Judges and Huntsmen
Chapter 6
We were on a bullhead heading towards Beacon again. Well, more of a pitstop to be honest. Headmaster Ozpin wanted to discuss a few things with us. But that isn't main reason why we are going to Vale. When Anderson and Dredd raided the base of the Ma-Ma clan last month when the students were here, they learned that the clan has already set up some bases in Vale. Not to mention, there was the secret passage that was recently discovered by some Judges that allowed easy access out of the sector and into Vale. And while we have closed off the passage, we are not sure how many gang members made into Vale, nor which clan specifically. That's why we are going into Vale and eliminate the Ma-Ma clan bases while also trying to find out how many gang members are there and eliminate them as well. With me was Crystal, Anderson and Dredd.
"What do you think the headmaster wants to discuss anyway?" Crystal asked me.
"Don't know and quite frankly, I don't care. He is essentially just wasting our time. But we have to go see him as order of the Chief Justice. Probably just wants to thank us for delivering the students and professors back safely. And then wants to know how they did. Though he might ask if there is any way he could get us back to teaching the students." I answered. And I was being sincere when I said I did not care what the headmaster has to say as I just want to continue my duty as a Judge and forget about that place.
"That would suck if we have to trach them again. I got my worst headaches from just teaching them. And that was just one week. I can't imagine how you managed to put up with them for a couple of months." Crystal said rubbing her forehead. Though I could easily tell it was to hide the amused smile she had. Most likely remembering all the stories I told her of my "suffering." Yet despite knowing this, I could not help but smile and chuckle a bit.
"Through patience and a prayer." I told her.
"And a lot of aspirin." She added while trying to hold back her laughter.
"That too." I said remembering that I did indeed take a lot of aspirin while at Beacon. Taking out my Lawmaster, I decided to give it a quick check before we get to our destination.
"Hey Jaune." Crystal said getting my attention.
"Yes Crystal?" I said turning to face her. Only to raise an eyebrow when I saw that she had removed her helmet. Allowing her shoulder length hair to flow free.
"Do you remember what we discussed last month? The one in the morning of the student's punishment." She asked.
"About relationships, right?" I asked.
"Yes. That one." She answered.
"What about it?" I asked curious. Though as I turned to look at her, I noticed that she had moved much closer to me and seemed nervous but also had a heavy blush on her face. "You okay Crystal?" I asked concerned.
"I'm alright. It's just that I want to ask you something?" She answered before asking.
"What is it?" I asked curious.
"I was wondering that the next time we have some days off. Would you like to-" She started only to be interrupted when the pa system came on.
'Attention. E.T.A. to Beacon five minutes.' The pilot said.
"Sorry Crystal. We'll have to continue this conversation later." I told her as I put on my helmet. But I did not miss the mad expression on her face for being interrupted again. I turned to say something to her but was cut off when the pa system went live again.
'Be careful Judges. The news stations are here. Reason for their presence is unknown.' The pilot advised before turning off the pa system again.
'Crap. We don't need this.' I thought irritated. We don't need any more complications and despite helping Beacon, we are still trying to remain unknown to the council of Vale.
"Just what we needed." Dredd said through clenched teeth.
We all got up and readied ourselves for what's about to happen if the news people notice us. We could still be unknown to them but seeing four heavily armed and armored people going to Beacon will arise suspicion and be newsworthy in their eyes. Making sure our Lawgivers were holstered and secured. We got up and waited for the bullhead to land. Soon the bullhead made its preparations to land and a moment later we landed and the doors opened. Stepping out, we saw that there were many, many people trying to get into Beacon for some unknown reason. Sighing in frustration at the new obstacle/nuisance, we made our way to the entrance of Beacon. Unfortunately, the news people were covering the main entrance into Beacon.
"Great. The entrance is blocked." Anderson said as we stopped a bit away from the news people so they would not notice us.
"Now what?" Crystal asked irritated at all this.
"We simply have to find another way in." Dredd said pissed now.
