Justice
Chapter 7: The Drunkard and The Guardian
Previously Joseph had returned from extracting information from Hayashi. Chamberlain leads Joseph back to his quarters to discuss how to proceed, though before any real plan was finalized Joseph spaces out in a conversation with the voice. This concerns the older marine and causes him to express his worries over his well being. Taken aback by Chamberlain's words Joseph finds himself confused. The commodore then advises Joseph to socialize and integrate with the rest of the people at camp to help him in this environment. Seeing logic in the commodore's words Joseph leaves to find Landon, though is found by Pandora instead. The bubbly girl takes Joseph away to a secluded area and proceeds to ask him questions of his old life. The two exchange pleasantries and Joseph feels like he may have found his first real friend in the world of one piece. Soon enough the pair are discovered by Landon and to Joseph's surprise Julia. Landon reintroduces himself as an act of new friendship, while Julia follows suit and decides to bury the hatchet. Joseph now seeing three new people he can somewhat trust he feels slightly relieved that maybe he won't die so quickly here. Though for all the parties involved in this conflict the gears are already in motion.
[Resistance Hideout/Aiwei Island]
[Eight days later]
(Joseph's point of view)
It has been nearly two weeks since Joseph has been at the resistance camp. In this time he has become a marine and fought in his first skirmish. A week has now gone by since he, Pandora, Landon and Julia have formed their new friendship group. Despite it still being in it's infancy the group of four have grown somewhat quickly in the time they have spent together. The marines led by Joseph and Chamberlain were able to destroy more of John's supplies and now in the commodore's quarters Chamberlain, Joseph and Polemon now plan their attack to reclaim Aiwei island.
"What if we hit them during the day." said Polemon
"No that would not work. There are too many guards, If we decide to do an attack during the day they would slaughter us and we all know it will take the a lot of man power to take over the village. We'll be too spread out and we need most of the men to keep the civilians safe here." said Chamberlain
"Hmph, Well what about you kid? What do you think we should do?" asked Polemon
"Hmmmm." Joseph hummed at the question.
"Maybe we could do a night raid like we have been doing before." suggested the voice
"I have an idea. How about we raid them at night while their all asleep." said Joseph
The two men nodded for Joseph to continue.
"Okay here me out because I have a plan that might just work. Now the way I see it if we let Victor go with most of his men killing John will be easier, but who knows if we'll be able to hold the island afterwards with him still alive. I suggest that we take out John and Victor at the same time. On the night before he is set to leave we silently take out as many of his men as we can. Weaken them as much as possible and then we split up into to two groups, one goes for Victor and the other takes care of John." explained Joseph
"Damn that ain't such a bad idea, but who is going after who?" Polemon asked
"Polemon I want you Pandora and Chamberlain to go after John. Take some of the men with you as well, maybe a dozen at the least. You'll be using your marksman skills to protect the others." said Joseph
"I down with that plan. What about you Chamberlain?" said Polemon
"Then that means you will be going after Victor then?" said Chamberlain speaking up.
"Yes Landon, myself and Julia will take another dozen men and cover the other side of the village, while you two take the other." said Joseph
"Now wait just a minute here. You can't be seriously thinking that. Victor is a killer and I've seen the bodies he's left in his wake. So don't say things like that son unless you are positive that you can take him." warned Chamberlain
"Well frankly I don't know if I can take him down but I have to try or all of this will have been for nothing." said Joseph leaving no room for argument.
Chamberlain sighed and stood up from his seat at the planning table.
"We have a few days to think this plan of yours over and sift through the details. For now your dismissed, we'll speak soon." said Chamberlain
"Yes sir." said Joseph standing up.
"Hey kid, before you go Landon wanted to see you before. He should be at his tent and make sure to deck him too. He skipped out on his chores today the lazy bum." said Polemon waving him off.
"Sure thing Polemon." said Joseph leaving the large tent.
[Resistance camp/Aiwei Island]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph left the commodore's tent with a rough idea on how to face his enemy but something still doesn't sit right with him. Instead of dwelling on his thoughts he pushes it to the back of his mind and heads over to Landon's tent to find the young blonde kicking rocks.
"Hey Landon. What's up man?" said Joseph getting Landon's attention.
"Oh shit hey man. Nothing much just bored and thinking of a new name for our group." said Landon spinning around.
