I don't own RWBY or Call of Cthulhu
3rd POV
In an unknown bed… somewhere in Manhattan
The view opens on an unknown bed. In it, Jaune can be seen sleeping with some difficulty. He would twitch every few seconds with sweat flowing down his head. As he slept, he would mutter a few words in an incoherent manner. As the view came closer the words, he muttered could be heard much easier, though still incoherent at the same time.
"Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh?" Jaune repeated, over and over again before his eyes shot wide and he leans up, if someone took a closer look it seemed his sclera was a sickly yellow till he blinked a few times and it returned to normal. He rubs his eyes before takes a deep breath as he looks around.
He was in a decaying room of sorts. The bed he was on was had multiple broken springs, and the blankets was stiff with multiple stains. It took him a few moments before realizing that he was in the Yankee Melody upstairs rooms. He was going to groan in discuss when he felt something moving under the bed. It was too big to be a rat, so curiously he picked what he hopped to be the cleanest part of the sheet and threw it aside. To his utter shock he wished it was a rat. He was in between four scantily dressed girls and he was in his boxers. He recognized the girls, and as he tried to recall the night before he became more terrified that he can't recall the night before. As the dirty thoughts enter his mind a voice spoke out to him.
"You didn't sleep with them." A little girl voice state's. Looking towards where the voice came from Jaune spots Mila by the door and in her hand was her little pup Beau. She continues as she walked in. "You came in the middle of the night exhausted. Barely even noting anything before you plopped down on the bed. Seeing how exhausted you were Terry aloud you to stay."
"Um, ok…" Jaune remarks uncomfortable as he slowly get's out of the bed trying hard not to wake up the girls. "… so when did."
"You were shaking and mumbling. They thought you were having a bad dream. So they stripped you down and slept next to you. Thought you caught a cold or something." Mali answers as she sits down on a nearby chair.
"Oh… yeah… I've been having those a lot." Jaune remarks as he finally gets out of bed. He try's recalling last night but he couldn't remember what happened after midnight. He recalled going to Tesla's lab.
There he marveled over the inventions this Serbin had invented. A few inventions were strange, others basic compared to the stuff on Remnant. Yet when the two talked his theory's were early but very close to the CCTS on his world. They talked about for hours on a worldwide communication that people could interact with, send photo's and moving pictures. Individuals could start separate pages along this web and be accessed through a code in a search section similar to a library codex. Jaune struggled not to say internet. As the hours past Tesla requested that he needs some time to improve upon the sword. It will be done in a day or two. Giving Tesla his address Jaune borrowed a cane and left the scientist lab. As he walked down the street, he slowly begin to feel exhaustion. He struggled to stand before taking a massive yawn. As his eyes open the street was suddenly empty. Nobody, was around him. He looked around. Wondering where everyone disappeared within a blink of an eye. That's when he hears a car crash. He quickly went down the street.
Jaune followed the sound, seeing that nobody else was on the street or even opening their window to see what was happening. It felt strangely Déjà vu about this as he had just turned to corner to see a yellow cab had crashed into a light post. He slowly made his way to the cab, finding only one person in the driver's seat. The man was wrapped in a yellow trench coat with a yellow fedora hiding his head that laid on the horn.
"Hey, are you alright?" Jaune asked as he was about to reach out when he remembered this incident. He pulls back and takes one step back before noticing something in the corner of his eye. There before him was the drivers, standing there as if nothing had happened.
"Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh? Ymg' mgepah mgepmgr'luh turor hnahr'luh?" The man from the cab said over and over again as he approaches Jaune with that hideous Pallid Mask.
As he approaches Jaune can hear the subtle shuffling of feet coming from behind. Remembering the dream from last time Jaune reacted without thinking. Using the cane given to him, Jaune bashes the stranger over the head with the cane. After stunning the person he quickly grabbed him by the shoulder and spinned him around into the crowed of masked crowed. He had already booked it down the street as more came around the corner. Unlike this time there were more. He was cut off at the end of the street, so he races down an alleyway. Just as he was halfway down more came out of the wood work. Realizing he was surrounded, he held out his cane in a defensive style before noticing a fire escape ladder.
Using the cane, he pulled the ladder and started climbing. As he does the mass of Pallid masked freaks were gaining on him. He had just placed one hand on the top when they grabbed his foot. He struggled for a bit but it was no use. He was being pulled down. As he does a woman glowing light yellow raced out of the window. Jaune didn't get a good look till she turned towards him, and even then he is having a hard time remembering her face. However whatever he saw caused him to stop in shock at the sight of her face. A red head, in flowing white dress. With emerald eyes and a companionate voice. She reaches out to him, however as he reaches out the mob pulled him to the ground. Jaune watched on as this woman called out to him as the mob piled on him.
This all led to him, waking up here. In bed, with a group of girls. Who constantly try to sleep with him. Maybe he should stop preforming late at the night. He hasn't really been sleeping well these past few days. As he slips on a shirt, he realizes that he was missing his bag filled with papers when Mila tossed him his trousers.
"Once you're done getting dress, head to the café across the street. I want to know everything you learn." Mila said as she reveals Jaunes bag was right beside the door.
She closed the door leaving Jaune to get dress. He lets out a sigh before putting on his pants, as he hopped around placing on the trousers he passed by a crack mirror. As he does the view in the mirror was different from Jaune's own reflection. In it was a figure dawn in a yellow cloak, with a Pallid mask over his face. Difference being from the nightmare, was that it was covered in Blood. Jaune quickly stumbled back catching a small glimpse in the mirror, however he saw his own reflection and nothing more. He inspects the mirror for a few moments before giving a small sigh and walking away. As he does, on the wall written in blood, was that dreaded symbol.
Thirty minutes later, at a nearby Café
Jaune had quickly gotten dress. Nothing to fancy an unbuttoned collared shirt tucked into grey slacks, a dark yellow sweater vest with a blue wave pattern and a brown leather jacket over it. He borrowed a prop cane to use seeing his was with Tesla if he remembered correctly. He sluggishly moved through the crowd. He, didn't feel right. Best way he could describe himself right now is that he'd been drinking to much. Though he never recalls ever drinking anything. Probation had made drinks to come by and he tried to stay away from the stuff as much as possible. As he made his way he eventually spotted Mali. Sitting at the table with the little pup on her lap. She was drawing something on a small note pad while drinking presumable coffee. Jaune made his way over before sitting across from her.
"Jesus. Thought you looked like shit when I found you in bed with the girls." Mali remarked as she took a sip from her mug.
"Yeah… guess this mystery has been effecting my sleep." Jaune said agreeingly before rubbing his eyes.
"Regardless did you find anything about them?" Mali asked.
"Who?" Jaune asked with a confused look.
"The suspects. I was caught a few days ago by Trish and never discuss them with ya schmuck." Mali retorts.
"Oh, that." Jaune recalls before remembering he left everything behind in a bag… in the room with the sleeping hookers.
"… well, who are they?" Mali asked again, this time pulling out Jaune's bag and removing everything from it. She must have snatched it from his room when she first entered.
"Um… well I got a few names." Jaune said before grabbing one folder and opening it up.
"Currently my prime suspect is the Dawson's." Jaune explains as he points to pictures of the three in a cut out newspaper.
"Wait, so it isn't Kerry Trotsky, the head makeup artist?" Mali asked with a crooked look.
"Well… he's on the list but not my prime suspect." Jaune corrected before continuing on with the reason by pointing to a picture of a man she had never seen before. "See, what most people don't know is that their father, Gary Dawson originally worked here as an actor however the week leading up to the big performance he was replaced and dropped from the performance. He didn't take it too well and tried to take it to court. When that failed, he made a threat that marked him as the suspect however was let go when the fact that he was out of the city attending his wife's funeral."
"Huh, I'm not so sure it was him. Besides not being here, this news clipping you found say's he died back in nineteen. Apparently was found in the Hudson face down and a belly full of led." Mali remakes.
