I hope my previous update cleared up some things and as I said it is the standing message for my thought process and the future of my writings.
I will say that when I complete this arc of the story for Jaune, I want to clarify that there will be more volumes for this story. I don't wanna make something composed of 50 chapters and make my readers feel overwhelmed. This way I can plan better for certain time ranges within the story's universe as well as give good points of reference for others to go back and read.
Also again I just want to say my thanks to everyone reading the story. I know my writing in the beginning was a bit hectic but as you can see I evolved and adapted seeing how stories like there were suppose to read and I owe that to the people giving me feedback and asking for more chapters. It is thanks to you all that the story continues.
For now, the clock is ticking and Jaune only has so much time before the curtain is called and his show must go on. Let's dive in and see what our Knight will do.
I do not own RWBY or any of its characters as well as any of the songs listed or used within the format of this story. All characters and products belong to their respective companies and publishers.
Chapter 18: Screaming Soul
It had been tireless work through the night as Jaune continued his work on the electric dust crystal he had acquired from down in the basement. He had focused his aura, drawing it out and helping shape the crystal into something he could use in his plan for getting out of there.
Working it gave him time to reflect and go over what he had learned. A criminal network exists within Vale with big and dangerous plans set for Beacon which in turn if pulled off would not only bring chaos but Grimm along with it.
Jaune went over the players even though some were shrouded in mystery. Junior was up first being perhaps at the top of his list for being the one to house all of the dangerous materials for the plan. The man was aggressive and by default, Jaune knew he was dangerous.
Junior's lack of caring for those beneath him mixed with whatever connection he had to that dark-haired woman either made him desperate, a jackass, or both. It took a lot of bravery for someone to kidnap another let alone someone like Jaune who not only was a student at Beacon but was also becoming well known around Vale.
The weight that could fall on Junior if Jaune got out is what kept his spirits up but also confused him. It was all such a high risk. It was at this thought Jaune took a break as he sat down and wiped his forehead.
"High risk...", Jaune muttered as he thought about the basement and all the dust and explosives. That was a risk in itself and yet...nobody knew about it. Not a single person in the club coming and going knew was unfolding here and in that Jaune knew just how good this place was at covering its tracks and its crimes.
A tinge of fear rose in the back of Jaune's mind as he knew that if they could hide all of this and a plan like theirs it would be easy to get rid of Jaune and though questions would be asked unless proof was shown Jaune just might not make it. Right now the only proof was in the hands of his friends and word of mouth.
He swallowed for a moment before steeling himself as he got back to work. The clock in his room showed it was just beginning to reach 6:00 AM. If he slept it would just cost him time and that he didn't have as he soon got back to work.
3 Hours Later...
Jaune washed his hands and broke up carefully any of the leftover pieces of crystal as he got them to go down the drain and the pieces he didn't he simply flushed down the toilet as he soon held what he hoped was the key to his freedom.
He had planned how this needed to be used and feared the damage it might cause but he was not going to die here. He was not going to become a casualty, even if he got this collar off he knew he couldn't take all of Junior's men. Hell Jaune knew the only reason he won his fight last night was thanks to smart thinking, some dust crystals, and Yang's training with close combat fighters.
He was at a disadvantage every time he got into a fight here but if he could cause a big enough commotion and disruption he might be able to escape. Jaune soon slipped the reshaped crystal into his pants pocket for his outfit for tonight's show and rubbed his face as he started to slowly wander to bed. However, as he neared it he heard a knock at his door as he felt his breath hitch before quickly cleaning up a bit more.
After a few seconds, Jaune got to the door and slowly opened it. He expected to see Junior perhaps here for another lesson but instead out of everyone he might see at 9 AM he was met with the face of Miltia.
The two stared at each other for a moment before Jaune's nose perked up as he looked down and saw her holding two coffees, he looked up at her again this time looking into her eyes.
"Um...Hi", he said a little awkwardly as she seemed a bit nervous before speaking.
"Hi...I didn't know if you would be up...and I didn't feel like sleeping in so I thought I'd stop by and check on the club...and you", she said looking at the ground as her words trailed off and she raised the coffee to Jaune.
He carefully took it from her as his fingertips brushed hers and she jumped a little as Jaune took the lid off the top of the cup and smelled the warm drink within. It made him feel better as she looked up seeing Miltia just staring at her coffee as she scratched at the side with her nail.
"Thank you...would you like to come in?", Jaune asked as Miltia seemed to grow more nervous at this. Jaune had seen her be aggressive and strong-willed plenty here but now he was a bit surprised from this side of her. Had his song last night done this?
The girl in question soon slowly answered by taking a step forward as Jaune opened the door letting her in, he looked into the now empty hall and took a breath before shutting the door as he took a careful sip of the coffee.
The flavor perked him up after his night of work as he watched her just slowly walk around the room he had been staying in.
Perhaps it was the need to survive that didn't allow him much time to focus on his environment but the room wasn't much. Flat club carpet and fake leather furniture were all that made up this place. Dark red wallpaper and a TV that Jaune was sure wasn't even plugged in made up the rest of the room.
