Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire slayer, Noir, or Naruto. All rights belong to their creators and producers so please do not sue.
Author Note 1: This is my second attempt at a BTVS fanfic and my first attempt at a crossover of this magnitude so make sure to give me feedback.
Author note 2: To those who know my work no I have not given up on "Mazoku" I do intend to finish it but this story will not die in my head and demands to be written.
Author note 3: I am in the market for a beta reader please let me know in the review if you would like the job as I am quite desperate.
Author note 4: I have never attempted a story like this and anyone who truly knows the world of "Noir" that might help me out after this chapter I would greatly appreciate it.
Summary: Memories- they are like grains of sand that can slip away or be forced into a compacted space. Who is he really? What is the path he must take? He has forgotten those times to be left waiting for the call. Yet on all hallows eve a mistake shall awaken what he has lost. Given the mind of a genius murderer and the return of what he never knew he lost. The legacy of the third will be written in blood.
Now on with the Show
Alexander
Chapter Three: Smile of a living devil
Alexander stretched as he exited the plane in Paris. It had been rather boring flight spent in a comfortable chair, allowing the young assassin a chance to enjoy his favorite non-bloody pastimes, napping and reading comic books, though his tastes had shifted to the more bloody and graphic Japanese manga instead of his old superhero favorites.
Going through customs was a breeze and he soon found himself in a taxi heading for his hotel. Chocolate brown eyes stared out the window taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful city.
"First time in France?" The driver asked.
"No but it seems like forever since I was last here," he responded.
"Were you born here in Paris?"
"No this is my first time in the city. I was raised in the countryside near the boarder with Spain."
"Well then welcome to Paris young man and enjoy your stay." The driver said as they reached his Hotel and Alexander climbed out after paying him.
"Thank you."
Leaving his bags with a bellhop he approached the front desk with a simple smile spread across his face. Ringing the bell he was greeted by a beautiful platinum blonde in a blue uniform.
"Can I help you sir?" She asked nicely.
"Yes I am checking in. The reservation is under Alexander Uchiha," he responded with a smile.
"Oh, Mister Uchiha yes we just finished preparing your suite for you. I'll have a bellhop bring your things up immediately and you also had a phone call that we took since you weren't here yet."
"Oh? From whom was it?" He asked fairly sure the gang didn't know where he was just yet since he had not called them.
"A miss Ambrose from Wolfram & Hart's Paris offices she asks that you call her as soon as possible."
He nodded and took the written form of the message from the woman and then his key card and started for the elevators.
"Mister Uchiha if you happen to need a guide around the city, ring me here at the desk. I'd be happy to show you the sights." She called out with a wink.
"Perhaps I will at that," he replied with his lopsided grin.
Alexander's Suite
"Hey G-dad the French Xand-man here just checking in with you per your Parental orders. No I don't have any idea what time it is there I just got into my room and you said to call when I did. Oh, like you haven't been sitting by the phone since I left waiting to hear from me, so don't pull that with me. The city is beautiful I can't wait to start exploring tomorrow, but I might even have a guide. What? I am teenager G-dad who has seen less action then you - of course I am gonna jump on a French hottie who isn't out to kill me. Well, no, I don't actually plan to jump her and no I don't actually know she isn't some demon out to kill me, but what are the odds of my luck with woman being the same outside the Hellmouth? Yeah I know to be careful. Goodnight G-dad and give the others my hello's" Hanging up the phone he shook his head and walked out onto the balcony.
Taking a seat at the white clothed table he stared out over the city of Paris with bright eyes. The world is a cold place but in moments like this you could forget even the biggest problem and become lost in the scenery. The Eiffel tower stood tall for his view and for once in a long time he felt at peace with himself.
'Somewhere out there three souls have no idea I will be coming for them, but for now my weary mind can relax. I can forget that I am not hunting vampires but humans now.'
Alexander did not have nightmares that night.
Eiffel tower
Alexander was dressed in a cream colored jacket with a black shirt, khaki slacks, and black shoes. He had woken early and enjoyed a simple breakfast, while watching the city come to life. After a light workout to keep his body in shape and limber he had begun his sight seeing tour by coming here.
