse. On the other side of the boat, the boy in green looked up at the sky as well. He told the captain what was coming and the Captain made preparations.

And indeed, after an hour and a half, the storm greeted the ship. The candidates went down for shelter and Samara followed suit. The sounds of their footsteps helped her where to go. She looked for an area which she thinks with less people and sat peacefully against the wall.

Sooner or later the ship rocked like a wrecking ball and the place filled with vomit stink. Samara covered her nose and grimaced.

Disgusting.

And they claimed to become a Hunter? She just rolled her eyes and concentrated in blocking her nose from the awfully sour stench.

The boy earlier was all over the place, helping these men from getting nausea. He gave them medicine, towels, water and even helped them to sit comfortable. If ever there's a comfortable place in these weather.

Ha! And to think these were the very men who underestimated him a few hours ago! She could tell at all that the boy was incredibly fine in this bad weather. What a good kid.

If it was her?

Samara just snorted as she thought of ignoring these buffoons.

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 to 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 young boy carrying a basket full of fruits. And finally, settling his eyes to the only girl in 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 set of feet walking against the wooden floor. She only knows that the boy was included but was clueless about the other two.

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

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

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

"I am called Leorio." The one from Samara's right introduced. From what she could hear, his voice sounded like an old man.

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. Maybe sixteen or seventeen? He was wearing blue traditional clothes and has 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 shorts.

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

Woah, hold up his horses, er, ship… That's just some personal question he's asking. Why would he interrogate them their reasons? He's just a captain of this ship which will take them to Dolle. Nothing more, nothing less.

But was he really just nothing? Samara doubted her thoughts.

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

Boy was he an honest kid.

But nope, not all of these candidates have positive motivations in entering this exam. It might come from a very bad experience or worse. That's why people like her call it personal. Obviously the other two remained there mouth shut. Not obliged to answer at all.

"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?"

Samara rolled her eyes. 'For people like you maybe, but for us it's a big deal!'

"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 by the remaining person from her left.

The old man claimed to be Leorio, asks his age for disrespecting him from dropping the honorifics. But the young teen continued, saying he's not obliged to answer and preferred to lie with him instead since they are strangers. The reasons are personal and it should be kept inside them. Sam can't help but totally agree with Kurapika. She mentally nodded. Glad that someone expounded 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.

"Our parents always remind us 'never talk to strangers'. Meaning I should not tell you my reasons cause I don't know you at all." Her reply with ease.

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

What?

"Eh?"

"Do you still not understand? The exam has already begun from the very moment you stepped in 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 whose not worthy just like you three if you still refuse to answer my question."

Samara gulped a big lump in her throat.

'Well, it makes sense.' She should have followed Gon earlier.

Tension wrapped the three of them.

The Kurapika guy didn't waste seconds to answer 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."

Sam coughed her own spit. As surprising as Kurapika is a Kuruta -of course Samara has knowledge about Kuruta People and the massacre- BUT Phantom Brigade? The Spiders? Everybody knows that group. Who wouldn't? They are band of famous thieves who kill anybody for the sake of rare treasures. This guy has a long, long way before reaching his goal.

IF he could ever reach it.

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

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

Leorio asked if he wants revenge and questioned the need to become a Hunter. Kurapika referred Leorio an idiot for asking the obvious in which Sam totally agreed. Hunters would have access in certain places, and information which possibly includes records and details about the notorious thieves.

He sure is dumb; though Sam kept it to herself unlike the blonde teen saying Leorio's little neurons must have missed. Kurapika sure has a rude tongue.

Leorio is steaming with annoyance. Kurapika did not just drop the honorifics but also called him dumb. Good thing the Captain asked what Leorio's reason is. His mood immediately escalated and answered the Captain.

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

"Okay, we get it. Money runs the world, yippee. Now my turn." Samara inserted, making Leorio's ecstatic face pop. "I want to be an Artifact Hunter. I'll search from antiquities to relics and put them into safe custody."

Leorio laughed and patted the young girl's head. "See? Even the little girl in her age is out looking for a treasure!"

The brunette slapped his hand and pushed it off of her head. "Get off! I am not little! And don't lump me in the same category as you! Did you not get what I just said?! They're not just any treasure you deadhead! They're artifacts that can't be bought nor replaced with any money or any treasure in the world!" Sam fumed.

"Watch it brat! A treasure is still a treasure. 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 tic. A fight will surely happen the next time someone can't keep their damn mouth shut!

"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. See? A fight commenced as soon as someone talked. '

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

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

"I am right behind you!"

Samara 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 at both of them hoping it would knock some sense to their heads. And did they listen? No! Not even one glance at her and went out.

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

"Let them fight." His only answer, eyes never left where the two older teens went off to.

"What?" Confusion was etched in 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. Samara wanted to argue so badly.

But her words backed out. No words formed because Gon does have a point. "I guess you're right." The girl agreed but still having second thoughts. "So what are we gonna do now?"

The Captain laughed before turning his back from the young teens. "Why not you kids help us maintaining 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 in this ship. The ship sinks and so are they. The Captain went to instruct his 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's talking about.

"You can't see, right?"

Sam halted and spun to face him. Oh, he meant that?

The question immediately dropped the sudden interest she had a couple of seconds ago. How the heck could he tell? She snorted, "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 multiple times. What is this kid? She was pretty sure she never gave off any signs that she can't see. 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 for 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. "And with that you can call me Sam." She could feel it herself, that Gon has this personality that draws people to him. Just like how Samara was easily drawn into him. Not to mention, he's quite interesting.

Gon tilted his head in wonder. "Sam? Why Sam? Don't you like your name?"

Sam chuckled. "I invented that name myself cause it's cool. Samara is not cool and it's kind of awkward. And I only allowed a friend to call me that."

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

The girl laughed out 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 their 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 howling wind.

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

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

The girl cussed.

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

"Gon!" Sam called before throwing the boy something.

The lad in green caught a large metal ring with a string attached to it. It was a shoge hook, a double edged blade, branching another curved blade near the hilt, attached to a 10 feet string with a large metal ring end.

Gon jumped off the boat and successfully grabbed the man while his other arm's still firmly gripped the metal ring with his dear life. Gon and the man ended up hanging beside the ship.

But she alone was not enough. Their sudden fall, the weight of the two, and the ship's rocking was too much for Samara. Their weight dragged her towards the rail. One more pull from their side, and all three of them will be shark bait. She closed her eyes and concentrated in putting 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 the strings of her weapon. 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 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 Samara. "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 throat and now both of them act like hyperventilating grandmas. She shook her head and smiled at the three boys. She never expected to meet this kind of people in the exam. Though they have differences like 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 own ways.

"Thank you." She said softly, facing Leorio and Kurapika. "If it hadn't been for you guys then maybe, Gon and I would have fall off. I can't even swim because I don't know where I'll head to." 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.

She needs to teach Gon about keeping his mouth shut on certain things.

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

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

Leorio can't help but sheepishly chuckled. "What's that? It's like were strangers. 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 add up. And you…" She points at Leorio. "Should definitely 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 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 another question.

The young girl pointed 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's 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 ships 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.

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

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End of First Hunt