Jaune soon watched her take a seat on the bed, Jaune could only gulp at whatever was going through her mind. He had tapped into something different last night when he was singing and he could see the effect it was having as he walked over and chose to stay standing as he leaned against the wall adjacent to the bed and cleared his throat.
"I gotta say...I wasn't expecting a guest...the last one in here was your boss who was rather trigger-happy with this collar", Jaune said taking another sip Miltia looked up for a moment before returning her gaze to the coffee cup in her hand as she spoke up.
"Yeah... I noticed the red markings around your neck when you were performing...you know he isn't always like that just really stressed and dealing with the club and...", she said as Jaune couldn't help but stop her as he set his cup down a little harshly and spoke over her.
"Stressed? I'm sorry...I didn't know that stress meant you kidnap people...or keep them hostage", Jaune said as Miltia soon put her cup on his nightstand crossed her legs, and smoothed out her skirt as she spoke.
"He wasn't going to do anything rash...at first he was just going to scare you...make you stop performing so we would get business back", she said, Jaune could only cross his arms as he narrowed his eyes.
"I'm pretty sure we are beyond rash Miltia...I mean...fuck Militia there are literal bombs in your basement, plans to blow up the communication tower at Beacon and you want to call the situation just being rash? I get that I wasn't part of the plan but in whatever research was done about me before you and your sister kidnapped me nothing came up about the fact I am a student at Beacon?", Jaune said having begun to pace and talk with his hands as he gestured to her and then himself during the conversation.
She could only take a breath as whatever nerves she came with quickly left as Jaune focused on business.
"We knew and so did Junior but this isn't his first time dealing with Beacon and whatever thoughts you have about us and those bombs you can just throw to the side. We are a middleman group, not a terrorist group. People do things in Vale and Junior is the one that can make it happen...this time well...it just got more complicated", she said as Jaune took a step toward her and spoke again.
"Complicated? Miltia people could be killed, the entire city could suffer and with suffering brings creatures of Grimm. Do you not care what happens to those that are innocent?", he asked as she stiffened up before looking at him with a mixed emotion he couldn't understand.
"Do you have a family Jaune? Have a nice childhood where you had a roof and a place to lay your head? Well...my sister and I didn't, those streets you walked out there they were home for a long time when we were younger", she said as Jaune relaxed his shoulders bringing his hand over his mouth, and rubbed his mouth and jaw.
Jaune hadn't given a thought to the backgrounds and lives of anyone that existed here or around the club. A part of him felt somewhat ashamed over it remembering all the things he learned about Blake or Weiss when it came to their past but knew in the end they were good people.
"Maybe you had a lot of options growing up but we didn't, if you think this is bad I assure you there are worse corners of Vale you don't even know about...like the fighting pits in the sewers", Militia said as she soon looked down as she began to intertwine her hands and squeeze every so often.
At hearing this Jaune could only slowly move to her side as he took a seat not uttering a word.
"We learned how to fight from those pits, we both got in there to make enough money just to eat. We had to be perfect because any injury and any money we made went to a back alley doctor fixing us up.", she said pulling down her forearm covering as Jaune saw some scars and cuts.
Jaune had his own and he knew those came from getting a wound without aura to heal it and prevent the scarring.
"Then one day...we lost and bad...Melanie and I went up against these guys and we just destroyed...we both laid there in the gutter unable to move from the pain and well...Junior showed up with the gang", she said soon sliding her garment back up as she let out a sigh and stared on at the wall as if Jaune was still standing there.
"One of the members of his gang had been through the pits and heard they were starting up again. Despite what you think about Junior he has a code about crime and young kids and blood don't fit in it. He came down there to put an end to it and found us...", she said town turning and facing Jaune fully with a determined look.
"We went from having nothing to having a place to go...food in our stomachs...and yeah that may look different from what you know but to us, it is all we know and I don't expect you to understand...but I will not let you make us out be the bad guys when in reality we are just caught in the middle", she said soon just sitting in silence.
Jaune looked to his own hands seeing the calluses. He remembered a time when they were softer than this, twirling a pencil and writing in his old journals back home with lyrics or his dreams for what he wanted his future to be.
"I can't imagine something like that...and you are right I don't understand something like that", he said as he set his arms on his thighs as he slouched and ran his hand through his hair.
"I grew up in a house with a mom and dad and 7 sisters", he said as he felt Miltia give him the same look that he got every time he said the number of sisters he had. To this day he wondered why people found that to be so odd.
"I got the whole package when it came to growing up with love and people who took care of me. My dad and his dad were hunters and from that, we were able to have a good life. It wasn't anything crazy but it was enough", he said turning to her with a fondness in his expression as he remembered the events of growing up.
"I remember looking at all these old stories about my family and how we were hunters for generations and then all of a sudden when it came to me I was told I didn't have to fight. I could live a modest and simple life because I was the only boy", he said as he furrowed his brow and went back to looking at the floor.