"Geez you're still going on about that?" Joseph sighed.
"Oh come on now I thought of a good one just before. How about the Kalani raiders?" said Landon
"I ain't feeling it." said the voice
"Not really feeling it man." Joseph responded
"Hmmm, okay how about the Kalani four." said Landon
"Eh? I'm not so... you know what I actually don't mind that one." said Joseph rubbing his chin.
"Really!? Cool!" said Landon smiling.
"Anyway I just got back from speaking with Chamberlain and your uncle and I think I might have a plan to take down Victor." said Joseph
"Oh really, cool." said Landon
As Landon finished his sentence he looked a Joseph and smiled. Though this smile was different than before.
"Hey is everything okay? Landon?" asked Joseph curiously.
"Oh I'm cool, but you know you have done a lot for us and things feel like there changing in a good way. So thanks man for doing your thing." said Landon sincerely.
Joseph was slightly shocked to hear such praise, but before he could respond Landon continued.
"Listen before you stop me and say that you don't deserve such thanks, I want you to know that if it weren't for you those pirates might've killed me and Chamberlain had you not been there. You have these cool powers but you have been so cool and wiling to help out even though you didn't have to. I know we have been friends for only a short while but after everything we currently been through I feel like I've known you forever." said Landon cheerfully.
"I-I don't know what to say. Uh thank you Landon but I don't really think I did that much to help. I just do what I can." said Joseph a little embarrassed.
Landon put his hand on Joseph's shoulder.
"I mean it and it is not just me that thinks this way. My uncle, Chamberlain, Pandora and Julia as well. They think that your help is one of the few reasons we've made it to this point. A few weeks ago everyone here was miserable and morale among the marines were so low I could barely look at them for more than a second. Then a stranger with even stranger powers comes along and spirits start to rise. Now it's us claiming the victories. I know it must feel so sudden but I see something about you, a sense of actual goodness. And for those reasons I have placed my faith in you just as I placed them in the commodore. Whether we beat Victor or die in the process, if I can make a stand for the innocents that can't fight for themselves then it will all be worth it to me. I know I joke around a lot but for someone like you who had a choice whether or not to help at his own risk though helps us anyway. You have earned my respect and follow you into hell if I have to." said Landon
Joseph was stunned at Landon's words. He could feel the sincerity and seriousness in the way he spoke it that it felt unreal.
"I wasn't expecting that at all." thought Joseph
"You're being serious right now? He has a point, look at all the good you have done for the people. When we first came here the marines and civilians here looked almost dead inside and now the look more normal, more happy despite their situation. Despite everything you have made a change and accepting a some praise is perfectly fine you know." said the voice
"You know Landon those words mean a lot to me. Thank you for the support." said Joseph with a small smile.
"Hehehehe no problem. Just remember you can always count on me to help out in a fight." Landon chuckled.
"Except if chores are involved." Joseph said slyly.
"Oh come on now. Now you're starting to sound like my uncle." Landon groaned.
"Hahahahahaha." Joseph laughed at the sight of Landon's exaggerate facial expressions.
"Come on how about we get something to eat?" Joseph suggested
"Anything to get out of work." said Landon
The two young men left to grab a bite to eat from the supply tent. All the while Joseph could only think of the fact that he has truly found a friend in Landon. Though in the next few days would decide if his new friendships would last.
[Resistance camp/Aiwei Island]
[Three days later]
(Joseph's point of view)
Three days have past since coming up with a plan to take out Victor. Since then Chamberlain and Polemon have been working with Joseph's main idea of using a night time assault into the early hours of the morning as a template to work on. Using Polemon's knowledge of the village and Chamberlain's skill at war the three men have come up with a plan that may in fact work. Gathering the other members of the resistance Chamberlain explains the plan to the thirty six members chosen to participate in a make or break operation to liberate the island.
