Blazblue, and anything in it, or associated with it, is owned by Ark System Works. I don't own a thing, except Ghaunt and Mariana.
Chapter 10: Tsubaki
Morning. The sun. Both symbolize the start of a new beginning. The start of something anew. Or at least Tsubaki believed as she made her way to her post. Everyday she came to patrol Area Number Two of Kagutsuchi, and she loved it there. It was a spectacular sight, to say the least. The statues seemed so lifelike, the plants so fertile. Tsubaki thought it looked like place that could only be seen at the movies, or in stories. But here she was, standing right there.
Tsubaki sighed. I wish I knew what Noel and Makoto were up to. It has been so long, I haven't seen them since we all graduated from the academy. She gazed at the wonder around her. I wish I could show them this place.
A rustle came from a bush near her. Tsubaki pushed the thoughts out of her head and pointed her sword out and called out.
"Whoever is hiding, show yourself! This is an order from a member of the Zero Squadron!"
Nothing happened at first. Tsubaki almost suspected it to be just a gust of wind that came through. How odd of her to overreact to something so trivial. After a few moments, however, someone came out of the brush. The person was small, a child. Tsubaki couldn't make out its face, for it was hidden under (what looks like) a mask. The child wore a tiny coat and a tie, with protruding ears coming from the coat's hood. Its eyes were glazed over, and its mouth was hanging out like it was about to drool.
"A member of the Kaka Clan?" Tsubaki was confused. "What are you doing so far away from your village?"
The little Kaka pointed its little sleeved hand at her and spoke softly. "He wants to see you, Ms. Yayoi…He insists…"
Tsubaki cocked an eyebrow. Who could possibly want to see her now? Of all times? She sheathed her weapon and spoke. "Tell this 'mystery suitor' that I'm not interested. I have a job to do."
The Kaka shook its head. "You must come…he said if I came back without you…I wouldn't return to my village…ever…"
Tsubaki's eyes almost popped out of her head. "W-what?" What kind of a sick person does this? To a child no less?
The Kaka turned and faded into the bushes. "Wait!" Tsubaki shouted as she followed the little hooded child farther and farther away from her post.
Outside the NOL building…
"What's taking her?" Noel had her arms crossed. She was worried, but only by a bit.
Mariana shrugged. "I'm not sure. She's been in there for twenty-"
From behind them came a interruptive, but familiar voice. "I'm here!"
"-minutes."
Makoto walked out triumphantly. "I got what we needed."
"You got Tsubaki's schedule?" Noel asked.
Makoto pulled out a folder from behind her and waved it happily. "It took some convincing, but I got it."
"You were in there for a long time. What did you do in there that took so long?" Mariana inquired.
Makoto smirked and smiled fiendishly. "Men are so easy to distract." She wiggled her breasts to prove her point. Noel lower her head and made a quiet whining sound. Mariana shook her head, and began to walk away.
"Let's just go. We need to get to Tsubaki before Ghaunt does anything…serious."
Makoto and Noel exchanged glances. "W-what could he do to her?" Noel nervously asked.
Mariana turned around. "He's unpredictable. Even I don't know what his plan is now…"
As she turned, Mariana whispered to herself. "But I've got a damn good idea…"
Tsubaki had so many emotions racing through her mind that she thought she would go insane. She felt anger towards the person that she was being led to, but also worry and concern about who this person will be, and the fate of the poor child that she aimlessly followed. The Kaka had not spoken since they began to walk, adding to Tsubaki's worry. Many minutes past as the two walked in silence. A large hedge came into view, hiding whatever was behind if from their view. The small toddler turned, speaking in a quiet, monotone voice.
"Just over here…"
Tsubaki watched as the Kaka walk through the thick bush, disappearing into it. Tsubaki wanted to call out, but thought it to be no point. She decided to follow suit. As she was about to go through the hedge, the huge plant began to shake. Tsubaki took a few steps back, and gawked at it.
"W-what is it doing?" Tsubaki watched as it shook violently. Leaves and vines fell all around her. The hedge ended its rampage after a moment, after which it began to part as if a blade had cut through it. It was particularly bright on the other side, it blinded Tsubaki for a moment. She could barely see, but went through the parted plant confidently. She had to confront whoever was on the other side.