Militia seemed a bit taken aback by his words hearing how his life was essentially the opposite of hers and yet his choices had led him to this moment.
"So what...you gave up what some wish about for this?", she said with a bit of a harsher tone that she meant to.
Jaune merely hung his head as he took her words and didn't look up as he spoke as hair hung down barely covering his eyes as he stayed looking at the floor.
"Despite having seven sisters and being offered an open option for my life all I ever wanted was to help people like my grandfather did. My dad never stuck to the traditional style of huntsman style so my grandfather's armor and sword just hung up in a case", he said as he opened and closed his hand remembering the feeling of his sword.
"I took the sword out of the case once just to hold it...and my parents just yelled at me...like I had crossed some line that had been made for me. My sisters cheered me up but the moment I held that sword I knew what I wanted to do", he said lifting his head as he sat up a little straighter.
"My beginning may have been different from yours...but what I did for what I believed in or wanted well...I forged transcripts...lived a lie for months...and condemned myself from my family...all while fighting Grimm with no training", he said as turned and looked at Miltia only to have earned an expression he was unsure of.
She seemed to be processing all of this information before slowly she stood up and adjusted her clothes as if she were departing.
Miltia had lived a life up to this point playing it safe but making sure to do what was necessary to survive and yet here Jaune was actively throwing himself in harms way for the sake of this dream. She didn't know if she admired him or found him incredibly dense.
She began to leave only to feel a hand grab her hand as Jaune stopped her.
Hearing her speak of her life had kept whatever anger-filled words Jaune had stored from coming out as he knew things were more than they appeared but yet again his perception and understanding of the world were thrown into a mix once again.
He had tried to share his side of the world less as an excuse but more for her to understand him but he knew simply sharing wasn't always the answer.
The terrible things currently hiding here were not lost to Jaune and those he would not forget even if he was able to get out but after hearing of what Miltia had been through well...he had to wonder what he would do if he had been on a similar path.
"You are right...I don't understand...but that is something we have in common because, at the same time, you don't understand me as well. I went out that night you and your sister kidnapped me to help a friend".
"That's all I do with my music is try and help people so whatever worries Junior has about me tearing up the club scene he can put that to the side",
Jaune said as Militia seemed surprised by his response but turned back to him.
"Whatever you think of Junior I can't change that nor can you change my mind. Not after everything he has done to me. But let me be clear", Jaune said soon standing up as he now stood a little taller than her even with her heels as his blue eyes looked into hers.
"If I get out of here...I will stop whatever is coming to pass...I know that dark-haired woman and her lackeys are the ones that have something to do with whatever is going on in that basement...but...you have my word...",
Jaune began as the two just looked at each other. Miltia waited for his words and Jaune for once chose not the good path or bad path just the middle one as he finished.
"I will not let anything come back to you, your sister, or even Junior...you have my word", Jaune said as the two merely held each other's gaze.
Her voice soon found her as she spoke in barely a normal volume.
"You know...when I read up about you before that night I thought you were just another glory-bound hothead playing both sides of fame...but you Jaune Arc...you are more than that", she said as Jaune could only smile gently.
"I consider myself more of the work in progress for glory kind of guy", he said as Militia only giggled at this.
Jaunes face lightened up at her laughter but he also began to furrow his brows in sadness, he had to wonder what it would be like outside of this place, would they be enemies? He didn't like the idea but didn't know what outcome his actions might have for the future.
Militia could see him thinking at this and reached up as she flicked his forehead causing him to snap out of his thoughts as he focused back on her as she put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow.
"There you go ripping us out of those little...moments...just for that...you owe me that song you promised from last night", she said as Jaune could only shake his head with a smile looking at his bed as he craved sleep but also knew that he couldn't let this go. Those moments Miltia had been talking about had happened a few times while he was here.
Jaune was in a dangerous situation where he needed to be focused...and yet perhaps it was all the stress but...some time with Militia even if she was on the opposite side of the law wasn't entirely bad...she made it bearable to be here.
"Fine...fine you win I will give one free show willingly", he said as she pumped her chest in victory before taking his hand and leading him out of the room.
Down On The Stage
During the day the club was a different story entirely from what Jaune got to see when he had to come out and sing. For starters, the ceiling of the club had windows that let in natural light which Jaune was happy about considering he hadn't gotten much light being here. Other differences included the fact that many of the workers seemed to dress down wearing less of their suits. Many still had the slacks on but the majority just had their button-up shirts on with the sleeves rolled up.
It was interesting to see everything so relaxed as even the bartender was merely tapping away while looking at a list as they seemed to be doing inventory while smoking a cigarette.
Jaune only took a few seconds to look around as Miltia led him over to the stage where he had been performing. A mess of cables was out and about as the sound technician must have been having a field day trying to fix the things that Jaune had been doing.
He felt a little bad for it all knowing the difficulties with equipment like this but he wasn't in a normal situation where he could just simply offer more respect to those around him.