He rushed to catch an elevator that was about to close and luckily made it in time. The only other occupant was an older gentleman wearing a black suit and bowler hate. Reaching a finger to press a button for what height he wanted he was stopped when he felt something get pressed into his back.
"I think we will be going a little higher up then that. The top of the tower if you would." The man said to which Alexander complied and the elevator began to ascend.
"Let me guess you're from the 'Order of Teraka' right?" Alexander asked while his mind began running through options.
"Clever deduction young man. Now then tell me what I need to know and we can both end this quickly."
The doors opened and Alexander was shoved forward by the Terakan. As he was shoved Alexander turned it into a forward roll onto his stomach and then began rolling to the left to avoid being shot. Hearing the gun click on empty he hurried to his feet and drew a concealed kunai.
"You should've sprung for the extended clip." Alexander said watching the man reload.
"Mr. Giles this is unnecessary; simply tell me where our assassins are and you can go."
'Sharingan' he thought and watched the man's face as his eyes changed to the unnatural Uchiha eyes.
The Terakan brought his gun up and sadly was foolish enough to look Alexander in the eye. To the man it seemed Alexander simply vanished into thin air. In reality he had been caught in a simple genjutsu that made him think he couldn't see him. It ended when Alexander buried his kunai in the man's forehead ending his life.
"If this is what my vacation is gonna be like, I'd rather be in Sunnydale. At least the vampires give us easy summers," he said before collecting the man's gun and wiping away all traces he had ever been there.
Alexander's Suite
"Teraka are becoming an annoyance Jenny; evidently they're wanting to know what went down in Sunnydale," Xander said into his phone, contacting Miss Calendar through secure line.
-Well I haven't seen any activity here so maybe they're going for you because you're outside the Hellmouth. - She replied, typing away at her home computer while talking to him.
"A possibility but I think it's best if we move up the job to tomorrow. Will the targets be in place for me to execute the contract?" He asked while starting to disassemble and clean his guns, along with the Terakan's
-Yes but your window of opportunity changes and the chance of being spotted increases.-
"Immaterial what are the locations on each target and what time should I head in?"
-Two on the 20th floor and the last one is on the 21st - expect heavy security after the first falls and you need to strike right at dusk. - She explained.
"Understood and will call you after I finish."
-Be careful Xander- but all she got was a dial tone.
"Careful assassins never finish the deal." He said to himself before starting to prepare his gear changing the standard load to accommodate a human targeting mission.
Cyrax Incorporated
Xander walked through the glass front doors in his dark purple shirt and black pants with black shoes on and his black cloak slung over his arm. The cloak was resting to look like a normal jacket and was extra heavy with the layer of chakra he placed around it to fool metal detectors. Passing through security he whistled a merry tune and pressed the 'call' button for the elevator. Once it arrived he stepped and spread out his chakra molding it into a magnetic field that shorted the car's security camera out.
'Basic principle of Raiton techniques - good for a great many things more then a shocking result,' He thought as he slid his cloak on and pulled up a purple cloth mask that covered the lower half of his face.
'Forgive me, Lord, for what I am about to do. Let there crimes against the newborns be worthy of my beautiful dance of death. Lend me your strength and make me an angel of death unto them.' He repeated in his head as the floor indicator dinged.
(Play Moondance by Nightwish if you have it.)
The doors opened and Alexander darted out before they even finished with a gun resting in each hand. The floor was fairly empty considering the hour so no one spotted his silent run towards the back offices and two of his targets. Reaching a wooden door with a brass name plate on it he kicked it in sharply and brought his guns to bare on the surprised Frenchman inside. Two quick shots and the man fell back in his chair dead just as the alarms began to blare.
Running out the door he suddenly ducked and shot three suit-wearing toughs who were coming down the hallway. The way they carried themselves and the build of their bodies indicating that they were private, yet hired, muscle. He quickly fired again taking out the security trying to escort the 2nd target for this floor out and watched the man run back into his office.
'You can't hide form me, little man' He thought as he rolled along the floor and came up in a crouch in the doorway. Bullets that would've killed him if he was standing simply flew over his head but the target wasn't as lucky as he took a single bullet through his left eye and into the brain.
