Justice
Chapter 8: The Coward
Previously Joseph, Chamberlain and Polemon discussed how they were going to take back the island. The three came up with a rough outline and finalized the plans to kill John and Victor. Two squads were created, one to take on Victor and the other to hunt down John. Joseph led his crew in through the eastern side of Aiwei village killing any pirates they could find. Upon regrouping with Chamberlain's crew the two marines led the final charge into the central tower. Joseph followed by Landon went up stairs to face Victor. Despite the number disadvantage the guardian proved too formidable for Landon and the grunts. So Joseph sends Landon away and fights Victor alone. The scarred man held the advantage of strength and experience, but Joseph utilized his talents and bending skills to keep up. The fight would continue with both men taking a beating. Eventually John shows up as Victor is struggling, then engages Joseph in combat. Joseph fights the two men as best he could, managing to eventually kill the older man. Victor would attempt one final attack, but was thankfully struck down by a bolt of lightning. The young teen collapsed as a result of his hard earned Victory.
[Aiwei Village/Aiwei Island]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph opened his eyes to see a bright white ceiling. Turning his head he could barely make out the surrounding furniture in the room. Lifting his arm he rubbed his eyes and took a good look around and noticed he was in quite a lovely looking bedroom in his opinion. Looking down Joseph noticed the bandages on his body and that his clothes were missing.
"Huh? What the hell. Where am I?" wondered Joseph as he sat up in the bed.
"Hey you in there?" thought Joseph
"Uh? Oh what?" asked the voice
"What happened?" Joseph asked rubbing his bandages.
"We killed Victor and John. Then we passed out and I don't know after that." said the voice
"Shit that's right. We won, we actually won." said Joseph taking it all in.
"I guess, but Kai is still around. So until we deal with him this won't be over yet." said the voice
"I could've died back there. I can still feel the pain from that fight. Victor was no joke and John coming into the fight didn't make anything easier." thought Joseph frowning.
"At least we survived and their dead. Remember we're not like Luffy, fighting is going to be even harder no matter what. Just think of when we were stuck on that beach. We'll make it even if we have to charge through a thousand pirates to prove it." said the voice with conviction.
"What are we going to do? If we kill Kai, what next?" Joseph asked the voice.
"Well that depends, our best chance of surviving in this world right now is by working as a marine. We'd have allies around the world, access to military training and Chamberlain holds a high rank. Helping him will most likely help us as well. If that's not enough then think about dangerous pirates that roam the seas. Not the four emperors or any other high ranking pirates on the food chain. Think of the lesser known pirates that have managed to get away with heinous crimes all over the world. We could deal with them as best we can and help people in need." said the voice
"Either way I have to get stronger if I want to be of some help in the long run. Fuck this is going to give me a headache. Wait a minute, Oh my god I'm an idiot." thought Joseph as he slapped his forehead.
"What's wrong now?" asked the voice
"Has it not occurred to you what point in the timeline were in?" asked Joseph
"Oh Fuck, you're right. We don't know if Luffy's adventure has begun or not. Damn this is worrisome, but if we're careful things might not get out of hand." said the voice
"I hope so. Maybe we can find out later." thought Joseph
As Joseph finished his thought the bedroom door opened. Joseph raised his hand and ignited a small fire ball in defense. Though he let the flame die as he saw that it was Chamberlain who walked in through the door.
"Whoa there son, I didn't expect you to be awake." said Chamberlain holding a pile of clothes.
"Waking up in a random room with only my boxers on tends to make me feel like I should be more aware." said Joseph sighing.
"Hahahaha, I get the feeling. Anyway I came to bring you some new clothes and to tell you that thanks to you we've taken back the village. If it weren't for you we couldn't have done it and from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you." said Chamberlain with a sincere smile.
"I-I've never been good with praise, but I didn't do much at all." said Joseph humbly.
Chamberlain just smiled and shook his head.
"Landon told me what happened. Despite what happened to the rest of the other men, you ran forward and went after Victor even when the odds were against you two. Landon also said you saved him again from being killed. You know he was here by your bedside for the last seven hours. Julia and Polemon practically had to drag him out of here haha." chuckled Chamberlain
"Really?" asked Joseph curiously.
