Justice
Chapter 6: New Friendships
Previously Joseph, Landon, Pandora, Chamberlain, Polemon and Julia fought off a surprise attack from a group of pirates working for John. The group of six and the marines stationed at the checkpoint and managed to kill off the horde attacking them. Chamberlain managed to capture the man leading the attack. A man by the name of Hayashi. While the pirate was dragged off back to the hideout Joseph, Landon and Pandora ventured out to a weapons camp close to the checkpoint. Upon successfully returning with supplies for the camp, Joseph reports to Chamberlain and the pair head off to interrogate their new prisoner. With new information taken from Hayashi, Joseph seeks to plan out what to do next alongside Chamberlain.
[Resistance Hideout/Aiwei Island]
(Joseph's point of view)
The two marines returned to Chamberlain's tent and sat down at the centre table. Joseph and Chamberlain have been trying to devise a strategy to deal with the pirates for the past forty minutes.
"Your suggesting that we take them both out at the same time?" said Joseph unsure what to make of this idea.
"Yes I am. As you said before we have ten days before Victor leaves with the majority of his men. This will leave John vulnerable and we will have a greater chance to take back the village and I want these two mongrels dead." said Chamberlain seriously.
"But you said we would take them both out though?" Joseph wondered
"It's simple kid, we separate the two of them and take them out. We can use the explosives you brought back to cause enough of a distraction to separate the two and we slip in during the confusion and panic." said Chamberlain pulling a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.
"So we have a drunk and a brute to kill eh? Oh man what did we deserve to get this deal. I'd rather go back to bed and sleep my troubles away." said the voice complaining.
"We have a job to do and you should do well to be of help as opposed to being so sassy. I also thought you stopped talking to me. In fact I was enjoying the wonderful silence." thought Joseph rolling his eyes.
"Okay now come on. We both know that you will never be rid of me kid. I am with you always, I just thought you and the sailor in front of us could use some quiet to plan things out. If anything you should be fucking grateful." said the voice in a stereotypical noble tone.
"Do you want a treat then?" thought Joseph rolling his eyes.
"Smart ass." said the voice
"I swear you are too vulgar for my liking. I mean I know I swear a lot, but you are something else. " Joseph thought
"Oh sorry your highness. Did I offend you a little too much, aw are you going to cry now?" said the voice mockingly.
"Why do you have to be like this? I swear I'm going to get a headache from all of your rambling." thought Joseph
"I can think of the same fucking thing. Ever since we got here, no ever since we stepped foot on this rock in the ocean you have been so..." said the voice
"So what?" thought Joseph curiously interrupting.
"SO PLAIN, BASIC and let's not forget BORING." said the voice loudly in Joseph's head.
"Excuse me?" thought Joseph
"Since we have been here you have been silent, obedient and only focusing on continuing with all these plans. As important as they are, this isn't you and before you even think otherwise let me finish..." started the voice
"We can talk about this later, but I am really busy right now bye." thought Joseph trying to suppress the voice.
"No wait!" said the voice slowly fading out.
"Much better." thought Joseph relieved.
Joseph looked at Chamberlain as if expecting the commodore to say something, but stopped to see that said man was just staring at him. Feeling somewhat unnerved by the older man's stare he looked down to the ground. After a moment passes, Joseph raises his head to see Chamberlain still staring at him. Though he noticed the sympathetic look in Chamberlain's eyes. Joseph musters his courage to ask his leader a question.
"Did I do something wrong?" Joseph thought
"Is everything okay sir?" asked Joseph
Chamberlain tilted his head still looking at him with the same unnerving stare.
"I think I should be asking you that son." said Chamberlain worriedly.
"Oh well I'm alright really. Now about the plan." said Joseph trying to change the subject.
"No that can wait. I have something more important I want to talk to you about right now." insisted Chamberlain
"Well what is it you wish to know about?" asked Joseph curious as to what Chamberlain wants to know.
"I want to know about you." said Chamberlain honestly, looking Joseph directly in his eyes.
"Me?" said Joseph somewhat confused.