"True however he could have one of his children give that false testimony and committed the crime. Police said he was seen with groups of people that formed what we now know as the backbone of the Italian gangs." Jaune pointed out.
"So his children could be continuing their fathers revenge? Huh, I'll admit. Didn't see that coming." Mali remarks.
"Nobody ever does." Jaune states with a smile. Guess watching all them kid shows as a kid wasn't a waist of time as his mom put it. "Regardless if one or more of them were the phantom they would have plenty of time to enter the rafters above without much trouble. However there is one problem with this theory."
"Oh and what's that?" Mali asked.
"Their broke." Jaune remarks before pointing the expense records. "They are having trouble paying their depts and it doesn't help that their youngest Sherry was diagnose with Parkinson and the medical bills are piling up."
"So if the theater close they will find themselves on the streets. Huh, guess that is one big hole not even revenge would cover." Mali stated.
"Agree, however that is the only hole in that theory." Jaune remarks before rubbing his eyes which were starting to bother him.
"Anyways then we move on to our second suspect. Kerry Trotsky." Jaune pointed out.
"Oh, I know him." Mali said with some excitement that she helped build this list of usual suspects. "He was an artist from Providence. His art is either awful or too provocative, to which got him booted from providence and any artistic clubs, museums, and any high society." Mali explains as she pointed to a photo's of a rock, a women pissing, and what looked like a toy that you shove up one's ass. Jaune was honestly surprise that he was hired especially after the incident. "He was brought on when the place open up back in fourteen, where he worked as a stage artist. However he was always complain that he isn't allowed to do his own artistic style."
"All true but there are two flaw's. He's not very bright, and way to vain to be the killer." Jaune remarks as he rubbed his eyes some more. Something was really bothering him.
"Really? Seem like the traits a killer would have." Mali said with a confused look on her face.
"Yeah, but when I asked about it he said that this killer had no 'artistic merit' and when I asked what he would add he said that he'd make her a women and add boy's parts to her part's." Jaune said with a shudder.
"… Yeah he's not the killer." Mali said with a disturbed look on her face.
"Probably but best to keep an eye on him." Jaune remarks before a waitress came over with a cup of coffee, much to Jaune's confusion. "I didn't order this."
"Oh, the two gentlemen over…" When the waitress turned to point to the gentlemen in blue pinstripe suits they were gone. "Huh… well least they paid up front."
"… Ok." Jaune said with a confused look on his face as the waitress walked away. He didn't complain, not like someone spiked his drink or anything. Sides he could use the coffee. Taking a sip he found nothing wrong with it. Maybe a bit water down like most coffee's but he'd expected nothing else.
"Right so the last likely suspect has to be John Sanchez." Jaune said flatly before taking a sip from his mug.
"The director? Why would he destroy his own theater?" Mali asked.
"Only by circumstance I consider him a suspect. See, he's been here the longest, he has access backstage and up the raptors, and recently I found that he is next in line to obtain the theater upon the current owners death." Jaune pointed out.
"Huh… that's actually fairly suspicious. But wouldn't that mean he'd be next on the list?" Mali asked.
"Unless he is the killer. Then he'd own the theater but that theory falls flat seeing this was a recent change. How could he have the foresight to do this? And why? I'm sure you can buy this theater for cheap after two gruesome murders." Jaune went on, now feeling much better from drinking this mystery coffee.
"That's a good question." Mari said as she leans back in her chair.
The two went quiet, plundering what exactly had happened. As the two waited Mali notices someone racing over from behind Jaune. Taking a look Jaune eyes widen seeing Marry racing over with only a night gown to cover her cabaret outfit. As she ran, gaining the eyes of every New Yorker she was screaming out Jaune's name.
"JAUNE! JAUNE! JAUNE! JAUNE!" Marry called out as she nearly slid on the ice over too Jaune and Mali's table.
"Um, Marry… what's going on?" Jaune asked only to grab by her.
"You need to go, to the Washington theater, Now." She said as she pulls Jaune from his chair and pushes him down the street.
"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa… Marry what's going on?" Jaune said as he struggled to stand without slipping on the ice.
"Their ain't time you need to head down to the Washington Theater quickly.
"I'll go, I'll go. Just stop and tell me Marry. Tell me what's going on." Jaune said as he managed to stop Marry from pushing.
"It's Trish." Marry answeres. "She called, saying that the Phantom struck again last night."
"What!" Jaune said with eye wide.
"Yeah, but this time, the killer left a message." Marry added causing Jaune to go silent for a few moments before turning around and racing off.
At the Washington Theater, a minute's later.
Jaune raced down the streets as fast as he could. Every step getting difficult as Jaune ran through the Icey streets. It was difficult with the leg, but still her persisted. After moving though the winding streets he found himself before a crowed over looking the theater. They all stopped to see the horror plastered over the theater. Jaune takes one look and was horrified by the sight. A man, was hung from golden tassels and adorned in nothing but a thin yellow cloak that did little to hide the brutality. His head was missing from it's neck. His rib cage was ripped open and in his place was his head where his heart should have been. The look of terror was absolute, and marked with something similar to a brand. What replaced the head was a prop skull that had antlers shoved into the head. Then their was the mask, someone had adorned a pallid mask to it, etched into it were rough and ragged shapes that if stared at gave the illusion that they were screaming faces. However what set Jaune's hair on end was the words written in blood above the poor bastard.
Mors solum initium est, sed illam esse dolorem; et insanire.
As he staired up at it he felt pings of emotion, discuss, anger, horror, fear, but most of all regret and remorse. He couldn't explain the reason but he felt like… he witness something like this. Like he did it. But he couldn't have. Could he? As he stares on the words slowly turn yellow and that strange symbol he saw glowed behind it.
M̷̮͋̏ö̷̤̑r̶̤̰̿̕s̶̻͗́ͅ ̴̥̉s̷̝̈̂͜ò̴̖̌ļ̶̣́̈́um ̩̈̇ȋ̶̱̭n̷̦͂͋it̴̘̞͐ì͔͒û̵̘͗m̵͔̭͠ ̴͒͜e̴̲͑̚ś̷͉t, ̵̭͘š̵̢̥ẽ̶̲͎͘d̴̙͖͂ ̴̳̙̈́̔i̵̻̟̎̅ļ̴̓͜͝là̷̲m̷̝̖̚ ̵̠̹͘eś͓̥ŝ̵̙̜ę̶͊̓ d̴̠̝̄o̴͍͊͒l̶̪̗̑ő̡͉͒re̵̼͈͂̕m̷̡͆̈́;̦ ̪̱̉e̵̲̋t̷͎͈͒ ̷͇̰͂͂i̶̤͊͝n̶̫̹̓͘s̴̜̻̈̎ả̴̧n̴̡̨̈́̈́ȉ̶͔͙r̴͍͋͜ẽ̴͓̄.̴͍̱̂͐
The building begins to tear away with a strong cold wind and darkness surrounded Jaune. He looked around himself. It then dawned upon him he has been in this situation before it was now that he actually noticed. As he looked around he noticed a few people in the crowed and a faint disembody chant.