"Okay ladies and gents. You'll all be split into two squads. Squad one with consist of myself as leader, then Polemon as sniper support and Pandora. Squad two will be led by Joseph as leader, followed by Julia and Landon. Now as for the rest of you, you will be split up fifteen in one squad and vice versa. I'll be leading my group through the western side of the village while the others will take the east side. Remember we're not taking any prisoners. Kill all pirates as silently as you can. Our main targets are Victor, John and the two barracks located on eastern corner and western corner of the village. They house the majority of the men stationed there. We take them out silently it will make it easier to take the other two down. Squad one will be going after the western barracks. Squad two will take the eastern barracks. And don't worry about the ships at the port. Polemon and Pandora have done some reconnaissance and have assured us that the ships are usually empty at night for cleaning and large scale maintenance work. So most of the soldiers will be sound asleep in the barracks. Our only main resistance should be in the central building. Once those two objectives have been completed, We'll regroup in the village square. A member of squad one will light a lantern to signal squad two. Squad two will then make a final raid on the main office building. Understood!" explained Chamberlain
"Yes Sir!" responded the marines with vigor.
"Get your rifles and swords men. Today we take this island back. MOVE OUT!" yelled Chamberlain
The grunts saluted, grabbed their rifles, sheathed their swords and split up into two groups of fifteen and followed their respective leaders. Joseph lead his men with his head held high. For he would need all the strength he could must for his battle ahead.
"You ready for this?" Joseph asked Julia, Pandora and Landon.
"Yeah I think I am." said Pandora with her classic smile.
"Those pirates will regret messing with us." said Julia almost too cheerfully.
"Hehehehehe! We'll take em down. No one messes with the Kalani four!" said Landon passionately.
"And you have us to back you up sir." said the remaining marines.
"Well then let's get going then." said Joseph smiling and leading his squad outside of the camp to the village.
[Aiwei Village/Aiwei Island]
[Thirty five minutes later]
(Joseph's point of view)
The two squads reached the village and split off in two different directions. Joseph led his squad around the eastern side of the village and took cover by the trees on the village border.
"Okay Julia, Landon you guys know this place better than me which way is the barracks from here?" asked Joseph
"The barracks is straight ahead on the right hand side from here. It will be this warehouse looking building just before we reach the the main square where the central building is." explained Julia
"Okay then we'll deal with them and any patrols that maybe around. Move out." ordered Joseph
The group moved into the village and hid behind one of the surrounding houses. Seeing four guards walking down the road patrolling, Joseph signaled six marines to sneak around using the cover of darkness. The grunt followed his order and came up around the patrolling pirates and drew their blades. The marine's simultaneously impaled and slit the throats of the pirates and dragged their bodies to a nearby alleyway. Seeing their success Joseph led the rest forward.
"The barracks is just ahead." said Julia
Joseph saw a small warehouse a short distance ahead of him. Stopping to take a clearer look he sees that the lights are off and there happened to be an opened window.
"Okay Landon I want you to follow me in with three other guys and we'll see if we can clear these fuckers out." whispered Joseph
"I got your back man." Landon whispered back.
"What about me?" asked Julia quietly.
"I want the rest of you to cover the perimeter of the building and cover any possible exits. If we don't come out in five minutes then rush in okay." Joseph whispered.
Julia nodded as Joseph and Landon quietly made their way to the opened window. Joseph went to the left side and Landon on the right, giving Landon the nod he slowly climbed through the window. Seeing as the coast was clear, he signaled the other four to follow suit. Once all four were inside Joseph pointed at the three and pointed to the left side of their position. The trio nodded, drew their blades and moved to the other side to take out any pirates. Joseph and Landon drew their weapons as well and made their way through the large building and came across a large room with at least over a hundred sleeping men snoring away not realizing the danger they were in. The pair slit the throats of each sleeping pirate one by one as quietly and as quickly as possible. soon enough all the pirates were dead and the pair continued to sweep the building killing any other hostiles they came across. The duo met up with the three grunts and walked out the front door. Julia spotted them and the squad regrouped on the other side of the building.
"Are we good?" asked Julia quietly.
"Yeah we got them all, there was at least over a hundred men in there. Now I'd say it was almost too easy, but we have to keep moving." whispered Joseph waving the rest of the men over.
"Alright." whispered Julia
The group managed to eventually make it to the village square. Joseph could see dozens of pirates surrounding the main building and signaled the squad to hold their position.
"Okay now Chamberlain should be close by. Look out for the signal." whispered Joseph looking towards the rooftops.
A light could be seen slightly flashing in the distance on the rooftop to Joseph's left side. Seeing the signal the plan could commence.