"That's right. I know we were in the middle of planning but, I looked towards you and you kept looking off into the distance. I even tried saying your name and even then you did not answer. When you finally turned to me, just one look in your eyes gave me a feeling of unease. Almost as if I was in the presence of not one but two people. Despite the fact their is only one man in front of me." Chamberlain said taking a cigarette out of the pack and placing it in his mouth.
"I feel like I am sitting here, nothing different." said Joseph confused
"It's your eyes son. I can see it in your eyes, the eyes of a man who is lost. Someone who shouldn't be here or feels like they shouldn't but are anyway." said Chamberlain taking out his lighter and lighting his cigarette. Despite this Chamberlain still had a look of sympathy and understanding written across his face.
"Really." said Joseph looking down to his hands, though still interested in what the commodore has to say.
"Yes, you look lost and we haven't exactly had time to talk. Your new here and despite your obvious talent and potential, I'd say you could be one of the strongest recruits I have ever seen. But your still young and I don't want to put so much strain on a new recruit. I see that you can handle yourself, the dead pirates are proof enough. Though as your new commander I feel it necessary to worry should something appear wrong or maybe too hard to handle." said Chamberlain voicing sympathy.
"Why are you telling me this now?" Joseph asked frowning.
"Because I have seen a lot of things over the course of my career in the marines and I've seen the effects on a person's mental stability when marooned for several months. Especially when said person is suffering from partial memory loss. It's only natural that I would worry." said Chamberlain taking another drag from his cigarette.
"I am afraid I do not understand what your trying to tell me. I feel fine and there isn't anything to worry about." said Joseph raising his hands in a peaceful manner.
"Yeah you do. Don't try and deny it." said the voice returning
Joseph merely ignored the voice's comment and overall return to listen to what Chamberlain still had to say.
"You're young and you should socialize more, be a kid while you still can. I think it would be best for you to interact with the others in the camp and help with your integration at the very least. Could you at least do that for me?" said Chamberlain exhaling smoke from his mouth.
"I'll take that into consideration. Maybe we can delay the planning for a short while. Do you mind if I go take a breather?" asked Joseph wanting to leave.
"You should listen to his words, they may come in handy later on." said the voice
Chamberlain still looked worried, but nodded anyway. Joseph stood from his and was about to leave before Chamberlain stood up quickly and grabbed Joseph by the shoulder.
"Yes commodore?" Joseph said turning his head.
"Listen before you go. Because you were marooned for a few months when you first arrived here on this island. I had some of the civilians came by as I got back here and gave me some fresh clothes they had managed to take with them for you. I figured you'd might want to take them. Now it isn't the finest clothes but there clean and free." said Chamberlain
"Sure I could use some new threads." said Joseph gratefully.
"About time we got some new digs." said the voice with some satisfaction.
Chamberlain walked over and grabbed a small pile of clothing from his bed and gave them to Joseph.
"Here go get changed and relax okay. Hey maybe you can go hang out with Landon for a while and clear your head." said Chamberlain with smile adorning his face.
"Thanks and I just might." said Joseph with a small smile of his own.
"Oh and one more thing. If you ever need to talk I'm all ears." said the commodore as Joseph left.
[Resistance Hideout/Aiwei Island]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph entered his tent and placed his clothes down on his bed. Looking to see what new clothes has, Joseph sees a black long sleeve shirt, a pair of dark blue jeans, a pair of black socks and a pair of black gloves.
"Nice." said Joseph smiling.
"Hey before you get dressed, I think it's time you shaved and at least try to look clean." said the voice
"Finally you said something kind of helpful." thought Joseph jokingly.
"Oh fuck you." said the voice chuckling.
Before changing into his new outfit Joseph took off his new coat along with his shirt and waist coat. Picking up the bucket of water and the sharp knife left for him to use by the marines, He carefully shaves the beard he had been growing for the past four months. Joseph decides to leave his mustache and soul patch while shaving the rest of his beard.
"Your sure you want to look like that?" said the voice incredulously.
