I do not own BlazBlue or RWBY. Everything belongs to their respected owners.
A single cat-Faunus let out a relaxed sigh to himself as he was walking through the busy streets. Many people just continued on with their own duties of the day, ignoring the person despite the two very visible weapons sheathed on his back. But the Faunus acted like it was nothing in favor of continuing his stroll.
Two black tails stuck right out from his pair of white hakama bottoms that complimented white tabi. He wore an oversized hoodie with an Eastern like motif and a cut in the back so that his tails could have more room. The hoodie sleeves however were extremely long and odd as the arm-covers were a decent foot longer that they should be and that the ends were closed up as well. Instead of openings, there were three black slits with black highlights that represented cat-like paws. The hood of the outfit was worn right above the Faunus' head and had a pair of cat-ears right on top of the hood. One of his eyes were covered, a tsuba being used for an eye-patch. There was a large belt strap strapped to his body as well which held a pair of kodachis, one handle pointing to the sky while the other to the ground.
If one were to look at the pair of weapons, no person would immediately accept a pair unless they were guaranteed a longer sword as well. Kodachi's were short, having a length of less than 2 feet (60cm). There were those that used knives and daggers, but those at least had a second function to deal with much longer ranged foes.
Due to the cat-Faunus' height, a regular sword was too long and he didn't want to use daggers or knives. So, using a pair of short swords was his choice in the end. Speaking of such his weapons, those were the reason why he was in Vale in the first place.
There was a certain sword smith that lived near the edge of the Kingdom. That person's name was Kinzoku Moeru, a man who certainly made a name for himself for a very long time due to creating all sorts of weapons wielded with amazing quality. However, it was age that took the man's life, and so it was up to the son Hagane Moeru to continue the work.
However…
"Huh… didn' think I'd see this." The cat-Faunus commented as he looked at the shop that he was standing in front of. Rather than seeing an array and supply of weapons for all styles and people… there was just… stuff that could be used for everyday means. There were rakes, shovels, hoes, even pickaxes that were presented from the window of the shop. Not a single sign of weapons to be shown. "Bah! Nothin' ventured, nothin' gained!" He shrugged before opening the door and walking in.
Hearing the ring of a bell, he looked up to see that exact item just above the wooden barrier to notify the owner that a customer or two had just arrived. Looking around, the Faunus saw more items used for everyday life littering the store. He raised an eyebrow. "Huh… Coulda sworn this 'ere would be the right place."
But then there was a single section that caught his uncovered-eye. Walking over, he looked at the kitchen knives that were all in a neat row for display. The mini blades were all polished and well made. He could tell their quality just from the one look along.
Suddenly hearing a loud voice, the cat-Faunus quickly spun around to see if there was any threat. But he immediately became relaxed and grinned when he saw a single female with a baby in her arms. "Sorry about that." The woman smiled, bouncing the child who seemed to giggle with excitement. "It's just that Tetsu here seemed to be a bit excited to see you."
The Faunus closed his eye with a smile on his lips. "Ah, no need ta aplologize fer somethin' like that. The kid's just curious." Opening his eye back up, he noticed a pair of tiny hands trying to reach for something. Looking back, it took less than a second to realize what it was the child was trying to grab. Moving his butt towards the kid, his tails poked this infant's face, causing the baby to babble and giggle.
The woman giggled at the sight of the Faunus entertaining her baby with ease. "Is there anything I can help you with?" She asked curiously.
"Me?" He asked, pointing at himself, the hands still hidden within the hoodie's sleeves. Taking a bit of time to think, due to also watching the baby caress his tails with amazement, he came up with his answer. "I was hopin' ta get a kitchen knife. Ya fine if I tried cuttin' somethin' with a couple of 'em?"
"Of course, that is no problem at all."
Watching the woman walk over to the counter, he patiently picked out a single knife and bringing out a small bag made of cloth. With a small bit of movement, it didn't even look like the blade touched the bag. But the material suddenly fell into two pieces, one fall down while the other was still in his grasp.
At this display, the woman that was holding her child now had a cautious look on her face. Watching the small cat-Faunus, she heard him muttering about how there was not even a tiny bit of thread sticking out from the cut. The slash was completely clean. Her eyes fell at bit at the words that he continued to mutter.
