Chapter Text
Survive. All Kite knew was how to run, how to fight, how to survive. That's why she got along so well with animals. Other humans were distracted by trivial things, like what others thought of them and love. Not the love that Kite knew, not the unconditional faith and trust she knew from her animals, but the fleeting pheromone-induced mate selection. She had her family of misfit animals, and that was all she needed.
Kite patted the head of a companion dog who assisted in that day's food gathering. It was a relief to be able to come home, even if it was just a straw mat in the depths of the sewers. After a long day of dodging authorities, she was excited to be able to relax with her animals. She turned the corner and looked at her bed. She froze. In the middle of her bed was an animal she wasn't used to seeing. She shifted to an offensive position, taking a knife from her pocket.
“How did you find this place?” She said, her voice stern and calm.
“I just followed the animals. Are these yours?” A boy a little older than her was sitting against a horse and stroking a dog. He was hard to distinguish from the other animals since he was just as dirty and unkempt. He had dark skin and hazel eyes, his hair was tucked up in a head wrapping, poking out from some spots. She could tell he hadn't shaved or slept in a few days.
Kite stayed silent.
“All good hunters get along with animals,” T he boy said as a dog licked his face. Seeing the animals trust the stranger made Kite relax a bit.
“A hunter?” She inquired, dropping her stance.
“I saw you around town today, you have a lot of potential. I bet with enough training you could pass the Hunter exam on the first try,” He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. Kite sat down, but kept the knife in hand. “Being a Hunter you could get paid lots of money looking for animals. I'm more into ancient ruins myself.”
Kite continued to lower her guard as animals began to sleep around him, a sign of trust. She listened intently as he started rambling about an adventure he had. The young man kept stealing glances at her while he was talking. She was pale and gaunt, almost sickly, with long white hair hanging by her sides. Most of her face was covered in the shadow of her blue cap, but her eyes shone intensely from underneath the brim. Her nose was the most prominent feature on her face. She had thin lips resting on a pointed chin, which were curved into a slight smile. She wore a baggy coat which made her look even smaller. He couldn't tell if Kite was a boy or a girl. “Anyway, I should get going,” He slid the dog off of his lap and started walking away, hoping to escape before Kite could ask questions.
“Who are you?” She placed a bony hand on his shoulder. The boy flinched in surprise, thinking that he was in the clear. He was overwhelmed by both her speed and her height. She was at least half a foot taller than him. He felt her presence looming over him as he turned to face Kite. She was better than he thought.
“Ging,” He said slyly, turning around. Kite took her hand off his shoulder and held it in front of her.
“I'm Kite,” she replied. Ging sarcastically shook her hand and started off again.
“See you around, Kite,” Ging said before rounding the corner, disappearing into the darkness. Usually he wasn't so free about giving his name out, but he knew he would never see her again.
In the morning, Ging was getting ready to set out. He didn't like to stay in one place long and definitely didn't want to hang around running the risk of encountering Kite again. He just planned to plant a seed of inspiration and determination into Kite and let it cultivate on its own. Ging preferred to travel on foot because it was easier to not leave a trail. After about an hour of walking he was deep in the forest on the outskirts of town. Although he was safe, he had his En cast out in case he ran into thieves or a wild animal. He felt a slight waver in aura but did not pay much attention to it since it was so weak it was probably a small animal. The aura kept getting closer, staying a fixed distance away from him, forcing him to take notice. Ging walked faster and so did whatever was following him. A moment later, the presence was gone. He made it look like he was just taking a rest under a tree when in reality he was preparing for a fight. Ging took a deep breath and concentrated his aura around him. Closing his eyes, he tried his En again.
“Ging!”
He jumped at the break in silence and his eyes shot open. His eyes followed a body up to a bony face.
“Kite, what are you doing here?” Ging demanded, his heart still beating rapidly. Kite bowed her head respectfully. Her heart was also pumping fast.
“Teach me how to be a hunter,” she muttered, apprehensive of his reaction. Ging crossed his arms. She showed talent before, but now that she was able to catch up with Ging put her at an advantage. He didn't need someone tying him down right now as he was peaking in his career. But if he trained the next big hunter, that would do wonders for his reputation, wonders for his goal. He mulled over the situation for a few minutes. Kite looked from underneath the brim of her hat to see the steam coming from Ging's ears. She smirked and straightened her back. Ging mumbled under his breath.