M̢̛̜̮̦͇̺̉̀͑́̑͌̈́̌̋͛̓̓́͗̽̕̚̚̕ơ̶̧̩̳̫̩̼̗̘̳̦̤̗̜̻̭̮̭̲̖̤̙͎̆͊̾͌͆̀̔̉͐̅̉͜͜͝͝͝r̷̨̨̪̭̣͕͚͖̝̻͔̗̠̹̖̗͖̺̺̍̈̇̑͒͛̔͆̍̈̅́͜s̶̯̗͔̻͇͉̭͔͚̬̝̈́̍̒͌̓̈̓̋̍̒̉̄́͂̀͠ ̶̨̨̧̧̙̹̝̝̬͈́̉̓͊̒̈́͐̓͛̀͗̀̾s͇͕̥̲̻̯̀̇̋͆̏͂̈́̈̂̚̚͠͠ơ̵̼̮͍̙̮̹̓̀̏̄͛̾́̀̈͑̀͛̀̽́̚͝͠͝l̵̬̜̱͓̥̯̲̻̻̱̖̘̮͉͝ͅư̛͍̱͎̝̜̞̺̙͔̋̈̽̉̕m̷̖͖̖̲̻̦̯̤͚̼̜͕͙̺̔̐̿͌̋̓̈́̓̽̈̇͒́̓̈́̋͛̚̕͝ ̵͈͈͉͍̼̜̳̘̺̺̠̫̥͉̺̀̍͛͌͜͝͠ͅi̶̲̰͕̝̪̬̓͗͑̊̈́͜͝n̵̖̻̪̩͚̝̗̠̺̱̺̆́͒̏̓̒̓̆̀̏̀͗̆͘ͅi̶̡͇̫͙͍͈̼͎̯̟̍̃̈́̅͒̀̆͑̀͗̊̚͜t̵̡̛̹̩̤̩͇͉̣̲̹̪͕͉̜̤͓̫̩̲̻̩̘̻͍̟͍͑́̔́́̈́̊̍̍̈́̓̚̕͜͝͝͝i̶̧̘̤̘̜̜̳͉͉͗ų̨̢̢͔̟͖̭̖̹̯̗̮̩̭̜͓̘͈͇͖̜͓͍͖̉̅̓͋̇̿̉̆͜͝m̶̼̯͕̼̝͐̑̇̿̀̒̌̂ ę̵̨̛̝̙̝̈́̽̆͘s̵̛͍̞̪̱͓̜̣̠̘͓̯̿͐̾̽̍͊̃̏͒̊̇̈́̕̚͘͘͝ͅt̶̡̢̬̙̤̯̺̹̫̐̈́̀̍̄̈́̅̄̃͑̀̄͐͑̇͊̎͛̽̐͘̚͝͝͝͠ͅ,̶̨̨̛̤̭̙̜͉̪̟̙̜̿̓̐́͗̋͂̅̕͜͠͝͝ ̶͉̦̰̣̜̆̇̽͒̑̏͛͌̑͐͗͐̔̕͠͝͠s̷̨̨͖̟̙̗͍̠͇̻͎̩̜̯͍͙̙̦̮͈̿͋̀́̍͌̈́̂̆̀̈͘̕͜é̵͙̯̞͙̾̾̓̈́̆͒̽̔̍̈́̈́̎̔̆͊͛͌͐́̈́͊̚͠͝͠͝ḑ̷̢̰̭͍̭͇̲̬̮̳̘͖̗̞̬͈͇̰̖̭̼̖̿̿̀̊͋̎̍́̋̂̀̈́̅̉̿̊͌̚̚͝͝ͅ ̶̨̡̢̗̹͖̫̭͖͙͎͇͖͚̠̯͕̰̜̭̻͐͆̾͜i̵̢͈̻͈͍̮͙͇̬̣͇̯̋̈́̓͛̾͐́́̏̒̏͆͋̓̅̂̍̋̔̕͠l̴̨͓̲̩̟̥͉̣̞͉͍̼̹̠͗̿̓̈́͌̎̂́̑̏̋̅̈͆͑̈̏͂͂́̎͌̒̈ḷ̷̡̛͉̭̺̘̳̹͉̙͈̹͔̔͋̈́̂̈́̑̐̾̀̀̂̀̿͛̆̔̓̈́̀̍̋̕͠ä̷̧͚̪͚̮̰̦͙͉̬̬͔̬͇͕̹̰̼̊̑͊̽̔̉́͝m̶̱̩͔͈̠͇̖̬̮͈̹̼͇̲̫̙̝̙̝̺͚̱͌̎̃̑͒͊̈͊͋́̓̓̈́́̐̈̕̚͝͠͝͠ͅ ̶̨̢̰͔͚̟͖̻̘̘͖̬̱̘̣̬̥̟̠̯̟̼̼̽̈́̊́̔͐͊̊̂̔̋̍͌ͅe̴̡̤̹̜̖̫̪͈̤͊̆̋͒͒̅͐̕͝͠͠ͅś̷̜͑̾̌́̇͗̀̔̇̚̕s̵̛̛̩͙̯̯͕̗͉̜̹̼͛̃̐̆͑̾̆̃̔̎̏͑̿͐̓̈̊͘͘e̵̢̧̢̛͕̹̭͎̣̺̱͖̩̰͍͇̩͓͕͔̭̝̞̠̘̩̩͔͐̊̏̅̕ ̩̂̋͂͗̒̈́̄̅̔̉̎͒̐́͌͋̃͂͘̕d̵̹̏͆̐̉͑̐̓̉́͂̆̂̓̌͌̀͌̿͌̆̉̕ọ̵̢̡̨̦͖̞̲̟͙̘̗̹͓͕̗̘̹͉̩͚͝ͅl̵̡͕̳͎̩̬͍͕͕̗͍͎̙̻͉̗͒͑̉̀͊̔͒͑̀̽́́̚͝ơ̵̝̮̮̬̰͙̪̱̩̮͉͚̎̆̊͋̇̀̅̄̇̒̉̍̐̾͂̈͐͆̅́̉̒̈́͒̚͜͠ͅr̢̦̞̞̼̼̙ͅe̶̬̊̈́̀̈́́͒̈̿̓̔͘̕͝m̴̢̮̯̲̮̻̳͛̐̎;̨̢̨̛̛͍͇̝̘̦̩̙̣̮̪̦̜̹̫̬̩̯̭̙͖́̏̓̂͒͑̈́͆̓͗͋̀̎̅̽̚͜͝͠ é̱̝̱̪͉̟͚͍̻̪͔͊͌͌̑̈́̚͜͠ṱ̡̡͙̘̻̯̼̠͔̖͖̻͚̹͉͍͕̃̀̏͐̀̅̈́̔̒́̽̔́̚͜͜͝͝ͅͅ ̶̟̤̦̲͓̬̫̬̜̙͉̗̖̭̘̲̬̼͍̪͑̈́̅̓̐̌́͗̓̔̔̊͘͜í̗̲͈̘̦͍̣͍̼̤̝̩͙̼̱͚̑͂͋͆̀͝ͅn̷̳͚̞̹̘̺̓͑̌̚s̴̢̨̨̛̙̰̦̹̠̞̮̭̜̫͚̯̟̗͔̼̘̱͎̆̀̐͋̌͌͋̋̈́̎̍̓̍̓̈́̊͐̏̈́͘̚͘͘͜͝͝a̷̟͌̅̄̔̐̂͆͝ṋ͚̩̘͕̭̼̙̱͉̰̝̗͍̘̭̼̺͕̌̿́̀̒͆̂́̋̂̌͆̿̀̓̇̂̈́̈́̀͒͘̕͝i̶͍̜͗͂̽̄̐̅̃̂͒̍͊͌̅̾̀́̀̓͛̿̃̅̒͠͝r̶̢̡̨̛̛̻̝̙̳̩̻͓͈̣͍̪̬̳͎̣̬̼̮̓̇̉̄͌̊̏̃̌̉̎̇̕͜͜͝ͅē̷̡̲̼̰͚̙͙̬̻̱̘͍͒͐̋̎̋̂̉̂̎͗̓̆́͗̃̽̕͝
The people in the crowed became blacken shadow figures. With no distinction between the others. However two people stood out the most. Both adorned in yellow cloaks and wearing different shaped pallid masked. Each one marked with that same symbol. As Jaune looked on at the symbol they noticed him and the chant got louder and louder.