"Ma'am," The cat-Faunus caught the woman's attention. "Is Mr. Moeru 'round? I was hopin' ta ask him somethin'. If he was fine with makin' me a couple a new swords…"
"Eh?" The lady asked. "But, are your blades not fine?"
The Faunus didn't say a word. Instead, he reached towards his back and grabbed his sheaths. Placing them both on the counter, he grabbed one and pulled the weapon out. He then wasted no time doing it for the second item.
Both weapons were broken, the blades snapped and reducing the weapons to half their original size.
"Oh, are you looking for me?"
Turning around, there was a man now standing behind the cat-Faunus scathing his head in a rather nervous manner, as if he didn't know what to say to a stranger. "Hello, I'm Hagane Moeru." He held his hands out.
The cat-Faunus easily outstretched his covered hand and grabbed the other limb. "Name's Jubei, nice ta meet'cha."
"I heard your small story just as I was coming into the shop." Hagane stated with his eyes drooping a bit in exhaustion. "You want me to make you a new pair, correct?" He then bowed in apology. "I'm sorry, but I've never made any weapons before. Even if I knew how, would it be okay if I said no?"
"Hmm?" Jubei tilted his head as he hummed his question. "Why's that?"
Hagane easily explained his reasoning. "Weapons, they could be used to protect humanity and Faunus from the Grimm, right? But… many lives of innocent and guilty are taken by weapons that are created and sold. My father would say that he made weapons for a new era, but what part of such required killing others? I never fully understood that concept. Before, perhaps I would have continued my father's dream. But with people disobeying the law, and the White Fang causing havoc, I didn't want to have any part of such conflict."
"…" Jubei with a slightly surprised look on his face. But it slowly grew into one that completely understood the situation. "Huh… so that's it. Yer a pacifist, havin' the belief that war and violence are unjustifiable." He commented.
"Well, I'm not exactly sure if it's a belief or not…" Hagane shrugged, walking over to his wife and son. Picking the boy up, he heard the baby giggle. "But I do love peace. Isn't everyone like that?"
"…True…" Jubei nodded his head after a while. He grabbed his sheathes with the broken blades still inside and fitted the belt back on his body. Turning around, he waved his sleeve. "Sorry fer askin' ya then. I'll be leavin' now. But first, mind if I use yer bathroom?"
The father blinked a couple of times, surprised at how easily Jubei accepted his response. "I-it's just right around the corner."
Watching the cat-Faunus walk to the restroom, his wife looked at him. "Dear, he does not seem like a bad person at all. Even if you didn't make them yourself, how about giving him the last swords that your father left you?"
Hagane shook his head. "No, this is the right thing to do… Weapons are no longer needed in this time that we're living in. Sure, there are the Grimm and White Fang. But there are other places that sell weapons of their own. I'm content with selling these items."
Walking out the door, Jubei didn't notice that a second customer came walking into the store soon after. Hagane and his wife both saw the new figure come walking into the establishment and felt themselves take a step back with fear.
"Can I help you?" Hagane asked, doing his best to stay calm.
A feral grin grew on the new person's face. "Do you have the last swords Kinzoku made?"
Break
Walking through now busier streets than the empty area that he was in before, Jubei wandered with a rather conflicted look on his face.
One would argue that he could easily go to another weapons shop that already had one made or could forge it themselves. Jubei would argue back that it was Kinzoku that had forged his blades. It was only right to the cat-Faunus if that man or one of his blood would create new swords.
Looking up from his thoughts, he saw a street vendor selling some caramel apples. Licking his lips as he was a bit hungry, he strolled up towards the seller. "I'll take one if ya don' mind." He commented, already taking his wallet out from his outfit.
The vendor ignored the cat-Faunus however, continuing to yell out that he had treats ready for those that wished to try. "Sir, right here." Jubei stated, still not being acknowledged by the vendor. "Right here." He continued to say.
But he was just down-right ignored. Jubei quietly groaned to himself. While racism did not exactly trigger his switch sometimes, it was still something that irritated him to no end. Such comments or actions he did his best to never let it get to him however.
Sighing, he walked away from the vendor and saw two human children staring at the candy with hungry eyes. Seeing them, Jubei fished out a few Lien out of his wallet. Going up to the kids, he handed them the bills. The ones his size blinked before they both snatched the money and ran up to the vendor.
Chuckling to himself at how they acted, he was about to walk away when he felt someone tug on his hoodie. Looking, he could only see a butterscotch-brown. Leaning back, apparently one of the children was holding a third candy apple right in front of his face.
