The entire crowd became a werewolf convention with all the howling. Fudgeball, the consecutive 10 years champion of Circa Arena was defeated. A feat that would enter in the history of the colosseum. After a while, West reverts back into human form and sits down in the ground looking at his left hand. He grasps it and darkness flows.
Johnnathan: How are you doing it?
His captain appears from behind him.
West:...This thing is exhausting.
Johnnathan: You will get used to it in time. I passed out in my first time.
West: Unlike you, I am not a brat.
Johnnathan: Haha! Yeah. Welp, I guess you deserved this. See you outside okay.
West:....Hold it.
Johnnathan: Hm?
He stands and picks up his machete.
West: We own these douchebags a show....So we give they a show.
Johnnathan:...Bloody hell.
The two charges their weapons and clash into each other.
Red Beasts: Wha?!
Announcer: Oooooooh! What are they doing?! Did they gone crazy?
Man in black:...Oh yeah, we are at the Finals right now.
Announcer: Oh my! I swear we had our championship match ended already.
Man in black: Whatever. It's not gonna be a long match anyway.
Florencia: Johnnathan, you son of a bitch! Drop you fucking weapons right now!
Edward: Woah! Easy on your mouth. I'm pretty sure they are just respecting each other's fighting spirit and manhood like brothers-in-arms.
Florencia: Yeah! That is exactly what I am reading in their souls. Which is illogical and unnecessary!
Vanilla: Even when she gets a sharp tongue, she is still as reasonable as ever.-_-
Tenkai: That must be why she is the first-mate of this group.
Meanwhile, both West and Johnnathan give their all as they are delivering their blows. West finds an opening along the way and delivers a upper strike with his weapon and breaks Johnnathan's defence. He launches an attack with a claw covered in darkness, but Johnnathan ducks and radies his swords.
Johnnathan: Red Upper!
*Slash*
West: Gah!
He slashes West and he falls unconscious into the ground.
"......."
A silence fills the area.
Announcer:....Grah!*table flip* And the champion of this year's Arena Ultimax Championship ZX is...Damnit! The Red Beast, Johnnathan Highlander!!!...Damn it all!
Man in black: Hey, don't feel down. That is my deal.
"Booo!"
"Boooooo!"
"You stink!"
The crowd start booing at the fight's results.
Johnnathan:...Tch. Douchebags.
Florencia: F...F-FUUUUUCK!
Florencia gets up angrily and punches Edward in the face.
Edward: Ooooooow!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE7D3Mo-htU
A while after the tournament, Johnnathan was escorted to Kane's office. When he enters, he was already in there and greets him slowly clapping his hands.
Kane: Congratulation...Plan C.
Johnnathan: Plan what?
Kane: It doesn't matter. But still, it is your partner I should actually congratulate though isn't it?
Johnnathan: Is he being treated well?
Kane: But of course. If we didn't care for our fighters there wouldn't be a colosseum still running for start. Capable fighters are hard to find. And before anything else...yes, your two other friends are safe just as the others fighters. Even Fudgeball.
Johnnathan: I thought you hated him.
Kane: And I do. But, I can't let him die without seeing him having his title stripped from him can I?
Johnnathan: More importantly. Can I have the belt?
Kane:....Are you sure you want that?
He pushes a button under his desk and the belt appears from a hidden window. He goes to the belt and retrieves the gem at the center.
Kane: Isn't this what you're after?
Johnnathan: What is it?
Kane: A Key...The Champion's Compass. You're after those aren't you?
He toss the gem to Johnnathan and he picks it.
Johnnathan: So, all this for a rock?
Kane: Hey. A Key is a Key, right? Plus, this thing helps you get other Keys. When it detects one close to it, it starts glowing and points at it. I've never seen with my own eyes, but I guess it is true with all the crazy stuff I have seen so far.
Johnnathan: Might if I ask you a question?
Kane: Sure champ.
Johnnathan: When my father, Alex Highlander, sold that Gladius here, how much was the debt?
Kane: Oh. It has been 20 years wasn't it? That was one of my first buys...It wasn't much. I believe it was about enough to buy a Toy Pirate Ship.
Johnnathan:...That was oddly specific.
