This story takes place at the same time as the original HunterXHunter. The cover art is by me, and can be found under this same user name on Deviant Art.

ALSO. There are comics for this fanfic on Deviant Art as well.

Notice: The preface has been moved to a separate story! It's a necessary part of the story, but was affecting the flow.

He'd been following me for a while.

I didn't hear him or smell him, I barely noticed he was there. Sometimes, even when I tried really hard, I couldn't tell if he was still trailing after me. But then I would feel the brush of his aura when he'd get anxious and I'd smile.

I knew what he wanted. He was trying to get into the Hunter Exam, just like I was. He was cheating off of me while I was cheating my way in, too. So he was a double cheater. And I'd be really upset with him if he weren't so darn good at it!

You can think of me as Clearian, and I'll let you in on a secret. Back in the day, I was an accomplished thief; the rich whispered my name. I picked the most guarded of pockets, not once being caught. But this guy... he was on a whole new level of stealthy. I knew he was better without a doubt. And I had to meet him. And maybe get his help...

Every eager and proud soul was gathered in Zaban City. It was cradled between lushly wooded mountains and offered a nice breeze, but still. It reeked of scum. The kind of scum that robs you of your vacation funds by selling you fake tickets to concerts. It was the kind of scum I was familiar with. And it was this cesspool of grime that was hosting this year's Hunter Exam, and it was a widely known fact; the streets were packed with the hopeful and desperate.

Not many people paid me any attention as I navigated the streets. Who cared about a middle school boy with a hoodie and a scowl? But my little shadow decided that I knew what I was doing, because he'd been on my case for two whole days. The exam was but one day away, yet he still followed me. Maybe he had more faith in me than I did.

I'd tried what I knew. I inquired from shady shop keeps, got in touch with the local gangs, and even found an information broker. All for naught. It would make sense that the Exam was a shade more difficult than asking the usual street rats. Still... what else could I do?! I was on the verge of pulling out my frizzy blond hair.

It was night, and any decent interrogation subjects were going to sleep. To top it off, shadow boy was growing irritated at my lame progress. I growled, even more frustrated at his anonymous disapproval. At my wit's end, I ran. Sprinting through the emptying streets, I aimed for the outskirts of the city. All the while, I groped behind me with my aura. Shadow boy's movements were as silent as ever, but his aura was twitching with anxiety at my sudden haste. He kept up with a startling ease, even when I drew my aura into my legs.

The cool forest air hit my cheeks and the darkness swallowed the sounds of the city. The night was thick around me when I finally stopped.

"I know you're there! Get down here!" I shouted in the dark, hands fisted. There was no response for a moment. And then behind me.

"How did you know?" A cool young voice said. I spun quickly, but there was nothing in the faint moonlight. Again, the voice came from behind me. "Was I careless?"

I spun, but there was nothing but darkness again. Frustrated, I growled and reached out with my aura. He's right behind me!

I spun a kick in the air, but he dodged back. Finally, I caught a glimpse of white in the faint light. There you are! But he was gone before I caught a good look. He's so fast...!

"No. You were perfectly hidden." I said, trying to hide my irritation.

"Ohh! Good!" The boy said, childishly pleased. I sensed mockery, and pouted. "Then how did you find me out?"

I spun in a slow circle. His voice kept changing location in the darkness.

"... you get anxious sometimes... and your killing intent is palpable..." I said with a small smirk. I grinned when there was a pause. "Why are you hiding? Aren't you going to question me about the exam?"

There was a derisive laugh. "Hah! I know you know nothing about the exam. You're just as lost and blind as I am!"

"Ohh, and what makes you think I didn't already know where the exam is before you followed me? What if I'm a distraction for chumps like you who try to mooch off of others?" I taunted. I was lying. Poorly. But he was being so arrogant! I just wanted to have some upper hand... even if it was a lie.

There was more silence. And then suddenly, he was there.

He had blue eyes, white hair and cold determination. I froze in surprise. "Then I'll beat the answer out of you."

He swung a kick at my side, and I barely – and poorly – blocked. The explosion of pain in my gut was hardly dulled by my blocking arm. I skidded to a stop, but he was gone. Maybe this was a mistake...

I rolled to the side, anticipating an attack, and sure enough, his shoe grazed my cheek. I jumped back, ducked and flipped out of the way of his assault. Oh my god he's too good; he's going to murder me!

"You're quick, aren't you!" I said, laughing nervously as I pushed aside a punch that left my hand aching. I caught a frigid glare in the midst of his swift kicks and punches. And then suddenly he relented, bouncing back and coming to a stop. He was frowning, hand on his hip, not even winded.

"And you don't know anything, do you?" He countered irritably. I sighed, grinning.

"You caught me." I held up my hands. He rolled his eyes and turned to leave. "Hey, wait!"

He paused but didn't turn back.

"I have one last hope to get into the exam! I need your help!" I said, pleading with all my heart that he wouldn't abandon me just yet. We've been through so much together! Well, a safe distance away, but together nonetheless! When the boy didn't make another move to leave I continued cautiously. "... but it's dangerous."

"... dangerous?" Only then did he look over his shoulder. The moon light illuminated a cocky grin. "I'm in. My name is Killua."

I was relieved. I reached out with my hand. "Call me Clearian."