“I guess...” He groaned indistinctly. Kite's face lit up instantly and a huge grin spread across her face. “But you have to do everything I say, no questions! I'll teach you something that will put you ahead of everyone else. Follow me,” He looked back at her and in a moment he was gone. Adrenaline was coursing through her veins, it took her no time at all to fall in step with him.
Ging had found a small hotel for them to stay at a few cities over. After Ging got the keys, they went upstairs to settle in. The inn keeper thought it was odd that neither of them had luggage, but didn't ask questions. Ging opened the door and to his surprise there was only one bed. He frowned in disappointment and looked over at Kite. She was staring at the bed as well. “I'll ask the innkeeper for a-” Ging was cut off by the sound of Kite jumping into the bed with a loud thump. She snuggled into the pillows and blanket and fell asleep almost instantly. “Hey! I bought this room! I should get the bed!” He shouted, but no one listened. He grumbled and snatched one small pillow for himself before Kite took that too and curled up in an armchair.
Kite woke up early, not having slept so well in a long time. She made coffee after her shower to repay Ging for letting her sleep in the bed. She stood in front of the coffee maker in a robe, her hair freely hanging and dripping down her body. Her teacher was still in the chair snoring loudly when she brought over his coffee and set it on the desk next to him. He opened an eye and stretched, his back and neck cracking uncomfortably.
“Thank you,” She said sincerely. The man was still waking up, sipping his coffee for a few moments before responding.
“For what?” He asked sluggishly.
“For the room and the bed,” She replied, the whole time not moving.
“Yeah, yeah. But next time I'm sleeping in the bed! How am I supposed to teach you to be a Hunter with this crick in my neck?!” He complained, but with no real harsh emotions behind his words. Kite went into the bathroom and brushed her hair. The room was still steamy so she only closed the door half way. Ging could see her in the reflection of the mirror where he was sitting. Now that she was cleaned up she seemed more delicate. She was swimming in the robe, he felt that she could have wrapped it around her 10 more times. Her skin seemed to be stretched to its limit just to cover her bones. She pulled off the robe and put her underwear on. Ging choked on his coffee, completely unaware this whole time that Kite was in fact, a female. Her chest was small enough that when she put on the baggy turtleneck she lost all semblance of her curves. She poked her head out of the bathroom at the sound of Ging gagging.
“Are you alright?” She asked quietly.
“Yeah, fine, you know just, went down the wrong tube,” Ging proceeded to chug the rest of his coffee to keep his mouth from moving and saying anything stupid. She nodded her head and continued getting dressed. There was something about Kite that made it hard for Ging to tear his glance away. She wasn’t like any of the people he saw on the island. Her height and pale features contrasted harshly with his dark skin and short reach. She came out of the bathroom a few minutes later completely dressed except her hat. “Are you ready to start your journey to become a pro hunter?” Ging said enthusiastically, like he was trying to sell her something. She nodded intently. She sat next to him by the nightstand as he started drawing charts and writing down notes. “We could do this the long way with meditation and diligent mind work…” Ging trailed off.
“Or?” Kite finished.
“We could do this the quick and dirty way and have you mastering Nen in less time, but it’s more dangerous,” Ging added.
“Then it’s more fun,” Kite smirked. “What are the risks?”
“I could kill you if I have any ill will against you.”
“Good thing you don’t,” Kite folded her arms confidently. Ging scowled and mimicked her pose.
“I just met you, how do you know that? I could be waiting for the perfect time to strike!”
Kite rolled her eyes.
“The perfect time would have been when I was sleeping, or when I was in the shower. But I’m still here. You have eyes like a dog; honest and pure. No matter what your mouth says your eyes will always give you away.”
Ging chuckled in embarrassment and stuck out his tongue.
“It’s not the first time I’ve been compared to a dog,” He said. “What I’m going to do is use my aura to force open your nodes, enabling you to start working on your nen. Stand up and turn around.” Kite obeyed and waited patiently. She tensed her muscles, anticipating Ging’s touch. She wasn’t sure if the process would hurt, but she couldn’t imagine having a bunch of microscopic holes forced open would feel good. Ging summoned his aura and focused it into his hand. He pressed his hand in between Kite’s shoulder blades and sent his aura through her body. The power that floated around his body now coursed through hers. There was an immense pressure, like being on the bottom of the ocean and it was hard to breath for a moment. She grunted and fell backwards into Ging’s arms. He stood her up again and saw the panic in her eyes as she turned around. “Now focus on containing it. Imagine it flowing around you.”