Ḿ̨̧̤̖̙̗̠̟̦̲̻͔͉̭͖̖͖͉͓̈͂̒̈̔͝o̷̡̧̧̯͇̣̪͇̣̰̞̗̖͚̼̰̪̔̉̑́́̉̃̀̋͂̈́̇͒̀̇̏̔̈̑r̴̢̢̫̫̣͎͉̟͔̪̳̹̞̹͆s̵̡͇̯͚͔̦̻̖͈̬͙̓͗ ̶̢̼͙͉̙̂͆̅́̿̃̅̀̒̒́̄̈̀̋̏͠͠ͅś̴̢̨̮͇̗̯̱̳̀͝ͅo̴̢̢͚͇̜̩̲̖͎͔̜̱̓̈́͛̋l̶̫̮̟͖̩̞̘̼̮̥̮̥̥͚̅̍́͊̇͂̒͗̐͛͂͊͆̀̚ù̡̱̣͈͕̟͕̍͛̇̇̽͑̈́̍̇̕͠͝m̵̨̛͍̤̟̬͍̳̪̲͊̂͐̊̎͑͂̒̒̏̆̌͗̋̌̿̄͒̚͠ ̶̢̝̤̻̠̫͙̪̗̦̦͈̤̯̣͈̺͔̂̏̒̌̌͊̇̉̿͐̂͗̽͆͒̽i̴̲͎͈̗͕͚͓͙͕̪͔͕̳͎̮͉̥̔̍̈́̂͋͒̾͗̊̊͒͌̄̍͂͗̀͗͝ͅn̷̨̡̡̛͓͎͉̳̣͓̙͑̇͑́͐͝ị̵̢͖̫̩͍͖̮̖͇̘̺̯̈́̕ͅt̡̢̺̤̲̩̥̘̹̜̜͍͍̱̗̫̭̲̟̣̀̽͊̃̔͝͠ͅį̶͓̜̮̘̝̝̙̤͈̗̠̰̺̂͊̑̒̅̈́͒̋̎̍͆̔͝u̶̢̫̳̎̇̎͆͛m̷̹̜͔̰̙͚͍̬̑̏̍̄̇͘͘͠ͅ ̷̛͉̠̭͙̩͚̬͎̻͙͙̦͚̱̓̋̉̏͊̒̊͗̍͘͝͝͝ȩ̵̤̫͓̪̤͔̠̠̳̺̼̼͇̥̺̟͛̇̅̄̋̽̋̒̓̚͘͝͝͠͝s̶̘̣̭̟̱̳̠̗̹̪̥̯̀t̶̨̢̯̦̩̜̅͛̎̈́̐̀ͅ,̵̺̯̖̭̱̻͔͙̄̀̔̐̈́̾͌͆ ̨̨͇͎̦̟̮̗̹̼̭̠̭̭ͅş̴̹͚̬͖͎̫̰͍̠̐̉͌̀̄͛ê̢̫̄d̈̔̉͜͝͝ ̧̱̖͎̬̮͈̜̋ï̢̢̹͈̗̲̜̯̮̹̹̩̪̥̺͚͍̳̺͋̆͆̿̿̿͗̿͌̐̄̕ͅͅl̴͚̭̣̰̍̄l̵̟̼̫̹̭̭̥̮̫͈͕͔͎̈̋̉̂̎̈́̊͐͑͋͌́͘̚̕͘͜͝͝a̷̛͕̯̱̰͉̱̻̯͋͊̽̂̄̄́͆̓͒́̓͋̈͛̓̿͐̕͝͝m̰̌̀̓̋̐̅͂̈̈́̽̇͠ ̷̢̺̠̺͎̝̺͎̰̺̙͔̤̖͕͉̻͗͜͝e̵͔͕̬̜̬̬̖̪̽̽̚s̴̠̓ş̴̢͇̰̪̱̗̬̲͙̝̥̘̰̙̃͒͋̋̀̃͜e̴̛͍̮̯̪̤̥͚̗̦̹͎̝̻͙̜̰̽̔͌̈̌̋̉͒̈́̑̐̽̆͌͆̈͊͘ ̶̨̼̬̰̳̣͇̘̱͎̹̱͓͓̤̗͖̯̼͊̈͋̈́̎͜d̶̢̡̧̮͖̩̣̠̪͈̬̱̆̿̿́̿͘͠͝ͅò̶̯̃̓̔͒̃͊̌̇̿̓̈́̽̌̈͊̕̚͝lö̗̲͚̰̪̟̳̥͈̭̣̽͆̑̉̅̀̆̇͆̒͋͝͠r̵̢̡̧͚͙͉̤̙̬̻͇͖̦̪̥͇̣͓̘͛̉̿͊̀̇̌̿̃͛͂͆͋̋̏̚͘͜͠͠ë̶͔͎̺̺͚̜́̍̀̾̈́̏̑̈́͊́̈́̒̈́͗̀́͆͗͝m̶̡̛͖͚̘̠̩̺̬͖͉̭͙͎̜̭͚̼̘͕͋̔̅͂̋̑ͅ;̴̢̡̛̦͇̹̥͍̘̮̳̟̺̬͔̤̦̹̪̯̩͔̅̎̎̔̑̀͂͑̔̕͜͝ ̵̻̇̏̒̆̐̈͆̾̊̄́̕͘ę̴̖̯͓̻͇̟̯͙̗͉̰̼͈̥̬̪̯̱̻̠͂̃̇̌̍̈́̈́̕ͅt̶̛͍͖̦͌̊́̈́̊̄̈͛̏̎̓̅͆̈́̊́̈́̿̕͜͝͠ ̴̯̘̱̞̰̀̾̌̏̕͝i̶̟̯̔͊͋̃́͐͛̔͆̓̃̐͐̆̔͊͒̚̕͝͠͝n̴̡̢̛̛̖̥͕̫͚͍̰̣͉̓͑̀͛̆̋̃͛͜͝͝s̷̢̡͈̫͉͔̠̬̲̬̗͔͚̦̰͈̘̜͔̓͑͂̿͐͌̋̕͜͝a̷̧̢̜̰̥̦̣̱̻̰̬̫̗͚͋ṉ̴͊̐̈́͐̀̐̕̚ỉ̧̢̧͕̗̭̫̩͕̯͓̘͔̯̈̒̌̈̇͜ͅř̵̛͍̰͎͍͍͉͖̘̠͋̑̽͗̀̍͋̓̅̓̈́̀͂̎̅̕͝ͅͅḛ̶̣̱̳̪̊̉̏̆̈͐̑̀.͙̭̗̆͌͐̍
They looked at him for a few moments before Jaune felt a burning sensation on his hand. Looking down his eye's widen when he noticed multiple cuts were put into his arms. On the palm of his hands were the same brand as the one behind the body. As it glows he can hear the sound of the chant like it was against his ear
