Justice
Chapter 12: Broken Promises
Having left the Kalani Islands with a new mission facing him, the newly made lieutenant Joseph seeks to uncover the potential conspiracy of the Santa Villa massacre. The elemental marine now traverses the holy city to search for Lance Rivers, a mafia underling. Though in a city full of nuns, priests and mobsters lay an even greater threat to safety of innocents on Santa Villa. How will the young marine face this new threat? With patience and compassion or violence and boldness?
[Eastern District, Santa Villa]
(Joseph's point of view)
Accompanied by the voice in his head, Joseph followed the through the back streets of the eastern district. Through the corners and twists that threaten to confuse him he did eventually reach his destination.
Ahead of him was a small building with a horse statue above a large fountain. Behind the fountain was a building with a large sign that said Saint Isabella.
"I think this is the place." said Joseph looking to the tavern ahead.
"I told you we should have taken a left at the turn off." the voice huffed
"Ugh, if we took your 'shortcut' we'd be stuck for an eternity." Joseph retorted
"I'll have you know I am great with directions." said the voice defensively.
"Sure, now be quiet. We need to focus." said Joseph walking to the front door.
Entering the tavern, Joseph noticed the place was packed with people. Many looked too normal to be anything important, though as Joseph crossed through the front door everyone had stopped what they were doing to look at him. The eyes of the patrons made Joseph uncomfortable, but the young marine had faced tougher glares since arriving in this world. Walking over to the counter, Joseph waited for the bartender to walk over.
"What can I get you?" said the bartender calmly.
"Just a pint please." said Joseph placing a one thousand beli note on the counter.
The bartender grabbed a glass and filled it with beer from one of the taps. Placing his drink down and taking his money, the bartender left for a moment.
Joseph took a large sip from his beer glass and waited patiently as the bartender came back with his change.
"Here's your change sir." said the bartender placing the coins on the counter.
"Cheers mate." said Joseph taking another sip.
Joseph merely took his remaining coins and placed them into the tip jar next to him.
"We usually don't get many marines in these parts. Though considering what's happened it's not a big surprise." said the bartender
The young lieutenant took a good look at the bartender. He was a burly sort of man, with the eyes of a brawler. Joseph felt the need to be more cautious around the man.
"Oh well yes it is to be expected. Considering with what has transpired." said Joseph
"Yes indeed..." said the bartender
"So I was supposed to be meeting someone here. I was told this was a particular hang out for him." said Joseph taking another sip of beer.
"Who were you looking for then. Perhaps I could be of assistance." said the bartender wiping the counter down with a rag.
"A guy by the name of Lance." said Joseph finishing his beer.
"Is that so." said the bartender looking over to another patron.
Joseph turned his head to see one of the patrons stand up and walk to the front door. The fat man turned the open sign around and locked the door.
"It seems we might've overstayed our welcome." the voice sighed
"It seems we have." Joseph thought
"Here have another one." said the bartender placing another pint of beer in front of Joseph.
"I didn't order this." said Joseph
"It's on the house." said the bartender
"Cheers." said Joseph taking a big gulp of beer.
"So what exactly did you want Lance for? He do something wrong officer?" the bartender asked with a fake smile.
"I just need to ask him a few questions. Nothing more unless I need to." said Joseph showing his own fake smile.
"They really think we're going to fall for this old trick?" said the voice chuckling.
"This is some good beer. It is a shame though." said Joseph looking at the remainder in his glass.
"What is?" the bartender asked slightly curious.
"It's a damn shame that you got the person who breathes the heaviest to do the sneak attack." said Joseph as he threw the rest of his beer into the eyes of the bartender.
"AHH!" yelled the bartender
Joseph spun around and smashed the fat patron in the head with the glass. Joseph saw the other patrons rush from their seats. The young marine slipped an incoming punch and countered, knocking one of the men into the group. Taking advantage, Joseph grabbed a barstool and started swinging the chair into the face of each man that came close.
"Come on then you drunk bastards!" Joseph yelled
The remaining men tried to grab him. Joseph thought quickly and jumped onto the counter and kicked two of the men back. A third man pulled out a knife and started to swing wildly at Joseph's feet. The young marine ran to the end of the counter and jumped down with his aggressor right behind him.