"And if you follow me, I will show you that other way." A voice said next to us. Turning to the direction, we saw Salem walking towards us. "Ozpin did tell me you four were coming today. Though not for what exactly. Care to enlighten me."
"We are as in the dark as you are. All we know is that he wants to discuss a few things with us." Anderson answered.
"Typical Ozpin. Always so vague and cryptic. Even to those who just want to help." Salem said with a frown. "Either way. Please follow me and I will take you to him."
We nodded and began to follow her. She took us around back while keeping a good amount of distance from the media to avoid being noticed. Making sure that there was no one following us, we continued on to Ozpin's office. It took an extra ten minutes to get to his office this time as we took a different route. Luckily, there were no students in the hallways as they were in class right now. But the questions still lingered, why were the news outlets here? What caused them to come here?
"Miss Salem." Anderson said getting her attention.
"Yes?" She asked turning to face Anderson.
"Why were the news outlets here?" Anderson asked.
"There was an attack a while back in Vale. Luckily no one was seriously hurt. But strangely enough, no bodies were found. Evidence suggests that two factions of the White Fang were responsible for the attack. But they turned on each other. However, that was what first reports say. Now new evidence suggests that it was only one faction of the White Fang but were stopped by some huntsmen/huntresses in training. Naturally, it was assumed that they were students of Beacon since we are the nearest school which is why they are here." Salem answered.
We kept quiet at that. There was no reason they needed to know the truth. So, we just nodded and continued our way to Ozpin's office. Once there, we entered his office where we saw him doing paper work. He did not notice us until Salem cleared her throat getting his attention.
"I brought the Judges like you requested dear." She said with a smile before taking a seat next to him.
"Thank you dear." He said before turning his attention to us. "And thank you for coming."
"What do you want to discuss?" Dredd asked getting to the point.
"Yes. First, I would like to thank you all for getting the students and professors home safely. And second, there is a request I have to ask of the Hall of Justice. If they are able to provide it. If not than it is no problem." He answered.
"What kind of request?" Anderson asked.
"They Vytal festival is coming up soon. And we are short staffed. I was hoping-" Ozpin began only to be cut off by Dredd.
"No." He growled out.
"Excuse me. You did not even hear the full-" Ozpin tried to explain only to be cut off by Dredd again.
"You want us to patrol the festival and act as personal security guards. Forget it. We have more important matters to attend to. The fact that you keeping us here and wasting our time can be considered as obstructing a Judge from performing his duty and is punishable by life in Iso-Cubes or death." Dredd said clear as day that he did not like what Ozpin was suggesting.
"It's only for the-" Ozpin tried to speak again only for Anderson to cut him off this time.
"We understand your concern sir. And the reason behind it. Given that the festival will attract a lot of people, a need for increased security will be required. However, we cannot help you in that regard. We are already tight as it is with crimes back in our sector. The crime rate has only increased and there have been new reports of gangs attempting to set up bases in Vale again. As well as getting their hands on more dust. We just don't have any spare Judges to help you with that. Not to mention that the news outlets are already curious as to what happened recently which could lead to unwanted rumors and theories if they spot us." Anderson explained. There was a look of disappointment that crossed Ozpin's face once he heard the explanation on why we can't do that.
"Understandable. I just wanted more security for the students and people who will attend the festival. But considering how you all are keeping some of the more dangerous criminals away from the population, I believe that would be protection enough. Anyway, I thank you for coming here and I do apologize for holding you up." Ozpin said with a sigh.
"Don't do it again." Dredd said to him in warning voice while pointing his finger at him. We all got up and left the room. But we were stopped by Anderson when she held up her hand.
"Wait." She whispered. We all stood still and waited for her while listening for anything that could come from either inside the office or down the halls.
"What is Anderson?" Dredd quietly asked while gripping his Lawgiver. Instead of answering, she took of her helmet and breathed in before standing still. An indication she was using her powers. All was quiet for a few moments but was broken when Anderson quickly placed her helmet on and motioned us to move quietly. Not questioning it, we followed her silently. We used the same route that Salem used to take us to Ozpin to exit the school. It was when we were outside that she finally told us what she learned/heard.
