Justice
Chapter 13: Joseph, The Saint of the West
Previously Joseph continued his investigation of the massacre by locating Lance Rivers. Things turned sour as Joseph fought off Lance's crew and forced the mafia lieutenant to take him to his boss, Enzo Romano. He learned that it was Frankie Romano that ordered the attack. Unfortunately for Joseph without any tangible evidence and the fact that Frankie went into hiding, the chances of a successful prosecution is slim. Despite being put in a difficult position, the young marine would find further problems in town as he discovered what had happened between Chamberlain and an angry woman named Jezebel. The latter threatening revenge as she retreated into the shadows of the city and the former wanting to remain alone. Joseph's concerns for his friend and the island itself leaves him confused at how to continue. Though maybe through some exploration of this religious hub may lead him to something important.
[Southern District, Santa Villa]
(Joseph's point of view)
Upon leaving the commodore in his moments of wandering, Joseph decided to stop by one of the numerous shops in the area for a warm drink.
"How about this place? Reynard's Café." the voice suggested as they passed the shop.
"Hmm, why not?" Joseph thought to himself.
The young marine entered the café and saw that it wasn't quite full in terms of patrons.
"Not many people here." Joseph thought as he walked up to the front counter.
He looked upon the assortment of chocolates behind the glass cabinet. Joseph raised his head to look at the menu and saw the option of a large hot chocolate.
"Ah even in this world there is still hot chocolate." Joseph thought with a smile on his face.
"Hello, can I help you sir?" said the café employee, walking over to serve him.
"Oh yes where are my manners. Hello, I would like one large hot chocolate and one chocolate doughnut please." said Joseph feeling a little hungry.
"One hot chocolate and one chocolate doughnut. Anything else sir?" the café employee asked as she wrote down his order.
"No that's all thank you." said Joseph politely.
"Cool, that will be seven hundred and fifty beli please." said the café employee nicely.
Joseph pulled out a stack of cash and gave the young woman a ten thousand beli note. The young employee was shocked at seeing such a high value note.
"U-Uh sir? I don't think I can give you change for this amount." said the café employee slightly concerned.
"That's fine, you can keep the change. Really take it." said Joseph placing the note on the counter.
"A-Ah okay. I'll have your order ready in five minutes. Can you please stand to the side..." said the café employee taking the note.
"No problem." said Joseph moving to the side.
Joseph looked to his golden watch as he waited for his order, contemplating what to do once he finished his snack. His thoughts were interrupted by the nice café girl who was holding a to go cup and brown paper bag.
"Here's your order sir." said the café employee with a smile.
"Thank you very much." Joseph said taking his order.
"Thank you and please come again." said the café employee as Joseph walked out of the shop.
The young marine stood outside the café and had a sip of his hot chocolate. For a moment Joseph forgot the linger feeling of dread that followed him through his journey as the delightful drink passed his lips. Joseph opened the brown bag to reveal a nicely sized doughnut with a smooth coating of chocolate on top. He took a bite and felt nothing but joy at having such a treat again. He felt a feeling of something he had not felt in a while.
"Home." said Joseph and the voice happily.
"Just the simple things can stir the memories or what's left of them." Joseph thought taking another sip.
"Yes indeed." said the voice
"I wonder if they serve meat pies here? There has to be a bakery or something on this island." Joseph thought walking through the main streets.
The young elemental felt the wind go through his hair and the sun shine on his brown skin. As he walked the streets of the Southern District he felt some semblance of peace, the most he's felt in a while.
"This day would be better if it weren't for current events." thought Joseph as he drank more of his hot chocolate.
"Sure, but moments like these should be taken as they are. Wonderful moments of reflective bliss. Santa Villa is quite the place. I mean just stopping to take a look at the architecture alone is great, but the bright sky and sunshine to top it off? It's wonderful, if you don't count the other issues it has." said the voice more calmly than before.
"Indeed it is." Joseph agreed
Joseph continued to stroll through the streets and the denizens of the Southern District. Though as he was passing by a local supermarket he saw bishop Dorian speaking with a man next to a wooden crate. The young marine remembered that Dorian was supposed to be at the orphanage and that Drager suggested he should see the holy man. Joseph thought he'd ask what the bishop was doing here.
"As I said before, the prices have changed bishop. I'm sorry I really am, but I have my own kids to feed." said the man
"But sir. Surely you can compromise, these supplies are meant for the children." said Dorian frowning.