As she regained her sight, Tsubaki viewed her new surroundings. Bushes covered the area in a circle, with flowers dotting most of them. It felt like she was in a fairytale. In the middle of the circle was an elegant table, covered in a regal table cloth. An equally regal chair sat by itself on one side of the table. Opposite of it was another chair, this one occupied by the strangest looking person Tsubaki had ever seen. His body of metal gleamed in the light despite it being slightly rusted and covered in spare pieces of clothe. His mask was poorly covered by his hat, revealing the white skull pattern and neon eyes. On his knee rested the Kaka, who stared back at him blankly. Tsubaki could hear his whispers.
"Thank you, child. You may return home."
He gently lifted the small cat-girl off his iron knee and onto the soft grass, who slowly made her way past Tsubaki without giving either of them a second glance. Tsubaki was too busy watching the Kaka walk off that she didn't realize the man was speaking to her.
"You finally came. After all this time, I get to see you in person."
Tsubaki frowned and drew her sword out. "You. Who are you? What right do you have to abduct an innocent child and use her as a messenger? As a soldier of the Librarium, I'm placing you under…"
She stopped herself, finding that the metal man was lost in a gaze. A gaze directed at Tsubaki. "Hey! Are you even paying attention!"
The man shook his head. "I'm sorry…I was lost in your beautiful eyes and magnificent voice."
Tsubaki stared at him awkwardly for a moment, before becoming serious once more. "That's very…kind, of you. But, it won't stop me from arresting you - Hey!"
As she had began stepping towards him, the masked man flicked his hand out and snapped. The sword in her hand flew out of her grasp, as did her shield. Both floated into the gaping metal hand that called them forth, and were immediately laid down on the ground. The man continued.
"I don't feel like fighting right now…I just got back from a meeting and I'm plenty tired. Why don't we…uh…" His speech began to break. Tsubaki had no idea why. Once he regained his senses, he began to speak again. "Yeah! Here, have a seat. I stol- uhh - "bought" this specifically for our meeting today."
Under the mask, Tsubaki could see a sheepish smile forming. She had no idea what this guy's problem was, but she wasn't going to take it. She sighed. "Fine. You win, you creep. I'll stay and listen to what you have to say if you just give me back Izayoi."
His neon green eyes lit up like fireworks. "Oh! Splendid! Please take a seat." Tsubaki cautiously made her way to the other seat. The look on her face got her host's attention. "Please, Ms. Yayoi…don't be so agitated. I'm not going to harm you."
Now it was Tsubaki's turn for her eyes to light up. "How…how do you know my name? Who are you?"
"Oh…I apologize…where are my manners. I am Ghaunt…surely you've heard of me before."
Tsubaki frowned. Yes, she had heard of him. She had heard his name during a report given back at the Librarium. "You're the murderer that's been running wild in Kagutsuchi."
Ghaunt waved his hand around. "'Murderer' sounds so…primitive. I'm just a guy with goals. One of which led to you! Why don't we talk about you, rather than me?"
Tsubaki didn't want to change the subject, much less stay here. But she saw the insane look in the metal man's eye, and decided not to agitate him. She spoke.
"Well…what do you know about me? If you've waited so long to meet me, surely you've done some sort of data collection. Am I right?"
Ghaunt chuckled. "Your as smart as you look, Ms. Yayoi. Yes…I've done my homework. You're a distinguished member of the Yayoi dynasty, a grade A graduate from the NOL Military Academy, and you're a member of the Zero Squadron- GOD your beautiful!"
Ghaunt covered his mouth. Tsubaki would have blushed at such a remark, if it had came from a decent and sane person. Under his breath Ghaunt whispered, "Did I say that out loud?" He composed himself and spoke aloud once more. "Ahem. Excuse my interruption. I was, heh, never too well at speaking towards-"
"Women?" Tsubaki finished. Her host shook his head. "Who are you REALLY?" Tsubaki inquired in a serious tone.
Ghaunt was silent for a moment before answering. "I'd rather not talk about myself, really. My life is…just one great sob story."
"Enlighten me, Mr. Ghaunt. I'm into dramas like this."
"You're sarcasm will do you no good, Ms. Yayoi. I'd rather learn more about you."
In her mind, an idea presented itself to Tsubaki. This is probably risky, not to mention downright stupid, but let's see what happens…
Tsubaki shrugged. "Suit yourself. I bet its as sad and pathetic as the rest of the insane folk around here."