"They are onto to you Jaune." She said which put us in edge immediately.
"How?" I asked.
"From what I learned, they always felt there was more to you than you had let on. And now, they are wondering and hoping it is actually you. Though, they still say it's a hunch and are not one hundred percent sure." She answered. This caused me to let out an irritated sigh.
"Great. Just great. We did not need any more complications and yet here we are." I said placing a hand on my head to rub my temples only to be reminded that my helmet is on.
"What's your move?" Dredd asked.
"Best lay low. Stay in our sector for a while and only come when absolutely necessary or ordered. And most importantly, stay away from Beacon." I answered. He only nodded in response. But you could easily tell he was not happy with all this.
"Anyway." Crystal said getting our attention. "We best get to what we were actually sent here for. And that was taking out the Ma-Ma clan bases and any other gang bases there are. Where should we start?"
"With the Ma-Ma clan as we know where their bases are. Afterwards, we can go and search for any other gangs base." Dredd answered.
We all nodded in agreement and headed back to the airstrip to take a bullhead back to Vale. Getting on the airstrip, we paid for out tickets, boarded the bullhead and were on our way to Vale. About half an hour later we were landing in Vale. While waiting for the bullhead to land and open its doors, we pulled out our Lawgivers and made sure they were in working orders and powered on. Soon the doors opened and we stepped out. Raising my arm, I activated my pda and pulled up the locations of the bases of the Ma-Ma clan. Seeing that there were four bases, we decided to go for the nearest one first as that one was only a mile away. Nodding, we all made our way to the first location though we had to take a longer route as there were a lot of people on the streets today for some reason. Trying to blend in, we continued on our way to the location yet we did draw the attention of quiet a few people. But a quick glare from Dredd caused them to turn away and walk away as quickly as they could. We eventually made it to our destination with no real problems. Looking around, we saw that no one was paying attention to us. I went to the door and picked the lock with the other three covering me so that no one else notice what I was doing.
"Okay. Its open. Switch to silencer mode and don't make any unnecessary noise. I'll take point." I told them while bringing up my Lawgiver and moving in. They nodded and we all entered the building with Crystal closing the door so no one can follow us.
Once the door was closed, we quickly and quietly decided to clear the first floor from right to left before proceeding to the second floor. Silently walking to the first door on the right, I opened it and saw four members organizing and taking stock of their inventory. From what we could see, it was mainly weapons and ammo. Raising our Lawgivers, we each took one out before fully entering the room. Looking around the room as well as going into the bathroom and bedroom attached to this room, we only found some more guns and ammo. Moving the bodies into one part of the room where they can't be easily seen, we moved onto the rest of the floor. Going into the other rooms were quite easy as there was only a handful of gang members and most of them were high from narcotics while the rest were completely focused on what they were doing. Not even paying attention to their surroundings, which made them easy pickings. Once the first floor was clear and the bodies moved, we proceeded to the second floor. There were some members that actually spotted us but we eliminated them before they could fire a single shot. Taking a look around, we saw that there was three remaining members left. We took them out and then moved all the bodies to one spot to make Meat Wagons job a bit easier. Taking a look around, we saw that there was nothing of importance aside from the weapons and ammo they had. As far as narcotics and other drugs, there was just the few the members were currently using before we killed them.
"Well, that was a bust. Nothing important aside from the weapons and ammo. And no clues as what they are planning or where other bases could be." Crystal surmised. "Anyway, where to next?" I activated my pda and brought up the places again.
"Okay. The next one is exactly two and half miles away. And apparently the two after that are only a block away in each direction." I answered.
The others nodded and we called Meat Wagon to come pick up the bodies for resyk. We exited the building and closed the door and made our way to the next location. Getting to the second location was much easier than the first one as everyone was busy and preoccupied with something so they didn't notice us. Once there, we repeated the process and took out every gang member there and then checking all over the place for any information. Yet we did not find anything, just more weapons and narcotics. Sighing, we piled the bodies together and left the place and headed towards the next base. Only to have the same results again.
"Great. No intel or clues." I said irritated at not finding anything.