Hearing more security quickly approaching, he ducked into the office and leaned behind the desk. While changing clips he strained his hearing to pick up what security was saying.
"He got the VP's so we're moving the president out via helicopter on the roof. Our only job is to occupy him until the helicopter is away."
Alexander could feel the blood roll down the wooden desk and splash against him but for now he had no time to think about the feeling it caused. Taking out a kunai he threw it into the hallway and waited for the explosive note to go off. Smoke filled the hall as it did, along with a few screams from the men gathered outside.
Moving to the window he shot the glass out and then slipped his pistols back into their place in his cloak. Grabbing the side panel of the glass he swung himself out and around planting his feet on the next section of glass and sticking to it with chakra. Once attached, he became a blur as he was running up the side of the building. Not even he knew that, below the mask, he wore a twisted smile.
'Run, little rabbit, run.'
Reaching the roof he launched himself into the air by jumping at the edge with the toe of his foot. Flipping upside-down and spinning in midair, he released three shuriken at the assembled guards below each falling dead, each with one shuriken in their throat. Landing in a crouch he instantly darted at one of the remaining living guards and brought his palm up at the man's chin, sending him flying back with his neck broken.
Alexander found himself surrounded by three suited men with guns trained on him, while a fourth was leading a black haired woman in a business suit towards the chopper. Dropping low he performed a wide sweep kick taking two of the men off their feet and distracting the third. Charging the third, he struck out with a kunai at his right wrist, cutting it open and forcing the gun from his hand. Drawing one of his Beretta's with his free hand he ended the lives of the fallen two and turned his eyes to his prey.
Running towards the starting helicopter, he weaved left and right evading shots from the last man between him and the target. Whipping the kunai in his hand out, he caught the man between the eyes, dropping him just as the woman closed the obviously armored cabin door and waved at him.
Walking slowly as the chopper was taking off, he absently placed a slip of paper on its side and ran for the edge of the roof, leaping off just as the explosive note went off and took most of the roof along with the chopper with it.
(End Song)
As he fell, Alexander yelled, "I should've stayed on the Hellmouth!"
Freefalling for 20 stories, he suddenly jammed a pair of knives into the side of the building and began slowing his decent the rest of the way to the ground. Jumping the last 5 feet, he landed and immediately ran into the Paris night as the Police sirens approached.
Contract Executed.
Next Day
Xander stood in front of a painting that was a part of a new exhibit that had arrived in Paris' most prestigious museum. He had reported in to Jenny last night and had then collapsed for a nice long sleep. Waking he had decided to take in the beauty of other peoples vision and so he found himself here acting like a common Parisian or even a tourist.
Another person stepped up beside him but he chose to pay them no mind and instead focus on the artwork. That changed when said person tipped their head to the side and rested it on his shoulder. Turning his right eye he spied a head of dark read hair.
"You have always been entranced by death," Chloe spoke drawing his attention back to the painting. It was an original piece depicting a bloody battle set during the crusades.
"It's the one truth I have been able to hold onto through the years. Death is the truest constant you will ever find."
"Is that your truth then?"
"I don't know what the truth is, and that's why I am walking this path."
Chloe's hand slowly slid down to his and her fingers entwined with his, holding onto his hand. He remained unsure for a moment before his hand twitched and closed around hers.
"You know what the true objective is, that is why you cannot simply return to Soldats because your loyalty, like mine, is not simply to them, but to HER."
"I don't know anything anymore. The only way I can find out where I belong is to continue to search. That is unless you're here to tell me the truth, Chloe?"
"Then what will you have learned Alexander? Shh… no more talk of this for now please let me just be Chloe again. Let me be the girl who was at her happiest in the company of you and Kirika." Both of their voices had been cold and low never changing from the cruel voice of assassins but they each had an undertone for only the other.
"For now Chloe for now," He affirmed and each lapsed into a peaceful silence. The kind of silence shared between friends, lovers, or family.
Alexander's Suite
He returned to his room after parting with Chloe, neither saying a word, just simply separating and becoming the cold beings they were trained to be once more. Arriving he found his phone ringing and quickly picked it up to be met by the buzzing sound associated with a secure line being accessed.
