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 Six: Symphony of the Night
Alexander sat in one of the most uncomfortable chairs that must've existed in this world and sadly had been in it for quite a few hours. Buffy had been patrolling while sick and gotten attacked by Angelus. Luckily, he and the gang had been nearby and overwhelmed the vampire with numbers but Buffy had collapsed and so he found himself standing guard over her room from the waiting room.
'Troublesome woman.' he thought while crossing his legs and settling his laptop back onto his lap. Jenny's body had been sent back to her family and each Scooby was dealing with the loss differently. He himself simply refused to feel anything and remember the good times.
The 'ding' of the elevator caught his attention and his right eye turned from the screen towards the opening doors. He repressed a growl when he spotted Angelus walk out of them carrying a bouquet of flowers and whistling happily. Setting his laptop down he rose and made sure he was in the vampire's way.
"Visiting hours are over." Alexander said when Angelus was right in front of him.
"Well, I am pretty much family." Angelus responded.
"Why don't you come back during the day oh wait you can't." he received a small growl after that.
"If I decided right now to walk in there, do you actually think you could stop me?"
"This time and every time, overbite, but maybe you will get past me. Then past those cops over there and then orderlies and hospital security, why don't we find out just how good you are."
"Buffy's White Knight, it must just eat you up inside that I got there first." Angelus said with a smirk.
"I'll protect her, that's all any feelings I had for her died when she was foolish enough to let you off with just a warning."
"Just like you protected Jenny?"
He watched as Alexander's eyes changed into something different and unsettling.
"Your gonna to die and I'll be there."
Angelus pushed the flowers into Alexander's hands with an angry look to his face.
"Tell her I stopped by." with the scourge of Europe turned to walk away.
"Prenez garde d'Angelus pour quand les temps vient vous entendront le symphonie de la nuit et nous danserons une belle danse de la mort. Je viendrai pour vous." The cold tone and flawless French halted him for a moment. That voice had been filled with the promise of pain. A moment passed before he continued on.
"I wonder what Darla saw in him?" Alexander muttered before sitting down and going back to his laptop screen.
The Minuchi crime family of New York, for whom he had killed Drexil, had contacted him and he was mildly interested. It seemed another family had hired Noir to take out a powerful Sicilian Mafia Don. In response to this, the Don's father, Don Salvatore, summoned his granddaughter Silvana also known as "The Intoccabile" from exile in Sicily to handle the situation. Upon assuming control of the Cosa Nostra, Intoccabile purged the traitorous elements that were responsible for hiring Noir to murder Don Greone.
'No doubt she will be looking to deal with Noir by way of reprisal, which means she will undoubtedly bring people over from Sicily or take the fight there.' He thought as he continued reading.
A war was already brewing between the New York families as the Columbians and Russians were setting up shop. It was only a matter of time before blood began being spilled and only the strongest Italian families would walk away with power. The Minuchi could see the opportunity the situation presented and wanted him to kill Silvana, whatever muscle she called in. $30,000,000 was the amount offered and an additional ten if he could deal with Salvatore.
'Given Mireille & Kirika's record and the fact Silvana will have to lure Noir out somehow that should give me some time to resolve things here. I can't turn this offer down and besides, I wanted a summer job anyway.' He thought as he accepted the job with the stipulations that he required. The Minuchi would run some interference and give him the time needed here to finish his fight.
Library
"You guys know the Sadie Hawkins dance is coming up in a couple of day's right? I asked Oz yesterday he said 'Cool' so are you guys going?" Willow asked as the three main members of the Scooby gang sat around in the Library watcherless.
"Not going." both Xander and Buffy replied.
"With Angel still out there I don't have time to waste on going and it wouldn't feel right going without him."
"And your excuse, Xander?" Willow asked after sending Buffy a look of sympathy.
"A lack of date and inability to dance, nothing to wear and a deep seated hatred for those stupid snack cakes Snyder always provides for dances. Plus I plan to find something else to do at my most convenient non-lazy moment." He said.
"You're coming mister, don't even try and get out of it, see 'Resolve Face' you can ride with Oz and me."
"No thanks, Wills, that's stepping into third wheel territory and I refuse to go there. I'll show up but on my own." he replied with finality.
Willow looked annoyed.
Hallway
Xander opened his locker, while his mind contemplated what Buffy had reported last night about how at school after they parted, she saw a couple fighting and then one trying to shoot the other with a phantom gun. The door swung open and a disembodied arm leapt out at him, his hands reacted grabbing the wrist and holding it back. Throwing it back in his locker, he slammed the door shut and then peeked in to find the arm no longer there.
"That's it I'm officially wigging." he said and headed for the library.
When he arrived, he got Giles story about thinking Jenny's ghost had begun to haunt the school.
"Ghosts are real?" He asks starting to consider just how many people might start haunting him.
"Very real spirits who have unfinished business or unresolved pasts tend to not pass on." Giles explained.
"Well, you enjoy that. I am lunch bound." he turned feeling distinctly under armed now.
'I can't believe the freaking "Ghostbusters" movies were right.'