Kite closed her eyes and started breathing deeply. Ging watched as the white steam like mist slowed and swirled around her body.
“I feel warm. Like I’m in a bathtub,” She opened her eyes steadily. Her aura flared a little as she lost focus.
“Focus. If your aura keeps pourin’ out like this you could die,” Ging snapped.
“No pressure,” Kite said with a coy smile.
“That’s called Ten. I’m impressed, Kite, good job. Work on that for a while and I’ll teach you the rest.”
“Thanks,” She said quietly, slightly embarrassed. She closed her eyes and sat down in front of the television, facing the bed. Ging laid down and could still see her from the shoulders up. He turned on the television. Kite opened on eye.
“Do you mind?”
“True peace is finding calm in a storm, or something like that. This will help you concentrate in a real life battle. Plus, my favourite show is on,” Ging sneered and turned the volume up. Kite frowned and tried to clear her mind. Ging’s eyes wandered from his TV show down to the woman on the floor. She brushed her mop of hair out of her face and sighed. Wow, Ging thought. She’s so young. Her skin is so smooth, and it’s not like she uses any beauty products. She just naturally looks like that? Even Mito uses a barrage of creams and she’s got to be a few years younger than Kite. She’s got this very natural look, unplucked eyebrows, cuts across her cheek, it’s a little unkempt but it works for her. And her hair! It’s so long and shiny-
“Ehem…” Kite cleared her throat. “I can get past the TV, but it’s really hard to concentrate with you staring at me.” Ging quickly looked somewhere else.
“I can’t help it, you’re right in my line of sight to the television,” Ging whined. Damn, she’s better than I thought!
Kite spent at least 4 hours everyday dedicated to meditation and working on her Ten, and every time, Ging found himself transfixed by her. He always seemed to find himself doing something that she seemed to conveniently be in the way of. If she was sitting by the window, Ging was bird watching. If she was in the kitchen, Ging was cooking. He always claimed that he was trying to simulate ‘real life distractions’, but his eyes said something else. It was even worse when her eyes were open.
They started going on foot again as Ging had business to attend in the Sahelta State. He didn’t tell Kite much, but she didn’t ask any questions. She learned it was best to just not question his motives and follow. They traveled across the Gordeu Desert and took refuge for the night by a cliff. Kite tended the fire and had cooked some stew for dinner. The smoke rose up into the cool dark air, disappearing among the stars. The moon was curved into a crescent, but was outshone by the nearby lights of York New City. Ging sat across from Kite, thinking the fire would conceal his gaze. The orange flames reflected off his hazel irises in such a way that even Kite couldn’t help but stare.
“It’s pretty cold,” Kite said, warming her hands by the fire.
“You’d be surprised how chilly a desert can get without the sun beating down on it. The sand is still a little warm though,” Ging responded. He pulled a blanket out of his bag and draped it around his shoulders. He held his arm out, shyly trying to clue Kite in. She blushed and awkwardly set herself next to him, watching the bright fire dance against the black background. Kite wasn’t sure if he was just looking out for her safety or if this was something more. Ging had millions of things running in his mind and his chest started to tighten. He took out a rolled up piece of paper and stuck it in his mouth. Kite side eyed him with a smirk. He took out a lighter and clicked it a few times before getting a flame, igniting the end of the paper. “What?” He said nonchalantly.
“I’ve been living on the street long enough to know what that is,” She laughed. Ging closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, letting the smoke slip out his lips after a few moments.
“Okay, so I’m a little stressed out. I’ve got an important meeting this weekend that could make or break my career,” Ging took another hit.
“I just can’t believe…” Kite shook her head.
“Oh, like you’re a pure angel or something,” Ging grumbled.
“I can’t believe you aren’t sharing! Gimme that,” Kite took the joint out of his hand and put it in her mouth. She blew the smoke out her nose, Ging watched as it danced around her lips. She coughed a little bit and passed it back to him. “That’s some good shit.”
Ging wasn’t sure if the drugs had taken effect already, but his face was turning hot and his heartbeat was in his throat.
“Wow,” he muttered. “You can really take a hit.”