-Where the hell have you been Xander? I've been trying to reach you for hours-. The annoyed voice of Jenny Calendar screeched once the line was clear.
"I went and did the sight seeing thing and generally just enjoyed my vacation. Why? Something up in Sunnydale or did you find something out about Chloe and Kirika?" He asked, almost sounding worried..
-No sorry Xand, nothing on them yet. I'm calling because you got a contract offer that goes down in Paris tonight.-
"What's the deal? I don't usually take jobs with such a rush put on them, so why would I take this one?"
-From what I can find it seems a lot's been going on in Paris lately and this contract is for the major player in its head. Julius Morris one of the biggest men in the European underworld, suspected of everything from petty crimes right up to mass murder. The thing is another contract was put out with another group for him first but it's a setup - he's luring them right into a deathtrap.-
"This concerns me how Jenny?"
-The client wants you to handle Morris and to make sure the other assassins make it out alive. Before you say what I know your thinking you might want to hear the name of the other hitters-
"I'm listening."
-The other assassins go by the name 'Noir'-
"Now tell me you verified all this and already have the location for this little party"
-By the time you change and load up I'll have everything ready to explain-
"You are good."
-Good Xander? You insult me - I am phenomenal,- came the cheeky reply from the phone.
Putting the phone down and starting to get dressed in his hunting attire though leaving the mask out of he ensemble tonight. Dressing quickly he loaded himself up with more then usual expecting a hard fight and then picked up the phone.
"Done."
-Cab already waiting for you and stop by the front desk before you go - I forwarded a package to you or at least one of them.-
"Right." With that he hung up and swept out of the room silent as the dead of night.
Opera House
Stepping out and paying the driver Alexander made his way through the main doors of the abandoned opera house. The package that was left for him contained a pair of custom made handguns, each was a .357 automatic given the name Nemesis. The entire gun was black except for the handle which was done in wood with a large black 'N' carved into it. Each also came with a flashlight attachment along with a note promising future upgrades. Currently they rested in his cloak leaving his hands free.
Stopping at the outer doors to the theatre he placed his ear to the door and heard a large commotion going on inside.
'Friend or Foe death walks among you tonight.' He thought before taking out an explosive note.
Theatre
Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura, the ladies who comprised the deadly assassin team known as 'Noir', had walked into an ambush. The doors leading out were bolted shut and every theatre box held a gun-toting thug ready to make Swiss cheese of them. On stage their target, Julius Morris, stood with two men flanking him with assault rifles.
"Thank you for joining me tonight ladies I am truly honored to be your host for the evening and the world's greatest performance. The death of 'Noir' - you see your last contract cost me millions and completely ruined my narcotics shipments. For that I will make sure you pay dearly." Neither girl showed fear at his proclamation and as he was about to order his men to open fire the doors leading in suddenly exploded off the hinges and covered the entrance in smoke.
"What the hel-"his words were cut off by a shuriken that came flying from the smoke and embedded itself in between his eyes. A second later it exploded taking his two men with him.
Mireille, not missing a beat, along with Kirika began shooting at the stunned men in the boxes. Bursting through the wall of smoke Alexander brought his new guns to bear dealing out death with each roar. The thugs, finally broken out of their stupor, began to return fire but the damage had been done. Over half their forces, along with the boss, had been killed already and the rest were too scared to stop and aim properly. Explosions filled the room when Alexander switched over to his kunai and shuriken, all the while that twisted smile splayed across his face.
'Who is this guy?' Mireille thought as she continued dodging fire.
'He is. . . Familiar to me,' Kirika thought.
The thugs eventually regrouped and decided to make a last stand on the stage lined up in front of the group.
"Mow them down," the middle one called out and raised his gun, only to die as Alexander dashed forward and drove his katana through the man's chest followed by a spinning slash that took the man to his left and right out. The rest fell to bullets from the ladies of 'Noir'
Both ladies turned their guns on him and found he had redrawn and pointed his at them forcing a stand-off.
"Shall we play a game with out lives or talk like civilized people?" Alexander offered.