"Yes this is what I want and I'm going to keep it this way. Besides I trimmed it up, so it is that bad to look at." thought Joseph wiping any remaining hair from his face.
"Don't you think you should cut your hair too? We're overdue for a hair cut." said the voice
"It's okay for now." said Joseph running his hand through his hair.
"Just trying to help." said the voice
Turning back towards his bed, Joseph finishes undressing himself and tries on his new set of clothes. Once dressed Joseph puts his coat on and takes his old clothes pile and dumps it next to his bed.
"The pants are alright and the shirt is a size up from what I was wearing before but It's not too bad. As for the gloves, I'll just leave them in my pocket for now." said Joseph sitting down to put his dress shoes back on.
"Don't forget your gun belt." reminded the voice
"Yeah thanks for reminding me." Joseph thought, taking his gun belt and securing it around his waist.
"Is that a thank you I hear?" asked the voice mischievously.
"Nope." said Joseph walking out of his tent.
"Aw come on not even a little." said the voice innocently.
"Fine thank you." thought Joseph rolling his eyes
"Damn straight." said the voice
Ignoring that last comment and looking around Joseph could see a number of civilians and marines walking around like nothing was wrong, almost as if a group of pirates did not try to fight their way to the camp. Walking through the camp Joseph almost tripped over what looked to be something similar to a soccer ball. Joseph could hear the sound of children near him, turning to face the noise he sees three small children together staring at him, A girl and two boys.
"Hey mister! Can we please have our ball back." said the girl
"Oh yeah here you go." said Joseph kicking the ball towards them.
"Thanks mister." said the girl picking up the ball.
"Come ooooon let's play Kiki." said one of the boys impatiently.
Joseph smiled as the small group of kids started to play.
"Shame to see what happened to them and their families." commented the voice sadly.
"Yeah but at least they can have a little bit of happiness despite what has happened." thought Joseph
"True, very true." said the voice agreeing.
"Do you think Chamberlain was right? About me, us." questioned Joseph thinking over the commodore's words.
"From what I could see and what he's told us, Chamberlain has seen this type of thing before. He's probably just worried that we maybe rolling down path of uncertainty. As far as I see he seems to care about his men's well being, enough to voice it. Plus we did kill a lot of people and at our age shouldn't be something to normalize." said the voice
"You have point." Joseph thought
"He's been good to us so far. Hell we could have popped up next to Akainu and I don't think he would have been as good as Chamberlain has." said the voice
"I definitely can't argue with you on that." Joseph thought shivering at that revelation.
"Well now what do we have here." said a familiar voice teasingly.
"Ah!" yelled Joseph spinning around to see Pandora right behind him.
"How does she keep doing that!?" said the voice
Pandora just laughed at Joseph shocked face as she sees that she scared him again.
"Your face..." said Pandora giggling.
"I thought I told you not to do that." Joseph sighed
"Yeah well I can't help it. It's just so much fun." said Pandora in a bubbly voice.
"Obviously. So what do you want?" asked Joseph smiling and rolling his eyes at the laughing woman.
"I was bored and I was trying to find someone to entertain me. Then I came across you." said Pandora sweetly.
"Well I was going for a walk to clear my head. Do you want to join me?" asked Joseph
"Ooooh like a date?" said Pandora teased.
"I was thinking more like a hangout and maybe we could get Landon and Pandora to join us as well." laughed Joseph
"Aww your no fun. Any what's with new get up? If it isn't for little old me then who're you trying to impress hmmm." said Pandora taking in Joseph's appearance.
"You coming?" Joseph asked ignoring the last part.
"Sure I haven't got anything else to do. But first..." said Pandora shrugging.
Pandora with a glint in her eye grabbed Joseph's hand and started pulling him away.
"Hey Pandora, what are you doing." said Joseph trying to keep up with here fast pace.
"Their something I want to show you before we get the others." said Pandora excitingly.
"Hahahahaha look at you, being dragged around like a handbag. hahaha priceless." said the voice laughing.
"Oh don't you start now." thought Joseph annoyed.
