Kitsune Foxfire here with your usual disclaimers and whatnot. I'll start out with the disclaimers. I own neither Dark Hunters nor Hitman Reborn. They're owned by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Akira Amano. Both women deserve praise and you should go out and buy their works if you can. I will fess up to a hyper active imagination and random thoughts that lead to crack like this story. So now to explain the story.
This is a series of one-shots. Each chapter stands alone and will feature at least one person from both Dark-Hunters and Hitman Reborn. As of right now I have 3 1/2 of these written. They are to give you background into a short-story crossover of Hitman/Dark-Hunter I've got. You don't NEED to read either story to get the other. Each one-shot chap will include a blurp about who/why if people indicate they'd like that. The last thing is the character 'Reborn', since he is in this story before he turns into an arcobaleno I had to come up with a new name, and I thought with his ego, I'd go with "Bravo".
"Tell me again why I agreed to do this, Jaden?"
"Because you love your Simi, and for some strange reason, you object to her giving me her soul for a new 'sparkly necklace' as she put it." Jaden chuckled as he watched his long time, well he guessed they were friends of a sort fidget with his tie. The two of them were in Ash's Great Hall while the Atlantian god got ready to play tour guide to some upstart young Maffia bratling. A job Jaden had been asked to find someone for through a series of deals that actually enabled a group humans to come out on top. The demon dealer was actually impressed, despite himself. Didn't mean he was planning on going himself. Hell, he was still busy trying to figure out exactly how they'd gotten in touch with him in the first place.
That's where Simi came in. Someone had shown her a picture of a particularly nice diamond choker, and the little Charonte demon just had to have it. Next thing he knew she was tugging at his tree going on about barbecue sauce and sparkiles. Now, Jaden had promised Archeron he'd let the other know before giving Simi anything. He loved a good fight, but for Simi, Ash would gladly go God of Destruction on his ass, and that was a bit more fun then he was willing to have. Except, he usually gave into Simi. So, when Simi had told Ash that if her Akri did this one little thing, Jaden would get her two nice sparkiles the man caved. After a lot of posturing and threats on both sides, that is.
"Sometimes I hate you, man."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. It'll be easy. You're getting these things for a steal, you know. All you have to do is keep the brat out of trouble with any demons, Apollites , or Daimon. I doubt you'll even see anything anyway. He'll have bodyguards for the rest. It's not even like you won't know the area. The kid's going to be in New Orleans for some summit or some shit."
The dark haired Atlantean stopped preening in front of the mirror and turned to look at Jaden, silver eyes disbelieving, "A summit. For the Mafia. In New Orleans. We are talking Mafia as in the Mob, right? Al Capone?"
"Well, more global than that." Jaden shrugged. "Those humans, they amaze me sometimes. I never realized how big this Mafioso stuff was before they contacted me."
"Alright. A Mafia summit. Why New Orleans? Wouldn't, I don't know, New York, make more sense?"
"Oh, You'll love this. Apparently the brat wanted to see Mardi Gras or something." Jaden shook his head, "And so they moved the whole thing to New Orleans just for him. Can you believe it? And he's not even one of the Bosses, just some Boss's brat." He glanced at his watch, "Wow, look at the time. You better go, or you'll be late, can't have the baby-sitter late, now can we."
"Fuck you." Archeron muttered, teleporting himself to the appropriate hotel's lobby. Hotel Monteleone was well known, if a bit too rich for his taste. Then again, he preferred more informal locations. Still, he could see why the place would appeal to people with human clout. Luckily, it was still early and there were no daimons about. With a heavy sigh he adjusted his tie again and shifted in his suit. He never found them comfortable, no matter how well cut they were. Finally he could stall no longer, and walked over to the front desk.
"Hi, I'm supposed to meet a signora Daniela." He ignored the pricking on the back of his neck as at least five pairs of eyes fixed on him from spots around the room. "Jaden sent me."