"Take this!" said the patron swinging his knife at Joseph
Joseph kept his distance and kicked the man in the groin. The patron fell to his knees as tears fell from his eyes.
"You fucking shit!" said the patron, crying on the floor.
The young elemental responded by kicking the man in the face hard.
Walking over to the fallen bartender who had been washing his eyes out during the exchange. Joseph pulled out one of his pistols and pointed it at the bartender.
"Get up and I might let you live." said Joseph tiredly.
"Fucking marines..." the bartender growled
"Yeah yeah hands up fuck face." said Joseph still pointing his gun to the bartender.
"Fine!" said the bartender loudly as he raised his hands.
"You know your really bad at ambushing." said Joseph
"What gave it away?" the bartender asked
"Really? You think I'm an idiot? The whole serve the poor sucker a few pints then attack him from behind trick is pretty old. I should know I've been on both sides, I think." said Joseph looking at the burly man.
"Hmph." grunted the bartender
"Now where is Lance? Tell me or I'll splatter your brains all over the wall." Joseph threatened
"In the back room." said the bartender growled.
"Thanks." said Joseph grabbing a bottle and smashing it across the bartender's face.
As the man dropped to the floor unconscious. Joseph walked over to the back room that had a sign in front that said 'private'. Joseph kicked the door open to see a round shaped man in a red suit sitting down with a pile of cash in front of him. Pointing his gun to the black haired man, Joseph thought this must be Lance.
"Lancer Rivers I presume?" Joseph asked
"That would be me." said Lance in a nasally tone.
"Good, now stand up and keep your back to the wall." said Joseph
"Motherfucker..." said Lance standing up and moving back to the wall.
"Now take your gun out and put it on the table." ordered Joseph
"I ain't armed you fucking bastard." said Lancer
"I see the bulge on the right side of your coat. Don't try and fuck with me." said Joseph
"Goddamn motherfucking marine. You know who your messing with?" said Lance as he reached for his pistol.
"Ah ah ah nice and slow you damn slob." said Joseph as his index finger brushed the trigger of his pistol.
Lance complied and placed his pistol on the desk slowly. He raised his hands and kept his mouth shut as Joseph took the gun with his free hand. Joseph threw the gun behind a potted plant and focused on the short mobster.
"So is this how you treat paying customers?" said Joseph gazing at the angry man.
"Cut the small talk tough guy. The fuck do you want eh?" said Lance in the same nasally tone.
"I'm trying to figure out who committed this massacre and you are going to help me." said Joseph smiling.
"I ain't helping no fucking marine." said the short mobster.
"I don't think I ever said you had a choice." said Joseph reaching to grab a couple stacks of cash from the desk.
"EH!? What the fuck do you think your doing!?" said Lance hysterically.
"This my stubby friend is compensation for what happened before and besides I'm strapped for cash right now. Considering all the money on the table is just stacks of ten thousand beli notes, I think you won't miss a few of them." said Joseph chuckling.
"You prick! How did you get past my crew!?" Lance demanded
"They were defeated by me. Next time they try something like that on me, I'll kill every last one of them. Then I'll kill you Rivers." said Joseph seriously.
"W-What do you want from me exactly?" Lance asked
"A meeting with Enzo Romano." said Joseph simply.
"What do you want Enzo for?" Lance asked
"None of your fucking business." said Joseph walking over to Lance.
Joseph grabbed Lance's head and slammed his face into the desk with his free arm.
"Your going to lead the way. Yes?" said Joseph slamming Lance into the desk again.
"A-Alright I'll take you to him." said Lance conceding defeat.
"Now take of your tie." Joseph ordered
"What?" Lance wondered
"Take off your tie." Joseph said more forcefully.
Lance jumped slightly and quickly took his crimson tie off and placed on the desk. Joseph grabbed the tie and bound Lance's arms behind him.
"Now walk." ordered Joseph
The short mobster complied and walked out of his office door with Joseph. As the two men walked through the tavern, Lance looked shocked at the state of his crew and building.