[Aiwei Island, Kalani Islands]
(Joseph's point of view)
Pandora led Joseph through the camp and through the forest. She kept up her pace without letting up, Joseph managed to keep up if only barely. The two reached a large pond with an array of flowers surrounding it. The suns rays hit the water and caused it to shine beautifully.
"Wow..." said Joseph stunned by the environment.
"Beautiful isn't it?" said Pandora looking into Joseph's eyes.
"Yeah." said Joseph
"Oh most definitely." said the voice suggestively.
"Keep quiet you." thought Joseph trying to ignore the voice's comments.
"Come I want to show you something wonderful." said Pandora walking around to the left side of the pond.
"Okay slow down I'm coming." said Joseph following the bubbly girl.
Following Pandora, Joseph saw her kneel in front of a bed of flowers. Though he noticed that these flowers were strange in appearance compared to others he had seen. The flowers had blood red stem and matching petals. Though Joseph could see that the petals had a bright white pattern similarly shaped to flames.
"Aren't they just pretty? Here take this one." said Pandora picking one of the flowers.
"Yes they are. I'm also quite curious, I have never seen a flower like that before." said Joseph studying the flower.
"It is quite strange, ain't it?" said the voice
"They're called war orchids." said Pandora
"War orchids?" said Joseph intrigued.
"The myth behind them is that war orchids are found before a big battle and are seen as a bad omen. Though some sources counter with it's meaning referring to a great change that follows after their growth." said Pandora
"Oh really, well that's just peachy." said Joseph with a hint of sarcasm.
"The blood red coloring of the stem and petals represent the blood spilled by all combatants and the white flame represents the determination or will between warriors." said Pandora picking another orchid.
"These flowers don't really fit the setting of this pond. I mean the rest of the environment looks peaceful and undisturbed." said Joseph
"I like that about them actually. It is interesting to see something so out of place, a mystery if you will. This orchid appears randomly throughout the world and is usually very hard to find. They are generally seen as a bad omen for the future. Though the circumstances of how it appears is never clear. It can appear almost anywhere. said Pandora
"You really like mysteries." Joseph commented, sitting down on the grass next to Pandora.
"Yes I guess that's why I feel an attraction to you." said Pandora smiling cheerfully.
"Wait what?" said Joseph flustered.
"Well, well, well. Would you look at that." said the voice in a suggestive tone.
"Would you shut up!" Joseph thought embarrassed.
"Oh not like that and besides your a few years too young for me." said Pandora giggling at the expression on Joseph's face.
"You don't look that much older than me." Joseph questioned regaining his composure.
"Hmph, I'll have you know I'm twenty two." said Pandora pouting.
"I'm not gonna lie, I really thought she was a little bit younger. But still twenty two? Didn't see that one coming." said the voice surprised.
"I know right." thought Joseph
"And if we're on the topic of age, you don't exactly look seventeen." said Pandora
"You got me there."
"Now as I was saying before I was interrupted, I find you interesting. Your something strange and it intrigues me. Where do you come from, why are you here, what do you like, what drives you and so on. It is the feeling that I sense from you that makes me so curious. I feel confusion, sadness and loneliness." said Pandora curiously observing Joseph's eyes.
Joseph felt like Pandora was examining him through their eye contact.
"What does she mean by sense? Hmmmm, curious..." the voice wondered
"What do you mean? I am afraid I don't understand." questioned Joseph
"You're an anomaly. Something that should not be here, yet is. Also your eyes mark you very well. They tell a beginning of a story, not one that has already been established. You remind me of this orchid. Someone who's arrival is unknown and appears only during times of strife or war and here you are just like these flowers. My intention is to learn more about you and who knows maybe I can gain a new friend." said Pandora smiling.
"I don't exactly like being compared to an orchid of war if I'm being honest." said Joseph rubbing the back of his head.
"Well it's just you remind me so much of them." said Pandora innocently.
"You should open up, even it's only a little. It will be good for you to make some friends. I mean would you want to be a loner in this world eh?" said the voice
"Hey I've had friends before alright, I think. That's besides the point I don't need to explain it to me." Joseph thought defensively.
