Phantom of Beacon
Chapter 5:
Jaune sat at the table, nervously drinking his hot chocolate. Blake sipped on her tea, casually eyeing the blonde sitting across from her. "Jaune…"
The boy choked on his drink, coughing excessively as his lungs burned. "B-Blake! I was wondering if you were gonna talk to me again! It's been two days, so I guess I got a bit startled, heh." He rubbed the back of his head nervously.
Blake's ears twitched behind her bow, and her face grew slightly sour. She stared at him, cocking an eyebrow. "Look Jaune, you're taking this all surprisingly well, which I very much appreciate, but forgive me if I'm a bit taken aback by it. After the war, despite being promised equality, the Faunus were subjected to discrimination and hate. Humanity still thought of us as lesser beings. And so, the White Fang rose up as the voice of our people. And I was there. I was at the front of every rally. I took part in every boycott. I actually thought we were making a difference. But I was just a youthful optimist…" She let out a sigh, looking down at the table. "Then, five years ago, our leader stepped down, and a new one took his place. A new leader, with a new way of thinking. Suddenly, our peaceful protests were being replaced with organized attacks. We were setting fire to shops that refused to serve us, hijacking cargo from companies that used Faunus labor. And the worst part was, it was working. We were being treated like equals. But not out of respect... out of fear. What I…what we did…I left when I realized that we were becoming exactly what we hated, and that we were no better than the humans that tried to control us. "
Jaune sighed, running his hand along his forearm nervously. "Blake, I can really only imagine what that was like, but I've had dreams…nightmares really about if someone found out about me, and what they would do. From how you describe it, I'd be an outcast, but…you didn't judge me. You accepted me right off the bat, even if I'm half ghost or whatever I am. You're not the kind of person anyone should be afraid of. If anything, Weiss seems like the type to fear, and if not her, at least her family then. That was a bit…much."
She nodded, still looking at the table. "The Schnee family is well known for their dealings in the Dust industry, as well as their shady side and their blatant racism, hence their hatred of the White Fang, but the Fang have no reason to steal Dust like this, they never have. I need to find out who's behind this, and prove to Weiss that the Faunus aren't who she thinks. If not…then to at least prove to myself… I understand if you don't want to come with m-" She stopped when she felt Jaune's hand on top of hers.
"Blake, you really think I wouldn't go? We've been away from everyone else for days, and I haven't once attempted to drag you back. I'm here with you to HELP you, with whatever you need." He smiled at her, gripping her hand in his. "I'm gonna be here every step of the way, so I guess you're stuck with me, kitty cat."
She blushed at the nickname, smiling back. "Alright then, let's get started!"
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Jaune and Blake headed towards the docks, moving as quietly as possible. Blake signaled Jaune to head towards the fence around the area, but he grabbed her arm, pointing at the top. Slight arcs of electricity could be seen sparking along the metal tips.
"Well this could prove a problem. Looks like we need to find a way around, maybe something we can jump over…" Blake started.
Jaune shook his head, smirking slightly. "Blake, are you forgetting something? Ghost powers!"
"No Jaune, I didn't forget, but that only gets you through. I'll still have to-"
"Blake, just trust me, I've got an idea." The white rings appeared, turning Jaune into his ghost form. He extended his hand to her, green eyes meeting amber.
She tentatively took his hand after a moment, and then felt a chill run through her spine. Jaune's body went intangible, his body fading to a pale blue, and with him after a moment went Blake, who jumped in surprise. The two walked through the fence, Jaune returning them to a tangible form.
"Jaune, when did you-"
"Honestly, just now. Guess this is something we can work with!"
Blake smirked at him, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks again for being here. Now come on, let's find out who's really behind this!" She ran towards a warehouse, Jaune in tow.
The pair climbed up a ladder and then crawled across the rooftop, peering down onto the yard. The wind began to blow, and from above, a Bullhead's searchlights flashed around for a landing spot, descending in the middle of the cargo containers and extending a ramp for a black hooded individual with a metallic fanged mask to come out of.
"Oh no…" Blake cringed.
Jaune looked at her. "Is…is it them?"
"Yes…it's them."
Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder. "You really thought it wasn't them, didn't you?"
Blake frowned, looking away. "No…I think that deep down I knew, but I didn't want to be right.
"Hey! What's the holdup!?" Roman Torchwick stepped out of the warehouse, twirling his cane as he eyed the White Fang members. "We're not exactly the most inconspicuous bunch of thieves at the moment, so why don't you animals try to pick up the pace?"
Blake puled away from Jaune, arming Gambol Shroud. "This isn't right. The White Fang would never work with a Human. Especially not one like that." She stood, running towards the edge of the roof.
"Blake, what are you doing?!" Jaune whispered as loudly as he could, but she was gone.
Roman kicked a crate that had been dropped. "Oh come on now! Send in a bunch of filthy animals to do a hum-" He was cut off as Blake appeared from behind him, holding her sword to his throat. "Oh what the f-"
Blake tightened her grip around Roman, pressing the blade closer as she let her bow go loose, freeing her cat ears. "Quiet! Brothers of the White Fang, why are you aiding this scum?!"