Lunchroom
'Sharingan.' Alexander thought as the room filled with snakes and his eyes shifted. The snakes were solid but formed out energy like a different kind of Bunshin. Quickly making an exit, he watched the snakes vanish once the room was empty.
'Interesting this could be useful.'
Hideout
Drusilla was spinning in the middle of the garden-like area in their hideout her eye glazed over as she stared straight up. Angelus and Spike had long since recognized this as Dru's way of getting when she received one of her visions.
"A gate is opening, such a pretty shade of black and it wants her, it wants the fluffy little slayer." Angelus taking this as a good sign went to stalk her and Spike rolled away thinking this was the end of it.
"My pretty little kitten with the beautiful eyes, daddy will make you very cross, he will and my happy little family might all become ash and the Angel-beast burn forever in your eyes." She whispered and giggled before picking up her doll.
Sadie Hawkins Dance
'The school goes into chaos and not a day later everything is business as usual' Alexander thought as he leaned against the wall watching the dance going on. Buffy last night had some sort of moment with Angel after they had failed with an exorcism that evidently fixed their ghost problem, but it also made her all the more stubborn about getting him back. He was dressed in a black suit and tie looking at many of the girls like a whole new person, even the new better looking Xander was not worthy of tonight's big event.
"I'm started to think you're stalking me, Chloe." He said suddenly as he felt a presence beside him.
"I am not allowed to visit and miss your company?" she asked. She was dressed in a white Victorian styled gown with flower prints on the skirt and neck along with other colors mixed in.
"I miss you as well." he responded.
"Isn't it customary to come with a date to these things?"
"You have to be asked first, Chloe and besides, the only people I could ever dance with are you and Kirika"
"It is because no one will ever know you as well as we do in and out of battle."
"They look so happy out there don't you think? I wonder if what we do is right but then I see the people that training protects and I understand why it has to be done."
"Perhaps that is the truth then, Alexander."
"Perhaps." he smiled.
Chloe slowly took his hand and started towards the dance floor.
"Chloe where are we going?"
"I have only ever danced with you to the piano and other instruments; let's try it to this music."
"Yes let's." he said following her.
The song began it was 'all about us' by Tatu.
"Is that Xander?" Willow asked Oz as they took a break and spotted the brunette in the center of the dance floor with another girl.
"Wow I thought the geek couldn't dance at all." Cordelia said as she walked up to them.
The lights seemed to focus on the two as they moved each complimenting the other their movements graceful and elegant. People stopped to watch them and left a big circle open all to themselves. There was no world it was just about them and the comfort they took in each others presence. The music spoke to them seemingly explaining the relationship between them and third missing member of their group. Memories of happier days played across their minds and to the on-lookers it seemed as if the two moved as if they could read their partners mind.
When the song ended neither paid attention to the clapping around them nor anything else, simply moved back to the shadows together.
"I know you took the job with the Minuchi." Chloe said once they were alone.
"Yes I did, why?"
"Nothing is wrong with it but when it is over, I will be coming to collect you. I require a partner for some time"
"Oh really?"
"Do you not wish to work with me?
"Of course I want to work with you."
"Then I will collect you after that Job and we will finish by the end of the summer as I doubt you will not return here."
"No matter what I do, I can't seem to put it away it seems."
"I hope you never do, Alexander. Remember the objective and the prophecies and then ask yourself if you simply wish to kill without purpose for money."
"Those who deserve to die are those that seek to harm the newborns." he repeated.
"We made a promise back then on our hearts. I will see you in a while then." Chloe said walking away.
"Don't get dead on me, Chloe." he called out making her turn around and face him.
"If I died, who would keep your mind free of the confusion you seem intent on inflicting on yourself?"
"No one." he replied and allowed her to leave.
'I can really be an idiot sometimes, thanks for shaking it out of me Chloe.'
One Week Later
'Never again.' Xander mentally promised himself as he exited the locker room for swim team practice. Some weird things had been going on since a beach party was held to celebrate the victorious Sunnydale High swim team and one of the boys had been found eviscerated. After being attacked by a rather large fish-like monster that was turned into a fish stick, thanks to a Katon jutsu and Angelus actually throwing a victim away because of the taste of their blood, he found himself on undercover duty.
Walking away from the locker room in nothing but a Speedo, Goggles, and a cap over his hair, he was subjected to the stares of the female members of the gang and a few of the other assembled girls. Sadly due to his costume, training, and constant battle with the evils of this world he had quite the physique.
"Giles get your butt in the pool." the coach called out.
'Troublesome.'
Diving into the water he started doing laps his body becoming accustomed to the resistance of the water. If anything the coach was impressed at Xander's ability and imagined what he would be capable of with the drugs in his system.
'This boy is gonna be impressive!'
The girls could gape openly at the sight of Xander swimming the constant laps even the veteran swimmers seemed to be stopping ever so often but he just kept going.
'I can't even hide a kunai in this stupid thing and I feel practically nude without a weapon. Ok so technically, I am a living weapon but still you think we could be more than this.'
"Giles, that's enough for today son, get out and hit the steam room."