Kane: Well, it is not the first time or the last time I saw that kind of situation. That time, I believe I was younger than you are kid. In fact...I was a slave too.
Johnnathan: You were?
Kane: Yeah. A lot of Werewolves were sold here in the past. And I too payed my debt before becoming this place's chief. I just liked this place too much. And by the way...
He pulls a suitcase full of money into the desk.
Johnnathan: What is this? The cash prize? It's...Way more than I thought.
Kane: Yes and more. You see, there was only one guy that betted on you and by the rules you get the most part of it.
Johnnathan: Hmm....Kane, I have a proposal.
In the medical room, Schneider was watching Kasa resting in a bed covered in bandages. She then wakes up.
Schneider: Hey. Good morning.
Kasa: Schneider....What..What happened...Hey, is that?
She sees a wounded and unconscious Fudgeball in a large bed.
Kasa: Fudgeball...The Championship ended...Did you...Did you w-
Schneider: No. It was Johnnathan.
Kasa: Oh. I see.
She looks down with a sad face.
Kasa: Guess we're gonna stay here for a while.
Schneider: As long as I am with my best friend, I don't care.
"That might not be necessary."
Gladius appears resting his back on a wall.
Gladius: Kane wants to see you two.
Schneider: Kane? What could it be.
Gladius: Follow me.
At Kane's office, he was waiting for they with a letter in his hands and a jar of blue powder inside.
Kane: There you two are.
Kasa: What is with the sudden call?
Kane:....I'm gonna miss you two.
Schneider: Huh?
Kane: Your debts were paid. You're two are free to go.
Schneider:...If this is a joke isn't funny Kane.
Kane: Hah! I thought the blue one was the funny one. It is true. The Red Beast paid your debts.
Schneider:....Is...Is it true.
She falls to her knees and cries.
Schneider: Did he really...Done that?
Kasa:....Oh, Izanagi...I hope this is not a dream...
She too cries even though she wanted to hold it.
Kane: Hey Schneider. Read this.
Schneider: Huh?
She picks a letter that Kane hands to her.
Schneider: This writting...It's my mother's...What does it means?
Kane: Your mother taught you how to read, right? It just as it says. She was dying.
Kasa: Dying?
Kane: Her mother contacted a dangerous disease that barely had a cure. If she died there was no one who could look after you. That is why she took a debt and placed you here. So you could stay safe and leave when you were strong enough.
Schneider: So that explain why she looked so weak back there. She never told me.
Kane: Sure the debt was a bit high, but I had to make sure you didn't leaved here too young. If you wanna hate someone, hate me.
Schneider:...No. There is no one to hate in this scenario. You two gave me shelter and I was able to meet Kasa. Now I have to be happy with my freedom.
She gives a big smile with a tear getting out of his red eye.
Kane:...And Kasa.
Kasa: Yes?
Kane: This jar contains your mother's ashes. Take as a parting gift.
Kasa: I see. Thank you for your consideration.
Kane:...What? Are you two still here? Fuck off.
Kasa: Hehe. I'll miss you two you old dog.
The two then exits the room leaving Kane alone with Gladius.
Gladius:...You're evil, you know.
Kane: What do you mean?
Gladius: Their debts weren't that high isn't it? It was just like mine.
Kane: Hey throw me a bone. I was gonna get rid of they sooner or later.
Gladius: But don't you think you took too much of Highlander's cash? Like WAY more than you needed it?
Kane: Kehehehe....This is bussiness. We are not running a charity here. Besides we got enough money to close this joint for a few months. Why don't you and Wardrobe takes a well-deserved vacation?
Gladius: What?
Kane: Come on Gladius, you aren't that little rabid daredevil from before. If you have to accept that, you have to face that fact itself. I heard there is a good place called Hurricane Port in between Drakland and Blitzreign. Go check it out.
Gladius:...Well, I suposse there is nothing to do here if it is closed.
Outside of the medical room, Johnnathan waits for West to get out while smoking a cigarrete.
"It's forbidden to smoke here you know."
He notices Kasa's voice and notices her and Schneider next to him. He throws aways the cigarrete into a nearby dumpster.
Johnnathan: There was not a sign here or anything.
Schneider: Mr. Highlander...