"I am sorry, but certain things have changed in the markets as of late. I am merely adjusting." said the man
"I made the order yesterday. What events could have transpired for you to dramatically raise your prices. Please sir the orphanage has little help, Can you not look the other way or I can pay you back on the next shipment." said Dorian trying his best to negotiate.
"What's going on here?" Joseph asked joined the conversation between the two men.
"Oh lieutenant it's good to see you. I'm currently having some issues with the shop keeper here." said Dorian smiling slightly.
"Hey now, I don't want any trouble officer." said the shop keeper raising his hands defensively.
"Look mate I'm not here to shake you down. I was in the neighborhood and spotted the bishop by chance. Now from what I've heard, you've been raising your prices on the goods that were already agreed upon. Let's work this out like calm functioning men okay?" said Joseph calming the shop keeper.
"Mhm, alright." said the shop keeper lowering his hands.
"Now how much were you selling these goods for and how much are you charging now?" Joseph asked
"The price we had agreed upon yesterday was ten thousand beli. Now due to some certain events I have to raise the price to seventy thousand beli." said the shop keeper
"That's highway robbery!" Joseph said raising his voice.
"Look my hands are tied. I feel terrible having to do this, but other merchants in town will be doing the same I swear." said the shop keeper
"What do you mean?" Dorian asked
"Not here. In the shop, quickly." said the shop keeper walking into the supermarket.
"Best not leave these here." said Joseph picking up the crate of goods.
Dorian and Joseph followed the shop keeper inside the supermarket to here what the man had to say.
"Okay spill the beans." said Joseph placing the crate on the large wooden counter.
"Some foreigners have moved into the neighborhood and are now taxing everybody. The have the southern merchants terrified." said the shop keeper
"But this is Romano turf." said Joseph
"Yeah and it's bothering everyone. The Romano's usually keep this kind of rift raft out, but in the last three months it's never ending threats from these foreigners." the shop keeper explained
"You got a name?" Joseph asked
"No, but the guy who makes the collections has a snake tattoo down his face." said the shop keeper
"Okay thanks for the information and look I'll even pay for the goods." said Joseph taking out seventy thousand beli from his pockets.
"EH!" the shop keeper yelled in shock.
Joseph placed the money on the counter and grabbed the crate of supplies.
"Come on bishop, I'll help you take these where you need to go." said Joseph walking out the door.
"Please come again." said the shop keeper grabbing the money off the counter.
Dorian followed Joseph outside the store and looked surprised at the young lieutenant.
"I knew the marines had quite the amount of funding, but to see it give so casually is nonetheless surprising." said Dorian
"This was out of my own pocket, not the government." said Joseph
"Well more like money from a bunch of gangsters, but he doesn't need to know that." said the voice chuckling.
"Then it is a donation, thank you kindly sir." said Dorian bowing his head.
"No need to bow. Just helping out." said Joseph smiling.
"Indeed, follow me. The orphanage is about a fifteen minute walk from here. It's on the border between the Western and Southern Districts." Dorian smiling in return as he led Joseph on the path to the orphanage.
"So bishop do you usually pick up shopping?" Joseph asked, making small talk.
"Oh no I usually leave that for sister Abigail. She is currently having a rough time taking care of the children as of late and her younger sister is pregnant too. So I have taken up some extra duties while she takes care of her and the children." said Dorian walking alongside Joseph.
"I take it her sister isn't a nun?" Joseph said
"No she isn't, but she is still a fair woman. Takes after her older sister." said Dorian
The two men passed many more religious buildings and statues. Joseph wondered if all of Santa Villa was just a giant monastery. From the coast to the very heart of the island just seems to be mostly holy sites.
"Hahaha, It must a good omen to have you here with me today." Dorian laughed out of nowhere.
Joseph snapped back into conversation as the bishop started to pipe down.
"In what way?" Joseph asked amused.
"Well in truth the church doesn't really pay attention to the orphans as much as they should and my colleagues aren't very keen on using church resources to help them." said Dorian disapprovingly.
"That's not right." said Joseph frowning.
"Why wouldn't they want to help? Greedy clergymen probably..." said the voice
"Why don't you talk to me about it when we get there eh?" Joseph asked
"Oh I couldn't possibly trouble you any further." said Dorian
"Don't be. We can have a snack and nice conversation when we get there. Alright?" said Joseph
"Alright." Dorian conceded
[Heaven Sent Orphanage, Western District]
(Joseph's point of view)
The two men arrived at the orphanage in almost no time at all. Joseph saw the beige building covering in paintings of birds and flowers. He saw a swing set and a sand box. Next to the orphanage was a small chapel on the right.