"Hehe, thanks kiddo." Jubei patted the kid on the head.
Munching on the treat while striding away, he didn't notice a teenager with black-hair and a dark bow on her head staring at him with shock.
Smiling to himself while strolling, he easily finished his snack within seconds. With a moment though, his happiness turned into confusion when he saw Hagane come running up towards him with his wife. Complete panic and fear were on their faces. "Huh? What's the matter?" He asked with an eyebrow quirked.
"Jubei!" Hagane exclaimed, grabbing the short teenager on the shoulders and shaking him furiously. "The police! Get the police!"
"Our baby!" His wife added, grabbing Jubei by the shoulders as well. But she soon fell to her knees as she cried. "Our baby…"
Jubei's eye widened as how distraught both adults were.
Break.
The crying Tetsu was loud.
As the infant was in a basket bawling, there was a single man with a sword resting on his shoulder making all kinds of funny faces, laughing at how all he did was continue to make the baby cry. On top of a small flight of stairs was a shrine, and that was where the man decided to wait for whatever it was he needed.
The man was tall, muscled, and tan, They sported a black outfit, sparsely adorned with golden beads. Their outfit consisted of long, well-fitting pants, a large gunslinger-style belt worn diagonally with two swords attached, and a long collared trench coat, left unbuttoned to display a healthy chest. Their hair was brown, kept in a small pony-tail and wore a cowboy hat with black sunglasses.
"Come on now!" The man taunted. "Don't cry!" He then waved the sword, threatening the baby. "Uncle Johnny'll shut you up soon enough." Chuckling, he stopped mid-laugh. Raising his head, he turned around to see a single cat-Faunus walking towards him and the baby. "Who are you?" He asked loudly.
Jubei's eyes were narrowed a bit as he continued to walk forward and stop in the middle of the path as Johnny went to the bottom of the stairs. "Give back the kid." Was all the Faunus said, clearly displeased about the situation
But all Johnny did was lower his sunglasses to get a better look at who Jubei was. "A two-tailed cat-Faunus with a tsuba for an eyepatch… So you're that famous White Fang assassin, Jubei the One-Eyed Lotus." The cat-Faunus didn't say anything though as he just stood neutrally in position, but he was gripping both of his weapons by their sheathes as they were no longer attached to his back. "I heard your swords broke. So you're here for Kinzoku's last swords, too?"
Jubei's gaze never left Johnny's face. "Whaddya mean?"
A smirk grew on Johhny's face before it grew into irritation. "You mean you don't' care if I step in here? Then get lost." He turned around to scare the baby a bit more.
"Give. The kid. Back." Jubei's stated again, this time being gritted out.
Johnny stopping in place, blade still resting on his shoulder. "Why?" He asked, slowly turning around. "If I don't get those swords and can't try them out… where's the fun in that?!"
As the man lunged forward with a swing of his blade, Jubei hopped back to avoid the strong blow. But Johnny didn't stop there as he continued to throw furious slashes. The cat-Faunus however couldn't draw his weapons due to their damaged states, so he settled for using their sheaths to protect himself instead.
Being knocked away by a shoulder tackle, Jubei ran side to side to see if he could get past the man. Johnny however was light on his feet as well as he cut off Jubei's attempts and retaliated with more swinging. Defending himself, Jubei landed a blow onto Johnny's stomach, but it wasn't strong enough as his opponent continued to attack furiously.
Raising both sheaths to block an overhead slash, Jubei walk backwards due to feeling overpowered by the weight Johnny was applying. Johnny released his strength though in favor of landing a solid kick on Jubei's side, causing the Faunus to stumble back. Choosing the option of small retreat, Jubei only had a second to catch his breath as Johnny's chase continued on.
All the cat-Faunus could do was run backwards with how poorly armed he was. Avoid each powerful slash, Jubei leaned back several times to avoid an assault of thrusts. Trying to attack with his sheath, the blow was easily grabbed as he felt another foot land on his stomach hard.
Being knocked back, Jubei's face was only the ground just a moment before looking up and rolling away from a mighty swing. Forced to defend against such strong sword blows, Jubei raised his sheaths and blocked each strike of metal as his back was against a wooden post.