"We still have another base to eliminate Jaune. Perhaps we can find something there." Crystal said trying to assure me that we would find what we need.
"You're right. Let's go." I said with a nod.
We exited the building and headed for the last Ma-Ma clans base here in Vale that they managed to set up. Getting there, we noticed that there were lights and music coming from the second-floor windows and the faint smell of narcotics came from the open windows on the first floor. We could even hear the sounds of gang members moving cases around. As if they are preparing for something.
"Best go in silent and prepared. They are obviously expecting something or someone." Dredd surmised.
We nodded in agreement and went to the door and opened it. Stepping into the building, we were immediately greeted to five gang members standing guard. But they each fell before they could let out a single sound. Quickly closing the door, we continued forward. Only to get ambushed by three gang members who heard us enter the building. Luckily, we managed to take them out before they could hit us. Unfortunately, their shots alerted the other gang members on the floor. We quickly kicked the closest door to us open and entered it while taking out the three gang members in there. We then moved to the side behind cover to avoid the incoming fire from the gang members.
"That went to hell quickly." I said hiding behind some cover before taking out two gang members that tried their luck in trying to get to us.
"Just take them out." Dredd seethed before taking out another three gang members. Taking a peek at the gang members, I saw that they were behind cover reloading.
"Ricochet." I commanded my Lawgiver. It gave a beep after a second letting me know it switched to the correct ammo. I threw myself from the cover and fired three rounds at the ground and wall where they ricochet and hit the gang members in the heads taking them out. Getting myself behind cover again, we waited for a moment and listened for any more sounds. But none came aside from music coming from the second floor. I carefully moved forward to check the area for any more gang members waiting for us but found none alive.
"Clear." I told the others. They got out of their cover and moved towards me. "I'll check this room. Check the others. Then we will go to the next floor." They nodded and we spread out checking the rest of the rooms of this floor. And we found a lot. There were so many weapons, ammo, dust and narcotics in each room. We also found some tablets and other papers that could give us what we need. But we did not have time to check it now. We still have a second floor to clear.
"Anything?" Dredd asked walking up to me but still on guard for anything.
"Yes." I answered. "Lots of stuff that could give us what we need. But first we need to clear the second floor."
He nodded and we both left the room and headed for the stairs where Anderson and Crystal were waiting for us. I took point and we went up the stairs. Checking our corner for any surprise, we found three gang members sitting in corners waiting for anyone to pass and miss them. Luckily, they were the ones to miss us as they were on the effects of the Slow-Mo drug and were taken out quickly before they could even react. Once we were all on the second floor, we looked around and noticed that the sound seemed to be coming from the door on the left. We decided to take the ones in that room last. There were two other rooms on the floor. Crystal and Anderson took the one on the right while Dredd and I took the one on the left further down. I opened the door and quickly took out the two gang members who spotted us. Looking around, we saw five members working around a table. Judging from the smell. They were working with narcotics. We raised our Lawgivers and quickly took them out. With them taken out, we moved forward to the table to see about twenty different types of narcotics. But what piqued our curiosity was the fact that there was some narcotics that seemed to have been influenced by dust.
"Weird. Best inform the Chief Justice and Med-Judges of this." I told Dredd. He nodded and we looked around the rest of the room before stepping out and heading to the room where Anderson and Crystal were. Only to see them stepping out of the room as well.
"You alright Crystal?" I asked when I noticed her arm had blood on it.
"Fine. Just a small wound from a lucky shot. Anderson patched me up already." She answered Sighing in relief, I turned to Anderson and nodded my thanks to her. She gave a small smile in return. Our attention was pulled when a cough from Dredd made us turn our heads. He shot us a glare before motioning to the final room.