"This town has a lot of holy sites." Joseph thought
"Yeah and Drager said we'd get used to this? I mean this is one big adjustment, all of this religious influence is almost suffocating.
"You got that right, but the architecture is pretty and the orphanage doesn't look bad. it actually looks quite nice, it's got character." Joseph thought
"Well here we are. Follow me." said Dorian walking onto the porch.
The bishop took out a ring of keys and unlocked the front door.
"Sister I'm back and I've brought company." the bishop announced.
There was no response and the bishop looked confused.
"Anyone home?" Joseph asked
"Where are they? Come with me to the kitchen and place the crate on the counter top." said Dorian leading Joseph to the kitchen.
Joseph walked into a standard common kitchen, nothing fancy.
"Eh? What's this?" said Dorian looking at the fridge.
Joseph saw Dorian staring at a note posted on the fridge with a sunflower magnet.
"Ah is it Thursday already? Oh dear I am losing track of time." said Dorian rubbing his head.
"Everything okay bishop?" asked Joseph placing the crate on the counter top.
"Yes everything is okay. I just forgot that today is the day sister Abigail takes the children to the local library. It says she left about fifteen minutes ago, so we just missed them. It's fine though we can have a cup of tea or something." said Dorian walking to the kettle next to the stove.
"Shouldn't we unpack the shopping first." Joseph asked pointing to the wooden crate.
"Oh well you see, sister Abigail prefers to do that. She has a system to where things go and she does not like it when that order is disrupted." said Dorian grabbing to cups from the cupboard.
"So what now?" Joseph asked curiously.
"After I finish brewing this tea, we can head over to the chapel. It's closed for reconstruction, nothing major. It's still safe to have a chat." said the bishop dropping two tea bags into each cup.
The water in the kettle boiled to a blistering state. Dorian poured the water into the cups and made sure everything was in order.
"Perfect, now let us be off to the chapel." said Dorian handing Joseph his cup of tea.
The two men left the small building for the chapel next door. The doors were already wide open for easy access. Upon entering the small place of worship, Joseph could see the finely made stain glass windows. Each made with many colours and formed to show religious symbols. He noticed a box of tools and a step ladder near to the side of the door.
"Nice place." Joseph commented taking a sip of tea.
"Ah please excuse the mess. Come and sit here, these seats should do well enough. I hope you don't mind." said Dorian taking a seat in the front row of chairs.
"No worries mate." said Joseph sitting next to Dorian.
The two sat silently drinking their hot beverages. Until Joseph decided to ask the bishop a question.
"So why did you want to come here? We could have just stayed in the kitchen for a simple chat." Joseph asked
Bishop Dorian just smiled as he took a sip of his tea.
"I usually come here because it is not only a place of holy worship, but of peace. A place where the sick, the needy and the orphaned can come to seek wisdom or shelter. I accept all who wish to have a faithful ear listen to them. I devote myself to good nature of helpful intervention. This simple chapel is perfect for any amount of conversation, it just depends on how much you are willing to share lieutenant." Dorian explained with smile.
"I never thought of it that way..." the voice whispered
"You don't have to call me lieutenant all the time. Please I insist that you call me Joseph when I'm not around any of my superiors." said Joseph
"Hmmm. I suppose, only if you call me Dorian." said the smiling bishop.
"Alright then, Dorian." said Joseph raising his cup.
"Alright indeed, Joseph." said Dorian happily.
"If you don't mind me asking, but how can you be so chipper with what's been going on?" Joseph asked
"Whatever do you mean?" Dorian asked with a confused expression.
"What I'm trying to say is. Despite the murderous pirates, smugglers and gangsters. You still smile. When you were getting screwed by the shop keeper for instance. You looked sad, but not for yourself. Most people probably would have gotten scared, angry and ran for the hills if they knew the full scope of the danger the get themselves into." said Joseph finishing his tea.
"You think I live a life of danger? Hahaha." the bishop chuckled at the thought.
"You strike me as the type of man to jump in front of innocents if they were in danger. A pacifist most days and a decent man who actually hopes good things for people. In this world that type of vibe is hard to come by." Joseph said placing his cup down.
"So I am like you then? If so, then I feel honored." said Dorian smiling brightly.
"What" said Joseph and the voice confused.
