A/N: Behold... My AF/Kuroshitsuji x-over I've been holding back...
But at the conspicuous lack of AF/K xovers, I have decided to help out a little.
...
A few warnings before hand:
YAOI (SLASH, or whatever term floats your boat, so to speak)
'Nuff said. Even if Ciel and Artemis don't end up paired together (they are leaning towards WILL at the moment), there are still pairings later on, with others.
DARKNESS SHALL ENSUE
...well, it does start out talking of blood
MAJOR CROSSOVERS
Later on. Trust me. I have everything planned out, I just need to type it. There WILL be major CROSSOVERS that basically includes all the shounen anime/manga I've watched with characters that have non-Japanese names, plus a few that does (a.k.a. the ones too awesome to ignore, like CLAMP characters)
MIGHT HAVE MAJOR HIATUSES
If you are, by per chance, familiar with any of my ongoing fics, you will know that I am not a really responsible person. That's why I had attempted to finish this fic before uploading it, so I wouldn't have to make the readers wait. But WARNING!! I ONLY HAVE A COUPLE OF CHAPTERS RIGHT NOW!!!
...of course, by couple, I mean... 29 pages on word...
That's not all that much though
But good luck to you, this is also my English project for the year (yes, my teacher was awesome enough to accept an x-over fanfic as a graded work)
So it will be continued quickly, hopefully.
At least before due dates.
...Long A/N...
So... Read on~?
Drip. Drop. Drip. Drop.
Rivulets of liquid all sizes and widths flow down from the mahogany tile wall. Drops are in constant addition, quickening the pace at times, slackening others. The source started thick and flat above, trailing into thinner and thinner branches and rills, crisscrossing and zigzagging.
Red.
--
"It's Cross…"
"Cross strikes again…"
"Brutal… Everything was covered in blood…"
"No clues at all as to who's done it…"
"Just the silver cross…"
Nervous whispers filled the chilly December morning, marked by telltale white puffs of crystallized breath. Gossipers' gaze flit about the near-empty streets, afraid that the infamous assassin might just be around the corner and their useless talks might mark them as the next target.
A young boy, 16, traipses by a group through the snow, rolling his penetrating azure eye skywards. The other was covered by a black satin patch; blinded. Looking skywards again, the boy draws a gloved hand through blue striped raven tresses, ends tickling the nape of his neck. He pulls his brown trench coat tighter together, then continued tramping forward, eyes on the huge grey manor further down the paved London road.
--
"Are you the one who seeks employment?"
The maid's skeptical tone irked the boy slightly. But nothing would be achieved if he irritated her now. Oh, how much he hated a disposition such as this.
"Yes madam." Nothing like a healthy dose of courtesy.
"Name?" Apparently not to one who looked like they had a knife stuck up their–
"Ciel."
Really, Ciel tried keeping as pleasant as possible. But he knew that if the insolent woman kept up the snooty façade, he would be obliged to act. It was crucial to obtain the job within this manor as a part of his current job. He knew it. His employer knew it, especially when he paid him just a measly twenty-two and then ordered him to observe the subject up close. Oh the things he does for money.
The maid's depthless gray eyes gave him an once-over, pausing and sending a look of revulsion at his threadbare black trousers and his frayed leather boots. Ciel risked a glance down to double-check the golden buckles were on, and not still in the box holding all of his possessions underneath his bed.
Well, he thought, grimacing. I actually remembered this morning. Kudos for me.
Ciel was led through a wide and grand corridor; thick red carpeting soft through the worn soles of the boots, thick plaster walls that still gave off a fresh scent, and then adjoining those, what seemed like borders of real marble. Paintings of similar looking lords and ladies put in golden frames hung from vermilion tapestries every few yards or so, proving to be the only decor besides the pure silver candelabras that hung parallel in couples and lit the hall. Training to the point of instincts took over, and he immediately started counting – subconsciously – the number of footsteps it took for them to reach. Tiny details were noted, such as strangely covered parts of the walls that seemed to have held rooms, and how only one single candle stood burning in their holders in each and every candelabrum. He counted 114 steps before the maid paused, Ciel following likewise. He dully noted the sour expression that now appeared etched onto her features.
"Mr. Shechard is in there," she said, gesturing with a stiff hand to an oaken door. "He is the head of the servants. He will decide whether to employ you or not as our new delivery boy." Without another word she strode off, the rough fabric of her brown dress swishing softly around the lace trims of the white apron. Clichéd getup, the teen thought idly, before mentally slapping himself for even caring.
Ciel stared after her for a second, waiting perhaps for a nonchalant callback of instructions he might need. But then again, when none came, he realized he never expected any. Serious-adolescent face falling for the moment, the teen regained his "Young Master" façade, as many had dubbed it; a haughty glint in cerulean eye, an upward tilt of the chin in such a way that contradicts with what most normal people do, and a naturally straight posture born from years of strict training. It was dangerous, he realized, to drop the image of a carefully built up character in the midst of the opponent's fields. But honest to whatever entities that lie up in the heavens, he couldn't care less. If the earl of the house was as smart as everyone believed him to be, he'd have known Ciel was coming. And if he didn't, God help whichever unlucky soul that stood in the way of the teen's job. With barely any hesitation, a pale hand stretched out for the brass knob, gloves already stripped and slipped into the breast pocket of the jacket. Slowly, he turned it, then pushed inwards.