Climbing out of the water was a bad thing to do as it gave everyone a sight of him looking like this and covered in water. Shaking his head, he darted into the locker rooms.
Sewer Entrance
Xander brought his fist into the coach's stomach then spun bringing a kick into his chest sending him back. Reaching down he pulled Buffy out and looked down at the transformed members of the swim team. The coach attempted to attack them from behind and before he could strike himself Buffy tripped him, which sent him falling into the sewers.
'Poetic justice, May you rot in the deepest pits of hell for your sins.'
"You ok?" Buffy asked.
"Other then being mutated into a fish-man slowly, yeah."
Thankfully, it never came to that as a plasma transfusion cancelled out the effects of the drugs.
'Never Again.'
Graveyard
Alexander idly tossed a stake up and down as he watched Buffy playing with a couple of newbie vampires. He didn't really get into the whole messing with a vampire thing. To him, if it's got to be killed then do it and respect them as an opponent. Then again considering he dealt with both humans and demons that usually had security he didn't get time to play. Besides he figured Buffy had earned this much fun.
"So how do you think Wills is adjusting to be being a teacher?" he asked.
"She's in her element but I think the attention is getting to her, Stake." she said then called for the weapon he gladly threw over.
"Considering Snyder, he probably did it to try and extort a better grade for one of the swim team out of her. Kind of pointless when he became a fish." he spoke up as the second vampire dusted soon after the first.
"Pretty soon it's going to be over between me and Angel." She said and the two departed.
Angel stepped out from behind a tree with a twisted smile on his face.
"Yes love."
"It will."
Museum
"It's right over here, Mr. Giles. We couldn't figure out what the darn thing was when it was dug up, since it looked so old we brought it here." The man leading Giles said.
"Yes, you did the right thing calling me. All too often, the relics that are buried, might have some sort of trap or contain poisonous materials." Giles lied as this relic might contain something far more hurtful. Examining the obelisk he discovers something under the layers of earth and grime.
Taking a pen and some paper, he began jotting down the runes he discovered running down it. He had the strangest idea that he'd seen these somewhere before but would need to translate them before he was sure.
"Please don't open this until I can translate what the runes say then we will know just how dangerous this is, alright." the man nodded at his request.
Hideout
"He's coming, oh it's so beautiful he is coming and he wants to play with us all but he's all chained up now." Drusilla continued ranting onward to Angelus and Spike, informing them of what had been found.
Angelus grinned a savage smile at the prospect.
"Let's destroy the world."
Library
"I can't believe we are even discussing this." Xander said as Willow and Buffy told them about the curse they had found in Miss Calendars class. A disk labeled for him rested in his lap.
"We can get Angel back Xander and end this nightmare once and for all" Buffy replied.
"This nightmare would've ended if you did your job and put Angelus in the ground or let someone else. It doesn't matter that his soul can be restored, he's killed like any vampire and deserves to die."
"Angel didn't kill those people, he would never do that."
"The rules don't change just so you can have your boyfriend back. Are you going to ignore everything that Angelus did? Are you willing to ignore Jenny Calendar's death?"
"Why are you so set on seeing Angel die?"
"HE'S NOT ANGEL!"
"Please Xander." Buffy pleaded.
Standing up, he growled and turned walking away.
"Do it alone, I'll come back tomorrow and watch Willow's back. But if this fails, it ends by your hand or mine. Willow, if you get hurt or worse, I'm taking Buffy's life in exchange." He said coldly.
Library
Giles had explained the Acalthla specifics at home the night previously, which strengthen his opinion on killing Angelus. But Buffy was having none of that and had set out with a stake provided by Kendra, who had returned last night, to face Angelus and buy Willow time.
He watched Willow begin the ritual with a sigh; his friend hadn't had an original thought in her head since they met Buffy. Always blindingly following her without question and willing to do anything she asked. He was guilty of that to a degree but at least he would argue something and try to get the slayer to see reason.
He was broken out of his thoughts when his danger sense went off, he immediately got his feet as vampires charged into the library. He drew two wooden knives and leapt at the charging foes, his hearing picking up the bookshelf toppling onto Willow. Turning, he was distracted and he looked to see if she was alright and a vampire grabbed his arm. Being caught off guard, his left arm easily broke under the demonic strength and he watched Drusilla slash open Kendra's throat as he was falling.
"Get what we came for and bring my pretty little kitten as well." Drusilla said as the vampires complied gathering Giles and Xander.
Buffy arrived too late to stop them and instantly tried to check on Willow. The redhead looked up at her with glazed eyes.
"What happened?"
"They got Giles…. and Xander. They stopped the spell." with that Willow passed out.
Hideout
Alexander stared straight ahead without as much as a flinch crossing his face. He had woken here tied to a chair with his hands strapped to the arms with metal wire. After taking stock of his injures which for the moment was only a broken arm, he had simply shut himself down. Clearing his mind, he simply kept every feeling away becoming little more then a statue. If Angelus kept him alive, it meant he wanted something or just to torture him for amusement.