"I believe you to be a great man. One who should be revered far and wide for his heroic deeds. An example of sorts." said Dorian taking another sip of tea.
"Okay now you've officially lost me. I'm far from a hero." said Joseph denying the words of the bishop.
"Maybe your a saint in disguise?" said Dorian chuckling away.
"Now I know your joking." said Joseph pinching his brow.
"I could be or I might not be." said Dorian
"Really, I am one of the last people that should be praised. I'm not exactly a good man." said Joseph
Dorian just tilted his head slightly as Joseph spoke.
"Oh tosh. From what I hear you are good man, a great man." said Dorian
"Who told you about me and how much do you know?" Joseph asked now slightly concerned at what Dorian might know.
"Drager of course and he didn't tell me everything in extreme detail, but he told me enough. When I saw you for my own eyes it was like looking into mystery incarnate. A delightful encounter indeed." said the bishop happily.
"What exactly did Drager tell you about me?" Joseph asked curiously.
"He told me of a valiant youth who vanquished the threat of violence from the Kalani Islands. Single handedly defeating the infamous prince of the sea and was one of the main individuals who dismantled their attempt at controlling their own pirate empire. A man who stood for justice, his friends and the innocent people of the Kalani Islands. At first I thought he was exaggerating, but when looking at you I saw the eyes of man who had seen war. A man who had seen two sides of the world, light and darkness." Dorian explained
Joseph sat in place with an astonished look upon his face as Dorian finished explaining.
"Whoa whoa whoa now. Those are some nice words and some of what you said is true, but I'm just a kid. A lost kid with very few place he could go, practically no one to talk to and almost too many enemies. I'm far from some valiant hero." said Joseph
"I can only know If you decide to tell me your side of the story friend." said Dorian smiling.
"I-I don't know. The last person I tried to unload my issues on ended up b-betraying me." Joseph stuttered
"I'm sorry. I did not mean to bring up any past memories." said Dorian sincerely.
"No it ain't your fault it's mine. I tend to bury my past deep, until I can't hold it anymore." said Joseph frowning.
"Hey it's okay friend, your in a safe place. It's just the two of us, if you want to open up if only some you can. I accept all you come here. Rest assured anything spoken here will remain confidential, till my last breath." said Dorian placing a hand on Joseph's shoulder.
Joseph just looked at the bishop smiling at him. He felt that Dorian was sincere and it confused him. Deep down Joseph couldn't hide the feeling of comfort he felt as Dorian spoke to him. It reminded him of Pandora. Something in his head told him and the voice to place some faith in the bishop of the east.
"Maybe..." said the voice strangely.
"It's up to you Joseph. I will not pressure you, but I am curious to your story and I only wish to see a fellow helper feel better." said Dorian smiling again.
"What do I have to lose?" Joseph thought
"Nothing." said the voice
"And you won't breathe a word of this to anyone?" said Joseph seriously.
Dorian simply nodded, ignoring the serious look in Joseph's eyes.
"Fine then I'll tell you. Get ready man, it's not exactly going to be glamorous." the young marine said sighing.
"When you are ready." said Dorian taking his hand off of Joseph's shoulder.
"I was marooned on Aiwei Island. On a beach that was on the uninhabited side of the island. When I realized that I was far from home, I panicked. I cried and I became angry. I burned a portion of the large forest in my rage. The pressure I felt to survive was immense. It felt like all of the sea was crashing on me and the more I tried to swim up, instead I got knocked back down in the depths. I felt hopeless and weak. I had to train myself in the rough environment, foraging and hunting for food. Extreme workouts that lasted hours to take up the time and to keep my self healthy. Hell I'm more fit that I ever was before because of it." Joseph said reminiscing his days on that god forsaken beach.
"My word, how did you cope? Most men would go insane." Dorian asked gently. A worried look appeared on the bishops face.
"I didn't, not really anyway. I had myself and only myself to talk to. For months in the back of my head, I thought that I would die and every single day I would wake up in my bed back home as if this was all a nightmare. Something's have changed about me, as to be expected of the circumstances. I probably have gone insane as well. So much so that I continue onwards like nothing happens. I never mention it, I never make too big a deal until it comes crashing like the waves of the ocean. A voice that stays as intertwined with me as a piece to a puzzle. For more than four months of feeling hopeless, I stumbled on a chance. A chance in the form of a young teen and a pair of pirates." said Joseph reflecting on his decent into possible insanity.
"You found someone?" Dorian said curiously.