"Yeah but the lads aren't here now are they? No exactly, so just give this a chance. Who knows this could be the beginning of our first friendship in this land of pirates. We can't do this alone and our mind is fractured enough. Some stability could do us some good." said the voice
"I'll try okay, You win." thought Joseph convinced by the voice's words.
"That's all I ask." said the voice somewhat relieved.
Looking towards Pandora Joseph held out his hand to the young woman.
"Well I guess a real introduction is in order. My name is Joseph and It is damn fine pleasure to meet you." said Joseph smiling.
"Hahahaha, My name is Pandora and It is wonderful to meet you Joseph." said Pandora laughing, though still accepting the hand shake nonetheless.
The pair looked out to the pond to see a group of ducks enter the water, floating on the water without a care in the world.
"Nature sure is beautiful. " said Pandora serenely.
"Yeah it reminds me of home in someways, well kind of." said Joseph relaxing.
"What was your home like?" Pandora asked
Closing his eyes and digging into his mind as best he could, Joseph could see vivid images appear of forests, lakes, Calm beaches, snowy mountains and icy glaciers.
"I can remember things about it somewhat, though I can't recall it's name. I guess you could say it has a little bit of everything in regards to nature. There two main islands that make up my country, with other much smaller islands under it's jurisdiction. A summer and more tropical island in the north and a colder winter type island in the south, though they both boast flora and fauna not found anywhere else. I lived in one of the major cities, but I never minded the outdoors. But if I'm being honest I'd take a comfy bed and warm shower then sleeping on dirt." said Joseph chuckling slightly.
"It sounds like such a strange place. A summer and winter island next to each other, I never would have thought it." said Pandora rubbing her chin.
"I used to go outside a fair bit as a kid. I would carry around a notebook or any old piece of paper I could find to draw with." said Joseph
"You draw?" said Pandora curiously.
"Yeah and I'd say I was fairly good at it. I would draw plants and flowers mostly. I always felt more comfortable with a pencil in my hand. Though I haven't drawn a single thing in months. If I had a notebook maybe I could, this pond is certainly make a fine picture." responded Joseph
Pandora paid attention to Joseph's words showing curiosity and interest in his descriptions. Though the more Joseph spoke about the memories of his home life from what he could remember, Pandora then asked him a question that stumped him and the voice in his head.
"What is your dream?" asked Pandora suddenly.
"Huh, what do you mean?" said Joseph confused.
"Your dream. You know goals, ambitions or whatever you want to call it. I want to know if you have something you wish to work towards. Most people have a want or desire, but few ever succeed in such grand ambition." said Pandora
"I guess never really thought about it. Oi do you have any clue in there?" thought Joseph hoping the voice might have an answer.
"Same here, I never thought about it either. In fact now being asked that question makes me wonder, What the fuck are our goals here in this world? We don't exactly have one. Besides it's not like we really had one to begin with anyway before we came here or at least i don't think we did." said the voice
"I don't really have a dream or a goal. To be complete honest Pandora, I was stranded on the other side of the island for months thinking only about survival. Not riches or power, just being able to be strong enough for the next day. Soon enough some pirates stumble upon me and after that I end up here." said Joseph honestly.
"How about before you washed ashore? You never had a grand scheme growing up." said Pandora
"No, never I'm just a seventeen year old. A kid in the eyes of most people, where I'm from at least. I just went about my days living my life as a regular kid, but truth be told I've always been indecisive in some aspects. I overthink too much in some cases which has landed me in deeper water in the past." said Joseph
"That and I never expected to land in a world where people's goals and ambitions see them rise to the top of the food chain or have them killed in the process." thought Joseph
"A-fucking-men to that." said the voice agreeing.
The young woman in front of Joseph looked at him strangely, as if trying to detect a lie.
"You a regular kid? I don't mean to be rude, but you have those weird powers and have no problem in killing people. I don't know what you would consider regular, but I sure don't see it that way." said Pandora staring into Joseph's eyes.