"Yes in fact the same can be said Julia and Pandora. In the short amount of time you've spent together it almost seems like the four of you have been together always." said Chamberlain
"I guess so. Where are they now?" asked Joseph with a small smile.
"There all waiting for you at the central tower across the street. Get dressed and meet us up there. Oh yeah some of the clothes you had before were either torn or bloody so here are some new ones." said Chamberlain placing the pile of clothes on Joseph's bed.
"Thank you." said Joseph gratefully.
Chamberlain nodded and left the room as Joseph got out of his bed and grabbed the clothes.
"Now what do we have here. A gray suit, a black dress shirt, black belt and black dress shoes. I've got to give it to the commodore, he picks nice clothes." said the voice impressed.
"He's got good taste." Joseph commented
Joseph got dressed in his new suit and left his room. Walking through the small house and through the front door Joseph could see the central tower across the street. The young teen put his hands into his pockets and began walking to the central tower.
[Central Tower/Aiwei Village]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph arrived at the tower and saw that Landon, Julia and Pandora were waiting outside. Just as he was approaching them he saw Landon turn around and look at him. Landon smiled and ran over and gave Joseph a near crushing hug.
"Heheehehe, Your awake! Fuck man I didn't think you'd be up yet I-I." Landon rambled excitingly letting go of Joseph.
"Whoa there, deep breaths man." said Joseph chuckling.
"Fuck man I-I thank you bro, you saved my life again. When I left I thought you know." said Landon
"Yeah I know. But your alive, I'm alive and we beat them." said Joseph placing his hand on Landon's shoulder.
"No man you beat them, if it weren't for you this wouldn't be possible." said Landon
"Erhem, I don't mean to break up your little moment Landon but your uncle wants you to help him over at the port." said Julia speaking up.
"Oh yeah right I'll be off and hey we'll catch up soon bro." said Landon as he jogged away from the group.
"He's right you know." said Julia
"Hmmmm, what do you mean?" asked Joseph
"Landon was right. If it wasn't for you I never would have thought I would be standing in my home ever again. When I first met you I thought nothing of you really. But I was wrong, you proved to me that you are willing to put your neck out on the line to help people. You did what you said you'd do, help." said Julia smiling.
Joseph smiled in return at Julia's words.
"Thanks Julia, but our fight isn't over just yet." said Joseph
"I know, but with you backing us up I know we can do this. You keep giving not only myself, but others reason to hope. We didn't have that for the past five months." said Julia.
Julia walked a few metres away from Joseph. But before leaving she turned back to look at Joseph.
"Chamberlain was right, I guess he put his faith in someone we can count on. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go and help the rest of the people move back into their homes. See you around." said Julia as she winked and left.
"Whoa did you see that?" said the voice flustered
"Yeah..." said Joseph equally as flustered.
"Um Joseph?" said Pandora tugging on Joseph's sleeve.
Turning to face the small woman, Joseph notices that she isn't sporting her usual smile and realizes she has been really quiet.
"Pandora what's wrong?" asked Joseph somewhat worriedly.
"It's nothing. We should probably go in to see Chamberlain now." said Pandora turning her head away from Joseph.
"What's wrong with her?" wondered Joseph in thought.
"Hmmmm, best to just leave the girl be for now. Come on we need to go see the commodore." said the voice
"Alright then let's go see the commodore." said Joseph walking opening the front door with Pandora behind him.
[Central Tower/Aiwei Village]
(Joseph's point of view)
The duo walked into the tower to see Chamberlain looking over a few documents on a table.
"Sir." said Joseph getting Chamberlain's attention.
"Ah Joseph, good to see you up and it's good to see you too Pandora." said Chamberlain smiling at the two.
"So what is our next objective? If you don't mind me asking." said Joseph walking up to the planning table.