Eventually, Militia got him to the edge of the stage before she hopped up and sat on the edge as she dusted off her skirt before looking at Jaune and gesturing towards the musical equipment as he could only shake his head with a grin and a sigh as he couldn't believe he was doing this with everything going on.
"What kind of song would the lady like then hmm?", he asked as he propped his shoulder up on the stage as Militia tilted her head back and looked up at the ceiling.
Jaune had wondered if she merely had a thing for musicians and that perhaps others that made their way through here had caught her attention yet as she spoke he found himself doubting that.
"Play me...something that just makes me feel special...play me something that doesn't make me feel like just another face out on that dance floor", she asked as she tilted her head to the side and faced Jaune as his eyes rose a bit seeing that her gaze held mirth and expression.
Jaune had seen his music touch people but he had also been writing songs for certain people that were all theirs. In truth, it was the people he met that inspired his songs and even with all the incidents that happened here even this girl despite her opposite side of the law just wanted to feel as though she mattered to someone else.
Jaune rubbed his face a bit feeling a small scratchiness realizing he had been away from his razor at Beacon. He was beginning to develop a shadow of stubble across his face as he looked at the DJ station before seeing something he could use as he held a finger indicating he needed a minute.
He climbed up and began to rummage through the equipment as Miltia merely sat on the edge of the stage watching the few workers getting the club ready for another night.
Jaune could hear them coming up and talking with her as she merely discussed day-to-day things or the job itself Jaune soon found what he needed as he turned back only to find something he didn't expect.
Miltia had moved from the stage and now sat at one of the tall tables with a few other workers. A few of the normal henchmen were just sitting around sipping on drinks, even the bartender having grabbed an ashtray as he smoked.
Jaune raised an eyebrow as he turned and looked at Miltia before she shrugged and smiled mouthing the words "On Break", Jaune realized this was now more than a one-on-one showing but he had already gotten the equipment so he figured he was just going to have to commit to it as he sat back on the edge of the stage still a little higher than everyone else as he looked at them all.
There couldn't have been more than maybe ten workers including Militia but he didn't care as he draped the instrument of his choice across his lap.
Jaune had always been good with his guitar but that didn't stop him from trying other things. Remembering Whitley and his challenge against his piano had brought back old memories of Jaune in front of his mother's old piano hitting keys and trying to learn before she would come over and show him songs and such. He was no expert but he knew enough for this as he flipped a few switches on the electronic keyboard background noise began to emit from it.
Jaune hit another switch as the sound of a guitar played in tempo from the keyboard all before Jaune looked up at Militia as she propped her cheek in her palm and smiled at him as he began.
"Work Song" by Hozier, Acoustic/Piano Version
"Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm"
The moment Jaune began to fill the air with his voice and rhythm it was as if the tone of the room changed with it. Nobody was dumb to his situation and many expected him to be filled with rage and emotions ready to pop off at whoever was nearby yet here he was performing as if he had left the door open to his soul and was letting it be seen clearly by all.
"Boys workin' on empty
Is that the kinda way to face the burnin' heat?
I just think about my baby
I'm so full of love, I could barely eat
There's nothin' sweeter than my baby
I'd never want once from the cherry tree
'Cause my baby's sweet as can be
She'd give me toothaches just from kissin' me"
Miltia listened intently to the lyrics coming out of Jaune's mouth as he spoke so slowly and sweetly that she found herself almost ready to melt and the song hadn't even barely begun as she remembered the first night Jaune had claimed her mind. She had worn his jacket home and laid in bed for hours listening to his music. Every lyric and word he spoke just made her more and more curious as to who he was and yet now as she watched him she felt like she was getting the picture.
"When my time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold, dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her"
"Boys, when my baby found me
I was three days on a drunken sin
I woke with her walls around me
Nothin' in her room but an empty crib
And I was burnin' up a fever
I didn't care much how long I lived
But I swear, I thought I dreamed her
She never asked me once about the wrong I did"
As Jaune sang the other workers of the club could only lean back and enjoy the show. Junior kept things loud and pumping at night so to have something different and slow was a nice welcomed pace.
"When my time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold, dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her
When my time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold, dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her"
"My babe would never fret none
About what my hands and my body done
If the Lord don't forgive me
I'd still have my baby and my babe would have me
When I was kissin' on my baby
And she put her love down, soft and sweet
In the low lamplight, I was free
Heaven and hell were words to me"
"When my time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold, dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her
When my time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold, dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her"
Once Jaune had spoken his last lyric he opened his eyes from the musical feeling a lot of his frustration having left him after playing something so calming. He smiled down at the piano before slowly sliding it off his lap and to the side as he saw his crowd and could only awkwardly smile at them.
Soon a few different claps could be heard as the various workers either showed their appreciation through clapping or raising a glass to Jaune as they had enjoyed what he just played for them.
Miltia could only give small claps as her face beamed in enjoyment over what she had just heard as she slipped off her seat and headed for the stage the others began to get up as well but they were heading back to work as Jaune slipped off the stage and stood there as Militia could only make her way to him.