"Look it's something I'd rather not talk about okay." said Joseph quietly, staring at the distant trees.
"Oh sorry." Pandora said looking down.
"Hey look it's alright you were just curious. Nothing wrong with that." Joseph said reassuringly.
"Thanks." said Pandora smiling again.
"She sure smiles a lot." the voice commented.
The pair stayed silent for a moment feeling a subtle breeze pass them.
"What about you Pandora? I would like to know a little bit about you. I've told you things about myself. I think it is only fair if you would reciprocate." said Joseph changing the subject.
Pandora put a finger to her chin until she smiled and spoke.
"Ask away." said Pandora
"So, what is Ouran Island like?" asked Joseph starting off.
"Ouran Island is known a lot for it's abundance of flowers and it's small textile industry. But I should mention that I'm not actually from Ouran Island, I've only lived there for about six months." said Pandora
"Oh? Then if you don't mind me asking. Where are you from?" asked Joseph
"I'm originally from the East Blue. I don't know where I was born, My mother and I always moved around. She was a stage actress you see. She moved with the coming of events." said Pandora holding the orchid to her chest.
"A stage actress. What kind of projects would she do?" Joseph asked
"She was actually renowned for her performance of a play called 'The Wilted Flower'." said Pandora
"Huh go figure. Is that where your appreciation of flowers came from?" asked Joseph
"Yeah, it was definitely an influence." said Pandora playfully.
Joseph took in the peaceful environment for a moment before asking another question.
"You know you've told me a little about your mother. What about your father?" asked Joseph
Pandora remained silent, her face forming a slight frown.
"I-I, Sorry I shouldn't have asked." said Joseph quickly.
"Oh no it's fine. You were just making conversation." said Pandora regaining her smile.
"Uh yeah." said Joseph rubbing the back of his head.
"I don't know if I should say 'you dodged a bullet' or 'That really could have gone better'. Why don't you say something to get us out of this little mess?" said the voice
"Your telling me, Here goes." thought Joseph
"So what made you want to come to the Kalani islands of all places? It doesn't look like a tourist spot." said Joseph
"I came here because a friend needed my help and I came to help him." said Pandora with the same smile on her face.
"A friend huh. Do you know if he made it out safely?" Joseph asked
"I'm sure he is okay. He's no pushover and he's not an easy one to get rid of either. Who knows maybe when this is over I can see him again." said Pandora getting up from her spot.
"Well, well, well. Look at what we have here." said a voice in the trees.
Joseph jumped up at the sound of the voice coming from the trees. He turns around expecting trouble but relaxed when he saw that the newcomer was just Landon. Though he was surprised to see Julia following behind him.
"You start quick with the ladies don't ya?" said Landon cheekily.
"Had me worried for a second. Wait how did you two find us?" asked Joseph
"Well you see I was veeerrrrry bored and to skip out on doing any work I decided to find you. But I couldn't find you, then I started to look for Pandora but I couldn't find her either. Then miss moody over here found me and has been nagging me since." said Landon pointing to Julia.
Julia punched Landon on the top of his head in response to his comment.
"Now Landon what did I tell you about saying that I nag?" said Julia calmly.
"Uh you said not to say it." said Landon rubbing his head.
"Then don't." smiled Julia a little too sweetly.
"That still doesn't explain how you two found us here." said Joseph
"Oh that? Well actually I found this spot with Pandora. If I needed to find her and she wasn't at camp, then this is where she would be most likely. We found this spot together and it's been her favorite spot since." said Julia shrugging.
"Huh? Go figure." said Joseph
"Soooooo? What were you two talking about? And don't leave out the details ya hear." Landon asked injecting himself back in the conversation.
"Well before you showed up I was talking with my new friend about himself and other things." said Pandora
"Oh well I was personally thinking of some sappy romance bullshit happening, but I guess I was wrong." said Landon somewhat disappointingly.
"Such an idiot." muttered Julia shaking her head.
"Anyway since you two are friends now, that means by default were friends now. So as your new best friend I see it fit to tell you more about myself." said Landon jovially.