"Well while you were recovering we were able to move everyone at camp back into the village. Julia is helping them getting settled in again. Polemon and Landon are over at the port prepping the two ships docked there. So our next objective at this point in time is to take Triburn Island back today." said Chamberlain
"You want to attack the island today?" asked Joseph
"Yes, Victor's frigate has enough fire power to bombard the pirates on the island. But this is were things get a little bit difficult. Because of our low man power we only have enough men to form a skeleton crew. So we can only take one ship and to make this invasion successful we need the majority of the men we take to be on the ship continuing the bombardment." Chamberlain explained
"Yeah that is an issue." said Joseph nodding.
"That's not all. The initial goal isn't going to be taking Gordon down. You see while I was going through Victor's documents I saw that a bunch of communications equipment is based there stopping any non local signal getting through." said Chamberlain
"Damn, that means no marine reinforcements for us right now." said Joseph scratching his mustache.
"Exactly, but even then the closest marine base is at least a two day trip minimum. Either way my plan is that you, me and the others go. It's a risk, but I believe we can pull it off. What do you say son. Are you in?" asked Chamberlain with a hopeful glint in his eyes.
"Of course I'm in. You can count on me." Joseph assured
"Good and there is one more thing. While I was going through some of the paperwork here, it said that Yusuke had been moved two days ago. I don't know where he is, but we have to find him. He's a good man, a good marine and I owe him for helping me escape." said Chamberlain clenching his fists.
"It's alright we'll find him regardless. Don't worry." said Pandora speaking up.
"Thank you Pandora." said Chamberlain pleased.
"Hey uh Chamberlain, last night. John mentioned a tunnel during our fight. I was wondering what went down when we split up." Joseph wondered
"Oh that. When Landon came running down to find us, We had cornered John but he set off some kind of trap in the basement. We didn't even know John died until I saw his body earlier this morning." said Chamberlain
"When John interrupted my fight with Victor I overheard him speak about a tunnel." said Joseph
"A tunnel? Well there is quite an amount of debris still down there. I'll have some people clear it out so we can take a look. For the meantime you're dismissed for now. Just remember to be at the port in about an hour and a half." said Chamberlain
"Yes Sir." said Joseph
Joseph walked out of the building with Pandora following behind him. The small brunette ran close to his side and tugged on his jacket.
"Eh? Pandora." said Joseph surprised.
"Can we speak alone? I don't want to be out in public." Pandora asked looking up to the young bender.
"Sure, where do you want to go?" asked Joseph
Pandora pointed to what looked to be a tower at the edge of the village.
"You want to go to the tower over there." Joseph said pointing to the tower in the west.
Pandora nodded and grabbed Joseph's hand and started dragging him away.
"Oh come on now, Not again." thought Joseph
"Hahahaha!" the voice laughed
[Western Watchtower/Aiwei Village]
(Joseph's point of view)
Pandora dragged Joseph all the way to the watch tower. Joseph tried asking Pandora to slow down, but to no avail. The young woman climbed the ladder at the base of the watchtower. Sighing, the young teen followed her up the ladder to the top. Once he reached the top he could see Pandora resting her arms over the railing, staring down on the village.
"Well now short stack, why did you bring me out here?" asked Joseph with a small smirk.
In response, Pandora spun around on her heels and faced the young man with a visible pout on her round face.
"Hey now no need to get all defensive, hahaha." chuckled Joseph
"I'm not short I am average." whined the young woman
"Okay enough of that. So, why did you drag me out here?" Joseph asked
Pandora turned back around and looked out towards the village. Joseph walked to the railing and saw the peaceful village that laid below, apart from the damage he had previously caused.
"Looks peaceful." Joseph commented
"Mhm, I got you this." said Pandora holding out a small notebook.
She passed the notebook over with a pencil and inside. Joseph took the book and looked at Pandora.
"You got me a notebook?" said Joseph opening said object.
"Yeah you said you liked to draw. So I thought I could get you something that might help you bring back a few lost memories if you did an an activity you remembered so fondly. It's actually a quite special notebook that is made in the West Blue. It's special because it's waterproof." said Pandora with a smile.
"Thanks Pandora, Hey can you stand still for a minute?" asked Joseph, taking the pencil and scribbling inside.