The young woman, little more then a girl really, behind the desk just smiled as she placed a call. Ash was relatively sure she was armed, not the usual for the employees at this particular hotel. Hell, the wait-staff was all men, except for the maids. She was definitely someone brought in just for the occasion, but she did her job effectively, and in moments the elevator opened. A woman with hair that was more blue then black and and a flower tattoo on her face stepped out. She seemed to be arguing with a young teen who bore a striking resemblance to her in Italian. He assumed the boy was her son, and the kid he was supposed to watch. As they came near, he had to say he wasn't overly impressed with what he saw. The boy was around fifteen and obviously his mother's little darling.
"Bonjourno, I am Daniela, Vongola's Eighth leader, It's a pleasure, signore...?"
"Archeron. Just call me Ash, though." He offered his hand, which she took with a smile.
"I see. Ash, then. Normally I'd extend the courtesy, but with the conference...please forgive me, but call me Vongola for now."
"I understand completely." Appearances were everything to people like her, not that he could blame her, being a Mafia boss was the kind of job where you really had to watch how things looked.
"Oh, and this is my son," She pushed the obviously pouting youth forward, "Timoteo."
"This is ridiculous, mother. First you move the conference on a whim without telling me, and now you won't even let me enjoy it. For the last time, I don't need a babysitter! Nougat and Visconti are here with me, we'll be fine on our own. We'll even take Bravo with us. I would think anyone would think twice before taking on the Vongola's son when he's surrounded by three of the best young hitman out there. Not to mention I'm no slouch myself you know!"
"Tim, hush. You know I moved the summit so you could go to this party you were talking about. Think of it as an early birthday present." She cuffed him on the back of the head, harder than necessary. Honestly, Ash was on the kids side on this, but a deal was a deal, and there were daimons to think of. Not to mention the occasional rogue were that might wander out of the bayou who might want to have fun with the young upstart. "Forgive my son. He doesn't quite yet understand that when on strange lands there may be enemies you...aren't prepared for." Aren't prepared for my ass, woman. The look she gave him told Ash that she knew exactly what kind of not-human nasties might come after her son. What he wanted to know was how she found out. She grinned ruefully, "He's probably right, though. So, after a quick round of 'this is my son and heir, got a problem with that, you bastards?' I'll cut the brat-pack loose. You might get one or two other tag a-longs every now and then. Anyway, it's just for a few days, really."
"Well, it won't be the first time I played tour guide for out of towners, and I know it won't be the last." Ash put on a smile, though inwardly he was promising death to Jaden. He wondered idly if he could foist the brat and his group off on Val, Kyrian, or even Talon...but no, they were only active at night, unfortunately, which left the squires, and somehow, he got the feeling that this would require hazard pay.
The teen glared at him. "Yeah, whatever, Ash was it?"
"Timoteo!" His lip earned him another cuff on the back of the head.
"Boss, the meeting..." the man who'd been following the two spoke up.
Daniela sighed, apparently annoyed, "Well, please, make yourself comfortable, and I'll send the boys down in a bit. Oh, try the cafe while you wait, I believe they have a special menu for this event.. Put it all on my tab, of course." She smiled as she headed towards the elevator with her son and the silent bodyguard.
Within moments they were flanked by six other men, explaining the feeling of being watched he'd felt. He was vaguely impressed in spite of himself as he watched them get on the elevator. Soon it was just him and the hostess-who-was-not-a-hostess left in the lobby. "So...they do that often?"
She smirked at him, purple eyes dancing with amusement, "You mean the whole 'We're so bad-ass' group walk? All the time. A lot of the Bosses elite forces are like that, but the Vongola wrote the book. If I were you, I'd get over to the Cafe and eat up. It's going to be a while before Da...I mean Vongola can cut her boy and his friends loose, but once she does, they're going to run you into the ground."
Ash raised an eyebrow over his expensive sunglasses, "Oh?" his tone conveyed his opinion of that happening.
"No, really, he's been talking of nothing else for months now." The young woman seemed to hesitate, looking around to see if anyone was there before continuing, "I know you probably don't care, but Tim's a good kid, really." She shook her head, "Well, when he's not being a real pain in the ass. Today he was being a little prick. But he is used to handling just about anything on his own...or he thinks he is."