"That's the signal. I want you boy's to take your rifles and go for the kill. Line up in the dark, now." whispered Joseph
The group of marines followed their new orders and lined up with the shadow of the building facing the pirate group. Joseph raised his hand as the firing squad line up their weapons. Julia and Landon followed suit. Joseph took a deep breath and exhaled.
"NOW!" ordered Joseph dropping his hand.
The pirates turned to the sound of Joseph's loud voice. Though as they each turned to look, a bullet made it's way into their skulls. The group of pirates dropped quickly as the marines rushed across the village square. Chamberlain's squad came around the corner and saw his colleagues success and ordered one of his men to break the door down. The grunt shot the door lock with his rifle and kicked it as hard as he could. The door swung open and the rest of the grunts charged through.
"NO MERCY!" yelled Chamberlain drawing his blade.
Joseph followed taking his pistols out and quickly killing any pirate that came into vision. Julia and Landon joined in protecting their rear and finished off any remaining pirates. The pirates inside the central building were clueless as to what was happening, as more and more of their friends were killed by Joseph and the marines. The group eventually reached a large stairwell after decimating the pirates on the first floor. Chamberlain stopped the group to give orders.
"Joseph take Landon and some of the men to deal with Victor. Julia you're with me. I'll be heading down stairs to clear them out. Got it?" ordered Chamberlain
"Got it sir!" Joseph responded
"Hey wait a minute where's Pandora?" Landon asked concern written on his face.
Joseph took a look around and saw that Pandora was not with them.
"Shit he's right. Where is the little ball of sunshine?" the voice wondered
"It's okay, she's with your uncle as backup." reassured Chamberlain
"At least's she is okay." said Joseph nudging Landon a small bit.
Landon nodded at the gesture.
"Come on let's finish this boys." said Joseph with vigor.
Joseph quickly led his men up the stairwell to the top floor. Turning left from the stairs at the end of the long hallway, Joseph could see the large door at the end. Running towards the door with Landon and ten grunts behind him, all of the men combined shoulder bashed the door down. Quickly pointing their rifles at the ornate desk in front of them. Joseph noticed a man dressed in dark black suit with a large scar across his face, sitting down at the desk.
"So? You have finally decided to show up." said Victor staring directly at Joseph.
[Central Tower/Aiwei Village]
(Joseph's point of view)
"Victor..." said Joseph slowly, remembering his face from the bounty posters.
"Hmmmm? So you have heard of me and yet you still decide to attack me. You have guts." said Victor calmly.
"It's over Victor." said Joseph narrowing his eyes at the scared man.
"Yes indeed." said Victor
"I don't like the way he said that." said the voice freaked out.
Victor jumped from his seat wielding two revolvers. Before Joseph could react, Victor managed to shoot down all ten marines. though surprised at the speed of which the marines were killed. Landon and Joseph rushed Victor to quickly take him down, but the scarred man dodged Landon sword and followed up by kicking Joseph's pistol out of his hand. Losing his weapon Joseph grabbed Victors arm and managed to get him to drop both of his revolvers. Landon kicked them both to the opposite end of the room.
"LANDON GRAB HIM!" screamed Joseph trying to hold Victor.
"ON IT!" Landon yelled back, grabbing Victor's other arm.
"Enough of this." said Victor
Victor using his superior strength, broke free from the hold and quickly lifted Joseph and Landon by their shirt collars. Victor threw Joseph into a wall cracking it in the process and now held Landon by his throat.
"How does feel to know you won't win. Your life is meaningless, you are but a pawn in this game. I am a knight and I shall slay your filthy existence for my king." said Victor choking Landon.
"Fu-ck you..." Landon spoke barely able to breathe.
"Argh ah fuck." coughed Joseph standing up.
"KID! Get up now. Landon's in trouble, you have to get to him quick!" screamed the voice
"Huh? What Landon?" said Joseph rubbing his head.
Joseph saw Landon struggling to break free from Victors hold on him. Realizing the danger Joseph runs over and extends his arms creating a burst of wind that hit Victor and pushed him away.
"Khaahaihakhhahhkak." Landon coughed, grabbing his throat.
"Strange. Quite strange." said Victor calmly dusting his suit off.
"Landon can you move?" Joseph asked urgently as he went to Landon's side.
Landon could not speak but nodded his head yes.
"Get out of here, get to Chamberlain. I'll deal with this guy." said Joseph seriously.