Pandora complied and stood still for a few minutes, Joseph smiled as he looked up from his small notebook. Looking towards the slightly bewildered girl he showed her the result of his little scribbles. Though upon looking at it when Pandora gazed at the image she saw that he had managed to capture her likeness near perfectly, along with the background behind her.
"W-Wow it's sooo good." said Pandora leaning in to look further.
"Aw it was nothing. I thought this would be the first edition to hopefully many more later." said Joseph putting the notebook back into his jacket pocket.
"I'm glad you like it Joseph, but I also wanted to talk to you about something else if you don't mind?" said Pandora looking more serious, but still had an air of sadness around her.
"Sure what's up?" Joseph asked slightly concerned.
"Well I was wondering if maybe we could not attack Triburn Island for a while." said Pandora softly.
"Huh, So that's what she was worrying over?" the voice sighed.
"What? Pandora if we don't keep pushing we could get destroyed in the process. If we want freedom we have to take the pirates down to do it." reasoned Joseph
"B-But l-look at what happened to you! You nearly died. I saw you bleeding out on the ground." Pandora yelled, hitting Joseph chest.
"I-I..." Joseph tried to speak, though was interrupted by an outburst from the brunette.
"Don't you understand if you go there you'll have to fight them all alone. Please don't go, we can wait or do something else. As opposed to sending you into a battlefield on your own." said Pandora sadly.
"I'm sorry, but I have to do this. We need to do this or we could all die." said Joseph sincerely.
Sobbing into his chest Pandora looked up at him with her big brown eyes. Joseph felt a stab at his heart at the sight.
"Please Joseph, If you keep going now you'll get hurt. Please I don't want you to die for us." said Pandora sobbing.
"Poor girl, worried over us." said the voice solemnly.
"Hey come on now. There's no need for tears, It's going to be okay. I won't die, I'll live forever if that makes you feel better. How about that short stack?" smiled Joseph putting his arms around his friend.
"Heh, you big idiot..." Whispered Pandora hugging Joseph tightly.
"You're a great friend Pandora and I would never give up something like that willingly. You, Landon and even Julia are my friends now. I don't have much but as long as we have each other there's nothing that can get in our way." said Joseph smiling.
"Damn straight." said the voice
The two continued their embrace until Pandora had finally calmed down. Breaking away from each other, the two friends remained silent. A moment passes until Pandora breaks the silence.
"If we're doing this then you better come back." said Pandora punching Joseph in the arm.
"I promise." said the voice
"I promise." said Joseph looking down to the brunette.
"Hmph, well you better get going to the port then." Pandora pouted still obviously sad.
"You're probably right. I'll see you down there soon okay?" said Joseph walking over to the ladder.
"You better believe it..." whispered Pandora as she turned to face the view of the village.
Joseph descended the ladder and left to meet Landon at the port.
[Aiwei Port/Aiwei Village]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph left the foot of the watch tower to meet Landon and the rest of the crew at the port. Once arriving he could see some of the men laughing along with Landon.
"Keeping them all entertained as usual eh?" said the voice
"Yeah, but he keeps people's spirits up." thought Joseph
"Oh yeah definitely." said the voice
"Oh hey Joseph! Hey man, over here." yelled Landon waving Joseph over to him.
"Hey Landon, How's it going on your end?" asked Joseph
"Well we're waiting for Chamberlain and the girls to show up before we leave." said Landon opening a bottle of rum.
"So you know the plan." said Joseph
"Yep Chamberlain filled me and uncle in before you woke up. We're just finishing moving the guns to the frigate behind me. Now we just need to wait for Chamberlain and the girls then we can go." said Landon drinking away.
"What's a bet he didn't do a damn thing and just drank here?" wondered the voice
"I wouldn't bet against you on that." thought Joseph
"Well I just got back from talking with Pandora." said Joseph grabbing an unopened bottle of rum.
"Oh? Really now, that's interesting." said Landon with a perverted smirk.
"Knock it off you pervert. It wasn't like that. We're just friends, like you and me." said Joseph pulling the cork from his bottle.
"Mhmm, sure you guys are. I mean can you blame a guy? You two are pretty close even if we've only known each other for a couple of months now." said Landon
"I could have sworn we've known each other for less than that." said Joseph taking a sip of rum.