Johnnathan: Please. Just Johnnathan. Or Johnny for short.
Schneider: Well then Johnny...Thank you.
She hugs him strongly.
Schneider:...Can we talk in private...Please.
Johnnathan: Alright. I am not in a rush.
They goes to a empty hallway near the medical room.
Johnnathan: Is it about I brought your freedom and now you are in my debt thing. Please, it piss me off that kind of stuff. Plus you helped me back there didn't you?
Schneider: It's not that. It is something else entirely.
Johnnathan: I'm listening.
Schneider: You see...I know very little about the world outside. All I know is from rumours, stories and newspapers, but I know it is way more than that...For example: You are the first ever Red Hybrid I ever met.
Johnnathan: That is not very surprisingly. Second this very smart hybrid friend of mine, our number is no bigger than 100.
Schneider: Is that so? Well, I too didn't meet many people. So it is kind of hard for me to totally believe someone or judge by first contact.
Johnnathan: Are you afraid of the outside world now?
Schneider: Well it is not that...You see...Since you are the first Red I've met and you gave me a fine impression of yourself even though you are a pirate, I think you might be a nice guy and...
She hesitates, but gets courage to speak up.
Schneider: I...I like you Johnny. Will you go out with me?
Johnnathan:...What?
He takes a time for thinking for what she just said and after spacing out a bit he gets red and shouts.
Johnnathan: Whaaaaat?!
Schneider: Eh? Something the matter?
Johnnathan: No...No it's nothing. You just caught me by surprise haha....And even though is...Nice having their feelings confessed by a pretty girl like you...I'm sorry. You see...I already have someone else.
Schneider: Oh?...Oh....Oh! Of course, hahaha. I mean, I'm new in this kind of stuff so....Yeah, I think I was too hasty, hehehe...Well, worthy a try I guess?
She laughs and avoid showing her face to don't show a look of disappointment.
Johnnathan:...Say, you came from Blitzreign correctly.
Schneider: Huh? Yes.
Johnnathan: Have you heard of Mians?
Schneider: Yes. I lived my childhood a bit far from there.
Johnnathan: I happens to come from there. Why don't you settle your new life there?
Schneider: Really? I can?
Johnnathan: Yes. Say my name and you will be welcomed it. My old house is there and if you take care of it, they might let you take as a shelter if you want.
Schneider: Oh my. Aren't you too nice for a pirate?
Johnnathan: Just because I take what is not mine it doesn't mean I am a devil. After all, we hybrids must look out for each other.
Schneider: Thanks again Johnny.
"There you are you scumbag!"
They hear the voice of a very angry woman and see Florencia floating in their direction alongside the rest of the crew.
Johnnathan: Flor? Since when you talk like t-
*Slap*
She gives a slap so strong that he falls.
Johnnathan: Oooooow....
Florencia: That is for being a total asshole!
Vanilla: C-Calm yourself Flor...You're scaring me.
Edward: Are we interrupting something?
Schneider: Oh. You lot must be Johnny and West's crew right? Well, your captain just paid me and my friend's debt and now we are free.
Tenkai: Really? That was a honorable gesture Johnnathan-san.
Edward: We are still pirates right?
Vanilla: Howitz...
Edward: Kidding. Kidding.
Kasa: That is a loud bunch you two have.
Kasa appears with West covered in bandages.
West: Try to spend a week with they.
Florencia: West!
She approaches West with concern.
Florencia: Are you okay? I'm sorry for our rude captain's behavior. You totally didn't deserve it. Are you still feeling pain? If you want I can h-*Hmp*
Before she could finish her setence, West grabs her in the forearms and kiss her.
Florencia:.....
Johnnathan: Eh?
Schneider: Eh?
Kasa: Eh?
Edward: Eh?
Tenkai: Eh?
Vanilla: EEEEEEEEEEEEH?!
West releases her and she remains silent.
West:...Well, sorry. I mean, I heard you screaming for me to fight and...I thought....Damn, I am bad at this.
Florencia:.....
She floats and holds his face, giving him a more strong kiss.
West: Hmmm!
Florencia: ...I love you too.
West: Well...Scored I guess.
Everyone else: Get a room, you two.