'My life means nothing, I am tool to protect and avenge the newborns. There is no pain for me no matter the damage done to my body, I will continue until I reach the objective. They will all pay for their sins, but for now silence.' The mantra continued even as he heard the sounds of someone else being tortured.
Hour passed before someone entered the cell, a simple minion most likely thirsty and thinking him a quick fix. The sharingan eyes gazed back at him and slowly the hypnotic power won over the demon. Released, he used the healing hands jutsu to mend his arm and burning the minion, then he left.
Angelus had a date with one annoyed assassin.
"ANGELUS!" the roar of his voice was enough to draw the attention of the room to Alexander. Spike was dragging an unconscious Dru away while Buffy was fighting another vampire and Angelus had just pulled the sword from Acalthla.
"Your opponent is me."
"Xander no! Get Giles and go." Buffy yelled.
"You had your chance, Buff. In case you didn't notice we are seconds away from visiting hell." He replied pointing at the growing gateway behind everyone.
"No." she whispered while Angelus laughed.
"How do I close it Buffy?"
"It's… It's Angel's blood, that's the key."
Walking towards Angelus, he picked up the discarded sword of Buffy who had collapsed to her knees when she discovered what must be done. He watched Angelus stagger back and look at them in confusion.
"Buffy? Xander? What's going on?" He asks in confusion, the slayer looked up with hope shinning her eyes, while Xander continued walking forward.
"Xander stop its Angel." she begged.
"Hate me forever, Buffy. I can't let the world die just because Willow did something Stupid."
The memories came rushing back to Angel and he looked wide eyed towards the boy, no man walking towards him. Turning his head seeing the size of the gate way, he bowed his head but nodded.
"Buffy, look away." Xander warned as he heard the blonde dissolve into tears.
Bringing the sword back, he spoke one last thing to Angel.
"May god forgive you for what he did. May he forgive me for what has to be done."
Plunging the sword forward, he didn't turn away when it entered Angel nor did he look away when he was pulled into the gateway which then closed. He only turned when he heard Buffy faint.
Collecting her, he went to fetch Giles and get both of them to the hospital.
Giles Residence
He watched the rain fall.
The gentle tears that refreshed the earth and washed away the blood that always covered some part of Sunnydale. It was the ultimate absolution willing to wash away any sins and give people a fresh start. For him, there was no comfort in that fact.
Giles and Buffy were still in the hospital but he hadn't visited them. Willow was with them along with the others.
He wasn't needed.
Being honest with himself, he doubted he was wanted either. In the end, he had done what was needed but still he had killed Angel. In Buffy's eyes there was no forgiveness for that he speculated.
So he had sat and watched the rain.
They were both getting out today though, and he would not be here to greet them either. He had contemplated canceling his contract and staying, but he knew the damage was done. So he had packed his things and rented a beautiful apartment in Paris. He would continue his journey and maybe return when the summer ended.
Getting up as he heard the cab honk he dragged his bags after him. He'd taken everything but one thing, hopefully he would be coming back for it at the end of the summer.
"Where to kid?" The driver asked.
"Airport I have a flight to catch."
"Going on vacation?"
"No."
"Oh well I won't pry then."
Alexander remained silent even as his plane took off.
"I'm sure Xander's alright everyone he's probably been tired but if you insist we will all go in." Giles said to the assembled people as he unlocked the front door of his apartment.
Entering, they found the living room decorated with bright colors and tables laden with drinks and food were strewn about in a decent arrangement. Balloons floated in the air along with streamers, all of it based around a single banner.
"Welcome home and congratulations for surviving."
"He must have been preparing this all night. Willow, run up and fetch him so we can celebrate together" the redhead did as she was told but returned with a pale look on her face and a Videotape in her hands.
"He's gone."
The screen flickered to life to show Xander sitting with a window behind him, the rain falling in the background.
"Good morning, Scooby gang and your mission is, if you choose to accept it. Nah, I am just joking, guys." They all had a small laugh at this.
"You're all wondering where I am right now and I'm not going to tell you, Willow you won't be able to find me. Miss Summers, I am guessing you're here too, so hello and vampires are real. Trust your daughter on that she would understand better then anyone. A lot's happened this year, hasn't it guys? We've been forced to give up whatever innocence we had left and grew up to face the harsh reality that we could partially ignore last year. This year I've told you all lies and I mean to set that straight here and now. If any of you don't want to know, pause the tape and leave the room, your lives could be endangered by what I tell you."
"Anyone leaving?" Giles asked and no one moved so he pressed play.
"My story begins when I was born, if I can even prove I was born." The tape continued on with Alexander pouring out every secret he had, including the mild identity crisis that Chloe had helped him through.
"I don't know if you guys can accept me for who I am, or if I'll be forgiven by Buffy for doing what was needed. I may not even be coming back though, that's doubtful as I left something important with you folks. When the summer ends, I will be back knowing who I am or what I have done may change. I might even be arrested the second I appear, because one of you called the police but I want to say this before your minds are made up."
He leaned forward towards the camera.
"I love you people and that will never change." and the tape ended.