"Ralph, Costa, Mike..." said Lance remorsefully as he walked passed the unconscious bodies.
The pair left the tavern and Joseph pulled Lance from going too far.
"Alright maggot, where is Enzo?" Joseph asked placing his pistol to Lance's spine.
"He's at his mansion over in the Northern District I can lead you there." said Lance
"Remember Lance, If you lead me into a trap or try to escape. I will burn you alive, but not before scalping you with my machete." Joseph threatened
"I got it." Lance responded walking ahead as Joseph gave him the nod to move.
[Northern District, Santa Villa]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph kept his eyes on the whiny gangster as he was led through the backstreets of Northern District. Lance stopped in front of a large mansion atop a lush green hill overlooking the entire northern section of the city.
"Is this it?" Joseph asked roughly grabbing Lance's shoulder.
"Yes." said Lance
The pair walked to the main entrance and was spotted by a group of guards.
"HEY WHO GOES THERE!" yelled one of the guards
"BOYS HELP ME! THIS MOTHERFUCKER IS..." Lance tried to scream out before Joseph smacked him in the side of the head.
"What he means to say is, Bring Enzo out or I blow this guy's almost non existent brain out." said Joseph grabbing the short man and placing his pistol to his temple.
"OH SHIT! BOYS IT'S LANCE!" screamed the guard
"This motherfucker is crazy, just get the boss." said Lance pleadingly.
"What's all this fucking racket!?" said a forceful voice
Out from the main gate came a man with silver hair, wearing a nicely tailored tuxedo and looking no older than his late fifties. Joseph watched as the well dressed elder walked up to him and gave him a look.
"For fuck sake Lance. What did you get yourself into this time." said the older man shaking his head.
"Boss this marine attacked my bar and fucked up everyone." said Lance quickly.
"Did he now?" said the sliver haired gangster raising an eyebrow.
"More like this guy's crew tried to pull a fast one and ambush me. If anything I'd say it was self defense." said Joseph
"Well there's only one way to settle this then." said Enzo staring at Joseph.
The young man tensed as he pushed the barrel of his pistol further against Lance's skull.
"We settle this over a drink." said Enzo
"What?" said the voice
"What?" said Joseph
"Well first I'll have to ask you to let Lance go." said Enzo calmly.
"What do we do!?" Joseph thought
"Play it out and see where this goes. If they so much as fire one bullet, we burn this place to the ground. Lower your pistol, but keep your guard up." said the voice
"Okay." said Joseph pushing Lance to the floor.
Two guards came and grabbed Lance. Enzo smiled and shook his head. Nodding to his guards, Enzo dismissed them by waving them away.
"You can lower the gun hotshot, I ain't going to bite." said Enzo waving Joseph to following him.
"Fine. Though if you decide to pull something on me, let it be known that I will kill you old man." Joseph warned holstering his pistol.
"Hahahaha, okay hotshot. I give you my word you will not die in this building." said Enzo holding his arms up in mock terror.
"Lead the way." Joseph said simply.
Joseph followed Enzo inside his mansion. The young elemental was cautious the entire time as he walked passed various guards. The older man led Joseph to a beautiful parlor room with checkered floors and gold trimmed furnishings.
"Here we are, please take a seat on the couch there. Can I fix you a drink?" Enzo offered
"Sure I'll have a drink." said Joseph siting on the expensive couch.
"Whiskey alright?" Enzo asked grabbing a decorative glass bottle.
"Yes whiskey is alright." said Joseph looking around at the paintings along the walls.
"Hey look at the painting above the door." said the voice
Joseph turned to see a painting of Enzo and two other men who Joseph assumed must be his brothers. Enzo was in the middle, an older balding man was on his left and a younger man with slick brown hair on the right.
"It must Enzo's brothers. The old bastard on the left should be Peter and the other one must be Frankie." the voice concluded
"Here's your drink." said Enzo placing Joseph's glass on the coffee table in front of him.
The old mobster sat down on the couch opposite to Joseph and had a sip of whiskey.