"I did. The boy's name was Francis and I saved him from getting killed. Despite feeling alone and on edge, I felt the need to save him. I killed the two men and helped the boy reach civilization. Then I joined the resistance and most of what Drager told you would follow suit. Though he didn't know how I felt about it all." said Joseph
Dorian just looked confused, but nodded anyway.
"I killed dozens, hundreds even. I looked most of them in the eye as they died and to the others? I killed them in their sleep or killed them in a surprise attack. At the time I didn't care at least not a lot for the pirates I slayed, but that's until I met a pudgy man named Gordon." said Joseph clenching his fists as he recalled the cowardly pirate.
"What happened?" asked Dorian frowning.
"He was poisoned by the woman who betrayed me. He begged me to kill him, I tried to ask him if there was a cure. He said there wasn't one. He wanted to die, but not before giving me an envelope addressed to a woman in the Grand Line. In the end I shot him in the head and felt miserable. In his last moments he wished for his family to know that he loved them. I know I can't shut away what crimes he's done, but I feel as if it can't be all black and white. Then when my friend died after betraying me she was so sincere in the end it nearly broke the already broken mind I'm struggling with maintaining. Then after it happened, I killed many men in a brutal rage. I destroyed them, I was merciless and cruel. I-I don't know what has become of me. Who I am and who I was. The line between them is either becoming more defined or is merging. I am losing it all together trying to see what will happen." said Joseph sadly.
"Did you forgive the woman who wronged you in the end?" the bishop asked
"Yes I did. For she felt so sincere when she perished in my arms, I forgave her for any wrongdoings against me. Though I cannot say the same for all the others she had harmed. I still wonder why I forgave her. Normally forgiving someone for betraying you isn't something I'd personally advocate." said Joseph
"Then you aren't some bad serial killer. You have shown the ability to reconcile with an enemy who committed the act of betrayal. In the end you displayed respect and care for someone you love. That alone places you in a good spot my friend." Dorian said smiling.
The young marine still did not look too convinced by the bishops words.
"Sometimes we never know where our paths will go or how our past can define the choices we make in the present. Though maybe when you look back at where you came from then maybe you'll find what makes you, well you." said Dorian sagely.
"There's the issue Dorian, I barely know who I am. I've forgotten my surname and the name of my homeland. I have never been able to imagine vivid images in my mind, only darkness. I've always had dreams that were so real it was like any other day in reality. This world feels like an eternal dream that I cannot escape. When I try to 'imagine', it comes off more as a feeling rather than a true image. Even in the darkness of my mind I am just barely able to capture the feeling of home with the few small comforts I can gain, like certain foods and drinks to stir different feelings. I can list what I remember, but the image is blank and I don't want to forget more than I already have." said Joseph covering his face with his hands.
"It's okay to be frustrated. It's understandable that you are angry, but in spite of the problems plaguing you. You remembered your first name, the feeling of home, the thought of a warm meal and better time overall. I know it may not be what you want to hear, but it is something you must hear. Joseph you need to move forward, If you cannot return home will you lay down in defeat?" Dorian asked
"No I'd like to think I wouldn't." Joseph whispered
"Then will you not fight as you have? To make the world and the innocent people living in it feel a little bit safer?" Dorian asked
"I-I guess." Joseph said unsure.
"If you don't open up. Then when the walls around your heart crumble, who will be there to save you? Who will be there to save the man who saves others?" Dorian wondered
"I don't know." responded Joseph truthfully.
"My opinion on you has not changed. Despite your situation you have shown a remarkable sturdiness that I find to be nothing short of amazing. I see a young man with a willpower that can rival any king. You could've gone insane before or even now. Yet you have managed to control yourself from senseless violence and you still hold a grasp of the meaning of consequences." said Dorian smiling once more.
"But what if I lose myself, become the monster I fear deep down I'll become? I'm scared that one day I'll become something that will cause destruction for all. With my power it can be a reality." said Joseph truthfully admitting his fears.
"Yes maybe one day you will abandon your name and what little you've retained. Though today you sit next to me as Joseph, the marine lieutenant. A savior of a different kind. I save those who seek religious salvation and you save those in need of mortal salvation. I work for the future and you for the present. We are the same in some aspects my friend. As long as you hold on to that fact then you shall hold on to what makes you who you are." said Dorian
The young elemental looked at Dorian with a look of shock and perhaps even slight acceptance. Maybe there are some people in this world who can understand him greater than even himself.