Only to restart a second later.
"But if anyone touches my Twinkies you're dead." and then it shut off.
"He thinks I hate him for stabbing Angel." Buffy said, tears rolling down her eyes.
"Worse yet, he thinks we all hate him for it and for being who he is." Willow said, burying her face in Oz's neck.
"Well then, we will just have to show him how much of a doofus he is when he gets back." Cordelia said, drawing every eye to her.
"How do you know he'll be back?"
"Because if he doesn't we're going to find him and drag him back. Besides, when has Xander broken a promise even a half-made one?."
No one could find fault in the tactless logic of the girl.
Paris
"Welcome Home." Alexander said to himself, as he entered his new apartment looking at the furnishing he'd asked for and the other knick knacks that made a place home.
Making his way to the home office area, he sat down at his desk and logged onto the computer. He first had his arms dealer forward everything here before he began checking on the Noir situation.
"So the game will be played in New Jersey, but who are the players? I wonder. Who have you brought with you, 'Intoccabile'? I guess I will know soon enough." he said to himself while reading over the files he had been able to gather.
"Why must you get into such trouble, Kirika? At least I can see that blonde friend of yours again." He laughed before turning off the computer and fixing himself a small supper.
He'd leave in the morning.
Trenton New Jersey
Walking through the terminal, Alexander noticed a sign with his name on it being held by a suited man by the doors. Approaching him, he was alert as no one should know he was coming to town with the exception of the Minuchi family.
"Mr. Alexander?" The man asked.
"Yes."
"Ah, good. I was sent by Mr. Minuchi he would like to meet you for lunch and sent me to pick you up."
'Either a carefully planned trap, or someone fool enough to eat lunch with a deadly killer.'
"Very well." he followed the man out and climbed into the car his bags in the trunk.
Restaurant
The leader of the Minuchi crime family was an older man with silvering hair and distinctly Italian features who wore a dark gray suit. This is what Alexander noticed as he sat across from him.
"Alexander?" he asked in a thickly accented voice.
"Mr. Minuchi." he responded.
"It is very good to finally have a face to put with the name."
"A simple comfort, I suppose is the best one. What is it you wanted to speak to me about?"
"Right to the point then, it is a very good skill to have. Alexander, I asked you here today to ask a 'favor' of you," the way he emphasized the word. Alexander was on guard his chakra spreading out in a magnetic field to disable any listening devices.
"It all depends on the favor, sir."
"You have done me a great honor in the past and will in the future. I feel a need to repay that beyond the ways I already have."
"That is unnecessary, sir. I require nothing from you, except that which was given along with your friendship."
"You do not take what you have not earned, this is something I admire about you. Alexander"
"Nothing is free, sir, all things gained have a price even when one is not seen. I'm sorry that I cannot accept what it is you are offering."
"I am an old man, Alexander, who is not long for this world but I cannot leave my affairs unattended. There are those who would rip the very blood from my veins just to look after my estate when I die."
"A wise man once said 'We cannot take it with us.' what good does the wealth have for someone who has gone on after all?"
"Exactly, why earn a fortune if you will not live to spend it? The answer, Alexander, is you leave it behind for your children."
"Then, I would wager a guess that your children will live quite comfortably with your riches."
"My children did not grow up with nothing like I did and work hard to earn privilege and prestige. They do not share my sense of honor or love for the old way of doing things. Respect for tradition is lost on them, I fear my children cannot be trusted with my legacy."
"Sir, pardon me, but it is my belief that children are our legacy"
"This is why I like you, Alexander, tell me how long have we known one another?"
"A hour at tops, sir, and maybe a few months before though we did not interact then."
"Yet, I respect you more then my own children. It is a person like you men will follow on words alone and woman fawn over. A man like you who can make a reputation in mere months that take many years. You, who can strike terror into the underworlds biggest players with but an utterance of your mere name."
"I worked very hard for what I have, everything else is simply born from that."
"It is that ethic I wish to be apart of my family. Alexander, I wish for you to marry my daughter and take over my estate when I pass on."
"I'm sorry, sir, but I cannot."
"Why are you so hasty to turn down my offer?"
"I have my own affairs to tend and much else to find, I cannot at this time accept your offer."
"Would you perhaps change your mind given time?"
"No one can predict the future, sir."
"Ah, very true, Alexander. Then I shall leave it to you to choose when you are ready. Now let us eat and you can tell an old man of your adventures."
'My answer will always be No.' he thought as they ordered.
As their food arrived, they were joined by a young man in his 20's wearing a black suit and a young woman about the same age with dark hair dressed in a white blouse and pants combination.
"Ah Marie & Antonio, I would like you to meet a friend of mine, Alexander. Alexander, this is my son Antonio and my daughter Marie." The man introduced them all sides passing on pleasantries.
Before the meal started, Alexander bowed his head and prayed. It was something he did a lot these days and most likely would continue to do from then on.
"So Alexander, my father has told us a lot about you. Tell me when he chooses to retire, will you grant me the same curtsey you have him?" Antonio asked.