Landon saw the seriousness in Joseph's eyes and complied. Landon ran out the door, though looked back to see Joseph walk to the centre of the room face to face with the scarred killer.
"The weakling has left. Now it is just us." said Victor looking into Joseph's dark brown eyes.
"Just us." said Joseph looking in to the cold black eyes of the pirate.
"Before we continue I must ask, What is your name?" Victor asked
"My name is Joseph. Remember it as it will be the last name you shall know before you die." said Joseph squaring up.
Victor and Joseph stood across from each other staring, waiting for one of them to make a move. A moment passes and like the sound of a pin dropping the two men ran at each other and entered in a fierce fist fight. Joseph began his attack with a flurry of jabs, Victor dodged each attack seamlessly. Victor threw a large right hook though luckily Joseph was able to slip the hit at the last second. The two continued to attack for several minutes with neither side gaining an advantage.
"Not bad. But I think it's time to turn the dial up." said Victor speeding pass Joseph.
Turning to react Joseph was met with a wicked kick to the side of the body. Victor quickly grabbed Joseph and threw him into the wall once more.
"AAaarhrahrag." Joseph grunted in pain as Victor walked over to him.
"HEY! What are you doing, earthbend this fuck into the ground all ready!" said the voice loudly.
"We're on the top floor and in the middle of the village. I could hurt someone if I use all my abilities at once." thought Joseph still in pain.
"Then lure him away, do something before he kills..." said the voice
Before the voice could finish speaking, Victor picked Joseph up and began repeatedly punching him in the stomach. Victor looked disappointed and threw Joseph to the floor.
"Is that it? Hmmmm, the captain was certain you would be a challenge for me. I see nothing but a pathetic weakling. I will give you the satisfaction of death." said Victor calmly.
Joseph pushed himself up from the ground onto his knees. Wiping the blood from his mouth, Joseph turns his back to Victor to conceal the small rock tiles forming on Joseph's fists.
"Do you have any last words?" asked the scarred man looking downwards.
"Yeah I do. GO FUCK YOURSELF!" screamed Joseph spinning around launching the two rock gloves at Victor.
Victor was struck twice in the face by the attack. While he was distracted Joseph ran in to Victor, picking him up by the waist and charging into the office window. Joseph crashed through the window with Victor and fell onto the roof of one of the houses outside the central building. Victor landed flat on the sturdy roof, while the young marine used his airbending skills to form a ball of air to stop him from hitting the surface. Joseph landed safely on the roof as Victor was starting to get up.
"Arrgh, Not bad." said Victor getting up.
Joseph moved his arms and the tiles on the roof began to shoot at Victor. The guardian dodged and punched his way through the projectiles, but before being able to hit Joseph the latter pushed both his hands out as a gust of with pushed the scarred man back. Joseph ran towards and sent a fireball at his opponent. Victor was stunned by the bright blue flame, but was able to slip the attack in time.
"Impossible, how can you do that? A devil fruit user?" said Victor surprised.
"Maybe I am or I may not be. But that is none of your concern, you will die regardless." said Joseph smashing his fist into the roof, causing a wave of tiles to form.
"I see your powers are strange indeed. No wonder he was intrigued by you. I guess I have no choice but to go all out now." said Victor a little frustrated.
"He?" wondered the voice
As the wave of tiles closed in on Victor, Joseph heard a word he was very much familiar with.
"Geppo!"
Victor kicked the air repeatedly avoiding the large wave that crashed into the central tower.
"Fuck me... He knows rokushiki." said the voice shocked.
"Fucking Christ." Joseph thought tiredly.
"Take this!" yelled Victor
"SHIGAN!"
Victor kicked his way over to Joseph and extended his index finger. Victor stuck the young teenager in the chest.
"Aaaaaargggeh" Joseph yelled in pain as he was stabbed by Victor.
Repositioning his legs in front of Joseph, Victor uses geppo to kick Joseph across the roof top down into the main street.
"Aaaah fuck me. That fucking hurt." said Joseph standing up.
"Tekkai!"
Joseph looked up as Victor said that right above him. the young man quickly ran from his spot. Victor crashed into the street causing a small crater to form from his body weight.
"Geppo, shigan and tekkai? This doesn't feel right at all. I'm calling bullshit on this." said the voice hysterically.