"Hey! You can't just poach my friend for yourself." said Pandora pouting.
Landon ignored the small woman and continued speaking.
"Like I was saying, my name is Landon. I was born here on Aiwei Island, I live with my uncle, I love to eat and women I love them a lot too. That was my intro, Julia your up next!" said Landon smiling.
Julia groaned but complied.
"My name is Julia as you already know Joseph. I'll be honest I still don't know a lot about you, nor do you know much about me. But I want to say that since Chamberlain and Pandora seem to trust you then I suppose I could give this 'friendship' thing a try." said Julia extending her hand out to Joseph.
Joseph smiled and shook Julia's hand.
"I know that trust will have to be earned, but I hope what happened between us is water under the bridge." said Joseph hopefully.
"Yeah." said Julia showing off a slight smile.
"God damn...she's so pretty." said the voice dreamily.
"OI! Calm down you." thought Joseph chastising his inner voice.
"Great now that were all getting along we should come up with a group name for ourselves." Landon proposed.
"Not happening." said Joseph, Pandora and Julia at the same time.
"Awww." Landon moaned at the rejection as the other three simply chuckled at the comedic way he dropped to the ground like a child.
[Aiwei Village, Aiwei Island]
(Third person point of view)
While Joseph was hanging out with Landon and the girls, sitting inside the villages main office building was none other than the infamous pirate of the east John. Lying on the floor the aged pirate was surrounded by dozens of empty bottles. The pirate slowly held up the bottle in his hand and held it above his head. Trying to drink out of it, John regularized that the bottle was empty. Throwing it away the drunk man practically screamed for another one.
"Oi! Will one of you fuuuckers get me another gooooddamned drink!" slurred John rolling around with the countless bottles on the floor.
Hearing only silence, John started to get more agitated and started to yell for another drink.
"HEY! DRINKS NOW!" screamed John as he reached for his pistol and started shooting.
Four pirates came running in with an assortment of alcohol options.
"Yes lieutenant we're here with your order." the said one of the grunts
John rushed up and grabbed one of the bottles and downed the drink in only a few seconds before grabbing another one and repeating.
"Lieutenant maybe you should pace yours..." started the pirate before John shot him in the head.
"EH!?" yelled the rest of the pirates, shocked at the sight of their friend falling to the ground with a bullet in his head.
"Eeeehh? Diiid I ask foor your fuckin op-pinon you prick?" John slurred while grabbing another bottle.
The pirates stepped back from the drunk officer as the large door behind him opened behind them. A tall man with a large scar on his face came in soon after the shooting and sighed at the sight of John's antics.
"Shouldn't you be working now John?" said scarred man in a stern tone.
Turning to look at the scarred man, John recognized him.
"Oh? Viictoor what a fuucking surprrise Ohahahaha. You here tooo give me problems too?" slurred John staggering back to his desk chair.
"I am here to check if you have made the proper arrangements for when I leave next week. I don't want any issues while I go to meet Gordon." said Victor
"Yeeaah sure you are, yoou totally came here for that. Aah fuck." said John sitting down.
"You said you would cut back on the drinking." said Victor walking up to John's desk.
"Yeeeah and I-I want a fuuckin chest full ooof gold, but we doon't get what we want now do we?" spoke John sarcastically.
"John we both know that your practically useless while drunk. The least you could have done was pace yourself at the very least." said Victor getting annoyed.
"Oh well tooooo bad." John responded
John continued to annoy Victor with his constant mumbling and his constant burping. Victor on the other hand looked like he was trying to restrain the anger slowly slipping out through his normally calm demeanor.
"At least tell me you kept that marine captain secured, we don't need another attempted break out." said Victor reigning in his temper.
John slumped forward in his chair and made no response. Victor clapped his hands loudly to get the attention of his lieutenant.
"JOHN!" yelled Victor trying to get John's attention.
"Huuuuh Whaaaaat!? responded John
"The prisoner. What of captain Yusuke?" asked Victor impatiently.