"Truth be told It feels like I've known you for ages. I mean we've fought alongside each other, drank together and we even had a heart to heart manly conversation. I am not that trusting. I'm friendly sure, but trusting no. Julia's the same, it's just this war has definitely changed her. Joseph If I felt you we're just some classic wannabe bullshit artist I wouldn't have bothered trying to be friends. Pandora isn't as weak as she seems and she probably knows more things than we'll ever hope to know." said Landon
"I know Landon, I know it's just she really doesn't want me to go to Triburn and looking at her man I couldn't say yes, but I really didn't want to say no to her either." said Joseph drinking away.
"Yeah I know what you mean, the big doe like eyes right? Well they've gotten me too in the past with that girl." said Landon
The two young men finished their drinks as Chamberlain arrived with Julia and Pandora behind him.
"Okay men line up!" ordered the commodore
"Yes sir!" the marines responded
"Alright men we have taken back this island, but now it is time to take the others back from the clutches of these pirates! Now those of you that are here will be accompanying me on our journey to Triburn Island. There we will bombard the island and any pesky cutters those pirates have for us. Luckily if we take the eastern route we'll avoid any bigger pirate vessels. Now everyone board the ship, take your places and let's set sail!" ordered Chamberlain
"Yeah!" the marines screamed
"What mini speech am I right?" the voice remarked
"Yeah he definitely has the support of his crew." thought Joseph
"Hey Joseph!" said Landon getting Joseph's attention.
"What's up? And what's with the camera?" Joseph wondered, noticing the camera in Landon's hand.
"I thought before we set sail we get a group picture. Something to remember for the future as proof of what we did." said Landon
"I guess maybe one won't hurt before we leave. Oi commodore, Pandora, Polemon, Julia. Come here." said Joseph waving the group over.
"Yes my boy? Something wrong." said Chamberlain
"Nothing, Landon wants to have us take a group picture before we leave." said Joseph pointing to the blonde.
"Please, Please, Please Chamberlain." begged the excited blonde.
"Ah what the hell, sure why not." said Chamberlain
Joseph stomped on the ground and a small earth pillar popped up. Landon placed the camera on the pillar and ran back to the group who had gotten into position. Julia on the left next to Chamberlain, Polemon in the back, Landon in the middle and Joseph on the right side with his arm around Pandora's shoulder.
"Okay everyone ready? Say cheese." said Landon smiling.
"Cheese." said the group as the flash of the camera went off.
Landon ran to the camera and took a look at the result. He turned to the group and smiled.
"We got it!" he said excited.
The group looked at the picture and smiled at the group photo. Landon gave the camera to Julia before running straight to the ship.
"Okay we best be going now." said Chamberlain
"Yeah let's go." said Joseph before being pulled back by Pandora.
"You better remember what you promised." whispered Pandora
"Is this all of us?" said Joseph confused at the relatively small crew.
"I know it was suppose to be a skeleton crew, but still..." said the voice
"Yeah we can't afford to leave this place undefended, so I had most of the men stay with the civilians to help defend the island. Hopefully they won't have to defend the place to the death while we're gone." said the commodore
The men and two women boarded the ship and set sail for Triburn Island. Ready to fight the coward of the crew, Gordon.
[Triburn Island]
(Joseph's point of view)
The marines had set sail for the next island and had encountered no ships as the crossed through the eastern wind. Upon arriving close to the island Chamberlain started barking orders to the sailor's to position the cannons for long range bombardment. Once the ship was in rowing distance of the island the commodore descended into a row boat with Joseph and the pair began rowing to the island.
"So run me through this again?" Joseph asked whilst rowing.
"Polemon is keeping an eye on us through the ship's telescope. So once we get to the island he'll order the men to bombard the port while we sneak off to the side and enter the town. If we don't return in two hours, then the rest with come in and clean up." said Chamberlain rowing beside him.
"That still does not change the fact that there will be a town crawling with pirates that we're going to have to fight." said Joseph rowing in unison with the commodore.