Joseph stomped on the ground and raised his arms causing four boulders to levitate in front of him. Joseph launched the boulders at Victor who either dodged or managed to punch straight through the rocks.
"Is that all you got marine?" said Victor with more emotion than he previously had.
"You have to use all you have got now." urged the voice
"You asked for it." said Joseph moving his arms around, forming a larger ball of fire.
A large ball of fire shot from Joseph's hands into Victor's direction. Seeing the danger, Victor kicked himself into the air once more to avoid the attack.
"Damn it he keeps using geppo." Joseph thought frustrated.
"You can't exactly blame him. Wait, point your arms downward and blast the ground." said the voice
"What? Why would I do... Oh you sneaky devil." thought Joseph smirking.
Pointing his arms down, Joseph fired two streams of blue fire beneath him. Victor looked at Joseph in slight confusion though the feeling didn't last long as Joseph propelled himself into the air. Before Victor could react Joseph punched him back down to earth. The young teen continued his elemental assault by holding his hands out and projecting a strong gust of wind keeping Victor from moving. Joseph landed safely in front of Victor. The scarred man shot up and looked more frustrated than before.
"Cocky little bastard." said a very frustrated Victor, wiping blood from his lips.
Joseph ran towards the guardian and engaged in hand to hand combat once more. The two repeatedly kept punching for what felt almost like an eternity. As the two continued to fight Victor's frustrations became more pronounced by his facial expressions. Joseph could see that the scarred man was getting more pissed by the second. So in an attempt to gain the upper hand Joseph swiped his left hand in front of Victor's face with a stream of fire. The latter whom slipped the attack and grabbed Joseph by the throat. Victor squeezed hard as his anger was present upon his face.
"Grrrrrgrrgr, Die already." said the angered Victor.
Victor started punching Joseph's face repeatedly while keeping a firm grip on the young man's throat. Joseph quickly put his hand up to Victor's chest and blasted him with a gust of air into the building behind him.
"O-h good lord. I thought I was g-oing to black out." Joseph coughed
"Hey! Eyes on the big scary guy trying to kill us eh!" yelled the voice
"AAAAAAAAAH!" Victor screamed
Joseph saw a large piece of a brick wall coming at him.
"Oh shit!" said Joseph quickly raising his hands to stop the brick wall from hitting him.
Moving the brick wall away from him, Victor ran up and caught Joseph off guard. Picking him up in the process Victor continued to run carrying Joseph with him. Joseph was thrown by the scarred man up into the air.
"Geppo!"
Victor kicked Joseph full force, the latter went soaring and landed in front of a large wooden ship. Joseph tried to get up, but Victor was already on him. Kicking his body over Victor got on top of Joseph and began wailing on him once more.
"You are nothing! You know nothing of loyalty! I WILL NOT BE HUMILIATED BY YOUR KIND!" Victor screamed as he kept hitting Joseph.
After the third hit Joseph managed to hold up his arms to block. Blocking one of Victor's punches, Joseph delivered a left hook to Victor's left side. Following up with another left hook, the young marine rolled the pirate over and begins to deliver the same treatment.
"FUCK YOU! You preach loyalty? So what you delusional fool. You kill, rob and bend the knee to a coward who won't do his own dirty work." yelled Joseph as he brought his fist down on his opponent.
"You wouldn't understand! You marines are all the same. You call us the killers and thieves? HA, take a long fucking look at who you work for. At least what I do is for a purpose to a man whom I would happily subdue the world for. You and your kind could never understand that. Loyalty and friendship is what drives me. I will not submit." said Victor as he was being beaten.
Joseph raised his hand to hit the fallen man again, but is kicked off of Victor before he could. Joseph winced in pain as he clutches his right side. Looking to see a middle age looking man with black and gray hair helping Victor to his feet.
"I didn't need your help John!" growled Victor spitting a tooth from his mouth.
"Bullshit I help you and this is the thanks I get? Fucking ungrateful little shit." said John pulling out a small bottle from his coat pocket and started drinking.
"I can deal with him on my own. Get out of here." said Victor taking of his suit jacket.
"No can do, Chamberlain and his misfit crew cornered me. I had to take the tunnel to get here. I go back there and they kill me. At least if we kill this guy quick we'll be able to get on a ship and get out of here." said John finishing his drink.