"Ooooh, Him? Yeah he's tiiied uup in the basement. He ain't goin nowheeere." said John slowly.
Sighing once more Victor snaps his fingers and gains John's attention.
"Okay that's all I needed to hear. Now I want you to listen to me right now. Your drinking habit has gone on for too long now. Next week I'll be gone and you will have to keep this place in order. Kai is getting tired of your lack of commitment and your submissiveness to alcohol.
"Ah sillly me, the prince is upset. Whatever shall I dooo?" said John sarcastically.
"John I am warning you, this is an order from both the captain and myself. Sober up and be prepared." said Victor sternly.
Walking away from the drunken idiot, Victor tried to leave the room. Though stopped at the sound of John laughing like a mad fool.
"Ohahahahaha! Lord and fuckin behold the guardian himself. The butcher of Randam being reduced to such a state. Kai reeeeaally has you whipped and to think someone as strong as you would follow that coward is beyond my level of u-understanding." said John laughing, taking another bottle of alcohol into his hand.
Clenching his fists, Victor stomped back to John and slammed his hands on the table. The scarred man looked at the drunk with eyes full of rage.
"Don't you dare speak about the captain like that and don't you fucking mention that place again!" yelled Victor
"Ohahahaha! Or what? Yooou'll what are yoooou gooonna do?" said John smiling whilst taunting the scarred man.
Victor looked at John's smirking face with anger and lifted his hand up. Victor brought his hand down upon the desk and smashed it in half with little effort. John jumped from his seat in response.
"Hey, hey, hey come on now. Yo-u no how much that desk cost eh?." said John pointing at his angered overseer.
Enraged even further by the smirk sported by the drunkard. Victor using his right hand, grabbed John by his neck and raised him in the air. John struggled against Victor's hold as he was lifted off the ground.
"Now you listen to me you worthless drunk. The only reason your even alive is because Kai told me not to kill you back in the east. What I have is something you obviously do not understand, it's called loyalty. If Kai's ambition is to become king of these islands then so be it. I am his guardian and I will kill all who stand opposed." said Victor throwing John across the room into a wall. John's body hit the wall and caused a crack to form along the whole wall. A human size hole was also seen as result of the impact.
John managed to come back through the hole, just barely able to walk any further. Slowly trying to stand John looked at Victor who had started to calm down.
"Look at you John. To think in your forty four years of life you'd think you would have used those years wisely. But no, instead you pissed half your life away drinking yourself into the ground. Getting weaker and weaker." said Victor bluntly.
"Arrrgh Vic-Victor you little..." said John trying to stand up, but failing.
Victor shook his head at the downed man.
"Pathetic and to think that at one point you were once called the dragon of the east. Oh how the mighty have fallen." said Victor coldly.
Victor left John's office with the remaining pirates stunned at the exchange between the two. John groaned in pain as he laid on the floor, watching Victor leave. John remained sprawled on the floor, contemplating on what just happened.
"Purururururu-Purururururu". A sound came from Victor's pocket as he walked out of John's office. He stopped to take out a small den den mushi from his left pocket Victor answered the call.
"Hello Victor speaking." said Victor politely.
"Ah Victor my dear friend. How goes it on my new edition to the kingdom?" said the den den mushi
"Captain? I was not expecting a call from you so soon. Is something wrong? Victor asked frowning.
"No nothing at the moment but I am hearing things, none too pleasant as well." said Kai
"Whatever do you mean?" said Victor curiously.
"Kawhahahahaha! My dear friend it seems we have a new player entering the game..." said Kai mischievously
Next Chapter: The Drunkard and The Guardian
Okay and that ends this chapter of justice. Joseph has started to make some new friends and to try and integrate himself better in this new group.
Quick character profile: The Voice.
The voice is a manifestation of Joseph's inner thoughts/self and is used as a coping mechanism or as a helpful guide. Supplying him with information and quick remarks. He can only be heard by Joseph and usually speaks when needed or sometimes randomly.
I hoped you enjoyed this chapter of justice and I'll see you all next time :)