The White Fang members looked on in shock, some lowering their weapons. Roman laughed at Blake, causing her grip to tighten. "Whoah there little lady, didn't you get the memo? The White Fang and I are going in on a joint business venture together!"
Blake's grip faltered slightly, her hands trembling slightly. "Tell me what it is, or I'll end your little operation." She pressed the blade to his throat, hand shaking.
From above, the roar of multiple Bullheads sounded, Blake looking up in shock. Roman, taking notice of her distraction, fired his cane at the ground, sending her flying.
Blake, dazed but mostly unharmed rolled and ran from Roman, dodging the explosive blasts he sent her way. The blasts exploded against the cargo behind her as she ran and hid behind a tower of shipping containers.
Roman stepped forward, White Fang members behind him, searching for Blake. "Here kitty kitty…Oof!"
Jaune leaped down from the building, kicking Roman in the chest and knocking him back. He glared at Roman, green eyes glowing against the night. "Leave her alone." His gauntlets went into battle mode, covering his forearms.
"Oh look, Black and White tonight! You two are a few keys short of a piano, aren't ya kid?" Roman looked around at the docile White Fang members. "Well? Get him."
The Fang members charged at the ghost boy, bearing swords and clubs. One swung at Jaune who blocked with his left gauntlet before he delivered a blow to the Faunus' gut. The Fang member dropped to the ground in pain before Jaune kicked him in the face, knocking him out.
A second and third Fang member ran towards Jaune simultaneously. Jaune's hands glowed green before firing ecto-energy blasts at them, sending them flying into shipping containers.
Roman's eyes widened as he armed his cane. "What the hell are you?!" He fired at Jaune, the explosive blast encompassing Jaune. "There we go, freak taken care of."
The smoke cleared, revealing a green, domed shield glowing around Jaune. "What the…did I make this?" Jaune asked aloud, looking around at the energy around him.
"Die you freak!" Roman fired three more blasts, each exploding against the shield, the last causing it to falter and fade.
From above, Blake dove down in front of Jaune, rushing at Roman. "He's mine!" She shouted, becoming a blur of afterimages as she slashed both blades at Roman, who dodged and deflected each would-be hit with his cane at unbelievable speeds.
She continued to dash, hop over, and slide around Roman to try and find a weak spot, but he deflected each attack, almost with ease. Sliding around her, he landed a few hits on her until he hit her with a heavy strike, sending her to the ground.
Before Roman could strike again, Jaune rushed forward, slashing at Roman with his claws, now glowing with ecto-energy, becoming ghostly arcs of offense. Roman deflected each attack, his weapon taking damage with each blow. Jaune fired a small blast at Roman after an attack, stunning him long enough for Blake to rush in and strike Roman across the chest, sending him flying into a shipping container.
Roman pulled himself back up, eyes lit with fury. "That's it kiddies! The gloves come off, now! Hey, big ugly! Come play with our new friends!" He shot a blast at a container hanging from above, dropping it down in front of Jaune and Blake.
A roar was heard from inside, and the doors exploded open, revealing a white and black beast, eyes glowing red. The beast had a white glow around it, and its claws sank deep into the ground. It looked towards the pair, and it roared when it saw Jaune, charging at him.
Jaune ran forwards, swinging at the beast, only to take a hit as it swung its claws at him. He was sent flying, turning himself intangible and flying through several crates. "That all you got?!" Jaune flew back, firing blasts of ecto-energy, doing little more than stunning it.
Blake took the chance to jump at the beast, using afterimages again and again to dodge its attacks, swiping at it, hindering it slightly until it swung its massive paw at her, knocking her into a crate, leaving a massive dent in the steel side. A flash of black energy glowed around Blake and broke, her aura failing.
The beast ran towards her, smelling her blood in the air. From above, Jaune flew down, eyes glowing a menacing green. "Get away from her!" He screamed, his scream growing louder and louder until it was deafening, sending waves of ecto-energy at the beast. It howled in pain as it was thrown backwards into the side of the warehouse, trembling in agony. Jaune's eyes began to turn blue, and his hair began to turn back to its normal blonde as he sent every ounce of power into his wailing.
Dropping to his knees, Jaune's form shifted back to human. He looked up, sweat dripping down his face as he tried to eye the beast. Off to the side, it was beginning to rise again, looking at Jaune almost quizzically.
At one of the Bullheads, Roman rushed inside, taking a briefcase of Dust with him. "These kids just keep getting weirder! Get me out of here! She's not gonna be happy about this. Ugly, scram!" The Bullhead took off, heading out of the city into the night sky.
"Hey!" Ruby shouted from a nearby rooftop, Crescent Rose in hand. She slammed it down into the roof, taking aim at the beast. It stood, roaring at her before Yang jumped down from above and fired Ember Celica into its face.
The beast, stunned, looked at Team JBRY once more before turning intangible and fading into the ground.
Blake slowly stood, clutching her side. "Is it…is it gone?" She asked before falling back to her knees in pain. Yang rushed to her side, hoisting her back up and helping her over to a crate to sit on. Ruby dashed down from her rooftop to Jaune, trying to pull him up to no avail.
