-𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 | 𝐡𝐱𝐡

一 | AND SO IT BEGINS

*UNEDITED

The sun began rising over the horizon, fighting of the waves or darkness. It seemed brighter than usual, blinding Ilias, who's eyes were fully adjusted to the dark. He really didn't want to move. The thought of falling back into the dark embrace of sleep alluded him. It was so tempting, so calm-

Fuck.

Ilias's eyes shot open, realizing that falling back asleep would be a terrible idea. The Hunter Exams would be taking place soon and he had to find his way to the testing site. His body wanted to resist his movements, but he pushed forward.

He rushed to get ready. His normal attire was easy enough to put on. It was a simple, yet effective outfit: Black cargo pants, each pocket filled with candies; a pink sleeveless turtleneck; and his heeled boots, which have become a staple weapon in his fights.

Ilias took one last glance in the mirror, not caring to fix his hair. He couldn't waste any more time in his apartment. His time had to be dedicated to finding the location of the hunter exams.

———-

Being several hundred feet above the ground wasn't something Ilias enjoyed. It's not that he was scared of heights, but it was unusual. He could barely comprehend that there was only a few sheets of metal preventing him from dropping to his death.

At least it's pretty, Ilias thought while staring down at the cities below. The land below looked like a bunch of puzzle pieces, all different, but connected.

When he turned around, he was surprised to see all the other potential examinees passed out or cowering. All except a white-haired boy who was messing around on his skateboard. He looked to be around eleven or twelve, yet Ilias knew not to underestimate him.

"Hey," Ilias gave a half-assed wave. His hand immediately dropped back down to his side to fish for a lollipop. "Name's Ilias, what's yours?" He smiled, before placing the candy in his mouth.

The kid's eyes were zoned in on the sweet treat that Ilias had. "You wouldn't happen to have any more of those, would you?" He sported a cat-like grin on his face.

Ilias laughed at his disregard for everything but candy. In a way, this kid reminded him of himself when he was younger. The most prominent similarity was the way he carried himself, though. On the surface, he seemed like any other mischievous kid, but there was something else to him, something darker.

"Answer my question first, then I'll give you a lollipop, or any other candy of your choice." Ilias stuck his tongue out at the sour look on the boy's face. He just wanted some free sweets.

"Killua." His reply made the older male's face light up in satisfaction. "I'll take anything you have, chocolates preferred." He looked off in daydream.

A box of Chocorobo-kun chocolate balls came flying at Killua, almost fast than he could see. He swiped the box out of the air and began downing them immediately. His eyes sparkled as if he had just entered Heaven on earth. "I think I'll keep you around now," He swooned.

"I'm not that easy to keep on a leash," Ilias joked, "But, I will willingly stay if you help me." He gave Killua a mischievous grin while twisting the cap off of a marker. The younger boy quickly caught on and snatched himself a marker.

Within seconds, the two boys had scribbled all over the faces of the passed out individuals. Their actions were showcased on a camera a few rooms away, causing the witness to sweat-drop at the two troublemakers.