Florencia: Ah. Sorry....Say is this okay to you captain?
Johnnatan:...Well, sure. I mean, who else have a werewolf and a fairy dating in their ship? Besides, as a human-vampire hybrid, what the hell I have to argue?
Tenkai:...Speaking of which, Kasa-san.
Kasa: Yes?
Tenkai: Might you tell me something about either the Kitsune or the Spider clan?
Kasa: Wait...You're a samurai right?
She then takes her weapon.
Kasa: You're with the Empire of Taiyo?
Tenkai: Don't fear.
He then unsheats his katana and places his finger on the blade. He passes through his finger and blue flames envelops the blade.
Schneider: Wha? That's just like Kasa's fire.
He then removes his hat and reveals his upper face with a brown hair tied with a short ponytail and a left blue eye.
Kasa: Your eye....
She removes the band covering her eye and reveals a eye with the same colour.
Kasa: It is like mine.
Edward: Wait, hold it. You are...
Tenkai: Yes. A Blue Hybrid. I was hoping you could give me some light about the Spider Clan since we are the same.
Kasa:...I came here because me and my mother were being pursued...And the pursuers were the Spider Clan.
Tenkai:...As I thought.
Kasa: Do you...Do you know why they were after us?
Tenkai: After the Fall of Nobunaga, the Spider Clan joined the Kitsune Clan and declared any deserter from any clan a traitor that deserves death...And that crime would go down to their descedants as well.
Kasa: I see.
Tenkai: You might don't know, but the number of Blue Hybrids in Taiyo has been decreasing a lot...Specially after I left.
Schneider: This is horrible.
Florencia:...Tenkai. I think it is time for you to spill the beans at this point. I can't see more deeper than what I can inside you, but there is still more you have to tell us.
West: And if you are concerned about eavesdropping, you can rest easy. There is no one in this colosseum anymore. In fact everyone already left.
Tenkai:...Very well. The information I am gonna give to you is important because it also relates to the keys you are after.
Johnnathan: I see. Keep talking.
Tenkai: What do you guys know about General Akechi.
Kasa: You're talking about Yoshimetsu Akechi right? The traitor that tried to overthrow Nobunaga.
Tenkai:...He is no traitor. There is no way he can be.
Johnnathan: But, didn't everyone saw him leading an army to kill Nobunaga in his castle...And succeded?
Tenkai: There is no way it could be him....Because I saw he die way before that day with my very own eyes.
Edward: Huh? How did you saw it? Were you a retainer or something?
Tenkai: I was more than that...I was his son.
That fact picked everyone by surprise.
West: What in the what?
Edward: That sounds like a big-time daddy.
Florencia: Still, a hybrid and a very well-know father...(Too much of a coincidence.)
Johnnathan: How did your father killed then? How did you witnessed? You don't need to tell me if you want.
Tenkai: It was right in front of me. It was so suddenly. He just appeared in thin air and stood in front of us. And when he killed my father he just laughed at me and let me live.
Johnnathan: Who was he?
Tenkai: The one everyone is talking about it...Raven.
And another revelation that was a shock for they.
Johnnathan: You...You're seriously?
Tenkai: Sure. I have nightmares of that day ever since. So there is no way my father could be the culprit since he was killed.
Kasa: Please, forgive me to not noticing you were from such a prestigious family. But what does the Spider Clan have to do with this?
Tenkai: My father was in favor of friendly relationships with humans and Kitsunes. He was popular to both humans and foxes. But when he supossedly waged war against Nobunaga and got killed in the proccess...Their relationship went downhill pretty fast. To the point it is almost a civil war now. The Spider Clan offered to be their retainers as soon that happened. They are know for being extremely well in tracking. How that alliance was made this fast is very suspicious indeed.
Kasa: I heard stories about it. A lot of Blue Hybrids were born because of your father's feats. Myself included.
Johnnathan: That is...Too much to take it. I mean your father being killed by Raven right in front of you...What next? Was your mother some high ranked kitsune or something?
Tenkai: As a matter of fact she is.
Johnnathan: Say what?
Tenkai: Her rage towards the humans that took away my father and her love was the main reason of her hostility. You see, my mother...Is the current head of the Kitsunes, The Kyuubi.