He figured this was a good choice of music only he didn't expect what happened next.
Jaune had been learning with each person he played for just how impactful music could be. The words Ozpin spoke to him were ringing in his ears about the amplified aura he would exhibit while he played and knowing how emotional music could be he had begun to wonder if he was perhaps digging deeper than just pleasing people with music.
Jaune was beginning to wonder if he was quite literally touching their souls.
The moment Miltia got to him his thoughts were interrupted as she laced her arms up and pulled him down his eyes went wide and she pressed her lips to his.
For a moment the club seemed to fade away as Jaune felt the slow but eager energy that came from her lips as he slowly set the keyboard to the side. His legs slowly unwound before fully hanging off the stage as Militia moved slowly between them as she felt him curl over her a bit in this position.
It was moments like this that Jaune's family's principles for polygamy worked out in his favor more than he ever thought they would. Jaune had to wonder if up to this point, he was now the most sought-after Arc in his family line. Numbers didn't matter to Jaune just being connected to someone and already he had locked lips with two women who were on opposite sides of what he stood for.
He could almost feel his mother readying a stick to beat him with if she found out about this.
After a few moments of lip-locking Miltia pulled back with an exhale as she seemed to now clutch at his shirt. Her fingers curled into the fabric as she seemed to be holding herself back over what she had just done she knew probably that she shouldn't have done that but every part of her wanted to oh so badly.
Jaune looked up as Miltia composed herself and saw the workers all just going about their jobs. Although he saw a few putting some cash into others' hands he raised an eyebrow curious over the bet that had been going on before he felt a pull at his shirt and looked down at Militia.
"I um...I don't know what is gonna happen tonight...Junior will be done with his business with that other group after their meeting tonight and I don't have any idea what that means for you.", she said almost out of breath as Jaune could tell he had just basically been given his curtain call for his time spent here.
He had to get out tonight and he gulped in response as began to wonder what he could do.
"There is a stage door...out behind the DJ station...we keep it covered by a curtain but...it leads out into the back alley...I..I don't know what else to do", she said gripping him a little tighter as Jaune could only look behind himself as she saw the station as well as the back curtain that was layered into the rest.
Jaune moved his hand to hers as his calloused hands curled around hers he quickly made her look at him before smiling at her.
"I will figure it out from there...", he said as she could only look at his face and smirk wondering how he could hold such optimism. He had gone from a prisoner to a point of interest to now...well she wasn't sure...she knew he was a student of Beacon and feared that one day they may meet on sides that oppose.
She could only shake her head as courage found its way into her throat and words spilled out as she did something she would forever know as the riskiest moment of her entire life.
"Look Jaune...we have a couple of hours before guests start getting in here and you have to perform...whatever happens I don't want to regret not acting on feelings I have never felt for someone...so...if you don't mind spending those hours with me...well...I like to spend them with you...closer", she said as Jaune could feel his nerves flaring at all that he had to prepare for.
But honestly, with all the stress, the beatings, and the literal fighting for his life Jaune figured that for once in his life he could do the irresponsible thing and vent some steam as his hands slid down to hers as the two looked at each other before Jaune could only gesture with his head to the stares and Miltia grinned as she pulled him from the stage and toward the stares as she spoke with a lustful grin.
"Alright lover boy show me how you treat a girl...", she said as Jaune could only take a breath as she followed her.
Later that night as the club was in full swing
Jaune stood in front of the bathroom mirror as he began to finish getting ready. Jaune kept his tie still with the blue shining through but was pressed against a black button-up and a fresh club suit that he had at his disposal. It wasn't like the suit he wore to the Schnee Ball.
This suit was mixed with fabrics that let it be moved in easier and less tight on the back but form fitting nonetheless. It explained how Junior's men were able to move so easily when they were running or fighting. In that moment even Jaune contemplated getting a suit like this if he was successful tonight for the future. It seemed like just the right thing for a Hunter to have for the future.
Soon Jaune was ready as he walked out into the VIP room and gathered the last of his things as he soon looked toward the door knowing once he walked through it that was it. It was do or die and he wasn't ready to die tonight.
As he neared the door he noticed a strip of crimson red ribbon hanging from the door. He carefully picked it up seeing and remembering it to have belonged to Miltia. She had been gone when Jaune awoke and he found no note. From what she had spoken about prior with her life he had a feeling she was bad at goodbyes as he felt a pang in his chest seeing the ribbon and remembered the black ribbon tied around his wrist as he went and tied the red one to the other wrist as he took a breath.
"Show time", he said as he walked out and headed down to the club.
Even now as he walked the hall he could hear the beats being played out on by the DJ. The techno style songs weaving their way through the building so loudly that one couldn't possibly think straight and Jaune wondered if that was Juniors plan for his customers.
To have them so delirious that spending money without thinking to keep the party going was the only logical answer.
Jaune never liked clubs like this for that reason and as he got to the stairs and began to descend he was soon met with a very packed house. Bodies were everywhere as they moved and shuffled like a wave of living beings.