Ash got the feeling that this young woman spent a good amount of time teaching him exactly what he was capable of. "So, basically he's starting to realize how pampered he's been?"
"I wouldn't say pampered exactly, but yeah." She rolled her eyes, "He's such a...boy sometimes."
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Now, you were saying something about the cafe?"
"Oh, yes, right through those doors. It's quite an impressive menu, so be sure to run up the Vongola's tab!" She called after him. Ash could feel her longing after the desserts and made a note to send her out the most expensive thing on it.
Of course, he was a little shocked to see it was a single slice of cake for $300. "Wow, that's gotta be some cake." He muttered as the waiter took his order for the cake and his own order of fine wine. Some of the items on the menu almost made him wish he was willing to eat, if only for the novelty of the names. As the young woman at the desk predicted it was a little over an hour before Timoteo strolled in and sat across from him with a big sigh, resting his head in his hands. He was quickly flanked by two other teens. One of the teens had longer, silver-blond hair, and glared at Ash as if daring him to say anything. The other teen had greased dark chestnut brown hair and a lazy look about him that Atlantean god was sure was a complete sham. Neither of the other two sat, instead standing with a stiff formality. "Are you ready to go then?"
Timoteo blinked at him, apparently surprised by the question before a look of understanding crossed his face, followed by friendly annoyance, "No, we're waiting for another friend. Ignore the idiots. I've learned to." He pointed over his shoulder without even looking at the brunette, "Archeron, this is Visconti Launen, and the other charmer here is Nougat Coyote." He pointed at the glaring teen, "Sit down you two, this is embarrassing." He sighed as neither moved, "Both of them are my best friends, which of course means they don't listen to a word I say."
"Ninth, we're acting as your body guards..." started Nougat, glaring at Ash.
Ash sipped his drink, "Ninth?"
Tim waved him off, turning half over his chair to glare at his friend, "Damnit, Nougat, I said sit. We are going to have fun as friends I don't give a crap what Mother says about expecting an attack at anytime. I refuse to live my life in fear, so quit acting like a bodyguard every time we hang out. Visconti, don't think I don't know you put him up to this, either," the other looked sheepish, "A week on the town, as friends, alright?"
"So long as you three don't blow anything up..." a voice said from the door. A young man, probably a year or so younger than the three in front of him strolled casually into the room. He, like the others, was dressed formally in a suit and tie, the only difference being the black and orange fedora covering a head of spiked black hair. "Chaos."
Tim's face lit up, and he waved, "Bravo! What kept you?"
"B-blow stuff up? WHY YOU LITTLE!" snarled Nougat.
"I'm not the one who blew up the summer villa last month." Bravo smirked, kicking two chairs up against the back of Visconti's and Nougat's knees, causing them to sit.
Visconti laughed, "What, he's got us there," he pointed out to the others when they both glared at him.
"Ah, Bravo, this is..."
"Archeron, right? Lal says thanks for the cake." Bravo nodded to Ash, taking a seat next to his friend.
"This is the friend I was waiting for, Bravo Hitman. Well, we're ready whenever you are, but don't let us rush you." Timoteo smiled sweetly as all three boys leaned in and watched the leader of the Dark-Hunters intently.
He was used to people staring at him, thanks to his aunt's curse. Ash found it slightly odd, however, that the group of youths that stared at him like pack of hunting dog puppies about to be turned loose didn't have that look in their eyes. No, the look they gave him was one that coolly calculated him as a fighter first, and found him adequate. Then they eyed him like stake. It was an odd feeling, since he wasn't quite sure if the Yummy-look was because they found him attractive so much as they wanted to fight him. Actually, The atlantean suspected he could look like Zack used to before he became a Dark Hunter and they'd still give him that look if they thought they'd get a good fight out of him. Come to think of it, all the Mafioso in the lobby gave me a similar look. How odd. Finally he couldn't take it anymore."Alright then. Where would you like to go first?"
The boys lit up, "There's that pastry shop near here, isn't there?"
"Pastry? Oh you mean Café du Monde, don't you? Yeah, it's just a few blocks away."