M̴̗̗̭̩̝̠̖͉̰̤̫̫̯̗̘̰̦̈̈́͝ͅͅŌ̴̟͎̲̈́̒̎͗̀̈́́̒̂̎͆̒̇̃͋́̓̓̀̕͝͝͝R̵̛̦̲̗̬̈́͊̿̇͋̉̀͋S̡̛̛̝̙͇̼̹͉̜̰̫̬̼̱̩̯͉̥̮̜̃͛̽̒͗̆̃̑̿́͂̐́͒̓͗̚̚͝ ̶̱͍̮̖̯͂̒̐̋́̉̏̿̿̄S̷̛̛̫͕̫͎̥̟̟̪̰̠̣̜͐̊͌̃͋̽̆̀͘͝͝Ö̷̢̧̬̳̯͕̭̩̲̥̝͚̪̹͎͔̖̖̮͙̖͚͔̭̮̘̈́͐͝ͅḼ̴͇̮̜͖̘̙̭̻̫͖̠̗͚͚̳̟̠̰̺̞̲͍̭̬̦͛̇̃̂̑̑̋̌̓̎̐̄͊̕͜͝ͅỮ̴̡̨̢̥̩̜͍̪̯͎̭̟͈͉͍͉̟͉͇̼̦̺͕̭̠̗̟̐͗͌͐ͅM̵̨̨̖̤̣̳̊̃ ̶̨͎̱͈͉̻̘̘͍͔̹̫̺̺͂͛̍͆̽̊̂̀̓̆͐̌͒̊̐̀͂̅͊̽͂̍̎͌͘͜͜͠͠ͅI̶̡̢͔̩̟̫̋̇͋͗̉͑̓͐̋͂͊̀̓̊͐́̀̾̄͋͝͝N̵̠̺̝̥̏͊͗͒̈́̈́͂̓͑͛̌̐̇̃̒̎̏̑̒͋̄̉͘͠͠͝͝T̵̨̛̝̦̳͈̬̱͇͇͈̱̩̯͉̩̙̦̥̠̹̫͔̳̞̈̂͆̍̆̀͊̂́̌̊͜͜ͅI̵͓͙̖͚͓̗͆͆͆̈́́̊̕Ṳ̧̢͎̹̩͓̜̬̙̲̞͎̮̤̹̞̗̺̉̈̆̀̆̂̄̂̿̃̓̀̉̕ͅM̶͖̗̉̄̏͛̍̃͗̓̆̇͋̍̋̒̏̆͐̕͘͜ ̶̡͙̝͍̻͕͙̙͇̠͑̽͑͐̀͌̿̿̔̃̎͆͑̅͋́̚͜Ȩ̷̢͇̗̣̘̬̝͔̺̭͎̯̣͕̯̙̟̈̈́̈́̓̈́̂̍̅͜͝͝ͅS̴͍͍̝̙̬͕̞̙̙̲̣͉̰̺̰̻̊͌̎̊̏͑̀̍͛̽͛̊͊̎͌̓̓̊͐͌̊̀̂̕͜Ṭ̶̨̢̱͖̜͍̣̬͓̬̀̏͗̈́͑͌̕,̶͙͇͎̺͎̪͒͛̿̃͜ ̷̛͕̳́̏̓̃͑̾͌͛̈́̈̅̊̅͑͊̑̉͐́̀̕S̢̜͈͍̟̰̠͇͖̹̝̮̺̹̈̍̾̽͌͗̍̏̔́̓̿̒̌̕̕͝Ȩ̢̧̧̢̤̲̖͇̙̮̳̩̬̰̯͇͖̗̌̃̅̓̂̇̀̔̃̏̌͑̐͂̊͆̕̕̕̕͝ͅḐ̛̤̰͙̰͔͎͍̱̗͖͚́́̂̂̃̾̒̔̋̉̊͂̊͊͗̉͐̃̏̇̅̿̌ ̷̛̭̱̪̅͆͋͂͗̓̾̂̍̂I̷̡̤͕͙͖͔͂̅̏̀͗̊̐̏̊̓͐̈́͆͊́͋͂̿͑̄̚͠͝͝͠Ḽ̡̡͇̞͉̼͕͎̘̰͇̣̳̮͇̯͙̘̟̝̥̪͈̟̈͒̐̊̀̇̍̊͒͐͊̉͒̽͑͗̽̀̔̍̔̊̕̕͜͝͝L̷͖̘̹̼̙̗̠͍̭͕̼̪̝̰̩̤̜̺̤̾̂̓̿̀̈͋̊̾̑̂̊̕A̵̧̧̡̛̞̣̮̙͈͙͇͕̦̙̜̟̘͖̪̱͖̮̗͋͋̓̿̈̍͗͒̏̾̽͗̕͜͜ͅM̴̳̟̦̋͆̿̔͘͝ ̴̨̛̹͈̲͈͇̹͈͇̪̩̱͔͉͉̋͌̈̔͂́́̀̀̿͛̌̋̎̈́̇̽͆̒̆̅̿̂̏̕͜͠͠ͅĘ̷͇͍͕̜̬͎͍͍̱͕̹̪̠̦̮͙̤̩͎̞̫̯̤̤̘̓͑̏̈́͋ͅS̷̢̧̲̞͇̻̎͜S̥͔̲̩̠̉̈́̒̒̔̀̏̐̍͂̽̄̽̏͌͐̕͠E̴̛̗̻̦̘̝̫̼̬̫̪͓̜̮͐̉̽̆̄͜ͅ ̷̤̪̯̥͓̤͉̩̙̆̈́͂͐͒͑͑̓͆͐͌̎̃͛̐̒̈̌͂̎̊͝͠D̴͚̣̿͗̀̎̾̈́̃̎͂̑̉̄̓̃͂̒̚̚Ȯ̴̡̦̙̪̲͎̠͔͚̻̝͓͊̐̓̔̅͋͊̍̓͆̃͂̽̃͒̈́̓̌̈́͛̍͠L̴̢̢͍̰͖͈͖̲̻͙͍̭̳͕̤̅̔́̿̿Ơ̴̡̧̩̖͙͔̪̮͆̃̀̇̈́̉͐̑̊̃̀̑̉̂̽̋͗̉͆̔̽̂̽͘͘R̴̡̢̢̡̹͎̞̣͔̙̫͇̫͔̪̻̱̥̟͔͈̹͍̾̈̓̿́̉̀̐͋͛̈̅̀̕͘͠͝ͅE̵̤̲̠̦͑͛̍̈̑̔̕M̷̧̧̛̛͎͚̩̥͈̗͔̤̙̲̟̙͕͚̯̪̱̲̀̿͐̏͒̂̓̿̋̎̾̇̿̍̉̓͂̽͘̕͜;̵̡̲̹͕̫͓͉͖͇̼̤̣̗̼̹̾̾͌̓̈͂̐̀̇̂́̉͋̈́͆͐̄͒́̑̃̉͋͊͘̚͠ ̶̢͙̦̹̖̼͇̣̠̼̗̼̤͍̯̹̘͎̖̗̣͇̩̤͍̣̈̃̂̐̈́̈́̄̂̑͒̑͌̀̉͋͋̅̂̊͋̒͘̚̕̚͜ͅEŢ̶̡̪̟͔̜̼͉̬̦̗̜̈͗́̀̎̈́́͑͑͆̍͝͝ ̴̧̡̧̡͉̩͈͕̠̼̰̟͙̮͓̘̰̭̦͖̤̲̯̦̤̑̇̉́̾͜͠ͅI̶̥̟͇͓̼͔͙̪̬͗Ņ̷̢̹̩͖̻͙̼̦͚̜̹͉͓̈̓̃͒̂͋̇͑̈͛͑͊̿̽͘̕̕͠S̴̛̛̘̰͖͖͇̥͇̆͆͑̃̍̀̌̉̈́͗̉͗̑̋͊̅̕͜͠͝ͅÁ̴̧̛̺̫̦̦̝̯̹̱̪̻̤͇̩͇̥̣̞̱̞̫́̽̃̊̓̓̋̈͆̐̅́̉͜N̴̫̥̺̙̰͍͔̰̑͆̽͐̅͐̓̒̀̾͂̓͋̎̈́̃̈́̈́̀̄̕͠ͅĮ̡̢̬͎̤̙̞͇̹̰̮͚̉̃̓̅̈́̏͊̈̑́̾̒̌́̋̋̊́̕͠͝͝ͅŖ̶̨̢̢̛̛̗̼̞̯̹͈̞̠͔̤̜͌̏̐͗̐̅̾̇͊̃̽̈́͑̎̉̆̈́͂̈̀̚͘̚͘͜͝͠ͅƯ̹͔͔͙̰̋̾͆͛̉͋́̏̂̆̒͊̒̓͘͜͜M̶̜͙͈̰̹̰̭͎̘̯̺̠̬͉̮̹̱̗̝̞̉̅̂̍̓͛̾́̈̈̓̀̐͂͝.̧̦̠͉̗͉̪̱̦̩͈̜͔͉̞̤̣͇͍̀̍̆̓͋̍̒͗͗̆̿̎̈̊̕̚͜.̢̢̛̪͚̘̫̜̤̱͚̤̫̦͇̼͎̥́̍̅̈́̏̾͗̔̃̀̈́͋̍̚͘
That's when he felt some one on his shoulder. Quickly looking behind, he found himself back, now starring at Trish, who was saying something mid-sentence. "…een trying to get your attention kid. The hell was on your mind that you couldn't hear me from behind?"