"You know you are lot better when your somewhat sober." remarked Victor
"I'll take that as a compliment. Now come on let's do this." said John drawing his cutlass.
"Hmph, Alright just this once." said Victor rolling up his shirt sleeves.
Joseph jumped to his feet quickly as the his two opponents turned their gaze towards him. Seeing the odds against him Joseph extends both of his arms to his enemies and fires two large balls of fire towards his opponents.
"Geppo!"
Victor grabbed John and kicked himself into the air to avoid the attack.
"Wheeeeeeew, that some power that kid's got. Fucking hell it's like fire fist all over again." said John as Victor landed back on the ground.
"Don't underestimate this one John." said Victor cracking his knuckles.
"Well then, I guess I have to go all out too then eh? It's been ten years since I've even attempted this. Alright kid your about to witness the power of dragon." said John scraping his sword to the ground.
"DEVOURING DRAGON!"
John ran towards Joseph scraping his sword to the ground. The sword started to release a strong pressurized wind that formed the outline of a dragons head. Joseph shifted his feet and erected a two walls of earth, but the devouring dragon smashed through both of the barriers. Opting instead to dodge Joseph propels himself back into the air with his firebending.
"Holy shit! The fuck was shit? Damn for guy who likes to day drink he certainly has a cool attack." said the voice slightly amazed.
"Stop admiring him and help or other wise shut up." thought Joseph frustrated at the voice's antics.
Whilst in the air Joseph landed next to Victor and the two began their exchange of punches. John managed to cut Joseph slightly on his arm as his blade came near him. Joseph knew he had to take John out fast in order to concentrate on Victor, so he rushes into John's immediate space and grabs his collar. Joseph headbutts the older pirate and kicks his sword out of his hand. Victor had already appeared behind and took hold of Joseph, wrapping his arms around him.
"Hit him already!" Victor ordered
John threw a right hook into to Joseph's face, then started hitting his stomach. Joseph spat blood as he was getting hit for the fourth time. When John came in for another swing Joseph kicked the drunkard in the crotch and flexed his hands causing a pile of earth to hit Victor in the back of his head. Not wanting to let up on his enemies Joseph rushed to John as the older man picked up his sword once more.
"Oh no you don't. DEVOURING DRAGON!" yelled John scraping his cutlass on the earth.
Joseph quickly reacted to the incoming attack with a shield of earth. Unfortunately the earth shield was broken through and Joseph was sent flying by the dragon's head. Meanwhile Victor managed to stand up in time to see Joseph flying toward him.
"Hmmm? So the old man actually got a hit in. Well I won't be out shined here." said Victor rubbing his head.
"Geppo!"
Victor kicked into the air and kicked Joseph towards the drunkard.
"John quickly!" yelled Victor from the sky.
The lieutenant looked to the skies and nodded. He held his cutlass close to his face, taking a deep breath he span his cutlass around in a circle and got in to a low stance. Looking up with the eyes that were once worthy to be a dragon, he pulled back his blade.
"DRAGON'S ASCENT!"
Just as Joseph got closer to him John sent a powerful air slash that formed into a long eastern dragon. Joseph looked in horror as the attack came at him. The dragon hit the young teen with what felt like the force of a dump truck. The dragon latched onto Joseph and pinned him to the ground tearing through his coat and shirt in the process.
"Arrrrghgh!" grunted Joseph in pain.
Refusing to lay down Joseph used his earthbending to push himself back up. Victor ran to him and tried to punch him in the back of the head. Joseph saw him coming out of the corner of his eye and slipped the attack at the last moment. While following through with a counter punch to Victor jaw that knocked him back down.
"For heaven sake look at you, fighting them both at once is not the answer. You have to finish one of them off already. Hurry or we'll both die here!" warned the voice.
"Devouring dragon!"
John scraped his sword on the earth once more launching a large dragon head across the ground.
"Enough of this!" Joseph screamed at John.
The young teen ran out of the direction from the dragon head and drew his machete. The two men began their clash with Joseph pushing John back step by step. Joseph slammed his weapon down hard on John's cutlass. Moments pass as Joseph notices John's grip starts to falter. Joseph gripping his blade with two hands, clashed with John's blade once more. John looked worried as he was being pushed back.
"What are you? I-I can't lose, not again!" said John worriedly as he was trying to hold his stance.