She expected an insane rampage, an attempt at her life at best. However, the iron clad man on the other side of the table barely twitched. He merely lowered his head, his hat concealing his already covered face. An odd silence stretched between the two individuals. Suddenly, Ghaunt rose his head and quietly spoke.
"You truly ARE the one I've been searching for…"
His confusing speech irritated Tsubaki. She shouted at him. "What does that mean? How long have you've been looking for me?"
Ghaunt rose from the table and slowly starting pacing around the middle of the garden, bantering as he did so. "Your personalities are almost exactly perfect…your hair is a bit to bright, but I can work around that…yes…yes…yes yes yes yes YES!"
He sporadically shouted and triumphantly rose his arms up in the air like he had one the lottery. Tsubaki watched as he came over and, without warning, grabbed hold of her hands. His metal touched was cold, no warmth whatsoever. She looked directly at his green eyes as he spoke.
"Finally…I've found the perfect match!"
Tsubaki wanted to let go, get free of his grasp. But his stare was so hypnotic, so inducing…She couldn't look away.
A voice from behind the two cut through the air like an icy blade.
"Get your damn hands off her, you bastard!
Ghaunt released his grasp and gaze from Tsubaki and turned around, and Tsubaki was able to see her savior. His blonde hair blew in the breeze, the hedge behind him cut in half. His sword gleamed just as Ghaunt's armor had, but was much more delicate.
"Jin!" Tsubaki shouted.
Ghaunt slammed his fist onto the table, his eyes filled with anger and irritation. "You don't know when to give up, do you kid?"
The major pointed his sword at the gangly masked man. "Piss off, circus clown. Just back off from Tsubaki, and get out of here. I should gut you for the last time we met. But I'd rather avoid violence…for now."
"How did find us? No one could have tipped you off…except…" Ghaunt's eyes grew even more hate filled. "It was that kid! She told you, didn't she?"
Jin nodded. "I already knew Tsubaki's work schedule. She's vigilant, and always stays at her post. So, when I found a small Kaka walking past her usual work area, I knew something was up." He snickered. "After that it was easy to find you. Also, you made enough noise to raise the dead, so that also tipped me off."
"ENOUGH!" Ghaunt screamed in rage. He charged at Jin, his claws itching to kill. Jin swung his sword out, sending three smaller spears made out of ice towards his attacker. One made contact with the target, but was merely an annoyance to Ghaunt. The other two were blocked by the metal chains that had came alive to aid there master. Once he became in range, Ghaunt punched his foe in the face, sending Jin to the ground. Tsubaki gasped in terror. Jin tried to get up, but Ghaunt denied him this luxury with a swift kick in the stomach, sending Jin sprawling back to the ground.
Ghaunt slowly made his way towards the fallen major, but found felt someone tugging him from behind. He looked behind himself to find Tsubaki holding onto the back of the only bit of clothing he was wearing. He looked at her, then back to Jin, who was still on the ground, then back to Tsubaki. He sighed, and quickly spun around, forcing Tsubaki to release her grasp on his burlap clothing. She tried to punch him, but Ghaunt was to quick and grabbed her arm before it made contact with his face. His eyes widened as he found Tsubaki fall to the ground, hand on her face, crying. Ghaunt stood stunned, not able to comprehend what was happening. He released his grip from her, watching the red haired maiden weep. Ghaunt stared at her for a moment, then turned to watch Jin struggle to get up. It was then that he understood everything…
"You…you love him, don't you?" He whispered.
Tsubaki had calmed down, her crying reduced to whimpers. She didn't look up, didn't make any movements. But Ghaunt knew. Ghaunt knew her feelings. He said nothing as he pulled out something from his metal body. He dropped it as he turned and trudged his way to Jin, who had picked himself up off the ground. The object fell in front of Tsubaki and released a green gas that quickly spread everywhere, causing Tsubaki to fall. As her eyes closed, the last thing she saw was her former host grabbing a hold of Jin and tossing him into the air. Then, she was asleep.
A/N: Nearing the end here people! Only a few more chapters before the end of this fic. I can understand if any, if not all, of you guys are confused on this one. To be honest, that's the reaction I'm looking for. That's how Ghaunt works, baby!
(Did that come out loud?)
But don't worry, everything will be explained in the next chapter. I promise.
Thanks for reading! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
(Yeah, I know I'm late. Sue me.)