“I’ve smoked a few blunts in my time, Ging.”
He started laughing so hard he fell backwards, taking Kite with him. They laid shoulder to shoulder, watching the smoke climb into the sky as they got higher.
“It’s been so long since I’ve been high, I forgot how good it felt,” Kite sighed, some left over haze came from her mouth. “I decided a while ago that food was more important than drugs, and I’ve been sober ever since. Sober and hungry.”
Ging felt uncomfortable, unsure if he should say something or it she was talking to herself.
“Did you grew this yourself?” She said after a few moments.
“Yeah, there’s a little patch I have back home that I drop by every now and then, take a bit for the road, sell a bit. You could have had a nice little garden going in the sewer, although you’d probably attract different kinds of animals with that.”
Kite swallowed and laughed dryly.
“I wish I did. No, I bought instead. I could tell yours was home grown. I can feel the sunshine in the salty air. You live on an island, right? I can smell the sea in the smoke. It feels like…” Kite closed his eyes, imagining the island breeze. “It feels like a nice place to be.”
“Yeah, I guess,” Ging said flatly. He blinked in the darkness and moved his head to look at Kite who was shining in the moonlight. “Maybe I’ll take you there one day.”
The fire was just dying embers, the only light now was from the stars.
“Ging,” Kite said.
“Hm?”
“I’m so high right now, please don’t hold anything I say against me.”
“Don’t worry, I’m probably not going to remember anything in the morning. I might say some stupid shit too.”
“Dude, you always do,” Kite paused. “Hey, will you spoon me? I’m just used to being around other people when I am high.”
“You had friends?” Ging mumbled.
“The kind of friends that bring you drugs, hold you a little too close, and the only way you remember what happened the night before are the stains on your clothes and the jenny next to your pillow.
Ging said nothing, just pressed his forehead into the back of her neck. He fixed himself against Kite’s back and brought an arm around her. Ging panicked a bit as he felt his pants begin to tent. Fuck! He thought. She gets sad and lonely, talking about her past and I have to go and pop a boner. I’m not even horny!
Worried that it would remind her of her old friends, scooted his hips back to save himself some embarrassment, but Kite’s backside pressed firmly against him. She slipped her hand under Ging’s. Her fingers felt like ice against his palm.
“Don’t try anything,” Kite said lazily.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Ging’s face was covered with strands of silver hair that got in his mouth, ruining any romantic feeling he might have had.
The leaves had all fallen and the sky was now this constant grey. Unbeknownst to Ging, Kite's 16 th birthday had come and gone, and as the New Year drew closer it was getting time for her to take the Hunter Exam. Kite and Ging had grown closer, but due to their personalities were still distant. Kite's taciturn and stoic nature clashed with Ging's stubborn determination, but there were a few moments after a long day of training, when barriers were worn down, that they would put aside snarky comments and actually talk.
It was Sunday, and they were spending the day in leisure at the apartment they were renting. They had gotten used to sleeping in the same bed, because it cost less and sleeping on the couch did more pain than good. Ging was a starfish sleeper, flat on his back, arms and legs spread to each corner of the bed, while Kite was more like a log, stiff and straight. Kite woke up early from some pain in her stomach and back. Lazily standing up, she felt gravity betray her. Blood that had settled in the night due to her rigid sleep came pouring out of her, the fluid making her thighs sticky. She froze and looked down and then at the bed sheet. More blood. She was so caught up in her nen training that she disregarded her menstrual cycle. She shuffled to the bathroom and filled the sink with hot water, placing her soiled garments in it. She dug through her bag for her tampons and after putting one in, changed into different clothes. Staring at the blotch on the bed, she had to figure out a way to get the sheet off without alerting Ging. If left undisturbed, he would sleep until she was able to get the blood out and do laundry before he woke up. She untucked the sheets on her side of the bed and tiptoed over to Ging's side. She carefully moved around him to get the sheet undone, and then with a swift movement, pulled it out from under him. Unfortunately, this threw Ging over the side and onto the floor, waking him up instantly. The girl stood there, frozen in fear holding the bloodied sheets. Ging looked up at her, blinking slowly and rubbing his head.
“What...the hell?” He muttered, stumbling to his feet. “Is that blood?” He pointed to the stain on the bed sheet. Without a word Kite went into the bathroom and soaked the sheet, closing and locking the door behind her. She looked in the mirror. Disgusting, She thought. Now Ging will see how weak I really am. There was a light tap at the door. “Are you okay?” he called through the door.