"Oh don't fear, The ship will deal with the pirates well enough. Besides most of the townsfolk who lived there got pushed out and are working non stop in a camp just outside of the town." said the commodore.
"How did you find that out?" asked Joseph
"Easy, it was the camp we made before Kai came and pushed us off the island. He's using it as a prisoner camp and forcing the people to either farm more resources or sent down to the mines close by there. Anyway keep rowing, those bastards will pay soon enough." said Chamberlain
The pair continued to row until they landed near the shallow waters on the eastern side of the beach and hopped off the boat. The two men dragged the dinghy on to the sand with a guiding rope and made thier final inspections on their weapons.
"You ready for this son?" asked Chamberlain
"Yes, yes I am." said Joseph
Chamberlain nodded and the duo left for the town.
[BOOOOM!]
As they trekked forward the sound of cannon fire rang in their ears.
"Alright Joseph it's time to take this island back." said Chamberlain drawing his blade.
"Okay let's roll." said Joseph cracking his knuckles.
The two marines ran through the side of the town as the chaos ensued. The pirates occupying the town were scrambling in a attempt to save themselves from the surprise attack. Joseph followed Chamberlain to the town square to see a large group of pirates pushing cannons. Likely to counter the bombardment. Chamberlain raised his pistol and fired it off into the skull of one of the men pushing the large cannon, The surrounding pirates looked to the two marines in surprise.
"Alright you bastards it's payback time!" screamed Chamberlain as he rushed the group, cutting down the pirates in his way.
"Fuck it's Chamberlain!" screamed a random pirate just before his throat was slash open.
"I thought they were all dead!" yelled another pirate in distress.
"We need to fall back! To the bank!" yelled the voice of another pirate before his throat was slashed by Chamberlain's cutlass.
Joseph followed his commanding officer as he created a bight blue ball of fire. Launching it at the pirates, the flame spread through the the narrow passages burning all in it's path. Keeping up the pressure on the enemy, Joseph launched several boulders of varying size at his opponents. Knocking most of the pirates down as he drew his pistols to finish the job by shooting them all in the face.
"There goes this group. We better look for any other stragglers." said Joseph putting another bullet into the corpse of a pirate.
"Yeah agre..." started Chamberlain as he shot a fallen pirate.
[BOOOOOOOM!]
As the pair was cleaning house another explosion could be seen not that far away from the town square.
"Holy shit!" Joseph exclaimed as he tried to cover his ears.
"That was out of the ships range. We better check it out." said Chamberlain waving Joseph to follow.
[Kurosai Town]
(Joseph's point of view)
"I'll kill all of you pirates. Come on this is for the people, our friends and for JUSTICE!" screamed a unknown voice
Joseph watched as he saw the commodore's eyes lit up as he heard the loud voice in the distance.
"What the? I know that voice, YUSUKE!" screamed Chamberlain as he ran towards the sound of the voice.
"Commodore wait!" yelled Joseph chasing after the older marine.
The pair ran through the courtyard into a ruined part of the town. Joseph spotted a group of ragged men gunning down pirates left and right. On top of small wooden crate the young marine saw a man with short red hair barking orders to the armed men.
"Yusuke!" said Chamberlain smiling.
Joseph saw the young captain turn around to face them. The moment Yusuke looked at Chamberlain he grew a large grin in recognition.
"So this is Yusuke?" said the voice
"Yeah I guess it is." thought Joseph
Just barely within view Joseph could see three pirates come up behind the young captain. His eye's widened as he tried to warn the two officers.
"YUSUKE LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!" Joseph yelled
Yusuke turned to see a pirate raise his rifle to him. Yusuke was shot by the small group of pirates. A hail of gunfire ripped through the captain's flesh. Chamberlain rushed to defend his subordinate, while Joseph raised an earth wall and used it to slam the criminals into the dirt. Joseph raised a several large boulders from the ground and crushed the heads of each pirate like a ripe watermelon.
"Fucking hell, Chamberlain..." said the voice sadly.
"Yusuke my boy, talk to me." said Chamberlain panicky whilst holding the captain gently.