"How can you be so optimistic? I met very few individuals who could rival such a jovial personality, but you might be in another league altogether mate." said Joseph astonished.
"I have learned in my life that helping others brings me great joy. From a simple prayer to helping an orphanage, it all brings me happiness. You could say it has to do with my childhood. I grew up in an orphanage from infancy. I was left on the door step with no note or prior warning. I grew up with nothing in a time when pirates made frequent raids on these islands. Before they got scared of the Romano's that is. Though with the little kindness I found in the common folk of Santa Villa, it influenced me to join the clergy and do some good for the community in the Eastern District. Nowadays I focus on helping the whole island. I know not of where I was born, who my biological mother is or even who I could have been otherwise. I am Dorian of Santa Villa and I am the bishop who intends to continue his duties as he swore on the day of his oath. My dream is to bring those in need to salvation. This is my life and I live it gratefully." Dorian said passionately.
Joseph was surprised by the passion the humble bishop displayed, though was nonetheless impressed. The young officer thought maybe Dorian was someone who means well. Unlike the scoundrels he mostly came across. Perhaps he had another ally in this crazy world.
"You've given me a lot to think about Dorian. I may not know all the answers, but perhaps I may even come to terms with a few of problems that worry me. One day." said Joseph thinking on the bishop's words.
"I shall pray for your future clarity and safety my friend." said Dorian happily.
"Thanks, but I think that's all I can handle for one day." said Joseph tiredly.
"Oh it is nothing my friend. You are always free to speak to me and it shall always be confidential. How about we head back to the kitchen and get some crackers or cookies." said Dorian taking both empty tea cups into his hands.
"I could go for a biscuit." Joseph chuckled quietly.
"Excellent, you'll enjoy them. Sister Abigail's hazelnut cookies are a local favorite." said Dorian happily as he walked to the door.
Joseph smiled and shook his head at the happy man, but felt his respect for the bishop rise nonetheless.
The two men left the chapel with a better knowledge of one another. Joseph still felt concerned at his own fears, but felt that Dorian's sincerity made him feel better if only slightly.
"Trust me you'll love them." said Dorian excitedly.
"I'll take your word for it mate." said Joseph chuckling.
"BISHOP DORIAN! BISHOP DORIAN! SOMEBODY HELP" a random person screamed.
"What the?" said Joseph turning to see a little black haired girl running past the gate to the orphanage.
"That sounded like..." the bishop said as he turned to see the source of the voice.
The girl had blood running down her knees as she ran straight for the bishop when she saw him.
"Izumi! My dear, what happened." said the bishop worriedly.
"B-Bad m-men, everyone..." Izumi stuttered as she started to cry.
"Izumi, darling you need to calm down. Tell us what happened." Dorian said rubbing Izumi's back.
"Bad men showed up when we were c-coming back from the library. I was able to get away. They were b-beating up the nice baker man." said the crying girl.
"Where exactly is the place she's taking about Dorian?" Joseph demanded
"Take a left at the gate and keep going straight until you see a sign that says Rocco's Bakery. I'll take care of Izumi, go!" said Dorian
Joseph nodded and turned to leave.
"Joseph wait!" Dorian said, stopping the lieutenant.
"Yeah?" Joseph asked turning his head slightly.
"Be careful." said Dorian lifting Izumi up off the ground.
"I will." said Joseph running past the orphanage gate.
The young marine ran down the street, intent on caving in the skulls of the animals who would dare frighten and attack innocents.
"Motherfuckers! I'm going to break them." Joseph thought as his anger rose higher.
"Be careful, this ain't the Kalani Islands. This is a densely populated island. If were going into a fight, then we need to do this with little bloodshed and property damage." said the voice speaking up.
"Where the fuck have you been?" Joseph demanded, curious as to the voice's silence.
"Hmmm? I've been here the entire time. I'm still you, I can come and go. It's a long mystery as to why I appear now or later. I have no clue. All that matters is I'm here now to warn you from being rash in what's to come." said the voice
"This isn't over." Joseph thought
"It never is..." the voice said ominously.
The young marine sprinted as quickly as he was able. Soon enough he saw the bakery sign in the distance and kept up the pace. Upon reaching the area Dorian spoke of, Joseph saw a small group of men surrounding a blonde woman in religious attire. The civilians around the market area looked petrified as a big man in a green suit picked the woman up by her throat.
"I thought I told you all before, one hundred thousand or I crush your skulls." said the bald man clutching onto the nun's throat.