"Who are you?" Mireille asked without lowering her weapon.
"A simple and humble assassin like you and your friend. If you want my name however then I would like yours, 'Noir" He responded though each could catch the slight sarcasm when he called them that name.
"We are Noir that is all you need to know"
Alexander turned one of his eyes on the silent girl and studied here. The hair and eyes confirmed who she was in his mind.
"Hello Kirika"
The silent girl did not respond but in her mind the image of this man was overlapped with the image of a little boy wearing a white shirt and dark blue slacks.
"Who are you?" She asked in her normal voice.
Instead of replying he simply put his guns away and started walking towards them. Both kept sharp aim but he only walked past them towards the entrance.
"She asked you a question what do you know about Kirika?" Mireille demanded cocking the hammer back on her gun.
"They did the same thing to me that was been done to your friend."
A silver watch in Kirika's pocket chose then to fall out and open playing a melody around the three.
'Flash'
'She was standing with a young boy her own age each being handed a gun.'
'Flash'
'Training with two other children one the young boy the other a girl outside in the open air and sunshine.'
'Flash'
'Dancing in a candle lit room the young boy now older and another woman older with a motherly feeling about her playing for them.'
"I knew you." Kirika said when her mind cleared.
"When you find your truth, I will be waiting," was his response.
"What is your name?" Kirika asked grasping at a straw of her lost past.
"Alexander is the only name I was given back then. You will find your truth and perhaps we will meet again. After all it is a small world and we do perform a similar service."
"Why were you here anyway?" Mireille asked
"Someone paid a lot of money for that man dead and you both alive. I have my suspicions considering it would have to be someone who knew I would accept the assignment only if I thought one of 'Noir' was in danger."
"So we have our own knight in shinning armor then."
"No sadly. As beautiful as you and Kirika are, I will not be making a habit of this." With that he made his exit.
Both of them swore they heard him mutter though.
"What is it with me and girls who might kill me?"
Rome, Two days later
'I hate this stupid country.' Xander thought as he had gotten lost for the sixteenth time since leaving the hotel that morning. Leaving France was easy and he had even gotten the gang some gifts. He had no more run-ins with either Chloe or Kirika and no more extra work from Jenny, which suited him just fine.
'Screw this, I'm going back to the hotel. Even with a map this is impossible.' At that point he dissolved into cursing Rome in a variety of languages he'd been taught.
Arriving back at the hotel he made his way up to his suite only to notice the door was ever so slightly ajar. Placing his left hand on the knob his right drew an old Berretta and he glanced up at the ceiling for a moment.
'You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? Is this like a subtle hint to go home or what?'
Opening the door he slowly began sweeping the entryway before moving into the main room. Once there he found a man with graying wearing tweed sitting on the couch and leaning on a cane.
"Ah, young mister Giles, I was wondering when you might get back." The main greeted him but made no sudden movements.
"I got lost, though had someone told me I would have company, I might have returned sooner. Glad my not being here did not hamper your just walking on in," he replied though he was using his death voice.
"You can lower your gun now young man I am not a Terakan, nor do I have any interest in killing you."
"Just who are you then? You can understand me being more then a little paranoid."
"My name is Jonathan Wyndam-Price and I am here on behalf of the Watcher's Council."
"What would the Watcher's Council want with me?" He asked lowering his weapon. He had not sensed an ounce of lie in the man's voice or posture, so for now he would stand easy, but not down.
"As you may know or may not the Council is legacy based and as you are Rupert Giles adoptive and only son I am here to extend a place in the Watcher's to you."
Xander could only blink.
"You are aware of my track record with drawing demons to me like catnip right?"
"Quite and there are some of us within the council who have bets on just what comes after you next as a prospective mate." The man spoke before laughing.
"Um, right well it's a wonderful offer, but can I have sometime to think it over and discuss it with Giles?"
"Of course take your time we will be in touch" the man replied before making his exit.
'You're just laughing your ass off at me right now aren't you?'
Later
"Jenny, cancel the job. I can't even find a restaurant in this city, so how am I supposed to execute a man then slip into the shadows?" Xander said into the phone that night.