“Yeah, I accidentally cut myself is all.”
“Good... because I have to pee.”
Kite unlocked the door and before she had time to get out Ging had already pulled down his pants and was taking a piss. He groaned with satisfaction. Kite could only stare. Looking over at the sink, Ging saw the red stained underwear and pants soaking. “What, did you cut your dick off?” He joked, pulling his pants back up. Kite looked at the floor ashamed. “I'm just joking.” Ging patted her back and walked out of the bathroom. He plopped back on the bed and after a few minutes Kite came out holding back tears.
“I'm sorry, it's gross, I tried to keep it hidden,” Kite covered her face with her hair, wringing her hands together. “I didn't want you to know what I really was.”
Ging had his arms behind his head and his legs cross very casually.
“Were what? A girl?”
“Yes...” Kite's voice was solemn.
“I...” Ging sighed with a bit of shame. “I knew you were a girl. I saw you naked on accident before. I thought you were a boy when I met you, honestly. It's not big deal.”
Kite's head shot up.
“What! When did you see me naked?”
“Few months ago... you were getting dressed and the bathroom door wasn't closed all the way...”
Kite smacked her hand to her forehead.
“You were peeping on me?!”
Ging sat up and put his arms out defensively, looking her in the eyes.
“No, I swear! I just glanced over and there you were! Honest.” Kite believed him, he was a bad liar.
“You thought I was a boy?”
Ging nodded, and a bit of relief washed over Kite.
She could pass.
Ging scooted back on the bed and patted in front of him, ushering Kite to sit down. Reluctantly, she dropped herself onto the bed, hands tucked in between her knees and head still lowered. Ging touched her lower back, making her jump in surprise. He pressed his thumbs into her lumbar and made circles, while gripping her waist with his other fingers. He rubbed his fingers up and down along her spine. For a moment, Kite actually relaxed, letting the man work her muscles.
“I can't understand the pain you're in because I haven't experienced it, but I did grow up with my cousin. She would always ask me to rub her lower back during these times. This whole time, I never saw a bra or panty or tampon so I always just thought you hadn't hit puberty yet.”
Kite closed her eyes and focused on Ging's touch. He laid her on her back and started kneading her abdomen. Usually she would be opposed to anyone touching her there, but the cramps were coming at full force.
“Kite?”
“Hm?”
“Are you actually a girl?”
Kite was befuddled.
“What more proof do you need?”
“I mean like... in your mind.”
“I guess...”
Ging left it at that.
In the days leading up to Kite's departure, Ging brought her home to his cousin's and grandmother's house on Whale Island. She was welcomed warmly, unlike Ging who got a lecture almost everyday about how he doesn't communicate and how irresponsible he is. It was just as she imagined; wide open sky that reflected off the crispy sea, birds calling and leaves rustling along the ground as they walked. Despite being mid winter, there was still a smell of flowers in the air. The snow covered the island in a blanket of white. Ging always joked that if it wasn’t for her bright blue hat, Kite could blend in right with the snow. Kite stayed in the guest bedroom but spent most of her free time meditating or helping Abe around the house. As usual, Kite was helping put away the dishes after dinner.
“I want to thank you again, Ging,” She said softly as she stacked the ceramic plates in the cupboard. “For teaching me and letting me stay in your home. You have a wonderful family.” Ging rolled his eyes sarcastically. “And thank you, Mito and Abe, for welcoming me into your little circle.”
“Oh, it's a pleasure to have you here! You have to visit after you take the Hunter Exam,” Abe said gratefully.
“Yeah, it gets pretty lonely around here since Ging is too busy to visit his family. It's nice to have another girl around, someone I can relate to,” Mito added. Ging noticed Kite's eyes widen for a moment before her face was hidden under her hat again.
“Yeah,” She said coldly. Ging took note in the change of tone. “I wish I could stay longer, but my boat leaves tomorrow early morning. Again, thank you for everything,” she bowed graciously.
“Yeah, yeah,” Ging said nonchalantly as he yawned, heading towards the stairs. “Talk to you again when you become a Hunter.”
Kite nodded in response. As Ging made it up the stairs, Mito was eyeing Kite curiously until she heard Ging's door close.