"Mr. Minuchi respects me and I return that respect, it is such a relationship I would seek with anyone wishing my services"
"It must pay very well in what you do?" he asked in a leading manner that made Alexander suspicious.
Looking the man over, he rose from his chair and leaned over the table, his fingers grabbing a small object just peeking from behind his tie. A black wire came from one end and into the man's dress shirt. Flexing his fingers he crushed the listening device.
"The second you got within ten feet of this table, the device stopped transmitting. I don't trust anyone and a small magnetic field is in place to stop such toys." Alexander said to the now scared man.
"Antonio, my own son, would wear a wire to spy on his own father!" the old man roared throwing his napkin onto his plate.
"Mr. Minuchi, I will take my leave as I have a business trip to prepare for. I wish you luck in the future with your family affairs"
"Of course, Alexander, my driver will take you where you need to go. Call it an apology for my son's rude behavior"
Alexander nodded.
"Mr. Antonio, Ms. Marie." he spoke before turning and walking out of the restaurant.
'Wow, it's like I stepped into the Godfather movies. Oh, there's an idea Godfather part 4.' he thought as he left.
New Jersey
'I hate it when I'm right.' Alexander thought as he ran towards the sound of gunfire that no doubt meant Noir was foolish enough to strike back for some reason at the cottage Intoccabile was staying in.
He was dressed in a black shirt along with pants taped at the ankles and his ninja sandals. His repaired cloak flew behind him with the lower half of his face hidden by a dark blue cloth mask. He had gone without his straw hat this time around.
Nearing the house the sound of gunfire became louder and he became able to tell the difference between one side using automatic weapons and the other a handgun most likely. Drawing his custom handguns he increased his speed and charged ahead.
Kirika hid behind a tree as the Mafioso opened fire with his machine gun before firing of another few round at their positions. Her arm had been scraped by a bullet so she had been forced into these tactics until she could withdraw.
Suddenly the loud roar of two guns was heard as someone walked into their battle firing on the Mafia hitter's position. Dropping his guns, Kirika watched him make two hand signs before slamming his hands into the ground.
"Doton: Doryuuheki" the person called out and suddenly a wall of dirt and rock rose up forming a natural barrier between him and the Mafioso. Picking up his guns, he leaned his back against the wall and looked at her signaling her to come over.
"Where's Mireille?" Alexander asked once the other half of Noir had gotten behind his earth wall.
"Inside with Intoccabile." she responded.
"She walked right into a trap, that idiot. Can you hold this position while I got get her?" he received a simple nod.
'Because of their stupidity this contract is going to take longer. What is it with me and saving blondes?' He thought as he ran from a round the wall, his guns blazing as he charged for the cottage, Kirika providing cover fire.
Inside
"Finally here, then." Silvana said in greeting.
Mireille was poised to shoot when a guard burst into the room opening fire at her. It ended a second later, when a bullet entered his skull from behind at point blank range, his body fell forward revealing Alexander standing there.
"I so hate someone ruining a dramatic moment." He said as he turned his gun on Silvana.
"Oh, so there is a mysterious third member to the fabled Noir then?"
Silvana suddenly ducked low as Mireille tried to shoot her and replied in kind sending a bullet screaming into the assassin's shoulder. Alexander opened fire driving her back and moved so that he was in a position to guard Mireille.
"Seems you are distracted, assassin. I doubt this is the best you can do."
"If I were at my best you would be dead, How about we do this the honorable way?"
"And what way is that?"
"Let us take this fight to the land Mafioso call home. In Sicily we will pick this battle up where we left off" He heard more guards coming and so he hoisted Mireille onto his shoulder despite her protests.
"If you want to get out of here alive, shut up." he whispered harshly.
"You'd have to make it out of here alive first."
"Not a problem until next time, cherish your remaining life."
"Kirigakure no Jutsu," he whispered and bolted as the house filled with a dense fog to cover his escape.
'Intriguing, perhaps this will be enjoyable after all.'
Fog poured out of the cottage as the door burst open, Alexander carrying Mireille ran out with bullets following them. Throwing two kunai with explosive notes into the ground, he jumped over the earth wall and kept running his head turning back around only to yell.
"Kirika." he called and the girl nodded, following them even as a pair of explosions went off behind them.
Mireille blacked out while they ran.
Hotel
Mireille opened her eyes and sat up in the unfamiliar bed. Looking around she noticed she was fully clothed but a bandage had been wrapped around her shoulder. Her gun sat on the bedside table and she could hear the sounds of other people coming from behind a door. Getting up and taking the gun she walked out of the room.
She walked into the living room of a hotel suite and stopped for a moment at the sight greeting her. Standing in the middle of the room with the furniture pushed back was the brunette that had helped her and Kirika out in Paris and evidently saved her from Silvana. He no longer wore his face mask or his usual attire. Instead, he was dressed in a loose pair of black pants and the rest of his form uncovered, he was flowing through fighting stances. Sweat was forming on his body as he blocked, kicked, countered, and attacked all of it seeming elegant to the eye.