"We don't have your money! Just let her go you animals!" screamed an elderly man limping out to face the group of thugs.
The bald man dropped the woman and turned his attention to the old man. Though upon turning around Joseph could just make out a long green serpent tattoo on his face.
"I'll be damned..." Joseph thought to himself.
"The serpent tattoo." said the voice
"You got some balls old man." said the bald thug walking causally over to the timid elderly man.
"W-We don't want you and your kind here! G-Get out!" the old man yelled, putting up a brave front.
"Fwahwahwahwaha! Get this boys. Looks like gramps here don't want our kind around here." the bald man laughed
The bald thug kicked the old man in the face, sending him flying into a fruit stand behind him.
"Urgh!" the old man grunted in agony.
"Hey!" Joseph yelled
The three thugs turned to face the young marine who was now standing across from them.
"Officer." the bald man said, acknowledging the marine's presence.
"Leave the old man and everyone else here alone." Joseph ordered
"Surely we can come to an arrangement? Officer?" The bald man spoke
"My name isn't important and there will be no arrangement." said Joseph glaring the big man in the eyes.
"Name your price. Fifty thousand, sixty? How about seventy thousand beli and we forget this whole thing?" the bald man asked
Joseph strolled up to the three thugs and stared them down hard.
"How about you go fuck yourself." said Joseph flipping off the bald thug.
The tattooed man's lackeys looked angered by Joseph's response, though the young elemental paid them no mind.
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way. So just take the money and I'll let you go today." said the bald man
"When you put it that way. How can I possibly refuse?" Joseph said scratching his chin.
Joseph punched the bald thug in the face knocking him back into his two lackeys. The bald man stared at Joseph in shock and then anger.
"Why you little..." the bald man seethed at the young marine's surprise attack.
"Remember there are people here and lots of buildings. No bending okay?" said the voice
"Yeah I got you." Joseph thought
Looking back to the tattooed brute, the young marine only thought about knocking him down once more.
"Shut the fuck up and fight already." Joseph said putting his arms up.
"Grrrgh. What are you idiots waiting for? Get him!" ordered the bald thug
The two lackeys rushed Joseph. Though their attempts were pointless as Joseph punched them both in their throats as the charged foolishly at him. The lackeys hit the ground hard as they clutched their throats in pain.
"Fine I guess I'm going to have to beat you myself." said the bald thug angrily.
The bald thug charged Joseph and picked him up by his waist. The young marine slammed his elbows down on the brutes tattooed face.
"Take that!" Joseph yelled smashing his elbow down on the brute's eye.
"Argh!" screamed the bald man
The bald brute threw Joseph across the concrete. Joseph picked himself up and gestured for the thug to rush him again.
"I'll crush you!" the bald man yelled
The angered thug swung wildly at Joseph. Haymaker after haymaker, an endless onslaught of punches being thrown at the young elemental. Though for Joseph, he found the attempt to be quite entertaining. While not doubting the strength of this brute, he had fought stronger and faster foes before. Joseph casually slipped and parried the large man's attempt at hitting him.
"Come mate is that the best you can do?" said Joseph chuckling as he punched the thug on the side of his head.
Joseph kicked the man in the groin and the proceeded to tackle the big man over. The young marine mounted him and wailed on the fallen thug without mercy.
"This is what happens when you harm innocence. This is what you people deserve." Joseph yelled as he brought his fist down upon the bald thug's jaw.
The bald thug tried in vain to strike back, Joseph instead caught his fist with his free hand and slammed the thug's knuckles back onto the pavement.
"AAAARGH!" the bald thug screamed as the sound of his knuckles cracked as his hand was smashed to the floor.
"Nighty night." Joseph said as he delivered a knockout blow to the bald man's jaw.
The bald thug stopped moving, Joseph breathed a sigh of relief and stood up not noticing the crowd of civilians watching him with open mouths.
"I need to get these men tied up and interrogated." Joseph thought
"We can't risk anyone of them getting up and fleeing. I suggest we get one of the townsfolk here to go back to the ship, while we keep an eye on these three." said the voice
"Alright then." Joseph thought in agreement.
The young marine turned to scan the area for a suitable candidate. Soon enough his eyes landed on a young girl with brown hair, she had to be no older than him.
"You there!" Joseph said loudly, pointing to the young girl.
"Ah!" she yelled in surprise as the lieutenant approached her.
"What's your name?" Joseph asked
"M-Miki sir..." Miki said timidly.