We nodded and proceeded to the final room and readied our Lawgivers. Grabbing the door, we opened it slightly to peek inside. Normally we would have used forced entry to get even more of a surprise on the hostiles but there were people outside and an explosive entry would certainly catch attention. Looking inside, we saw there was about forty people all cramped around the room. They were moving about and seemed really focus on what they were doing. Yet what caught our eyes were the fact that none of them were armed and all looked the like chemists of some sort. Looking around, we managed to see that there were only about five guards with pistols only. And they all seemed under the influence of some type of narcotic. Turning to Dredd, I nodded to him. He nodded and took a step back before kicking the door open which scared all those inside. The guards seemed to recognize what happened but because they were under the influence of whatever narcotic they were on caused them to react slowly. Which allowed us to kill them quickly and without much difficulty. Once the guards were eliminated, we aimed our Lawgivers at the chemists which raised their arms up in surrender.
"Alright. Crystal, Anderson. Get them cuffed. I'll call this in. Jaune, check what they were working on." Dredd ordered.
We nodded and began to do our tasks. Crystal and Anderson began cuffing with Dredd calling this in to Meat Wagon while I went over to the tables. On it I saw a various amount of different types narcotics. But I also saw a multitude of different dust types on the table as well. Some were in crystal form while others were grounded to a fine powder. Taking a look at some of the vials scattered around, I could easily confirm that what Anderson and Dredd learned from Kay last month was true. That the Ma-Ma clan was indeed trying to make new forms of narcotics. But what concerned and puzzled me was the type of narcotics that were here. None of them were produced in sector thirteen. They were all from different sectors.
"What did you find Jaune?" Dredd asked stepping up to me.
"Well. I can confirm that what you and Anderson learned from Kay is true. That the Ma-Ma clan are indeed making new narcotics. But that is not what concerns me." I answered.
"Then what does?" Anderson asked.
"The narcotics here concern me. None of them are from our sector. They are all from different sectors. Some even as far as sector twenty-two which is by the Atlas Kingdom. The question therefore is, how did it get here and why does the Ma-Ma clan have it." I answered.
"Maybe the papers and tablets we saw earlier could give us a hint." Crystal suggested.
"Perhaps. But we don't have time to check it. There is still the fact that we have to make sure there are no other clan bases here in Vale. We can tell Meat Wagon to deliver the paper and tablets to the Tech-Judges. They could get more information out of it than we can anyway." I told her.
"Yeah. Your right. They could get way more than us. But now comes the question with finding out if there are other clan bases here and where they could be located?" Crystal asked. We all thought for a moment as we had not thought ab out that. Not to mention that it was getting late and that could cause some problems. That was until I remember something. More specifically, someone.
"I think I know someone who could help." I told them.
"Who Jaune?" Anderson asked curious.
"Follow me and I will show you." I answered.
They looked at each other before nodding and began following me. I led them outside the building where Meat Wagon had just shown up with its judges going inside to get the bodies resyk. Going through the streets and through the crowds of people still out, I led them to the entertainment district of Vale. More specifically, the adult entertainment part of Vale. Navigating through the streets, we eventually made it to our destination.
"What are we doing here?" Dredd asked.
"Going to meet the person the that could give us the information we need." I answered.
"And that person works at a nightclub?" Anderson asked not at all believing what I say.
"Tell us what you know. Now." Dredd demanded.
"The person we are meeting is a man named Hei Xiong. Nickname Junior. He is in charge of this nightclub but also the leader of the only native gang in Vale. He has connections in a number of various different businesses in both the legal and illegal sense. Anything that happens in Vale, he also knows about due to his connections." I answered.
"If he has that much information and illegal business going, why doesn't Vale do something about him?" Crystal asked.
"Because he is an information broker. Nobody on the Vale council wants to deal with him if they can simply because of that." I answered.
"Pathetic council. Also, what did you mean by only native gang in Vale?" Anderson asked.
"By that I mean before today, Hei Xiong gang was the only gang in Vale. The reason there is no gang wars in Vale is because Hei Xiong gang is the only gang here. But that's about to change if we don't stop the other gangs from our sector from sneaking into Vale." I explained.
"What kind of enforcers and members does he have under his control?" Dredd asked with his Lawgiver already out again.
"Incompetent ones. While plentiful and stronger than any other regular person who wants to oppose them, they are quite easy against anyone who actually trained in fighting. The only ones that can actually hold their own in a fight and give even some huntsmen in training trouble are his two nieces. He has them as hired bouncers for this club." I answered.