Jaune hadn't seen this many people before and he wondered if Junior was letting the area know of his mysterious stage show. He couldn't go using Jaune's name or else it would lead to trouble.
But that also meant that anyone that noticed and knew of Jaune would just chalk it up to another performance event. Hell once he came into view the people near the stairs began to crowd him as they had been to the club the last few nights and were eager for more music.
It wasn't until a set of familiar twins quickly pushed them all back with intimidating energy alone that Jaune was escorted to the stage.
He could feel the unseen hand of Miltia snaking down to his as he felt her slightly shaking. Jaune was no fool and knew that perhaps Junior had already informed an expectation of his fate and for them to be the ones to take care of it.
Jaune tried to remember the kindness that Junior had done for the twins but even now he found the matter cruel still.
Yet as he was led through the dance floor to the stage he could see that tonight everything was lit up from the top lights to even the flood lights as Junior looked to be wanting a big turnout.
Little did he know that everything was going accordingly to plan for a Jaune as he soon was led to the side stairs of the stage.
Backstage of the Club
Once Jaune was safely behind the curtain he saw that much of the show had been set up and ready to go. Instruments were lined up for his usage and already he was looking at the guitar as he soon smelled tobacco and wrinkled his nose.
"Perfect right on time", Junior said as the twins took a step back all while Miltia could only dart her eyes between Junior and Jaune and clenched her hands tightly.
"Now look here blonde tonight's gonna be another late night with my business partner but she wants to see you put on a good show again", he said taking a puff of his cigar before blowing the smoke back into Jaune's face.
"But tonight is her last time here and sadly...I won't have much of a use for you after that, can't go letting people getting to familiar with your music and face here so I suggest you really play your heart out there", he said before merely putting the cigar out on top of one of the speakers.
"In the end no hard feelings kid it is just business, but when you mess with my business well...I gave you examples of what happens", he said as he began to walk off stage and motioned for the girls to follow.
Melanie did so smoothly but Miltia could only look to Jaune as he gave her a small smile and wink before walking to the curtains as he felt his body getting ready for what he was about to do. His lungs filling with air as he thought of the lyrics he needed to sing...no scream so that he could get his adrenaline running for this insane plan.
"Alright ladies and gentleman of all shapes, sizes, and species I appreciate you jamming out to my beats but for tonight we have another special showing by our most recent stage show. Tonight will be his last night preforming so enjoy it while you can.", the DJ said as Jaune could only cast a sideway glance to the man.
With a deep breath Jaune soon stepped out from the back of the stage as he walked up to the front. Cheers filled the air as a spot light followed him along. The sound of his shoes moving across the stage floor filled his ears as he focused on it rather than the crowd
Even with the spotlight on him the shadows it cast gave no perfect look to his face as he kept his hands in his pockets while he walked.
Eventually Jaune neared the front of the stage as a small section in the floor slid open as a microphone stand began to rise up for Jaune all while he held a neutral look.
This was the moment he had been waiting for and he had finally gotten the first step of his three step plan.
Looking over the crowd he soon saw a familiar head of hair in the VIP section as the woman from before and her minty companion sat in their same place. The guy with grey hair wasn't with them and Jaune wondered if he was still recovering.
He scanned the crowd again and found Junior and the twins in an opposite VIP section as now Jaune truly had a full house to witness him as he reached up and clutched the neck of the stand.
"Let's not waste time shall we", he said as many raised an eyebrow before beats began to spill out of the speakers and Jaune's body began to move according to them.
"Out my Way" by Leroy Sanchez
Head under water
You push me down
Said I looked thirsty, then you held me 'til I drowned
Begging for worship
You said, "Bow down"
Still taste your silver plated ring in my mouth
The intial lyrics that filled the air slammed into the crowd as a cool sensation seemed to seep from Jaune's movements. The confidence, the message, all of it seemed to be Jaune speaking out against everything that had happened to him.
Can't stop the water in the river from runnin' away
Can't stop the fire, it'll burn if you pick up the flame
And like a ghost, I can't let go, I still remember the pain
I still remember the pain
Soon the clubs inhabitants couldn't help themselves as people began to move along as Jaune sang and moved. Walking across the stage as he accented each lyric with a dedicated movement and even going as far as pointing out into the crowd but specifically aiming at the VIP section as he seemed to stare down Junior even from the stage.
But now it's turned to rhythm
Running through my veins
I've got a clearer vision
Since you've been away
And I can't help this feeling
It's gonna take me there
Don't mind just move out my way
Move out my way
My hands are shaking
Heart's beating fast
I turn the heat up, trying detox from my past
Well, I thought you should know
It's 'bout time you let go
Can't stop the water from runnin' away
Can't stop the fire, it'll burn you if you pick up the flame
And like a ghost, I can't let go, I still remember the pain
I still remember the pain
But now it's turned to rhythm
Running through my veins
I've got a clearer vision
Since you've been away
And I can't help this feeling
It's gonna take me there
Don't mind just move out my way
Move out my way
Out my way, oh, oh, oh
Jaune threw his head back as he yelled into the microphone. His voice rising with each level as he closed his eyes as the lights shined down on him.