"I hope you didn't kill any of those boys back there. They probably weren't very nice, but I assure you there not monsters." said Enzo
"No I just gave them a beating, but if they try that stunt again then I'll kill them." said Joseph
"Hehe I know. I see it in your eyes hotshot. You got the eyes of a killer." said Enzo
"Like you?" Joseph retorted, reaching for his glass.
"Me? Hehe, I'm just an old man." Enzo smirked
"Bullshit." said the voice
"If there's one thing I know about people in this world, is that you don't make it to old age without some struggle. In your case mister Romano I kind it difficult to believe even you won't lift a finger to deal with pests crawling about in your empire." Joseph said taking a sip of whiskey.
"Hehehe. Your right I killed many pirates in my life. Bunch of piss drinking cowards." said Enzo with a hint of malice as he mentioned pirates.
"He really doesn't like the word 'pirate'." the voice commented
"I sense some strong hatred there." said Joseph taking another sip of whiskey.
"Pirates have always been a problem in my life. Thirty years ago when our family was growing, pirates raided and pillaged Santa Villa looking for plunder. They raped and killed with no remorse during the chaos. The clergy, nuns, even children were not exempt from their plundering. Like many other families here in the west, we pushed the invaders out. Brutally, very brutally." Enzo recounted finishing his drink quickly.
"I see. Then what's this I hear about pirates being allowed to enter?" Joseph asked
"Ah that's where my old rage is festered now. I usually would never disclose such information, but I am getting old. My older brother is losing it and my youngest brother is growing more ambitious by the day. As to the pirates, the smugglers are needed to get our goods going and income flowing. That fat fuck Bege has most of the merchant contracts now, Our hands are basically tied." said Enzo pouring himself another drink.
"Hmmm, I see you have some family problems. How does that correlate to the massacre?" Joseph wondered
"It was one of our own that caused this. The incident nonetheless was a disaster and I feel guilty for it." said Enzo as his eyes drooped downwards.
"Did you order it?" Joseph demanded.
"No, though I know who did." said Enzo
"Who." said Joseph now looking more intently at the old mobster.
"My brother Frankie." said Enzo sadly.
"Why would he do such a thing?" Joseph asked finishing his drink.
"Frankie's always been an angry kid, especially after our Ma died years ago. He's young and ambitious. I mean he's become a man who goes off at anyone for anything. Peter and I were the only people he'd listen to, but Peter is getting more distant and Frankie is pushing me away despite my efforts. I fear for them." Enzo admitted
"How does this relate to the incident?" Joseph asked curiously.
"I'm telling you this so you can understand where I am coming from and because my brothers are growing desperate." said Enzo
"Desperate?" Joseph said
"Yes, Capone Bege has been taking over the western families for years now. Peter is the last major player standing, even though we've been weakened for years now. In truth I want out." Enzo said making a slight declaration in the end.
"Out? From the mob?" Joseph asked
"I have my reasons for it, but yes I want out. My brother Peter has lost almost all reason. He's forgotten why we started this thing of ours. Frankie though, he's a loose cannon who's trying to take over the place. I know my brother and he's as ambitious as the come. He wants a war with Bege and Peter wants neutrality. Their conflicting natures will get more people killed. Complacency and murder will ruin this island." said Enzo placing his hand on his head in frustration.
"I need a name Enzo, anybody who can assist me." said Joseph
"The guy who did the shooting is most likely Frankie's bodyguard, Homare Ichika." said Enzo
"Tell me more about him." said Joseph
"He's a young man with an itchy trigger finger. Frankie points and says shoot, Ichika follows suit. I know that it was Frankie's crew that rolled in, but it was most likely Ichika that was leading the crew during the attack." said Enzo
"I have a potential suspect, but that doesn't give me much in regards to a motive." said Joseph
"There were marines gunned down. It was probably an assassination that got everyone that day killed." Enzo
"What do you mean?" Joseph asked
"My guess is that whatever they were digging up had something to do with my brother. Something bad enough that he'd kill in broad daylight at a church of all places." said Enzo disappointedly.