Jumping into the air, he felt his foot being knocked out from under him, causing the cat-Faunus to nearly fall on his stomach if he didn't roll on the dirt just in time with Johnny still chasing after him. With that amount of space, Jubei decided to take the offensive this time as he rushed forward and faced Johnny head-on. With great speed, the cat-Faunus landed blows that were hard, but not enough to actually seem to hurt his opponent.
Wood and metal hit one another again and again. Tripping Johnny, Jubei stepped back to avoid the sword-slinger's defensive slash while getting up. "Draw your damn swords! Who cares if they're broken?!" The cowboy-hat wearing man exclaimed, running forward for a mighty blow.
Ducking under the attack and spinning around, Jubei slammed both of his sheaths against Johnny's head.
Panting slightly, Jubei slowly walked forward towards the baby that was still crying. Ignoring Johnny, Jubei didn't take a few steps before the man got back up on his feet.
Laughing, the man stumbled around a bit. "You're good, I'll give you that." He complimented as Jubei still didn't turn around despite being frozen in his spot. "But not using your weapons is going to cost you!"
Letting out a small battle cry, Johnny rushed forward once again. Jubei quickly stepped off to the side to avoid the attack. Raising his kodachi sheaths once again, both of them stepped sideways, following one another. Johnny kept faking-out his movements for a couple of seconds before taking on the offensive.
Jubei however felt himself slightly slip on a rock and lose the momentum of battle as he was forced to defend himself once again. Under the pressure, he couldn't do anything as his stomach was kicked yet again. Stunned, he could do nothing as Johnny spn around and kicked the Faunus through a stone-lampost.
As Jubei rolled on the ground from the blow, Hagane suddenly came running in from the front of the scene. "Tetsu!" The man shouted in desperation, doing his best to save his son.
"Stay back!" Johnny exclaimed, forcing the father to immediately stop in place with fear. Satisfied with his yell, the cowboy-hat wearing male looked back at Jubei who was slowly getting back up. "Are we done?" Mockery was in the tone. "You're going to risk your life just to save one kid?"
Jubei said nothing, only staring at his sheaths that still had their blades hidden inside. The cat-Faunus then looked up, an expression being read on his one uncovered eye. Johnney seemed to notice this and narrowed his own eyes. "What's that look?"You're pissing me off!"
"…" Jubei was silent only for a moment. "…I killed so many ta bring about a new age…"
"Are you bragging?" Johnny asked. "Be my guest. Go ahead and cling to the glories of the past!" Laughing, the man continued to sneer. "Never took the One-Eyed Lotus as a sore loser!"
"So much time of struggle an' blood ta bring about a new time. But that new time was created when all the Kingdoms made peace with one another. Now, in a happy home that knows nothin' of war," Jubei looked up to see Tetsu gurgling in a worried manner. "We begin ta see a time of peace in which ta raise its children. Think what you will. Though havin' killed so many, that child is an irreplaceable blessin' of this new age."
Hagane looked at the cat-Faunus with shock while Johnny cocked an eyebrow. Flicking his weapons by the handles, the sheaths flew into the air. Spinning his broken blades around, he stabbed both metal into the dirt that was straight below him. Snatching the falling covers, Jubei slowly brought them up into a stance. "Even if it costs me my life, I'm gonna take him back."
Johnny leered at the cat-Faunus, tossing his single sword away. "A real 'hero' of justice, huh?" He asked, immediately drawing the two swords that were on his belt. Placing both handles in one hand, he ran towards Jubei once again. But the Faunus was more than ready this time as he ran forward as well.
Despite the awkward attacking style of two swords in one hand, Johnny attacked with dangerous experience as Jubei weaved his way around. Sidestepping a single blade, he was forced to lean backwards to avoid the second tip of the metal.
Watching the man spin backwards, Juebi tried to hit Johnny. But the man quickly dropped once blade in order to catch it with his other hand. With that change, Johnny caught both sheaths at the same time with his weapons and deflected the attacks. It wasn't good that the male had a distance advantage over the cat-Faunus as Jubei continued to run backwards and avoid attacks.
Hagane meanwhile could only watch them fight. Listening to Tetsu crying loudly, he looked at Jubei once again. The cat-Faunus was struggling so hard. Plus, with Jubei's speech, Hagane couldn't help but debate about tone thing. But then he soon made up his mind. "Hold on, Tetsu! Just a little bit longer!" he then began to run off towards another part of the shrine. "If anyone can put those swords to use and protect, it's him."