Can't stop the water in the river from runnin' away
And like a ghost, I can't let go, I still remember the pain
As the song began to slow Jaune ceased his movement as he came to a standstill back at the microphone stand as he seemed to sway slowly to the lyrics before the energy seemed to rise as he flowed into the final lyrics.
But now it's turned to rhythm
Running through my veins
I've got a clearer vision
Since you've been away
And I can't help this feeling
It's gonna take me there
Don't mind just move out my way
Move out my way
Once Jaune finished the club erupted into screaming and yelling as people were loving every second of this. The energy and sounds enough to lure anyone in as even the bouncers at the front we're having trouble keeping people from getting in.
Jaune had sung his song though and as he looked to Juniors table he could see the man very much angered by Jaune's little rebellious stunt but before he could even react the crowd chanted for more as Jaune watched them.
He could only look back up to Junior with a smirk as he turned and walked back to the curtain before fishing around behind it as he pulled out one of the electric guitars that were lined up.
Upon seeing him with the guitar it earned even more yells of approval as Jaune walked back to the microphone.
Jaune had been worried that he wasn't going to see step two of his plan but sure enough his song choice has been enough to get the crowd enticed for an encore. So many people were now bustling in that the crowd was dense with bodies to the point one might not even be able to move through it.
That was exactly what Jaune wanted as he reached into his pocket as he pulled out the dust crystal he had shaped and looked down at it.
It took some hard work and very careful detailing but he had fashioned it into the one thing every sane person would never shape it to.
Jaune had turned it into a guitar pick as he took a shaky breath.
This was his chance to finally get out of here but he knew it was going to take some sacrifice and as he tightened the strap on the guitar and readied the pick he could only say one thing.
"This is gonna hurt like hell"
"Bloody Power Fame" by coldrain
Save the pain for another day
Say you understand, swear to look away
Don't you dare go asking any questions (any questions)
The moment Jaune began to strum on the guitar he felt his body starting to tingle. The energy in the dust crystal starting to activate from the strain he was putting on it as he looked down seeing small streaks of electricity curling up the strings as he grit his teeth feeling his fingers stinging but he kept going.
What you feel, isn't real
Dry your tears, learn to pretend
Never take a stand, bow and comprehend
Don't you dare go asking any questions (any questions)
Jaune's voice held a heavy energy in it as he stomped his foot to the beat and moved heavy arms and shoulders as well showing the emotion he was pouring into the performance.
The less you think, the more you win
The less you give, the more you get
(Bloody, power, fame)
(Bloody, power, fame)
Jaune's movements had begun to worry Junior as he saw him twisting and moving so freely it was as if he didn't care about what was going on. He motioned to his men to get Jaune off the stage but the crowd was to think as Junior grit his teeth seeing Jaune now angle his eyes at him only to lift his arm up as he held the pick and slammed it down across the cords as the music reached a apex.
It's all out of control, out of control
Nothing will save us anymore
Standing at the gates of hell
Still wanting more, more, more
Bloody, power and fame
Locked out of heaven
Sins unforgiven
'Cause we're only painting over what's been done (what's been done)
Every time we look away
The more and more we die each day
(Bloody, power, fame)
(Bloody, power, fame)
Jaunes movements soon began to grow more violent as the electricity from the crystal was feeding into the guitar and using Jaune himself as a lightning rod. The pain was intense as it strung past whatever Aura Jaune could muster yet the collar remained yet as Jaune played harder the electricity began to intensify further as it began to concentrate anywhere it could from the collar to the metal mic stand as Jaune soon began to look like a living battery with the crackling occurring around him.
It's all out of control, out of control
Nothing will save us anymore
Standing at the gates of hell
Still wanting more, more, more
Bloody power and fame
All we want is
Bloody power and fame
On the edge, over board
We'll descend ever more
At the end of it all
Will we see what we've become?
On the edge, over board
We'll descend ever more
At the end of it all
Will we see what we've become?
Jaune began to see some of Juniors men making their way closer yet the crowd had gone primal over the show watching the effects and movements as people seemed driven to move with the music. Yet as the guards got closer Jaune felt it was time and readied for one more burst as he felt the pick starting to crumble a bit from his playing.
Falling pieces
Spending days just to pick them up
Knowing deep within
We can't go on like this
Out of control, out of control
Nothing will save us anymore
Standing at the gates of hell
Still wanting more, more, more
Bloody, power and fame
Once Jaune hit his hard notes again the electricity in the crystal finally hit its peak as lighting danced off Jaune as it concentrated on his area. Even as guards gathered at the edge of the stage they couldn't get to close as one tried only to be zapped back. Yet Jaune felt his entire body convulsing over the energy that he knew he wasn't suppose to be able to handle as his aura took as much of the abuse as it could.