“Does he always look at you like that?” She asked playfully.
“Like what?” Kite cocked her head as she blew on her tea to cool it.
“You mean you haven't noticed his goo-goo eyes? I don't think he stopped looking at you since you walked in this door,” she sat down next to Kite as Abe excused herself. Kite flushed bright pink and lowered the brim of her cap to cover her face.
“I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just his s-student,” Kite fumbled over her words as her brain spun. Mito clicked her tongue, surprised that there might be someone more oblivious than Ging.
“What about you? What is he to you?”
“He's...” Kite trailed off for a moment, looking at her reflection in her cup. “A good friend.” She closed her eyes and thought about their time together. She admired him, of course, but did it stop at that? She was so focused on training that she repressed any romantic feelings, if there were any. She frowned as she imagined them holding hands. He could never love her. And she would never love him. “We're just good friends. Nothing more,” she silently glided across the floor, put her cup in the sink, and without a word headed upstairs to her room, leaving a chill behind her.
3 AM came around. Kite would have to get up in 2 hours. She laid in bed staring at the ceiling, cursing Mito for putting ridiculous thoughts in her head. She rubbed her eyes and felt a little wetness. She felt sick, a fire in her chest made her eyes sting with tears. She shook her head in disbelief of herself. This wasn't Kite. To her, Kite was a hunter in training, a skilled swordsman, and above all else, a man. But that was not the Kite everyone else knew. Worrying about what Ging thought of her was futile, for he could never love this lie she was living, and the truth would be too hard for him to face. Kite was stronger than this. Putting the pillow over her face, her tiredness took over and she eventually fell asleep.
On the other side of the wall, Ging was still awake. He looked out the window at the ocean feeling hopeless, lost, like he was looking at a compass that just kept spinning. It had barely been a year since he followed a stray dog down a sewer and met this ghostly figure, a ghost that since had been haunting his dreams. It pained him to face the fact that he would miss Kite, but this separation would be good. He had become too drawn to her, so much so that he wanted to follow her. He had dreams of his own to pursue and didn't want to be holding Kite back. Once she got her Hunter License she would be gone from his life. He would manage, but that's all he'd be doing. He had to do something before she slipped through his fingers.
The sun peeked over the horizon and lit the sky. Kite woke up and hastily got ready to leave. Ging could hear her small footsteps pat across the floor. He didn't sleep, afraid to be away from her even unconsciously. Before he knew it he heard the front door shut and saw Kite walking down the road with bag in hand. Shit . He thought. She was getting farther away. Shit. Shit! What do I do? I can't think . He grit his teeth, took a deep breath and went downstairs. By the time he caught up with her she was already on the dock getting ready to board.
“Ging?” Kite called. She held on to her hat as the salty air whipped through her hair. The sun blazed behind her, giving her a divine glow. Oh god, Ging thought. If he had any questions on what he felt towards her, he didn't now. “You look like hell, didn't you sleep?”
“Kite, I-” His words caught in his throat. “I wanted to say goodbye. I hope you'll do well. I know you'll do well.”
The bell started to chime. It was time to leave.
“Thank you, ” Kite's breath was squeezed out. Ging had never hugged her before, but she felt like this was more than just a goodbye hug. She patted his head gently as a reassurance for them both. Ging held on to her shoulders and gazed square into her eyes. “Don't say goodbye, Ging. I'll come back to you.”
The captain called ‘All Aboard'.
She removed herself from his grip with a weak smile and started up the boat ramp.
“Wait! Kite...” His voice shook. She looked down at him, slightly annoyed at this point. “I have to tell you something.”
“Ging, I have to go,” She said sternly.
“When you pass the exam, meet me at the top of the world. I'll tell you then,” He leaned in closer and gave her soft peck on the lips. Kite stared at him with stars in her eyes. Ging thought it was a good look for her. “For good luck,” he added, almost a whisper. He stepped off the ramp and onto the dock. Kite kept the same surprised expression, turning around stiffly and getting on the ship. She covered her face in embarrassment, her heart beating through her chest. After the ship had sailed a few meters, Kite ran to the deck. She wanted to call out to him, letting him know she understood. Most of all, she wanted to turn the ship around and go back home with him. Ging raised his hand and did a small wave as the ocean grew wider between them. Ging waited on the dock until the boat was nothing but a small blot on the horizon.