"The note Drager found. I think one of the marines was trying to warn us in his last moments." said the voice
"So on one hand your older brother is going senile and the other is embracing his own ego to the point that he's willing to kill innocent people for it." said Joseph
"It pains me to say it, but yes." said Enzo sadly.
"Then what's your stake in this old man. You have to know that by telling me this your brother will die or get arrested." said Joseph wondering what the old gangster was thinking about.
"I can't say, just know this. No matter what happens, I will mourn the losses regardless. Our family is on the decline and I don't want someone as cruel as Bege to take it. Please, do what you must. Just know that we need your help." Enzo reluctantly.
Joseph was slightly shocked. That the gangster in front of him would ask of such a thing. Though he nodded as it was not only his job, but also his nature to help.
"Where can I find your brother?" Joseph asked
"Peter is at his residence in Fortuna and never leaves. As for Frankie, he should skulking somewhere in the Western District. Though it may take a little while to track him down. He's probably gone into hiding given the marine presence on the island." said Enzo
"Okay and one more thing. If you guys are anti-pirate, why did your brother let them in?" Joseph asked
"My brother is desperate to retain power where he can. Capone Bege has practically wiped out the other major families. In truth, for the first time in my life I think my brother is actually scared. So scared that he would abandon the very founding principle this family was birthed from, 'death to all pirates'. In truth, it scares me too." said Enzo sadly.
"I've heard enough. You mind walking me out?" asked Joseph
"Not at all, follow me." said Enzo standing up.
Enzo led Joseph out of the parlor and through the manor to the front gate.
"Listen should you ever find yourself in the Eastern district, my crew will not attack you. You are free to come and go as you like." said Enzo
"Thanks old man and for the drink too." said Joseph walking away.
"It was my pleasure." said Enzo bowing his head slightly.
Joseph stopped walking for a moment.
"Oh and Enzo?" Joseph said looking back to the aging gangster.
"Yeah?" Enzo asked looking up to Joseph.
"My name is Joseph." said the young marine as he walked out of the room.
As he left, Joseph failed to see the ghost of a smile that appeared on Enzo's face.
The young marine wandered from Enzo's mansion and followed the path back to the tavern. Joseph then quickly dipped down a side street and stopped to think on what he's learned.
"Fuck me what to do know?" Joseph wondered
"This whole situation goes deeper than just a simple killing that's for sure. We need to find Drager. He needs to hear the situation first." the voice said
"Then we need to head back to the scene of the crime." said Joseph agreeing with the voice.
Joseph walked back to the central cathedral and saw that the bodies had been rounded up. Joseph spotted the tall marine speaking to a resident holy man.
"Oh Joseph! There you are boy. Come here, there's someone you need to meet." said Drager waving the young marine over.
"I have some news about the incident sir." said Joseph joining the two men.
"Good work, but first I want to introduce you to a friend of ours." said Drager gesturing to the robed man.
"Ah indeed. Hello there friend, I am bishop Dorian. Tis a pleasure to be in your acquaintance good sir." said Dorian grabbing Joseph's hand.
Joseph could see many golden patterns woven into his stark white robe, but the thing that stood out to him was Dorian's large golden cross hanging on a large silver chain. Dorian himself was a young cleanly put together man with short brown hair and topped off with a truly friendly smile.
"Drager was just telling me about you sir. It's wonderful seeing such youth commit to such noble intentions." said Dorian happily shaking Joseph's hand.
"Uh yeah, good to meet you." said Joseph a tad bit awkwardly.
"We were just discussing about some business, nothing fancy." said Drager
"Indeed we have been quite busy as of late, in spite of this tragedy." said Dorian letting go of Joseph's hand.
"That reminds me. Aren't you supposed to be making your rounds now?" said Drager
"Oh gosh your right. Well gentleman I must make my leave now. I have to meet sister Abigail at the orphanage. Oh and Lieutenant. If you would like to assist myself or if you just need a friendly ear I will be at the Heaven Sent Orphanage on Taki Street for the rest of the day. Usually I'm there or at the church. Well, goodbye sirs." said Dorian as he walked away from the officers.
"He seems nice?" said Joseph somewhat put off by the bishops friendly demeanor.