"… huh?" Jaune replies as he looks around. He, had no idea what just happen but it has happened way to often to be normal. As he turns around Trish grabbed him before flicking Jaune of the forehead.
"Hello, Jaune you there or is your head up in them clouds?" Trish asked sarcastically before noticing his eyes. "Christ have you been drinking?"
"W-What? No." Jaune states before he felt his face. As he does the pupils around his eyes begin glowing a white yellow around his iris.
"Um, Jaune. Think you may need to fix what ever going on with… you eyes." Trish said slightly disturbed by the glowing eyes. Jaune gave a strange look before Trish showed him with a compact mirror. He took a closer look and to his shock the entire white parts of his eye were a sickly yellow and the iris ring was glowing the same color as his semblance. After a few moments the yellow receded and his eyes return to normal. While disturbing he had no idea what was going on. However he will have to deal with it later.
"Um, no idea." Jaune said before changing the subject. "Hey Trish, what does that mean."
He pointed up at the letters behind the body as firemen and officers tried delicately not to drop the body. However the head came loose from the rib cage and fell onto the ground. Cracking open like an egg, causing everyone in the crowed to gasp and shriek in horror.
"Those words, Mors… um.. so…lum? Jaune struggled to pronounce it before Trish interrupted.
"Mors solum initium est, sed illam esse dolorem; et insanire." Trish interrupts before crossing her arms. "It's Latin for 'Death is only the beginning, but it is a pain; and mad.' Regardless what's going on with ya? Seriously them eye's ain't suppose to glow like your posed or something."
Before Jaune could respond Sanchez and Boulton came over interrupting the conversation between Jaune and Trish. Sanchez looked overworked and Boulton was struggling not to trip with the mountain of paperwork in her hands. "Trish, for god's god grace what are you doing out here?"
"What are you talking about?" Trish asked with a confused look.
"What am I talking about, theirs a corpse hanging from our walls. And beyond Petit's wisdom he's deciding to keep the show going. Cause of this our tickets are nearly sold out." Sanchez remarks as the corpse had slipped from the officers hand and fell to the ground, causing another loud shriek and gasp with a few people fainting. "So…We need to work hard. This is going to be the biggest show in this city this year. So that means all of us has to work overtime. And I do mean all of us."
"Seriously? Somebody nailed a fucking corpse to the wall and we are putting on this doomed play?" Trish asked with a raised brow.
"Well apparently murder sells as well as sex. Course you should know that seeing where you worked before joining." Sanchez sneered as he pulled out a cigarette. As he lights it he was unexpectedly punched in the face. Surprisingly, it wasn't Trish. Rather it was Jaune.
He wasn't having the best this morning, and the way the man was treating Trish caused him to snap. So without thinking he delivered a knock out blow to the man causing him to fall. Luckily the crowed didn't take notice mostly because a few people had already fainted. After a few seconds Jaune realized what he had done.
"… oh… shit." Jaune said realizing what he had done. Turning to Ms. Boulton with an unsure look on his face. "I'm ah… sorry. Just, he was…"
"(Sigh) I-It f-fine… w-was bound to h-h-h-h-h-happen." Ms. Boulton said with a stutter. She then motioned with her head to the unconscious body. "W-Would y-you k-kindly g-grab h-h-h-him? I'm a b-bit h-h-h-hands full."
Jaune and Trish looked at each other before giving a shrug and picking up the unconscious Sanchez. They brought him in through the side door, unaware a few unscrumptious people were watching. Inside they se Sanchez down at his desk to which Boulton grabbed a bottle of gin. She then proceeded to pour it sparingly over him.
"J-Just cover h-h-h-h-h-him in g-gin. N-Never q-questions w-why." Boulton said as she finishes up. As she does she can see the confused look on their faces to how she knows this. She then stutters again. "T-This i-isn't the f-first t-time I h-h-h-h-h-h-had to c-cover m-my tracks."
"Huh, I'll keep that in mind if I need to knock one or two of the bastard's teeth out." Trish said before looking at Jaune. "But, that's if I beat him to the punch first."
"Yeah. Guess I let my temper get to me." Jaune remarks with a nervous smile as he scratches the back of his head. As he does he realized something. "Oh, I don't think we properly met."
"W-We did m-meet. Y-Yesterday." Ms. Blanch pointed out. "W-When M-Mr. Sanchez r-requested t-those d-death n-notes."
"Oh, right." Jaune said remembering. Feeling slightly awkard Ms. Blanch continues.
"I-I'm C-Cassandra B-Boulton. It's a-a-a pleasure t-to m-make y-you're a-acquaintance." Ms. Blanch said as she held out her hand. Jaune replied back by shaking her hand.
"Pleasure to make yours." Jaune said before noticing the symbol on her shirt.
Seeing him eyeing it she replies. "I-I am a-a g-graduate. F-From M-Miskatonic, if y-your w-w-wondering."
"Oh, um is it any good?" Jaune asked getting a perplex form the two to which he responds. "Never heard of the school, granted never been to school myself so I'm not that well informed."
"Miskatonic is one of them Ivy League schools. Very few can get in and even then it's the sole reason that shabby town in the sticks of old Massachusetts is even on the map." Trish explains.
"Huh… well what was your major?" Jaune asked.
"Oh, u-um o-originally I-I was g-going to h-h-h-h-h-have my m-major in c-chemistry, b-but b-because of my b-boyfriend… or he w-w-was b-before that f-f-fatal car c-crash d-during h-h-his f-f-fathers f-funeral no l-less. G-Got m-me t-to c-change m-majors to F-Fine A-Art's and m-minor i-in O-Occult s-studies." Bolton explains.
"Oh… sorry for your loss." Jaune said feeling uncomfortable.
"I-It's f-fine. I-In h-h-h-h-hindsight, I shouldn't h-h-h-h-h-have d-done t-this to i-impress h-h-h-h-h-him. D-Drum w-was t-to i-infatuated with b-books then p-people." Bolton said with a wave of her arm before turning to Trish.
"B-But e-enough a-about m-my f-former b-boyfriend. M-Mr. S-Sanchez i-isn't w-wrong w-we n-need to g-get to w-work." Bolton reinstate what Sanchez said before motioning for Trish to follow.
Trish would much rather stay and discuss more with Jaune's strange eyes. However before she could she was pushed out by the girl, leaving Jaune behind in the shanty office. Jaune stayed behind for a few moments. He was about to walk out after them but a thought accord maybe he should take a look around. After all, John was on the list of suspects. So after making sure nobody was watching he closed the door and quickly looked around. Making sure that Sanchez won't wake up. He found nothing suspicious at first but then a few fee's from Petit's lawyers. He knew they were expensive but Monty almighty were they sucking this place dry. Maybe he's doing this so he can burn the place down for insurance with them in it. As he goes over the place, he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat.
"Ahem." A voice said causing Jaune to spin. At first, he thought Sanchez woke up. He was going to explain himself when he found that the person who was awake wasn't Sanchez rather two unknown men of Italian origens was their before him.
"Um… can I help you?" Jaune asked not recognizing them.
"Well, originally we were going to talk to him but it seems you beat us to the punch." The man said while pointing to Sanchez.
"Oh… you saw that." Jaune remarks.
"Heh, boss man was impressed. Still seeing how's he's out guess we'll be taking you to him." The other said.
"Um, I think I'll pass I don't work here." Jaune said as he pocketed the file. He then tried to leave only to be stopped by the two.
"Boss-man said that he want's to talk with ya, and talk you will. Question is whether peacefully, or…" The man paused before opening up his trench coat reveling a massive revolver. "We do it the hard way. Either way you'll come with us. Question is do you want to hurt someone or not."