"Oh, but you've just eaten..."
Archeron laughed, "Don't worry about it, kid. I'm here to play tour-guide, remember? Besides, you know it'd be criminal for you to miss out on their beignets. Let's get going, it might be a bit of a wait, what with Mardi gras tomorrow and everything."
*&*&*BREAK TIME SKIP*&*&*
The boys absolutely loved Mardi Gras, including the hard to read Bravo, who Ash found to be one of those rare people he couldn't 'read'. The rest week flew by, and much to Archeron's surprise, he found himself enjoying his time with the brash group of mafia teens. Each morning he met them at Cafe du Monde, where the four youths would alternate between flirting with their waitress and eating anything put in front of them. One of them was always subtly watching the crowds, and more than once, as predicted, they were joined by some slightly older Maffioso. Tim was obviously the leader, no matter who joined them for their meal. The interlopers rarely stayed long, however, usually long enough to trade some gossip (The Chinese were NOT happy with some new deal the Americans had cut, Archeron was told by a fellow named Fong.) Once, he'd asked about women in the Mafia, it seemed odd to him, given the way humans seemed to view their women in this day and age. The boys looked at him oddly and Bravo had dared him to tell Lal that. She apparently wasn't strictly Mafia, but worked for the Italian government in a COMADO type unit. He felt very out of the loop, which was an odd feeling that he found both enjoyable and annoying at the same time.
After breakfast, they wandered all over the town. Visconti fell in love with the french quarter, and when Archeron brought them to Sanctuary to give them a feel of the local scene, Nougat was right at home, slinging good-natured insults with the quads over the pool table. Tim was a bit of a pool-shark, and Papa bear quickly learned not to bet against the humans at pool. Only twice did they get into any real trouble, and both were clearly the boy's fault. The first was when they stopped a mugging, which the immortal found vaguely odd and out of character, given who they were.
"The Vongola Family," Visconti explained as his friend and future boss made sure the couple was alright and gave them some money the teen had won at pool the night before for a ride home, "was originally started to protect people." He gave a lazy smile and pointed to Bravo, "Lofty ideals, I know, but that's what Bravo always says. He's really looked into it. Said it started to protect the original Boss's Family and loved ones, and then kind of grew. Now, yeah, we do all sorts of shady stuff, but at heart we try and help people." It made sense when you put it that way. Archeron knew that the bigger the group of people you were protecting, the more support you'd need for that. Just look at the Dark Hunters and Squires, and they were backed by a god. He had to remember to look into the Vongola family later.
The second time was on the last night. They were leaving Sanctuary, and it was definitely closer to dawn than dusk. Dev had waved him over to talk about something and he'd lost sight of the teens for only a moment when he'd heard a gunshot. He went running, the bear on his heels. Luckily there was no one on the streets that late at night and the boys were easy to spot. Then again, a group of teens being attacked by a swarm of Daimons generally was easy to hear, if nothing else. The amazing thing that drew the were-hunter and god up short was the fact that the Mafia group was holding their own, if not exactly winning. Strange bursts of multi-colored lights flashed from the youths weapons, and when the lights connected with the daimons the soul-suckers would cry out in pain and fall back to circle the group wearily. The strange taboo was broken when one of them spotted Devi and Archeron and they redoubled their attack. The conversation afterwards had been quite...interesting...to say the least.
Ash still didn't know what to make of their tale of 'deathperation flames' and sky guardians. He'd never heard of such a thing before, but the world was a big place. When he tried to use his powers to find out more, he got nothing, making him weary. Still, he saw nothing inherently bad with these slightly foolish mafia youths. Looking into their future revealed lives full of hardship and struggles, but at the same time they'd accomplish great things. He'd see what he could dig up on these flames the old fashioned way. It had been a while since he'd last bugged Savitar, and the surfer did owe him one for showing Simi that necklace. In the end, Archeron decided not to kill Jaden after all. It had been a very educational and entertaining week for him. Plus, Simi had gotten those new diamonds she'd wanted, so it was win-win as far as he was concerned.