Jumping into a small portion that was fenced off by two large horizontal beams, Jubei ran through the small confines as Johnny was after him. Running towards a corner, Johnny slipped through into the confines of where Jubei was and cut the Faunus' path right off.
Managing to dive under the man, Jubei turned around while getting up and continued to defend himself against Johnny. It was tough for Jubei to dodge due to the narrow passages, but it was tough for Johnny to swing his swords as well. Rolling backwards to avoid another slash, Jubei pressed his feet against a post and jumped over the human.
Both of them swung their weapons, Johnny being toe more victorious one due to his strength. Guarding himself against an assault, Jubei found himself grabbed and being forward backwards. With nimble agility, the cat-Faunus flipped himself around and behind the male.
Even with his small size, Jubei manage to throw Johnny from behind his back, slamming the human to the ground painfully.
Hunched over from his throw, Jubei panted. With remaining strength, he stumbled away from the fight area and back to the front of the shrine. Looking up and seeing Tetsu still crying, he couldn't help but smile a bit due to the baby being safe.
Slowly climbing up the steps, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. With a sharp glance, Jubei's battle reflexes kicked in immediately as Johnny came charging from the side and tackled the cat-Faunus. Wresting in each other's grasps, the two of them came rolling down the stairs. Landing at the bottom on the stones, Johnny remained closer to the stair as Jubei rolled away further.
"That hurt, damn it!" Johnny glared at Jubei.
Out of the brush however, Hagane came running into open drenched in sweat. The man seemed breathless. But the adult saw the situation. "Jubei! Take these!" In his hands were two short swords in their sheaths. Throwing them with all his might, he fell to the ground in complete exhaustion.
Jubei looked up to see the two weapon flying towards him. Peeking at his opponent though, Jubei rolled backwards to avoid another slash. Spinning around, he snatched both weapons and slammed them onto his back just as his old weapons were.
Gasping for air, Hagane just managed to let out his breath. "They're my father's last swords! Use them!"
Johnny glared at Hagane. "So there was a couple left over. Those will be mine!" He pointed his blades at Jubei.
But the cat-Faunus didn't react at all. Instead, Jubei's eye was closed while he was facing the ground. Legs were bent and both hands were just above the sword handles. His breathing was deep… calm…
Johnny rested his blades against his shoulder. "Draw." He stated. "We'll have a real fight. Let's see who wins." He looked down to see that Jubei was still unresponsive in his movement. "Well? You're the assassin the One-Eyed Lotus, aren't you? My swords are out. Where're yours?" Jubei still didn't move. Johnny laughed. "Fine! If you've forgotten how good killing feels, why don't I remind you." he then began to walk towards the stairs. "That's kid'll make a fine example."
"Tetsu!" Hagane exclaimed from the side breathlessly, trying to climb to his feet. "Tetsu!"
Johnny smirked at the wails of the baby. "Wait right there. I'll put you out of your misery."
That's when Jubei opened his visible eye. His hands immediately were visible as they slipped out from slits that were among the sleeves. The covered up ends of his hoodie suddenly each held three sharp blades that were shaped like claws as his hands immediately grabbed the handles of the weapons.
A pulse of energy was suddenly release, and a lotus mark appeared on Johnny's neck. Placing a free hand onto such an area, he looked back down to his palm to see nothing. Looking back, Jubei was still in the position that the man left him in. Not a second passed when the Faunus was suddenly dashing right past Johnny and slashing his chest with every blade on his person.
The human didn't just feel hits along his upper body however. Also, incredible strikes of pain shot up on his neck right where the lotus mark was. His body frozen due to all the sudden agony, Johnny gurgled as if his throat had been slit as well. Jubei meanwhile was back in a hunched position, panting with both swords in his hands and clawed-blades sticking out of his hoodie.
Coughing, Johnny still laughed. "You know…" He wheezed out. "You're really good." With those final words, he landed on the ground and was out cold.
Slowly getting back up, Jubei looked down to his weapons. He didn't want to kill. That's why relief shot through him when he saw that he had flipped the grips of his weapons just in time before attacking. As for his claws, the back one arm slammed into the stomach while the other helped with its thrown momentum.
While Hagane ran towards Tetsu, Jubei watched silently before looking at the unconscious Johnny.
The cat-Faunus frowned at the fact that he actually had almost killed again.
No flames please.