"Do they know of his illegal activities?" Crystal asked. Though she did seem a bit irked at something.
"Yes. But Hei Xiong never let them get involved in any of those activities. And any they think they were part of were just lies he told them to make them think they are helping him in his illegal business deals." I answered.
"Why would he keep them out of his business deals?" Anderson asked confused.
"From what I learned, that despite his nieces treating him like crap, they are his world and treats them as his own children. He is their father figure as well since their actual parents were killed in a grimm attack on a settlement when they were only two years old." I explained.
"Makes sense why he would keep them out of what he does. Anyways, let's go in." Dredd said already starting to make his way inside when Anderson called him. "What?"
"You and Jaune go inside. I need to have a serious talk with Judge Crystal." She said while nodding her head to Crystal who seemed extremely nervous at that.
"Will you be alright Crystal?" I asked.
"She will be. Now go inside. We are wasting our remaining time now." Anderson answered in her place. I looked over at Crystal concerned but she gave me a small smile which reassured me.
Turning to Dredd, I nodded and we entered the nightclub. Stepping in, we greeted by loud blasting music and seizure inducing strobe lights. Thankfully, our helmets visor helped block out some of the blinding lights. Looking around, we saw people drinking, drunk, dancing and generally making a fool of themselves. Such as you would find in a nightclub. Om the other side of the place, we saw the adult entertainment part as evidence by many patrons sitting in chairs while scantily clad girls gave them lap dances. Here even some stripper poles with females dancing along the poles as people threw money at them. We ignored all that though as we scanned the place for the man we are looking for. I eventually found him serving drinks behind a counter.
"There he is." I said pointing to him.
"Then let's go meet him." Dredd said before moving forward. We pushed all the people blocking our way and made our way to the bar. Only to be stopped short by some of Hei Xiong enforcers.
"Where do you think you two are going?" One of them asked. Only to shrink in terror when Dredd's gaze turned to him.
"To meet your boss. Is there a problem?" Dredd asked. Though anyone could easily tell he wasn't actually asking and was more threatening them.
"Yeah. There will-" One of the enforcers started only to be interrupted by a new voice.
"Let them through." The voice said. The enforcers looked back to see their boss motioning for them to let us through. They guys blocking our way sighed before moving away to let us through. We ignored them and walked towards the bar where Hei Xiong was looking quite nervous.
"What can I help you Judges with?" He asked sweating buckets.
"So, you know who we are. Interesting." Dredd said impressed that he knew who we are.
"There has been rumors that outside the kingdoms, there is an elite police force task with protecting the citizens called Judges. But I always thought it was just that. Rumors, until now that is." He answered.
"And we intend to keep it that way. Now, we've heard you are an information broker. Correct?" Dredd asked.
"Yes. I know anything that happens on the streets. Both aboveground and underground." He answered while trying to calm himself down yet failing.
"Good. We want to know if you have seen or heard of any unusual or new gang activity going on here." Dredd demanded.
"Okay. I did hear from my men that some gangs did in fact try to make camp here. I sent some of them to try and teach them a lesson only for them to be gunned down easily. Only a handful managed to escape from them. But they did manage to learn that the first gang they faced had already taken out the bases four other gangs had tried to set up. Including eliminating them. After that, I am not too sure what happened with them. I did send another group to try and take them out but I have not heard from them in a while. My only guess is that they got killed by them." He answered.
"Do you know the locations of the bases from the other gangs that were eliminated by the other gang?" I asked.
"Yes. Give me a moment." He answered before turning away from us. "Miltia. Melanie. Come over her." He shouted. Soon two young girls came up to us.
"Yes, uncle?" They said at the exact same time. Almost in a single voice. Which kind of creeped me out a bit.
"Go in back and get the information the boys manage to get from that failed attack on the new gang." He told them. They nodded and went to the back to get what he wanted. They reappeared a moment later with a few papers.