"Yeah almost too nice." said the voice suspiciously.
"Aye, that was bishop Dorian. He's the local leader of the Eastern District. Dorian's a good man, spends most of his time with the local orphans. He's probably one of the few clergymen that is actually not a corrupt sack of shit and in this town that's quite a big thing." said Drager
"I see, well he seemed nice enough." said Joseph
"Listen after you debrief me on the current situation, then well talk of the bishop after." Drager said
"Alright so I went to the tavern like you said, only there was a problem." said Joseph
"Eh? What problem?" Drager asked raising an eyebrow.
"I got attacked and I had to beat up everyone in there to get to Lance." said Joseph
"Oh fuck me. You didn't kill anyone in there right?" Drager asked as he face palmed.
"Why do people keep asking me that?" said the voice a little ticked off.
"No, but if they try it again I might not hold back." said Joseph
"Good enough, what about Lance? Did he give you any information?" the vice admiral asked
"Not exactly. Though the information I have came from a probably more credible source. Enzo Romano himself." said Joseph
Drager's jaw nearly dropped to the floor when he heard Enzo's name.
"What!? You spoke to Enzo! What did he say!?" Drager asked
Joseph explained to Drager the events that took place from his bar room brawl to meeting Enzo. The young officer continued further to explain the current situation in the family and Frankie Romano's involvement in the deaths that occurred in the massacre.
"Shit. Did he give you any evidence, something tangible." Drager inquired
"No nothing of that nature, why?" Joseph wondered
"Because unlike the war you just fought, we can't just go up to him and throw him in a cage. We need physical evidence or a direct confession from one of the participants of the massacre. The only thing we have as evidence is Enzo's testimony and I don't think he'll be down to rat out his brother in a trial." said Drager
"I think it's more than that." said Joseph
"Go on." said Drager intrigued.
"I believe your right in thinking that Enzo won't appear in a trial type scenario, but he clearly has some personal reason for doing what he did. He wants out of the mob, that much is clear. He seemed pretty genuine about us going after his brother Frankie and stopping him form doing something stupid." said Joseph
"Well even so, it's as I said. We don't have the evidence or a solid motive apart form Enzo's word. Unless we can find Ichika and get him to talk." said Drager
"Enzo said Frankie was hiding somewhere in the Western District. This Ichika guy might be hiding with him, he is the man's bodyguard after all." said Joseph
"Alright I'll sent some of the boys to keep their ears open for anything. If you can get Enzo's crew to search for Ichika then we might have a lead." said Drager
"Cool, so do you want me to handle it now?" Joseph asked
"Great we have to go back to the tavern again. Fuck me..." said the voice in opposition.
"No actually I need you to handle something more urgent at this moment." said Drager looking a little strange.
"What is it?" Joseph asked, now curious.
"It's Chamberlain." said Drager in a worried tone.
"Christ, what has happened?" Joseph asked concerned.
"I tried calling him, but he wouldn't pick up. I believe he's gone to see Yusuke's mother." said Drager
"Not good." said the voice
"I want you to go see him. He's in the Southern District, Wispy road to be exact. He won't want my help or probably anyone's help, but I think he might make an exception for you." said Drager turning away from Joseph.
"Me? Why?" Joseph asked
"Just a hunch, now go. After that you should really go see bishop Dorian, then hit up Enzo's crew. You have your orders now sailor, go." said Drager turning his head to look at the young marine.
Joseph could only nod as he jogged away from the vice admiral. Though he could just barely hear Drager speak as he left.
"Chamberlain, you headstrong fool. You've got to accept the past eventually..." Drager said as Joseph jogged down the side street.
[Southern District, Santa Villa]
(Joseph's point of view)
The young marine traversed the streets of the Southern District using his map of the island. Pushing his way through the waves of nuns and monks that blocked his way, he found himself next to a bronze bull statue. Supposedly the heart of the Southern District was supposed to be locate where the bull was.
"Okay I think it's a right?" said Joseph confused at the wobbly lines on the map.
"I think it's pointing left, no wait right. Definitely right." said the voice
Joseph took a guess and went down the right hand path, hopeful in finding the commodore.