Jaune went silent. He could have taken them on but aura alone? Most likely but then he'd have these assholes on him. Or they could accidently shoot someone. So with a sigh he relented and went these two tough guys. They exited as discreetly as they could before walking towards a fancy car, with a man guarding the door with a sawed off. Jaune couldn't help but feel he should have run away. The door was open by a man armed with a sawed off and Jaune entered. Inside he was greeted by a rat faced man dressed in a formal black pinstripe suit. And an old Sicilian top hat. He gave smug smile before jaune was sat across from this man in this row faced car. The man with the double barrel sat next to the man and closed the door behind him as he did so the man spoke in the language of the old country to the driver.
"Guidaci intorno all'isolato. Una volta che abbiamo finito qui, portarlo qui." The man spoke before the driver gives a nod and starts the engine. The car begins and drives away with Jaune now in the hands of the Gangsters.
After a few moments the man in the top spoke in a thick Italian accent. "Hmm, I'll admit when I saw you knock that barbone director I had a hard time imagining it be the up and comer, Jaune Arc."
"Yeah, well. There are so many insults someone can say to a friend before you do something." Jaune replies.
"Heh, ain't that the truth." The man said with a chuckle before extending his hand out. "I'm Nicola, Patrizio, Sergio, Esposito. Or as my friends call me Nicky 'Top Hat' Esposito. So tell me Jaune, are we friends?"
Jaune looked down at the hand. He was sure if he should shake it. Despite how ridicules these names are he figured that for now he set his boundaries while showing some respect. So he reached out and shook his hand before remarking. "No, think the word would be acquaintance. At best."
"Hmm, suppose that's true." Nicky said before leaning back. "So, I've heard a rumor that you put a real beating on them Jersey boy's. Heh, hard to believe that man with your condition managed to take out the lot of them without a scratch."
"I'm tougher than most people think. Though I do know some stronger people who are friends of mine." Jaune said truthfully. In all honesty he could take these people on without his sword however he never like attacking without reason reminds him too much of Cardin and he never liked bully's.
"Hmm, Confident yet humble. You ain't like any celebrities I've met before. Most of them come to me for a little fling in their morning coffee. If you get my meaning." Nicky said as he pulls out a small bottle of hooch from the side. He offered it to him but Jaune refused much to Nicky's shagrin. He put's it back before remarking. "Well, in any case I also heard another rumor. That you were snooping around. Looking for this Phantom of the Broadway. And well as the Good Samaritan I am, I wish to provide my services."
"Tsk how? Providing protection at an absurd cost?" Jaune asked as he rolled his eyes.
"Oh, no, no. No such thing." Nicky said as he raised his hands in defiance. "Simply put I got a lot invested in the place. And this mook in yellow is hurting my business."
Jaune looked at him with a perplex look on his face before realizing something. Those lawyers, were they working for him. Course that's a question best left unanswered for now. As Jaune remained silent the man continued on. "So seeing you took it upon yourself I figure I help out with some information… for a small fee."
"Uh huh. Thanks' but no thanks." Jaune refused, knowing full well that the fee would be unpayable. "I got more then enough evidence to follow up on leads."
"Oh, well do you know the dear owner Jacque Montblanc has yet to skip town. Rumor has it he is staying behind due to some… train trouble. Wouldn't be surprise he ain't out of dodge or swinging from the ropes by the end of the night." Nicky said before handing Jaune an address on paper East 45st and Madison Ave, room 47. "Consider this, my… Buona azione per la giornata. Or how you say, on the house."
He then tapped on the back of window to the driver before saying something in Italian to which the car drove by and stopped back in the ally that he picked him up in. Jaune was motion to leave but before he could Nicky stopped him with his cane before remarking. "I was hoping for more, but you have peaked my interest Sig. Arc. Do try to find this fantasma. I'd hate to lose an investment such as yourself to… incompetence."
"Uh huh. And I hate to see you do something dumb to ruin your hat." Jaune remarked in spiteful tone before leaving the car. Nicky gave a respectful nod but a grimace look. The door closes and the car once more took off. Leaving Jaune alone in the alleyway.
Hours later, on the corner of East 45st and Madison Ave.
Jaune waited for Trish to finish practicing before following up on the Mobsters lead. Surprisingly, Nicky's lead was on point. It seems Jacque was renting an apartment near grand station, under a fake name. After arguing with the stubborn land lady, she finally gave permission for the two to head up to the top floor. No longer using the cheap prop cane Jaune was using this beautiful brass knob cane made from Maple wood. However he'd much prefer to be using his family sword but this will have to do for now. He was hesitant, the way Nicky spoke gave him a sense he will be too late. That or it could be a trap for all he knew. Because of these thought's he strolled down the hall like it was covered in landmines. Trish of course took noticed to this and about halfway down the hall she finally comments.
"… What's on your mind?" Trish asked.
"Hmm, what?" Jaune asked.
"I said what's on your mind?" Trish repeats herself in an annoyed tone. "You have been acting sketchy. Like when Terry's ex's are stalking the grounds sketchy."
"Psh what? I'm just tired. That's all." Jaune deflected.
"Uh huh. Sure you are." Trish said as she then placed her finger bellow the eye and pulled on the skin. "And being tired also accounts for them yellow eyes."
"Seriously, I am just have trouble sleeping these past few days." Jaune deflected.
"Oh, and I'm sure you just sleep walked on out with Nicky 'Top Hat' Esposito goons?" Trish confronted Jaune to his shock.
"You… saw that?" Jaune asked hesitantly.
"No, John's assistant Boulton noticed you getting in the car with them. Is that how you figured out where Jacque lived?" Trish pushed on. Mad that Jaune would even talk to a criminal. Granted he was small time but still, not one you should trifle with.
"He… he asked me to work with him for a fee. I think it has something to do with the lawyers." Jaune said shamefully, looking down at his feet before remarking. "He… he had information that I didn't. And while I did refuse he did gave me this tip for free."
"So you're thinking about shacking up with the mob?!" Trish shouted in disapproval.
"No! Monty No. I didn't. I will never work with crimin… als." Jaune pauses mid track when he noticed something. The door to Jacques apartment. It was open slightly, and the door hinge was crooked. As he inspects closer Trish noticed this as well. The two walked over to the door, listening closely they can hear someone inside… choking.
Without even thinking Jaune burst into the room with Trish following behind. In the room was figured cloaked in yellow. The strangers back was to the two so they didn't get a good look. However the figure was holding out it's hand, with a wooden cross facing down towards Jacque. He was on the ground choking as something thin and invisible was wrapped around his neck and hands. Like a marionette puppet he moved to the figure's movement.
"Oy!" Trish called out before grabbing a nearby vase and heaving it at the figure. The figure didn't even sidestep. Rather it turned to the two before slicing the vase in half with huge halberd. Their they can see in horror that dreadful, yet familiar to Jaune. A Pallid mask. The figure looked on at the two for a few moments before turning to Jaune. It lifted a finger and points to Jaune with a shaking finger.
"Ah nafl mgah ya. Hastur h' ulnah ah'mglw'nafh!" The figure said in a distorted voice. Whatever language that figure said was lost upon them, before they could react the figure quickly turned and swing at Jacque.
The halberd had slit the man's throat. Causing Jacque to fall to the ground as blood leaked from his neck. Screaming out for the figure to stop, the phantom turned and burst through the window as Jaune ran over to Jacque while Trish ran to the broken window.
"Oh Monty Almighty." Jaune said as he held his hand over Jacques throat in an attempt to stop the blood flow.
"Shit, bastards getting away!" Trish comments before turning around to look at Jacque.
As he gurgles on his words Jaune suddenly felt a sudden pull. Like a part of him was instinctually pulling him towards the Phantom. Quickly removing his leather jacket he quickly placed it over Jacques neck before speaking to Trish.