"Here you go. But before we give you the papers, we would like to know who these two are." The one in white demanded.
'Melanie. If I remember correctly. The other is Miltia.' I thought as I saw them stand defiantly against their uncle.
"Law enforcement that does not care who we are. Now please, the papers." Hei Xiong answered before extending his hand to grab the papers. Only for the twins to take a step back.
"We can get rid of them if they are giving you trouble." Miltia. From the corner of my vision, I could see Dredd grip his Lawgiver even tighter.
"You look familiar." Melanie said looking me over. Knowing where this could lead to, I simply stepped forward and grabbed the papers from their hands,
"Is there anything else you Judges need?" He asked. Dredd turned around and glared at him harshly. Making Hei Xiong take a step back.
"Yeah. Cut your connections and illegal activates. And I guarantee you a minimal sentence in the Iso-Cubes when we return. If not, the sentence is death." Dredd threatened. Hei Xiong gulped and nodded.
Satisfied, we made our way out of the nightclub. Yet as we exited, we could feel many eyes on us. I noticed that even the music and lights had stopped. Some people were confused as to why it all stopped but many guessed it was because of us. Some even started whispering on who we could be. But I barely paid attention to them as my mind was on the fact that I felt the twins start to follow us out. More specifically me. Most likely to see who I was as they did say I look familiar. Fortunately, we got to the exit and left the place before they could reach me. Once outside, I breathed in some fresh air to calm myself before looking around to find Anderson and Crystal. We spotted them a few doors down. I was immediately concerned when I saw that Crystal seemed extremely upset.
"Everything alright Crystal?" I asked her as I ran up to her. She turned to me and gave me a hug as soon as I reached her.
"Yes, everything is alright Jaune." She said while tightening the hug. Sighing, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close.
"Okay. I believe you. But remember, if anything, I am always here for you." I told her with a smile. She moved back a bit gave her own smile.
"Did you two get anything?" Anderson asked.
"Yeah. Got the location of some other bases set up by other gangs. Unfortunately, they were wiped out by the Ma-Ma clan. Doesn't hurt to check their bases though." Dredd answered.
We all nodded and looked at the papers for the locations. Turns out they were each surprisingly close to each other. Only a few blocks away from each other. With that in mind, we made our way to the first location. While on the way, I did notice that Crystal seemed to be standing a lot closer to me. She practically leaning into me at this point. But I did not say anything as I saw that she had a smile on her face. And if this made her happy, then I will let her continue it. After about half an hour of walking, we reached the first base. Entering it, we found the place shot up to hell. Bullet casings littered the entire floor. Raising our Lawgivers, we entered the building and explored the entire first floor. Then the second floor.
"Anything?" Dredd asked once we finished checking everywhere and gathered back on the first floor.
"Nothing. Aside from some dead bodies and bullet casings, there is nothing here." I answered with the others saying the same thing.
"Perhaps the Ma-Ma clan took everything they had. Either that or these guys were idiots and brought nothing but the guns they had on their person." Crystal said.
"Could be. Most likely is the first one though. But we can't be sure right now. There are three other bases. Let's check them out first before making any conclusions." Anderson said.
We all agreed and left the place. But we also contacted Meat Wagon of the place to come and take care of the dead bodies. Walking to the next place, we were greeted with the same type of setting. Dead bodies and bullet casings everywhere but nothing else. The only difference was that these members were from a different gang. Disappointed by this, we called Meat Wagon and then went to the next place only to be greeted to the same thing. The only difference being that there were more dead bodies than the previous places. Shaking our head, we moved on to the last place.
"What the hell happened?" Crystal asked as we reached the place only to see it shot up to hell.
Taking out our Lawgivers, we grabbed the doorknob to open the door only to have it fall to the ground. Stepping in, we saw that, unlike the previous places, the gang members here actually managed to set up a defense of some sort to fight against the Ma-Ma clan. As we moved through, we noticed there was also plenty of bodies from Ma-Ma clan as well. Seems like this gang was more prepared than the others, yet they still loss. We also notice that a few walls had big holes in them. Evidence that explosions were used. And judging by the sounds the place was making, it will not stay upright long.