"I hope Chamberlain is alright." said Joseph worryingly.
"The commodore is a strong man, he'll be fine." said the voice, though the voice himself did not seem so confident.
"You saw how he was when Yusuke died. Now he has to explain to Yusuke's mother that her son died. This won't end well." said Joseph jogging around the many twists and corners of the district.
The elemental marine stopped in front of a café to view the street signs that were fixed into the corner of the building.
"Wispy Road is just ahead, maybe we..." Joseph started
"YOU FUCKING LIAR!" screamed an unknown voice
"The fuck?" said Joseph confused
"That sounded close, I have this strange feeling we need to see this." said the voice
Joseph ran down Wispy road to the site of the commotion. A large crowd of people blocked his path as he neared the loud voices.
"Excuse me, coming through." said Joseph as he gently pushed the people out of his way.
The young marine made it the front of the large crowd and was surprised to see that Chamberlain was on one knee in the middle of the crowded street. He had blood running down his face as he looked to an intimidating woman. The woman had a look on her face as fierce as her red hair and the crimson suit she wore. The woman carried what Joseph thought to be a fearsome aura of anger.
The young looking woman stared at Chamberlain like a vengeful demon. The commodore hung his head in what looked to be shame. Joseph was almost frozen as he saw the next events play out.
"I TRUSTED YOU! YOU SAID HE WOULD BE SAFE!" yelled the enraged woman
"I-I'm sorry Jezebel. I tried to save Yusuke, but things were..." Chamberlain started trying to explain himself.
"DON'T YOU DARE SAY HIS NAME!" screamed Jezebel kicking the commodore in the face.
The commodore fell back to the ground as the enraged Jezebel stomped on his chest with her crimson heel.
"Please, I never meant to get him killed." said Chamberlain as he spat blood from his mouth.
"Oh and that makes it okay does it? Wrong, my baby boy is gone because of you and I was a fool to trust you." said Jezebel hatefully, as she dug her heel into Chamberlain's chest.
"The fuck are you standing around for? Save him!" the voice ordered
"Fuck! Hold on commodore I'm coming." thought Joseph as he ran past the remainder of the crowd and into the horror show that was taking place.
"I ask not for your forgiveness, but for understanding." Chamberlain coughed
"The only thing I need to understand is the fact that my beautiful boy is now in the hands of god." growled Jezebel
"Look I'm sorry. I-I can't bring him back. He was my son too..." said Chamberlain sadly.
Jezebel raised her leg and stomped on Chamberlain once more.
"HE WAS MY SON, NOT YOURS. REMEMBER THAT!" Jezebel yelled stomping on the officer again.
"Arghugh!" Chamberlain coughed, unable to respond properly.
"Forty nine years you have breathed in your time in life and now I will send you to hell betrayer!" said Jezebel as she pulled out a black dagger from her coat pocket.
"Not today bitch!" Joseph yelled as he tackled the mad woman down.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" yelled Jezebel hysterically.
Joseph punched the angry red head in the face and knocked the dagger from her hand.
"Oh great another lap dog!" Jezebel growled wiping the blood off her lip.
The young marine hopped off the angry mother and stood in front of Chamberlain.
"I won't let you hurt him." said Joseph looking into the abyss that was her eyes.
"My son is dead because of you liars. I will make sure his trip to the afterlife is a painful one." said Jezebel grabbing her dagger.
Joseph pulled out his pistol and aimed in at Jezebel as she stood up.
"If she goes in for an attack, drop her." the voice growled
"And you will be sent to the afterlife very soon if you take another step forward." said Joseph seriously.
"You'd kill in broad daylight, in front of so many witnesses?" Jezebel asked
"I've killed plenty since I've been in this world. I'll probably have to kill even more, but if it means I can protect someone I care about then maybe it will be worth something. I hope..." said Joseph sadly, but resolute.
Jezebel faltered slightly, though held her head high and raised her dagger at Joseph.
"What do I have left to lose? I have nothing left..." said Jezebel
The demonic woman took a step forward. Joseph fired a shot at her feet as a response.