"Try and keep him alive, I'm going after that son of a bitch." Jaune said with rage.
Before Trish could even say anything Jaune had limped with great speed out the window. Trish shouted out to him but when she looked out she can see him crash into a fire escape on the other side. He was already half way up the ladder and up the building when she called out to him. Sadly he paid her no mind. His sole focus was to chase down Jacques attacker. Giving a sigh she quickly went to Jacque who was bleeding out on the ground. The cut while bleeding thankfully didn't hit the jugular. He could survive but only if she intervened Saint Mickle. Putting her IRA training to the test to see if she can possibly save this man's life.
Back over with Jaune, he struggled to keep up with the phantom. Whoever this masked killer was, he was un humanly agile and fast. To keep up Jaune focused his Aura into his bad leg, allowing him to keep up at the risk that this will drain his Aura. As the killer left across the build with Jaune slowly losing the killer, he noticed a loose pile of bricks nearby. He quickly snatched one and slowed down before tossing it. The brick sailed through the air before colliding into the back of the head of the phantom. Causing the killer to crash into a wall. Jaune give a small smirk at his aim before quickly racing over to where the killer had crash into. When he got there, the killer was gone. He cursed under his breath as he looked around for the killer. As he was about to look around the corner he caught the tail end of a Halberd blade before it swing at him. Letting out a little yelp Jaune fell to the ground before the blade could remove his head. The killer struggled to remove the massive blade from the brick wall. After a few pulls it pulled the blade from the wall.
"Ah nafl, ah'gotha ng mgah ya. C' r'luhhor mgep given ya ya r'luhh l' mgah'n'ghft shuggog h' mgleth." The masked killer said as it pated it's chest. The figure then pointed to Jaune before continuing. "Y' ahor h' mgr'luh. Ph'nglui ymg' nwngluii. Ymg' mgep mgr'luh turor hnahr'luh. Ph'hai Y' ah nafl kadishtu ahh ymg' ah h' mgah's mgleth, ymg' ephaisubmit l' h''s ephaieventually. Y' mgep h' mgr'luh ph'nglui work ymg' mgep epgoka."
"… What, are you even saying!" Jaune shouted having no idea what language the killer just said.
"Tsk, ymg' ahor't kadishtu aimgr'luhh ot r'luhhor? ahh mgep hastur haiagl ymg' l' h' shuggog ph' ah ya. Ahf' mgehye." The killer said as it shook it's head in disappointment.
The figure raises its halberd ready to cut Jaune in half when Jaune notice the huge skylight behind the killer. Getting an idea, he summed up all the Aura he had and quickly rolled out of the way of the swing. Jaune not missing the beat tosses the cane at the killers' mask. This did nothing but distract killer, as he flinches from the shock Jaune quickly wrapped his hand around the killer's waist before tackling him through the skylight. Jaune and the killer screamed as they plummet to ground far below. When they hit the ground, things went dark for Jaune. The fall rendered him and killer unconscious. After a few seconds, consciousness returned to Jaune.
The fall had knocked the wind out of him, and he can feel his Aura severely weakened. As he slowly picked himself up, he notices a small crowd of people staring at him. He soon realized where he was, in the center of Grand Central station. Not many people were there, but the few that were absolutely shocked by the sudden drop of two strangers. As he looks around, he suddenly felt something strange under his hands. Looking down he realized that his hands were on the killer's chest; but they didn't feel firm, if anything it felt squishy. Like roll of fat. It took Jaune a few moments before realizing that the killer, was acutely female. The killer was unconscious, with her face looking to the side allowing Jaune to see long strands of blond hair under that Yellow cloaked hood. Wondering who the killer was he reaches over to the mask. Grabbing the bottom of the mask he was about to remove it when the killer's hand grabbed Jaune by the neck.
She slowly stood up, strangling Jaune as he gasps for air while the phantom slowly gets up. He can hear the sound of a spine slowly being put back together as the figure slowly stood up. Once up Jaune was held an inch off the ground as the little air in his longs slowly left. He tried in vain to break free from the grasp of his attacker however no matter how hard he kicked or punch she wouldn't drop him. His Aura was too weak to direct anything powerful enough to take the killer down. As his vision begins to blur the sound of a gunshot can be heard and he dropped.
While being strangled a security guard, came running and opened fire on the killer. Hitting her in the head. This caused her to drop Jaune and turn to her attacker. Jaune watches as the guard unloads his 38-long colt into the killer, yet the phantom seemed to dodge it with relative ease. Before he could even get the chance to reload the killer's hand wrapped around the poor man's neck and snapped it within seconds. Jaune called out as he gets to his feet. The killer in response threw the corpse at Jaune. Jaune barely managed to dodge and gave chase to the now fleeing killer.
He ran down the stairs and followed after her. Maybe that 38. Special did something because the killer was much slower than before. To slow down Jaune she would grab ahold of luggage, people, and trash cans before throwing it towards Jaune. Jaune was also having difficulty. With his Aura slowly coming back he had to endure the pain of his crippled leg. Leaping, diving, and ducking under all the crap the killer tossed his way did him no favors. Yet he persisted through the pain, he nearly closed in on the killer when they turned the corner onto an outdoor platform. He thought he finally caught up with her when she suddenly vanishes. He stopped for a moment to see where she disappeared to. As he looked around the empty platform, he heard the sound of feet shuffling beside him. Looking to the side he saw her blazing towards him. Before he had time to react, she shoved Jaune onto the tracks.
Jaune crashes into the tracks, knocking the air out of him again. As he groans in pain, he looks up to see the killer looking down at him. She gives a slight bow before stumbling away in pain. Jaune quickly tried to peruse her when he was pulled down. Looking down his eyes widen in horror. His entire leg broke through the track, and because of the brace it was stuck there. If things couldn't get worst, he hears the sound of a train. Looking down the track he can see the train barreling down with no signs of stopping. In a panic he begins pulling his leg, with all his effort he couldn't. He begins to pull harder and with more force but his leg wouldn't come loose. The train gets closer and closer as Jaune frantically pulls hard and harder before finally the train races by and over Jaune.
… Gasp, oh my god… is Jaune Dead? Hello Everybody Wombag1786 here.
Well, this looks terrible. Jaune waking up in a bed filled with hookers only for his night to end with a train running him over. (and yes the train did ran over him.) Question is. Did he manage to free himself before or after the train hit him? Sorry to say you must wait a year to find out. (or until after midnight, January 1st 2021.) I'm taking the holidays off from FF. Hope you enjoy your Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year. Let's hope 2021 is better than this year. With that said I'll be answering you questions and comments.
From FEV Grim: True but, then again you don't know exactly what I have plan. (Full disclosure, I told one person. He/She didn't take it too well. Was horrified to the point She/He went quiet for a bit. Keep that in mind.) Side note got a message from Carre.
Thanks for writing FEV Grim
From Black cross0: Heh, yet the killer has tits. But then again, they are blond. Hmm how… peculiar, but seeing you are close to the dollar most of the time, I'm sure you figured something out that most haven't yet.
Thanks for writing Black cross0
From Carre: 1, um, nope I don't think he did. Least from what I see on the feed.
2. Hmm, I too googled it. Maybe I could use it for a story. (I have plans for Jaune to find himself in Tinseltown. Solving murders in La-La-Land. All while staring in a movie.
3. Heh, puppy eyes deadlier then what most people think.
4. Yep. He will be recurring.
5. Will do.
Thanks for writing Carre
From Combine117: Yeah, think Rick left him behind by accident.
Thanks for writing Combine117
So, Any bet's about Jaunes story? Will he join the mob? Will he fall for the same problems that most celebrities fall in. Or will he not experience anything because he was hit by the train. Find out next year. Please Fav and Fol the story. Leave a comment or question down bellow.
Till then Marry Christmas, or/and Happy Hanukkah.
This is Wombag1786 signing off