-Fine but how do you explain this one to the client-
"We don't; if he complains we kill him. He's getting his money back after all."
-Well you're pretty free to do what you want then. I only accepted those two jobs plus the extra one in Paris. So what are your plans?-
"I'm going back to France I want to explore the city without thinking about escape routes. I will be back by Buffy's birthday - no contact until then."
-If you need to talk you know I am here right?-
"Yeah, I know, but I can't talk just yet. See you in a week."
Hanging up Xander laid back on his bed and let his mind drift.
"Sorry Janna but I couldn't tell you I was really going near my home." He whispered before going to sleep.
Near the Boarder of France and Spain
'I'm finally back here' Alexander thought as he stood on the edge of a hill overlooking the area that used to be his home. Even at this range he could see the mansion and even the ruins that had served as a training ground for them.
"I think I actually missed this place," he said aloud before moving back to the scooter he had rented and headed towards the ruins.
"He's here," Chloe said quietly entering the house and speaking to Althena.
"So, my little Alexander is finally home but it's still not time yet he always was a quick study." Althena spoke in a pleased voice.
"He's at the training grounds. I think he just wants to spend time there and try to find his truth."
"Bring him home Chloe."
The girl nodded.
Alexander spun around suddenly his katana coming up and blocking an incoming knife. Looking at its thrower he observed Chloe standing there in her teal cloak.
"We are enemies then? Is that the truth you present to me?" He asked.
"It is time to go home she's waiting for us." With that Chloe turned and walked away.
Alexander put his katana away before following her.
He stood there watching her as she embraced Chloe and then both turned towards him. Indecision filled his mind yet his face remained impassive. So much had happened and so much had changed was he really welcome here? As long as he stayed away there was a hope that it would remain the same loving home he had been made a killer in.
'This is your home Alexander. Don't worry about being an assassin here let alone the best, just enjoy it' He thought and watched Althena open her arms to him.
That was it he couldn't stand it anymore. Rushing forward he embraced the still-taller-than-him woman and allowed her to hug him, tears slipping from his eyes. He had missed this place and the warmth of the only woman he could give the title of mother too.
A woman he had killed for as a child.
A woman who he would still kill for today.
"Welcome home Alexander."
He was Home.
Five days later
He had been there for five days but now it was time to leave again. It had been like he had never left - Althena had continued to teach him and instead of Kirika he had sparred with Chloe. Soldats and Noir were not discussed, it was simply time spent as it had been those many years ago.
"When you find your truth, I want you to return. You have a destiny, just like Kirika and Chloe." Althena told him as they walked to where he had left his scooter.
"I haven't forgotten, but still there is a lot I need to learn and when I have my answer, I'll come back and fulfill my part of the 'Grand Return'. I just hope Kirika figures things out that it hurt not seeing recognition in her eyes."
"I imagine your mind is filled with many thoughts about her and Miss Bouquet."
"Until my return then," he spoke, ignoring the comment, and climbed onto his scooter.
"Remember your lessons Alexander."
"I will," he replied and sped off.
Althena smiled as she watched one of her three precious ones ride away. Alexander was just like Kirika and would learn the same way. Hopefully they would each find the strength she wished and return to help her reform the legacy of Noir.
Plane
'I guess this trip was a good idea. I feel better and now I can forgive Giles and stop just acting. I'm two people, the Assassin - cold, deadly, ruthless, and uncaring which is the true me. I am also the person who can make friends and enjoy life even if he is cold and quiet. I can finally stop hiding. Though I may actually start acting like Kirika or Chloe how weird.'
In France Mireille was typing away at her computer attempting to locate data on 'Alexander' as he was the first tip they had into Soldats that wasn't seemingly going to try and kill them.
Kirika, on the other hand, knew there was someone out there who knew her past and had been through the same ordeal as herself it seemed.
Their pilgrimage into the past it seemed was making headway.
Please read and review
Ending note 1: More pairing choices please, Chloe is only useable in a harem sense if not then don't go there because I see them more as siblings for now. Unless given a good reason
Ending note 2: This is a choice that will effect the entire fic. Good path or bad path for Xander?
Ending note 3: Any suggestions are very welcome
Till next time