Seeing through the Flames (Killua x OC) (Kurapika x OC)

Chapter 1

WARNING: It's a bit fast in the beginning, but if you stick to it after 4 chapters, which is how long the Hunter Exam is in this fanfic, then you will not regret it - at least, in my opinion. Later on, this story will touch on some pretty heavy topics and will get really dark (BUT there will be no suicide, no rape, and no explicit sexual content). Everyone's age has been bumped up to be around 2 years older than they are in the manga. This fanfic will follow events in both anime versions - the old and the new, and then will go AU (with the last arc) after Chimera Ants. And the order of the events in the story might change a little or the dates of the events might slightly differ from the manga or anime, depending on the flow and convenience of our story.

Now... To explain the meaning behind the title... I view flames as a symbol of selfishness, because flames can either keep you warm or injure you. This is also the case with selfishness, which can affect others negatively a lot or a little. So a few of the main things about this fanfic is all about seeing or navigating through the different types of selfishness and its respective outcomes! I hope that makes sense to everyone. Enjoy reading!

"" - speech

italics - thoughts/memory/dream

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"Anou..." A young female, at the age of 15, stared at the terrorist hunter with a seemingly calm expression. "As long as I pass this Hunter Exam, I will..."

"Yes. At the very least, your talents will be put into great use and you can live a comfortable life... Well, whatever your definition of comfortable is." He furrowed his eyebrows. "Please understand that this is the most that I can do for you."

She gave him a wry smile, hiding any uncertainty and anxiety from the male. "I am grateful enough that you went this far for me."

An unexpectedly painful and guilty expression flickered on his face. "I have failed you and your family. This is the least I can do to make up for it."

She straightened her back and turned her heel to face the other direction. "It is no matter... After all, life moves on no matter what happens to me or anyone else. The only thing that matters is our choice to either learn from mistakes or to continue being in the vicious cycle once more." Her roughly cut black hair that barely went past her shoulders managed to hide her eyes from the terrorist hunter. She then looked up at the sky with her sharp amethyst purple eyes.

"M-" Before the terrorist hunter could continue his words, she immediately interjected in a clear-cut manner.

"Please call me, Arla..." Her facial expression never changed. He stiffened. It only served to remind him of the horrors she faced a few months ago.

"Ah, yes. Arla..." He gave a short awkward laugh. "Be careful at the exams. There are a lot of people with dark hearts who would be happy to corrupt or destroy you - the second you show weakness."

Her polite smile never wavered. "Lawrence. You always acted like a ruffian, but you truly have a good heart. Thank you for everything and I hope the next time our paths cross, you will feel relieved about who I am at that point in time and that you will finally have the peace that you deserve in your heart." She twirled around to face him and then curtsied to him properly for the last time, reminding her that this will be the final moment that reflected of her previous status.

As if responding to her feelings, he bowed to her in silence without giving her a reply. Once he saw the strong conviction in her eyes, he knew that she would be fine. Feeling a bit melancholy, he sighed and then turned around with a short wave. "Well, see you around then, Arla!"