He was greeted by the sight of a grand visiting room of some sort. Gold-fringed scarlet draperies hung from the ivory walls, blending into the lighter red carpet. Underneath a silver chandelier lined with lit wax candles stood an elliptical cedar-wood conference table. Another door, similar to the one Ciel just walked through, stood at the other end of the room. Just as he was contemplating whether or not to continue on, it opened, and in walked a large, menacing-looking bald man, wearing a dark suit and black dress shoes; clothing Ciel had never lost an affinity for. He also wore a pair of dark specs over his eyes; peculiar within the dark house. The man, whom Ciel assumed was Mr. Shechard, seemed slightly startled at the sight of him.
"Who are you?" His voice was equally as gruff as his demeanor. But there was an air of self-importance amongst it, suggesting that his was not a normal background, but one with education of sorts.
"Ciel."
His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Last name?"
Ciel only laughed. There was no way he was going to let his own information be revealed so easily, even if it was for a couple of millions.
"I must say, Mr. Shechard," he goaded. "That if Ciel is all I'm offering, perhaps you should tell me more of yourself as compromise?"
The man looked even more aghast at this, then turned around to face the door. A tinkling laughter sounded through.
"Artemis, are you hearing this?"
"Of course, old friend. Master Phantomhive certainly isn't of lowly upbringing. Parfait," a voice said, the single French word crisply pronounced with no accent the assassin could determine. Then a boy walked in.
Ciel was momentarily shocked at the boy, Artemis's, entry. The two teens looked almost exactly alike. Artemis was taller, by all means, but not by that much. They were both pale, skinny, with dark hair and – what astounded the teen the most – a single blue eye. Artemis's left eye was a clear sort of hazel. The other boy wore the type of suit Ciel used to wear; crisp white undershirt, dark brown dress slacks, with an elegant dark overcoat. The one Artemis wore trailed down stiffly to his calves, and it seemed to be made out of something analogous to leather.
"Ciel Phantomhive?" In a few well-paced steps Artemis was in front of Ciel. He had to fight the urge to take a step back. Up close, the resemblance was even scarier. Shechard slowly shook his head behind the two, disbelieving.
"Earl Artemis Fowl, I presume?" Ciel answered, taking the other boy's extended hand and giving a few shakes. The two stared at each other for a few moments, sizing each other up.
"Your eye?" Artemis mused.
"Accident," he answered simply, hoping he didn't answer too fast. Artemis appeared to have noticed nothing, however. "Yours is not natural?"
"Accident." Ciel would've classified that as a taunt if not for the darkness and anger hidden behind the placid tone. "Replacement from a friend of sorts."
"Oh? What happened to him?" He couldn't help but ask. The crows feet around the earl's eyes deepened for a second, and Ciel wondered if he had crossed an invisible line the two never had.
"She lost her life, and gave the eye to me knowing that it would save mine, if not neglecting hers."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." Sure he was. And the moon's made of cheese.
"As am I."
The already awkward conversation drifted to a stop. It was after a while that "Shechard" remembered, then took control again. Artemis relaxed slightly and walked to the only chair by the table; a vermilion cushioned maple.
"Master Phantomhive. I am-"
"Butler," Artemis cut in, sending his manservant a meaningful look. "If we want Master Phantomhive to willingly participate, it's crucial for there to be trust between our two."
"Actually," Ciel added, smiling a vampire smile that rivaled the earl's finest. "The only thing I want to trust in a business relationship is money."
Artemis gave the other boy a long blank look, which Ciel interpreted as he trying to read whether or not that was true. The older teen turned back to Butler, shrugging and giving the signal to continue.
"I'm Butler, Master Artemis's bodyguard."
"And I'm guessing the reason which you told me your real name and occupation is because you want me to do likewise? Or, more likely, you already know?" Ciel hypothesized with an impassive look at Butler, then at his lord.
"Indeed. We know you are Cross, the legendary assassin," Artemis clarified, steepling his fingers. "We also know that on your mission here, you are sent to assassinate me. And so, as per cliché-wise, we'd like to negotiate a deal."
Ciel stared at the earl. It wasn't that he was surprised about his knowledge. No, not at all. But well, it was just the blasé way he said it. He didn't care at all. He was perfectly confident. Point taken, Master Artemis.
"Well?" the older boy prompted, eyes boring into Ciel's. The corners of his lips went up in the vampire smirk once again.
"How much are we talking about here?"
"How much did he pay you?"
"Twenty-two thousand." The assassin spoke as if it was a grand sum. Please. It was barely enough to pay for rent.
"Fifty thousand," Artemis answered without hesitation, a bit too quick so that Ciel knew he had the sum in mind already.