All we want is
Bloody power and fame
All we want is
Bloody power and fame
The moment Jaune hit the final cord on the song the dust crystal shattered as a pulse of electricity fired off from the guitar as it steeped out all over the club. Everything from lights to scrolls were immediately fried as even bulbs began to explode and pop from the overload.
In that moment as everything was glitching and popping Jaune reached up as his fingers dug under the collar and he began to pull it apart. The medal digging and stretching his skin but he didn't care as he felt the collar had switched off and he couldn't miss this opportunity.
The club was knocked on its ass and the crowd grew hysterical as the guards soon saw people trying to get on stage and had to stop them leaving Jaune his chance as with a loud yell and show of strength he ripped the slave collar in two as he dropped it down.
Junior even from across the club saw this as he stood up and extended his bat as he grit his teeth.
"Get that son of a bitch!!!", he yelled as one of the guards made a rush for Jaune only to immediately get slammed across the face with the guitar as Jaune had pulled it off.
Jaune knew now he had made it to step three of the plan, escape.
Two more guards soon rushed him only to have Jaune immediately sweep their feet in one swing as he felt the shaft of the guitar creak. He soon ran for the door Miltia told him about as he moved through people and lept over the DJ station before running through the backstage area as he got to the curtain.
With one hard pull he ripped down the curtain as the club was in full panic. The door however was locked as Jaune struggled with the handle only to take the bottom of his instrument and slam it down into the handle only for it to break off as he crashed out into the back alley.
Jaune took quick and greedy breaths before hearing footsteps as he saw Junior from the Alley pulling himself up onto the stage with all his men running with him.
Jaune immediately slammed the door shut as snapped the guitar neck and wedged the last of the instrument against the door before taking off as he ran and never looked back.
Jaune knew he didn't have any time to waste and had to keep moving or else he was sure there would be no going back in a cage there would only be blood in the streets if he was caught.
The pulse from the dust crystal had been more than Jaune expected as street lights and even some building lights had suffered from the pulse as Jaune ran down a dark road of the city. He had been locked up for some time now and as much as he wanted to enjoy his freedom he knew Junior was going to be looking for him.
After taking some time and getting a few blocks away Jaune steeled himself as he stood up a bit.
"Beacon...gotta get back to Beacon", he said as he soon looked for any landmarks and could see the communications tower in the distance. Using what he knew he began to make his way through the night version of Vale all the while never stopping as his entire body screamed from pain and exhaustion but he didn't care.
His suit was scorched in some places especially around his wrists and some places had holes from the dust crystal firing off the electricity.
Jaune knew he would either have died or succeed and knowing his reserves of aura were bountiful was the only thing that drove him to this plan.
Yet even now his head hammered and pounded with pain and every nerve in his body stung even as he mustered whatever aura was left to heal himself.
Meanwhile Back at the Club
Junior had been on the war path the moment Jaune slammed the door. Once they broke into the alley it was clear he was long gone and having his place messed with had already fueled his temper as he began to send his men out to search the streets.
The twins merely stood off to the side watching him act like this as he was so lost in his anger he never gave them a single order yet Miltia was grateful as she ha:"d to hide her smile and excitement when Jaune had gotten the collar off and ran to freedom.
She had given him a path to take but never would have guessed this was his plan to escape from Junior yet even seeing him wield a dust crystal so insanely only made him all the more interesting to her.
She wondered if she would see him again as she already was missing his presence but held back the thoughts for now as a familiar dark haired woman walked to Junior making him stop as he huffed.
"Well now Junior I have to hand it to you. You really do know how to put on a real show", Cinder said giving a small mock applause causing Junior to grit his teeth.
"That punk messed with my place and now he's gonna really pay the consequences, mark my words!", he yelled as he turned and kicked over a table making Cinder shake her head as she remembered the song he had sung to her and felt her blood start to race.
"I never did get the name of this...punk as you called him Junior care to share?", she said as Junior stopped and Miltia felt her breath catch in her throat as she knew Junior didn't think straight when he was mad.
"Jaune...Jaune Arc is who is gonna pay for this in blood", he said gripping his bat as Cinder could only smile as she crossed her arms.
"Jaune Arc...how interesting", she said with a coy smile as Emerald could only frown at her interest.
Meanwhile, back out into the streets of Vale Jaune never stopped running as he neared his destination. He could hear cars driving in the distance and let fear push him further and further as he was soon tackled into an alley way.
Jaune scrambled to get up and ready for a fight only to have a familiar face stop him as Jaune all but gave a weak smile.
"Damn kid you look like hell", Qrow said as Jaune only shook his head smiling.
"Yeah...it has been a hell of a night", he said as his vision began to darken only to pass out into Qrows arms from utter exhaustion.
That's another chapter in the books everyone.
I'm currently working on another chapter for "A Living Knightmare" so be ready for that soon.
Sorry for the long wait on this one but I appreciate everyone's patience in my right.
so until next time.
Stay Wild - Bardic