"That was your first and last warning woman. Get back or I drop you here and now." Joseph yelled
"Jo-seph..." Chamberlain whispered grabbing onto the young marine's sleeve.
"Commodore?" Joseph said turning his head slightly.
"Please don't kill her. Just let her go, for me?" Chamberlain begged.
"What do we do?" thought Joseph asking for the voice's assistance.
"J-Just get the commodore out of here, back to the ship and quick." said the voice not too pleased.
"Go, get out of here. Before I kill you!" Joseph ordered, his gun still locked on to the red head.
"Grrrrgh, I will have my revenge on you and your little lap dog. Till next time commodore." said Jezebel hatefully as she said the word 'commodore'.
The scary woman walked back slowly and disappeared into the crowd of citizens. Joseph watched as the woman's dark eyes vanished.
"Fucking hell..." thought Joseph tiredly.
"Enough standing around, we should check on Chamberlain." the voice said
"Your right, but first." Joseph thought
"OI! I want everyone here to disperse or else I'll have you put in chains!" Joseph yelled
The crowd started to diminish quickly, though some still remained at the scene.
"Did you not hear me!? Fuck off!" Joseph yelled firing two shots into the sky.
The remaining crowd ran for the hills as the sound of gunfire scared them away. Joseph huffed and turned to the fallen officer.
"Hey commodore are you alright? Can you stand? Joseph asked
"Y-Yeah I can still walk." said Chamberlain standing up.
"Then hurry up we need to get off the streets now." said Joseph urgently.
"Water..." Chamberlain coughed
"Eh?" said Joseph
"Tap." Chamberlain said pointing to the tap that was fixed into the wall of one of the houses.
"Alright let's get you some water old man." said Joseph guiding the older officer to the tap.
Chamberlain used what remaining strength he had to turn the tap on. Placing his hands under the tap, he collected as much water as he could. He tried to clean himself up and the blood on his face that had started to dry. After a few minutes of waiting, Joseph wanted answers to what had just happened.
"Chamberlain, what the fuck happened back there?" Joseph asked
"That violent demon was Jezebel, Yusuke's mother. I tried to explain my side of the story, but she wasn't having it. Then after our little exchange you showed up at the tail end of things." said Chamberlain collecting water in his hands.
"Look that crazy bitch tried to kill you and she swore revenge as she left. She is dangerous." said Joseph
"E-Even so, I won't kill her or have you kill her either. She'll hopefully blow off some steam." said Chamberlain having a drink of water.
The commodore finished drinking and turned the tap off. He then stood up to look Joseph in the eye.
"Listen, thank you for helping me really. Though for right now, I just want to be alone." Chamberlain sighed
"Hmmmm, I can see where this is going Chamberlain. I'll leave you alone if you don't go to a pub or wander the streets aimlessly. Promise me you'll go back to the ship." said Joseph hoping the commodore will accept the terms.
"I'll head back to the ship..." said Chamberlain holding his arm to his chest.
Joseph let out a subtle sigh of relief.
"But I can't promise you anything. All promises involving me always seem to break apart. I'm nothing more than a jar of broken promises." said Chamberlain walking away as Joseph looked on even more worried than before.
"Chamberlain..." said Joseph sadly.
"We best leave him be. He's in a fragile place now." said the voice
"Hmmmm." Joseph hummed
"Why don't we stop by a café or something? Get a hot chocolate?" the voice suggested
"Sure why not?" said Joseph as he walked off in the opposite direction to the commodore.
The young marine could only think on the many problems plaguing not only him, but Chamberlain and Santa Villa as a whole. For a moment he wondered whether or not he's cut out for this kind of work. Pushing the thought down, he continued to roam the streets alone...
Next Chapter: Joseph, The Saint of the West
Hello everyone. I hope you are having a good day. This concludes another chapter in Justice.
I would like to make a quick little response to the nice guest who left the long, but excellent review the other day. I would like to say thank you for your long explanations and what you like about the story. The same goes for all who took their time out of their day to write something to me. So I would like to thank you all as well and hope to hear good things from you guys again ;)
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter of Justice. Till next time, peace :)