"He has been doing that for hours." Kirika's voice startled the blonde who found the amnesic girl sitting and sipping a cup of tea.
"How long have I been out?"
"Just for the night Alexander brought us here and bandaged your wound, he also did something strange with his hands that seemed to heal the wound somewhat."
"That would explain the lack of searing pain being shot usually brings. Any idea why our gracious host helped us?"
"Because he has the same target as you and does not like to see people die unless they deserve it." Alexander replied, walking over to them with a towel around his neck.
"Tea?" Kirika asked.
"Thank you."
"I had the situation well in hand before you showed up."
"A part of you was and still is scared of her and the odds were against you. Why on earth would you even attempt something so reckless?"
"She has something we need and that's all you need to know." Mireille fired back.
"She knows that, which gives her the advantage."
Kirika watched the two as both slammed their hands down on the table and glared at the other.
"When the fighting starts, just stay out of my way. I have a contract to execute and whatever fears you have will only slow me down."
"Who said you would even be there, I don't remember inviting you to help us and you're certainly not a partner."
"If you think for one second, I'm just going to step aside and ignore a contract just because your ego is bruised, we should really check you for a concussion."
"You're the one with a bruised ego, junior. Kirika and I are the best assassins in the world, an amateur like you shouldn't try to preach to me."
"I've forgotten more about killing than you will ever know. I have hunted demons, vampires, and some of the worst scum humanity can produce. What is your claim to fame? A dead Mafia Don."
"I looked into your record. You have killed one demon, one vampire, and three humans, that doesn't make you an expert"
"I also have hunted that which would make you scream in terror, before I started to as an assassin, I was fighting the good fight while you were still killing anyone for the right price."
"Child."
"Bitch."
"Vous fâchez!" they both screamed at each other in French before stalking apart.
"They forgot to drink their tea" Kirika commented.
Shrine of Riveo
The three assassins walked towards the location for the final showdown. Mireille had run into Silvana yesterday and received the kiss of death along with the invitation to this little party. Alexander had inquired about the history between the two but was told to stay out of it. Kirika had also refused any comment calling it a private matter. So now he found himself walking with the two ladies in full gear ready for anything.
Entering the shrine the shootout began. Alexander was spraying the room with his modular rifle while Kirika was picking of targets with her gun as he distracted them. Mireille began heading toward Silvana but took another hit in her wounded shoulder and was forced to retreat to bandage it in the fountain room.
"Kirika, it's time to stop playing with them." Alexander said dropping his rifle and drawing his custom guns.
The girl was silent as he started forward his guns tracking and killing targets when they became available, his steps taking him ever closer to where he knew Silvana was waiting for Mireille.
'Gotta save my chakra for Silvana' he thought as he put away his guns and started going after the guards with his katana.
Kirika watched Alexander move flowing around the floor his katana flashing as he struck, her guns ending the life of anyone trying to sneak up on him or if his blade was blocked. To her, this was familiar like a memory of what to do in a certain situation.
As her gun clicked on empty, he turned towards her and sheathed his blade. Reaching into his cloak, he pulled out a pair of Berretta handguns and lobbed them to her.
"Finish up here, I'm going on ahead." he called and quickly darted further into the shrine.
Alexander threw a kunai which Intoccabile jumped back from and drew her sword up into a guard position.
"The intriguing one, so we meet again. I do hope you plan to take me seriously this time."
Drawing his katana, his eyes switched to the sharingan and he saw the woman lower her eyes watching his chest instead. Falling into a ready stance he was slightly alarmed at her behavior.
"You're a magic user which explains the fog and no doubt the spell over your eyes will hinder me in our fight. So I will avoid them." she explained.
'So, she's fighting me like she would a mage it might actually make this an even fight. I need to save my chakra for that one moment though.'
Silvana started their duel by rushing forward with a lunging attack which he side stepped and brought his blade down at her shoulder. She countered by spinning away from the strike and executing a vertical slash that he met with his own blade locking them. Jumping back, his left hand released a hail of shurikens as she rolled away from them and launched a dagger at his face that he caught between his fingers.
"You're quite the swordsman, boy, tell me your name so I might bury you when you lose."
"My name is Alexander, remember it well for it is the last name you will ever hear."
They charged one another again blade meeting blade. Moving around the room, they clashed again and again sparks flying from their weapons only to jump back and attempt to impale each other with projectiles. Alexander could sense Mireille in the room watching wide eyed as they fought.
Rolling away from a lunge, he watched as Silvana ran past straight for Mireille who was drawing her gun.
'NO! I'll not lose anyone else even her.' he thought and poured chakra into his legs.
Mireille watched the blade pierce flesh, and crimson blood begin to flow down onto the floor. Alexander's blood, she had someone gotten between her and Intoccabile's blade taking the sword right into his stomach. The cold princess's eyes met his crimson sharingan and a single word was uttered from him.
"Tsukuyomi." (God of the Moon technique)
Mind
Silvana found herself hanging on a stone cross, her arms and legs pulsing with more pain then she had thought imaginable. The space around her was crimson like a bloody sky but the ground was black inky water like substance. Standing before her was Alexander standing on the water with a cold look on his face.