"Miki I have a job for you." said the young officer
"Yes sir, what do you need?" the girl asked still a little frightened.
"I want you to run to the docks and you'll see a marine vessel docked there. I need you to give a message to one of my superior officers, either commodore Chamberlain or vice admiral Drager. Tell either of them that lieutenant Joseph has apprehended some important suspects and that they should come back here with handcuffs and some tools for interrogation. Got it." Joseph explained
"Yes officer." said Miki
"Well go on!" Joseph ordered
Miki ran off from the scene of the brawl with Joseph's message hopefully burned into her mind.
"Do you think she'll do it or chicken out?" asked the voice not sure of letting the timid girl send the message.
"She'll do it. We just have to watch over these idiots." said Joseph with confidence.
As Joseph finished his thought, the nun that was being attacked came up to him.
"Um sir?" said the nun
Joseph turned and saw the young blonde nun approached him with a white rag and a bottle of water. She held a frown on her gentle face that made Joseph feel oddly sad as he saw it.
"Yes miss." said Joseph
"I was hoping if I could fix your hands. There all bloody." said the nun holding up the clean rag of cloth.
"Uh sure." said Joseph holding out his hands as she poured water on her rag.
The young nun started cleaning the blood off of Joseph's knuckles.
"I take it your sister Abigail?" Joseph wondered
"Oh have we met?" asked Abigail curiously as she moved on to Joseph's other hand.
"We have a mutual friend. Bishop Dorian." Joseph said simply.
"Oh my you know Dorian?" Abigail asked
"Yeah we met earlier and I helped him deliver some goods to the orphanage you run." said Joseph
"Oh you kind young man, I must thank you properly. Please I insist you come to the orphanage for a warm meal." Abigail said as she finished cleaning Joseph's hands.
"Hey um what about the children that were with you?" Joseph asked
"I sent them off when you started fighting them. Though one of the girls named Izumi is missing." said Abigail worriedly.
"Oh no need to be worried miss. She managed to escape to the orphanage. It's actually because of her that I was able to show up in time." said Joseph
The young woman looked relieved at hearing that Izumi was safe at the orphanage.
"That's good to hear. Now as for your reward. Once your done here, I insist you stop by the orphanage again for a nice meal." said Abigail cheerfully.
"Look I don't want to be a burden on you guys. Dorian told me that the orphanage wasn't exactly well funded. So I don't want to seem impolite, but I should decline the offer. Sorry." Joseph apologized
Abigail went quiet, then suddenly she looked up at Joseph directly into his eyes. The young marine noticed to his surprise that she had deep purple eyes. As dark as an amethyst. She smiled at the elemental. Though the young marine felt not kindness, but a sort of strangeness when looking at her.
"Ufufufufufu, there's no need to worry officer. I'll be quite happy to handle all of your needs..." Abigail chuckled
Joseph swore for a moment he could see a purple outline appear behind the holy woman, though it seemingly disappeared as he tried to focus on it. If anything this woman was starting to freak him out.
"I'm getting some bad fucking vibes off this chick. Say yes to her reward, her eyes are giving me the creeps." said the voice slightly put off.
"No need to tell me twice." Joseph thought whilst taking a quickly glimpse at the nun's now blank eyes.
"Oh officer?" said Abigail in a sing song tone.
"You know what, I was a bit rash before. I would love to have a meal with you and the others." said Joseph putting on a fake smile.
"Excellent!" Abigail said cheerfully.
"That was quick!" Joseph thought
"I'll be expecting you tonight officer~" said Abigail as her eyes flashed slightly.
"Uh yeah." said Joseph simply.
"Yep she's crazy and we've agreed to see her again. Fuck me, it's always the women." said the voice
"We're definitely not crazy either." said Joseph sarcastically.
"I never said we weren't." the voice responded
"Well anyway let's just hope either Drager or Chamberlain get my message and show up soon. That woman sends a shiver down my spine that I'd like to not experience again..." said Joseph watching as sister Abigail walked away.
Next Chapter: Saints and Sinners
That does it for this chapter of Justice. I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I do.
Now I have an important message to make. Over the course of march I shall be somewhat busy and I may not be able to upload chapters as quickly as I have been recently. I have some important work to get through and I hope you all understand. I will still work on chapters in my spare time, but at best there may only be one or two coming next month after this and that's if I'm lucky.
Don't fear, the story will not end here friends ;)
Again I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you all next time :)