Of course, he was both surprised and cautious at the same time. Regular dealings raised only a few thousand, and the assassin usually acted as the go-between several times, until each side thought himself to have won over and only the assassin knows who really will die at the end, making the job easier one and all. Never had he encountered someone who raised the stakes by so much at once. There must be a catch.
"What's the catch?" Artemis only grinned, and Ciel suddenly noticed a mental image of a vampire taking shape of a certain young earl. The dark clothes and pale demeanor only boosted his imagination.
"No catch. I'm not a stingy bastard about saving lives, especially mine. I simply ask that you stay for a few days after your mission is accomplished. It's not how it usually works? I'm not exactly your usual customer either. Please, hurry up and make a choice, or Butler will be forced to dispose of you here and now. I'm in a rush." As to prove his point Artemis glanced at his expensive silver pocket watch. Ciel suddenly found himself somewhat – no, extremely – irritated at his new charge. After all, there was no room in a manor for two smart-mouthed adolescents, and Ciel was used to being the one.
"Alright. I'll take it."
"Excellent." Ciel hated the older teen's tone. He sounded as if he had already known what Ciel would choose to do. Damn he hated people that think they know him. "Butler? His pay please. Return to Conte Downer and tell him to raise the price if he wishes. If he does, return and knock thrice on the door. Butler will have Mercy give you three times that. Continue this exchange if you wish. But when you have enough, go to the Fowl Manor by Ireland St. I trust you know where that is?"
Ciel nodded, willing himself to ignore the pompous manner which the words were spoken, not wanting to lessen his pay in any way. The 50,000 euros made a nice addition to the 22,000 already in his wallet. If he kept this up, he'd be off debt in no time. The mere thought itself kept him under control. If not a bit too much. He almost let himself smile. Unfortunately, the ever perceptive Artemis caught that.
"Pleased?" he asked smugly. Ciel almost scowled, comforting himself with that fact that whether or not on accident, Master Fowl had let slip that he did indeed know his employer's name.
"Of course, Master Fowl."
"Alright. Let yourself out. Come on Butler, Kaiba Corps awaits."
Ciel had almost forgotten, and asked only after Artemis had passed him. "And the delivery boy front?"
The smirk on Artemis's face was without doubt existent even from the back, serving only to aggravate Ciel more.
"Of course. 200 per delivery with full payment from the other end. I'll call for you when you're ah, needed."
Ciel nodded mutely as he watched Butler followed his young master out through the door, vaguely establishing the name of the infamous overseas company Kaiba Corps. The somewhat vain and annoying character of this Artemis Fowl reminded him of… well, himself before… that.
With a sigh and a shake to clear his head, Ciel made to follow his new boss's orders. He walked through the door, through the hollow halls, then out of the house.
A/N: Of course, it's not all that deep right now.
But well, if you're familiar with my fics, you know I'd start with a simple, half-decent plot and mutate it into this giant behemoth of darkness and suicides.
...and Paranoid Psychosis
Here, I'd like to bring back a warning.
MAJOR CROSSOVER WILL ENSUE
Honestly. There's FMA, DGM, TRC, CCS, just to name a few off the top of my mind
...that's Full Metal Alchemist, -man, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, and Cardcaptor Sakura
And about... 24 more characters will be introduced before the plot goes on
And it'll introduce a lot of subplots that will ultimately play into the giant plot as well
So yeah...
Let's make a list right now, of the anime/manga that will feature characters in here...
FMA: Ed, Al, Roy, Jean, Winry
DGM: Kanda, Lavi, Allen, Tyki, Linali
TRC/CCS: Kurogane, Fai, Touya, Yukito (Sakura and Syaoran aren't in it yet, but they will debut soon. I'm also wondering if I should put Subaru in as well...)
+Anima: Cooro, Husky (Senri is mentioned, but probably won't appear. Nana... I dunno.)
Death Note: Matt, Mello, Near, Misa (Again, L and Light will appear separately, if at all. But they are mentioned.)
Fairy Tail: Gray, Natsu, Erza, Lucy (Right now, I reeeeaaaally am tempted to pair Erza with Gerald and Lucy with Loki... suggestions?)
Case Closed/Detective Conan: Heiji/Harley, Shinichi/Jimmy (in this fic, there's something akin to the Holocaust, where, I think, people related to Japanese are persecuted, or something. So Heiji and Shinichi has to hide their real names. Hence their dub names, as much I dislike the name Jimmy.)
Yu-Gi-Oh (yes, 'cause puppyshiping and puzzleshipping are awesome): Only Seto, as of this chappy. Joey shows up later. Puppyshipping shall ensue. Marik and Bakura (the dark ones) might show up to wreak havoc too.
That's it, for now.
But I'll have you know I plan to put Cain in there somewhere to.
...And Ludwig, if I could... 'Cause he's the first one who got me started with Yuki-sensei's works...
And, credits to my beta, Anathema's Abode, for editing this
Also to Feathered-Hats for pointing out awkward points~~~
^-^
Now my rant is over...
Review, and keep this going~~?