"Good to see you too old man. Arrchch!" coughed Yusuke whilst bleeding profusely.
"It's okay we'll get you fixed up in no time my boy. Just hang on!" screamed Chamberlain as he applied pressure to the young captain's wounds.
"He's losing too much blood, I'm sorry commodore." said the voice sadly.
"Can't do that old man, You know it and I know it. Urcgh, oh god." Yusuke coughing blood as he spoke.
"I can figure out a way, no WE can figure out a way. Only if you hang on while I get you some help my boy. SOMEONE GET A DOCTOR OR SOMETHING!" screamed Chamberlain.
The surrounding prisoners flinched at the aura of anger and desperation that flooded from the commodore.
"Hey Chamberlain when you get the chance tell the old lady I'm sorry and that I-I did my best..." whispered Yusuke as his eyes closed.
"Yusuke? No, No, No, NO! YOU OPEN YOUR EYES NOW, THAT'S AN ORDER! PLEASE!" screamed Chamberlain shaking Yusuke's body.
Joseph pulled the Chamberlain back. The commodore was covered in blood, but Joseph could see the pain the struck into the veteran's light brown eyes.
"We can't stay here sir. We have to go." said Joseph gripping the commodore's shoulders.
"I-I can't leave him." said Chamberlain still hurt.
"You won't, take his body and the other's with you as protection. I'll deal with Gordon so get out of here, but before you go can you tell me where the bank is?" asked Joseph seriously.
"Thank you Joseph. The bank is about two streets north from where we are now if I remember. I'll get going now. " said Chamberlain in a depressing tone, picking up Yusuke's corpse and leaving with the rest of the prisoners.
"We need to get to Gordon quickly." said the voice urgently.
"Yeah I think the bank is this way." Joseph thought
Joseph looked at Chamberlain retreating with the body of Yusuke. Shaking his head the young man trekked to the local bank. The young marine maneuvered through the rubble and buried corpses that littered through the streets. Despite the grueling site Joseph found the building he was looking for. Unsheathing his blade in preparation he noticed that there were multiple barricades destroyed and what looked to be several arrows sticking out from the pillars of the bank's entrance.
"Strange, very strange. It looks like someone beat us here." said the voice
"What do you mean?" asked Joseph
"Look at the bodies on this street. All of them were killed by an arrow not cannon fire. Someone else came here either before or during the initial bombings." said the voice
"Some of the blood still looks red in colour. This might have been recent." said Joseph analysing the area.
"Maybe." said the voice
"Then there is a high chance that whoever did this is inside with Gordon." said Joseph looking around.
"Yes." responded the voice
"We better not keep them waiting." said Joseph drawing one of his pistols.
[Kurosai Central Bank]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph entered the bank cautiously as held his pistol firmly and his blade in a guarded angle, ready for an attacker. Though none came as he saw more dead bodies with arrows stuck in them.
"This isn't good. Whoever did this is no ordinary person." thought Joseph slowly walking up the marble staircase to the second floor.
The elemental marine noticed a large blood trail leading from the top of the staircase to the office at the end of the corridor. The closer Joseph got to the officer door he could hear a voice. First it was faint but he could barely make out what it was saying.
"It's over Gordon, your failures and your cowardice has cost us too much. I have no choice but to resort to such actions." spoke a muffled voice
"No please, I-I can't die I can't. I have done what you asked of me, I just want to see my family please..." spoke another muffled voice
"Someone's alive. Two of them I think." thought Joseph creeping towards the door.
"Well let's see what it is then eh?" said the voice
Now standing in front of the door Joseph takes a deep breath in and kicks the door wide open to reveal bloodied middle age man sitting down behind a desk and a hooded figure with a porcelain mask.
"Now Now Now. What do we have here?" said Joseph pointing his pistol at the masked figure.
"Ah, I have been expecting you." said the masked figure in a deep eerie voice.
"Suuuuurrre you have. Sorry to interrupt whatever this is, but the pudgy man in the cardigan is coming with me. Though as for you." said Joseph as pulled the trigger of his pistol.