"Welcome to the world I control and the hell you will live through." He spoke yet his voice was everywhere.
"What sorcery is this." she demanded.
"One of the three most powerful skills I possess. You will not leave this place seeing the other two sadly."
"Bring your worst, I am unafraid of anything you can do child I am coldest being alive."
"You can kill without remorse this is true and watch others die, but can you watch an entire clan die from the eyes of the only child to escape it." He said before the world shifted around them.
"Watch, Watch Itachi kill all but you through the eyes of his brother. Sasuke Uchiha for an entire day over and over."
-One Mental day later-
"Now, you will watch yourself kill all of your victims once more from their point of view."
-One Mental day later-
A hand touched her face as the tears flowed from her eyes. She had seen everything from the death of the Uchiha to the last person she killed and it was too much for her mind.
"Live your greatest fear."
Barely a second had passed since Alexander muttered a strange word and now Silvana backed away her eyes lighting up with tears and terror combined.
"Mireille shoot her!" the blonde was so rattled by the sight that she complied without thinking ending the life of the most feared Mafioso she would ever meet.
'Damn it, the jutsu used too much chakra and took its toll on my body but at least the job is done. She was too fast for most of my lethal jutsu, a truly worthy adversary. Gotta use the last of my chakra to stabilize my body then hope they just don't leave me here.' He thought as he slumped to his knee's and pulled the blade, thankful it had not gotten as far in as possible.
"Alexander," Mireille spoke up watching the boy.
"Listen to me… gonna use last of my energy…. Stabilizing the wound… trusting you to help…." He got out and then collapsed from the exhaustion and injury to his body.
Contract Executed.
Hotel
He felt something cool on his brow and the wind running through his hair. The sound of birds chirping and people talking reached his ears. Opening one of his eyes, he found himself staring at a ceiling and a rather painful feeling in his belly.
"I must remember not to do that again." he groaned out.
"If you ever do I'll shoot you," replied a voice to his left. Turning an eye he spied the blonde hair of Mireille Bouquet.
"Looks like you didn't leave me behind."
"Against my better judgment, I decided to even the score so that I owed you no debt."
"How long have I been out?"
"Two days, but you are lucky to even be alive, you insufferable child."
"Where are we?"
"Sicily still, I thought it best not to go to far."
"Kirika?"
"Getting food and making sure no one else is after us, she seemed worried about you."
Sitting up, he felt his stomach protest but his hands made a few seals, he began using the healing jutsu to repair a majority of the damage inflicted on him.
"Is that the hand thing Kirika said you used on my shoulder before?"
"Yes, it's a healing technique I can use to repair a lot of damage, the downside, like all my techniques is the loss of my energy." He replied.
"So the fog in New Jersey and the thing that scared Silvana?"
"All techniques I learned how to do that, take a toll on my body and spirit, but effective."
"You're a genuine talent show, aren't you?"
"I paid the price for my knowledge, it is always costly when man tastes of the ultimate forbidden fruit, but I use the knowledge as best I can."
"What would the price be to learn what we want to know about Soldats and Kirika?" she asked.
He turned his head to stare out the window watching the world outside continued moving.
"There are many answers as there are questions, each answer must be earned or found at the cost of something. It's not my place to answer those questions because I haven't answered my own yet."
"What price did you pay?"
"My innocence with every truth a piece was stripped away until none was left. The possible loss of my home and family and any semblance of a normal life. It makes me think that the truth I desire is not worth finding but I have to know."
"I know Kirika would agree with me on this, so why don't you come with us to Paris? You seem pretty handy in a clutch."
"I'd like that and maybe one day I will but for now, I need to continue my path, besides there's someone I need to meet."
"A lover?"
"Sister."
"Ah I see."
"We'll meet again."
"Hopefully without our lives being in danger."
Paris
Alexander walked into his apartment, his left hand coming up immediately and catching the throwing knife hurled at him between his fingers. His right hand turned on the lights and he calmly locked the door.
"Nice to see you as well, Chloe." he muttered.
"You allowed yourself to be harmed just to try out one of your techniques, Alexander." she accused in her quiet voice.
"Someone like that deserved to know true fear and pain before justice was served and I survived. My life means nothing if the newborns are not avenged by it, Chloe."
"You've made us late because of it."
"If the road of life is not enjoyed, why walk it?"
"Gather your equipment, we need to get going"
"Just what name shall we be calling ourselves?"
"The 'True' Noir."
"That's low and you know it." he said.
Chloe rose from where she had been sitting and approached him.
"Noir is the two girls that protect and avenge the newborns. The Two maidens who rule over the black hands of death." he said.
"You resent that you cannot become part of Noir the same as when we were children. Alexander, you may not be destined for that, but you have your destiny crafted from a legend none but you and Althena have seen and you will always be by our side. Until then, that day you are my partner and we are the 'True' Noir."
"I could always use my Henge jutsu to make myself a girl."
"I may ask you to do that at some point."
"I was just joking."
"I wasn't."
"The 'True' Noir it is then."
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