The cutlass was knocked out of John's hands. As he was disarmed, Joseph slashed John in the face with his machete.
"AAAAAaaaaarhgh!" screamed John holding a hand up to his face.
Joseph brought his machete down onto John's left shoulder, he kept pushing it down as it went through John's coat and into his flesh. With his last bit of strength John drew his pistol with his right arm. But Joseph reacted too quickly as he back handed the pistol to the floor and kicked John's right knee as hard as possible. The older man dropped to the floor as Joseph simultaneously pulled his machete out of John's shoulder. Joseph held the blood stained blade to the pirates neck.
"Fuck you. Well go on fucking do it! You'll be doing me a favor. DO IT!" yelled John full of rage.
Joseph complied and slashed the elder pirates throat open.
"Fucking prick." Joseph remarked as John's corpse fell over.
"You piece of trash, DIE!" screamed Victor running from behind.
Turning to face his opponent, Joseph machete was kicked from his hand. Victor headbutted Joseph and grabbed him by the throat with both hands.
"I'm going to end your miserable existence. But before I do I want you to know that I applaud you for getting rid of that old fool. Saved me the trouble." said Victor condescendingly.
"You don't even feel bad for someone whom risked their life for you?" questioned Joseph, disgusted at Victor's words.
"There are only two people in this world whom I care about more than anything and that buffoon was never one of them. I hurt and killed not for myself but for those who I aim to protect. You cannot possibly fathom the lengths of which I am willing to go. Men, women and children are nothing to me. Kai gave me my purpose to live and I shall see that he rules these islands. And you won't stop me! Hahaha, now it's time to end this." chuckled Victor
Forming earth tiles around his hands, Joseph launched another rock glove into Victor's face releasing him. Joseph stomped on the ground, causing four medium sized pillars shot up from the ground and struck Victor in the side of his body.
"Ckccakaaaaaargh! What the..." said Victor as he was trapped between the pillars.
"I care not for you or your cause Victor. You kill innocents for the dream of a mad man and you can't be allowed to live. People like you are dangerous and I will not allow you to subjugate these people and bring them further misery. But as I told you before, you will die here." said Joseph staring into the anger filled eye's of Victor.
Joseph stood up straight and took a deep breath in. Moving his arms in a circular motion sparks began to form from his fingertips. Eventually the sparks became a bright blue stream of electricity. Victor could see his opponent lining up for a shot. So using all of his remaining might Victor raised his arms as much as he could and smashed the earth pillars that kept him in place.
"Geppo!"
Victor went to the skies once again. Kicking his way towards Joseph, the scarred man pointed his index finger at Joseph.
"DIE! SHIGAN!" screamed Victor as he neared Joseph's position.
Joseph pulled his arms back and fired a bright blue bolt of lightning into Victor. Joseph's attack flashed a bright light across the night sky. A loud booming sound could be heard as Victor's body fell to the ground. Slowly walking over to Victor's body, the young man kicked it twice and saw no response from the guardian.
"It's done..." said Joseph tiredly.
Sighing at his own victory Joseph collapsed on the ground next to Victor's body, closing his eyes and passing out from his exhaustion.
Next Chapter: The Coward
Hello, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter of Justice.
Joseph has beaten his two of his major enemies in the Kalani islands. With two of his main enemies gone Joseph's battle in these islands may prove to be on it's way to an end.
Some of the techniques used in this chapter:
Devouring Dragon: A specialty move of John. The user scrapes their sword on the ground whilst running and releases a powerful air wave that forms into a dragons head that 'devours' parts of the ground and any enemies caught in it's way. This attack is useful on the ground and for short distances.
Dragon's Ascent: Another specialty of John. This move requires the user to enter a low stance, then slash the air quickly and with all of the users physical power to send a compressed air wave that forms into a long eastern dragon. This attack is good as a ranged attack.
Geppo: A rokushiki technique that allows the user to kick into the air and simply 'float'. This move requires a great amount of leg strength and offers the user a pseudo form of flight.
Shigan: A rokushiki technique. A powerful striking move that is performed using the person's index finger. The resulting wound of the attack usually resembles that of a bullet hole.
Tekkai: A rokushiki technique that allows the user to harden their muscles comparability to steel. When using this attack it causes the user to remain firmly in place. The strength of tekkai varies from person to person.
Again I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Justice and I hope to see you all next time :)