The masked assailant dodged the bullet shocking Joseph momentarily before throwing a small dagger into Gordon's chest and Jumping out of the nearby office window. Joseph ran to the broken window and fired three shots, but the masked figure escaped despite his attempt.
"Shit." swore Joseph
The young marine turned his attention back to Gordon who was shaking as he looked sown to the small blade protruding from his chest. He ran around the desk and looked at the man's injury.
"Heee-lp me pl-ease..." said Gordon eye's wide and in pain.
"What should I do?" asked Joseph confused as to how to treat his injury.
"K-Kill me please." spoke Gordon in a hoarse tone.
"Don't be ridiculous. The blade is small and it wasn't lodged in your heart. Just stay with me and I can help you." said Joseph trying to stop the cowardly man from shaking too much.
"No you don't understand. The blade has been poisoned." said Gordon breathing heavily.
"What?" said Joseph as Gordon only nodded in turn.
"This poison is practically a death sentence, but it takes a while before it kills it's vic-tim. Until then I-I am going to be in incredible pain." coughed Gordon
"Is there anything I can do?" asked Joseph
"Just make the pain go away. Pl-ease make it go away." begged Gordon riling in agony.
"Is there no cure?" asked Joseph hopefully.
Gordon shook his head as foam started to form at the side of his mouth.
"Kid just put the poor bastard out of his misery. Look at him, this is too much even for me." said the voice sadly.
"Okay, Okay." said Joseph with the look of horror on his face as he looked on the squirming man.
Just before he could move away from the poisoned man, Joseph's arm was pulled by Gordon as tightly as the shaking man could muster. The young man tensed as the older man reached for his pocket. He was relieved to see that he had just pulled out an envelope from his cardigan pocket instead of a weapon.
"Ta-ke to my family... Plea-se?" said Gordon shoving the envelope into Joseph's free hand.
"I will." said Joseph as Gordon released his arm.
Placing the envelope in his blazer pocket, Joseph walked around Gordon's desk and aimed his pistol to tear stained face of the lieutenant.
"Te-ll my fa-mily I love them..."Gordon coughed as he managed to make a small smile.
[BANG!]
Joseph pulled the trigger and shot the dying man in the head. Gordon's body slumped over as Joseph left the office not wanting to look at him any longer. Quickly he left the building for the bloodied street below.
Joseph stood outside the bank contemplating what he saw, with sadness marking his face.
"Fuck me first Yusuke now this." said Joseph face palming.
"I know. Even I couldn't stand to see a guy that defenseless asking for death like that. Despite being an enemy it's not something I'd want to happen to us." said the voice in a low tone.
"Well he may have been our enemy, but even before his death he only spoke of his family as a main priority to him. Maybe if we make it off these islands we might be able to give his family some closure at least." said Joseph taking out the envelope.
"Stella Harrington, fifty one cattle street, Nanohana, Alabasta." said the voice aloud as if someone other than Joseph could hear him.
"It's addressed to a woman in Alabasta? Gordon has come far from home if that's where he was from." said Joseph placing the envelope back in his blazer pocket.
"Indeed he has, but do you think he deserves that?" said the voice
"What do you mean?" said Joseph confused
"I mean should we go to such lengths for a pirate? Delivering his mail like a common postman." asked the voice
"After what I just saw in there. He didn't seem dangerous and he was just an accountant from what Chamberlain told us about him. He was a human calculator to them, nothing else. Besides he only thought of his family in his final moments. If not for himself, then who ever this 'Stella' is deserves to get this. Whatever it is." said Joseph
"I suppose, just checking. Besides do you hear anything now?" said the voice changing the subject.
"What are you going on about- Now that you mention it. It is actually pretty quiet right now. The cannon fire has stopped." said Joseph calmly, looking around at the half leveled town.
"Yeah it seems so. We should get back to Chamberlain and the others." said the voice
Taking a final glance at the bank, Joseph only sighed.
"Yeah let's go." said Joseph leaving the bloodied street not looking back.
Next Chapter: The Poisoner
That does it for this chapter of Justice. I hope you all are enjoying 2021 so far. I spent a little time away, but I am back and coming to finish this arc sometime soon.
Again I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. See you next time :)