Sirens roared and lights flashed as the Vale police arrived on the scene, officers exiting vehicles with guns at the ready. The four teens raised their hands in defense and innocence as they explained what happened.
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"So Torchwick and the White Fang are in business together? That's just great." An officer finished writing down the information and walked away from JBRY to the teachers, Professors Ozpin and Goodwitch having been brought to the scene.
"Jaune!"
He glanced over to see Pyrrha and the rest of PRWN rushing towards them. Before he could speak, he was wrapped in a hug by the redhead, her body shaking.
"Well this is weird…" he thought as his bones were crushed by the spartan.
"I thought something happened to you! That you'd been taken, or worse!" She sobbed.
Ren placed a hand on Jaune's shoulder. "Jaune, are you and Blake alright? What happened?"
Blake stood, her side now covered in bandages. She walked towards PRWN and Jaune slowly, locking eyes with Weiss. "Weiss, what I did before I knew you all isn't who I am n-"
"Stop." Weiss ordered, a fierce look in her eyes.
Blake froze in place, staring at the white haired girl. Jaune broke away from Pyrrha and placed a hand on Blake's shoulder.
"You said you aren't with them anymore…and I am willing to believe that after your actions here tonight." Nora elbowed her in the ribs, the ginger haired girl receiving a glare. "And I'm sorry for what I said before. I was out of line, and I've no one to blame but myself."
Blake slowly smiled, nodding at Weiss. "Apology accepted, Weiss. Just know that I would never do something like this…ever."
"We all know that, Blakey! Now can we please get out of here?" Yang asked, entering the fray of the conversation.
"I think that would be wise for all of you." Professor Ozpin stated, stepping towards the two teams. "Jaune, Blake, you two fought admirably tonight, and your efforts resulted in valuable knowledge for the protection of the kingdom. While I praise your findings, I also caution restraint. You are all still in training, and men like Roman Torchwick are dangerous. Please, next time call for backup instead of rushing in alone."
Jaune and Blake nodded in response as Professor Goodwitch stepped towards them. "Good. Now all of you into the Bullheads. You've been allowed a day off tomorrow to recuperate, and I advise you to use it wisely." She and Ozpin walked back to the officers to finish up for the evening.
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Jaune yawned as JBRY entered their dorm, falling onto his bed with a loud 'thud'. He kicked his shoes off, slowly drifting into sleep. Just before he was out…
"Hey Jaune…how did you do that thing with your voice at the docks? I mean you sent that thing flying! I thought you could just go through things, not…that! And how did it just disappear into the ground like that?" Ruby half shouted.
Yang crossed her arms in agreement, stepping towards the blonde boy. "Yeah, Jauney! You got some kind of secret or something?"
Jaune's eyes widened, darting back and forth between Yang and Ruby. "Well…I…"
"Enough. If Jaune want's to explain himself, let him do it on his terms, not yours. It's his secret to tell, not yours to pressure out of him." She smiled at him softly, catching him as he mouthed 'thank you' at her.
Yang frowned before hopping onto her bed. "Fiiiiine. But Jaune, really, when you're ready, you know you can trust us, right? We're your friends too."
He nodded, smiling slightly. "I promise you both…Yang…Ruby…I'll explain everything soon enough, but not tonight. All I want to do right now is sleep."
"Agreed." Blake said before sliding into her own bed.
Jaune drifted into sleep within minutes, the others still casually chatting about the evening and what they'd seen. As he began to dream, Jaune's mind was filled with thoughts of the beast that attacked them, he remembered a discussion at the lab just before the explosion. "Spectral Grimm are also known as Omegas, existing only in legend. Opposite to Alphas, the Omegas exist only in this other world. When we break down this barrier, we should be able to study them, maybe finding a way to use the Omegas to end the Grimm once and for all."
"Jaune?" Blake asked, climbing up into his bunk. Seeing him asleep, Blake placed a kiss on his forehead before curling up next to him. "Night, Ghost Boy." She smiled before drifting off herself.
A/N: Wow guys, nearly 3k on this chapter! It was a doozy! Had some heavy combat, which is as always something I'm improving on in my writing. I love that people started renaming this ship for this story, with BlackSpectre being my favorite as of yet! Jaune's powers are growing with every encounter he has, with that little Ghostly Wail tease during the battle with the Omega being just a taste of what's yet to come.
Nexus Bladeguard: You are a loyal reader and reviewer, offering advice and questions that further help me in getting the meat of this story in, and I truly appreciate that. As for Roman, he obviously knows something/has some sort of control over that Omega, so he may know more that it seems about this spectral realm.
Guys, I know some of you are hoping for a harem, but I don't see this story turning out that way at the moment. The KnightShade/BlackSpectre is going strong, and I'm enjoying the development of that, but hey, that's romance for ya.
All in all I really appreciate each and every one of you for the reviews, favorites, follows, and more of not just this story, but me as an author on the site. You guys are awesome, and I hope to continue to bring you all entertainment with this story. Stay tuned, and I'll see you all in a few days! Send in those reviews!