"Okay. Hurry up and check this place. It doesn't look like it will stay upright long and a good hit will bring the place down." I advised. They nodded and quickly but carefully spread out to look around and try and find something. But we came up with nothing.
"Hey. I think I found something." Crystal yelled out. We turned to her to see that she was pointing downstairs. We followed her downstairs where it was almost pitch black except for the single bulb in the center lighting up the room.
"What did you find Crystal?" I asked.
"This." She answered pointing to a map that was pinned to the wall above a desk.
"Let me see this," I said as I pulled the map done. Looking it over, I realized it was a map of an entire underground tunnel that leads into vale from sector thirteen. "This is it."
"What is it?" Dredd asking walking over to me.
"This map contains layout of the tunnels the gangs used to get into Vale. It even shows where the entrances are located in sector thirteen. This can help us seal off any path the gangs could take to get into Vale." I answered before turning to Crystal. "Good job Crystal." She smiled at this.
"Alright, let's get out of here then. The place seems even more unstable and does not seem like it will hold for long." Anderson said as we heard the building struggling to stay up.
We nodded and quickly went up the stairs and out of the building. Stepping out, we saw that it was dark outside. Bringing up my pda, I checked the time to see that it was nearing ten. Knowing this, we made a direct line for the airstrip to catch the last bullhead that would take us back to the sector. But as we went to the airstrip, we could not help but feel on edge the entire time. We knew something was going to come after us we just did not know what. But maybe, we are just being paranoid. Probably because we were so used to the noise of gunfights and patrols of our sector that not having all that right now is putting us on edge. It certainly did to me when I first came here to Beacon. Soon we were coming onto the airstrip. As we entered the airstrip, we got a call from the Chief Justice.
'Judges.' She said through the comms.
"Copy." Dredd answered.
'I informed the pilot to take you all to the eastern side of our sector as the western side where you were supposed to be dropped off was seriously damaged in a surprise gang attack.' She told us. This made me Anderson and Crystal sigh in irritation as we really did not want any further complications. Even if it was just as simple as being dropped off further than normal.
"Fine. Anything else?" Dredd asked.
'Yes. The Tech-Judges have finished going through all you sent them. And we have a lot to discuss when you all get back.' She answered before cutting off comms.
"Alright. Let's get going." I said and turned to start walking to the bullhead. Only to bump into someone. More like, some people and fall on top of one of them.
"Ooof." I grunted out as we fell to the floor. Shaking my head, I was about to get up when I heard a familiar voice.
"Jaune?!" The voice said in complete shock. Shaking my head to clear my vision, I saw that I had bump into and had fallen on top of Pyrrha.
'Shit.' I thought as I got up carefully while placing my hands on my helmet to make sure it stays there. Once up, I was up, I extended my hand to help her up. She immediately latched onto it and pulled herself up quickly. Once up, I saw that the rest of my old team was there along with team Rwby and Velvet and Coco. 'Just what I fucking needed. Can't shit get any worse?'
"Jaune, is that you?" Pyrrha asked again. Looking at her, I saw that she had tears in her eyes. Hoping, no, wanting it to be me.
"That is his name on his badge." Crystal said irritated as she came up next to me. Sighing, I turned to her, only to see that she was growling and really pissed for some reason. I turned to face Anderson and Dredd and possibly ask them for help. But I was stopped when a familiar whistle greeted my ears.
"GET DOWN!" I shouted and tackled both Pyrrha and Crystal to the floor. And just in time as a smaw rocket passed us and blew up the bullhead that we were supposed to use to get to Beacon. Killing the pilot that was in there instantly.
Turning to face the direction the rocket came from; my eyes widen in fear as I saw who exactly fired the rocket at us. It was all three original gangs of Peach Trees. The Judged. The Red Dragon. And the Peyote Kings. They seemed to have come to an agreement to work together. Taking a quick look at them, I also saw that they had teamed up with Vale criminals Neo and Roman Torchwick. And it looks like they are preparing a massive assault on us.
"Oh shit."