Justice
Chapter 14: Saints and Sinners
previously upon seeing the result of Chamberlain's ill fated encounter with Jezebel, Joseph wandered the streets of Santa Villa alone. Contemplating his predicament regarding the issues revolving around him, he stumbles across the friendly bishop Dorian. Accompanying the bishop to the Heaven Sent orphanage. The two men found a mutual respect and even friendship as they spoke of their pasts. Joseph himself felt a rising respect for the kind clergyman as he revealed his hidden fears on his possible fate. The bishop quelled his fears, though another issue would arise as a young girl would inform them of a band of thugs terriozing the neighborhood. Joseph confronted and decimated the group of criminals and met the young sister Abigail. Despite her scary feel, Joseph patiently waited for his superiors as he silently prayed he wouldn't have to see the scary nun for a few more hours.
[Western District, Santa Villa]
(Joseph's point of view)
"Where is that girl? She's been gone an hour." said Joseph watching over the three thugs.
"Hey you picked her to do the job." said the voice
"Yeah well since we're waiting here we might as well do something to pass the time." Joseph suggested
"Usually we'd just train to pass the time, but we can't do that now. Actually we can't even train on this island without someone watching." the voice said
"True that." Joseph thought
"Just remember, we cannot afford to slack off. If we become too stagnant, we will get ourselves killed." the voice warned
"I get it okay. I really do and I doubt I'll forget that fact." Joseph thought
The young marine patiently waited for another thirty minutes as Miki came running towards him from down the street.
"Lieutenant!" Miki yelled running towards Joseph.
"About time." said the voice
"Ah Miki, you've returned." said Joseph
"I've given your message sir. The men you wanted to speak to should be coming soon." said Miki
"Excellent, you can go now miss. I'll take care of everything now." said Joseph smiling.
The young girl nodded and left in hurry away from Joseph.
Joseph turned his gaze down the street where Miki had run down and saw Drager's head pop out as he towered over the group of marine's that came running with rifles in their hands.
"Vice admiral, over here!" Joseph yelled, waving the marines over.
"So are these the men you apprehended?" Drager asked as he made it to the unconscious group of thugs.
"Yeah these guys have been harassing the locals here in the western parts of Santa Villa. At the very least we can charge them with assault and extortion." Joseph explained
"Hmmmm, Is that?" said Drager lowering his head.
"Something wrong?" Joseph asked
"I know this guy, the big one." said Drager scratching his head.
"I'm confused, who is he?" asked Joseph
"The big one with the tattoo is iron fist Shen I believe. He's fairly infamous in some circles in the West Blue, he has a bounty of around three million I think." said Drager taking a close look at Shen.
"So this bald bastard is named Shen and he's a wanted pirate." said Joseph crossing his arms.
"Well kind of. We give bounties to not just pirates, but bandits and thugs like Shen as well. This seems fishy, Shen is known to be a solo act. He doesn't take orders either, he's freelance as far as I know." Drager said
"You think he's taking orders from someone now?" Joseph asked
"I don't know. If pirates or thugs in the case for Shen are here, then Frankie must be really desperate." Drager deduced.
"Well from what Enzo told me, Frankie has been gunning for Capone Bege for a while now." said Joseph
"Yeah and that's the only reason I can think of him actually letting pirates on the island. His hatred for Bege is well known amongst the marines stationed in the west and the mafia underworld. On one hand I kind of understand, but he's playing with innocent livelihoods here." Drager said shaking his head.
"What do we do about Shen and his lackeys?" Joseph asked pointing to the three thugs.
"I'll have him brought to a safe house in the district. I don't want to be seen carrying him off to the ship. The mob here is weakened, but nonetheless watches most things that occur at the docks." said Drager
"Okay cool, what do you want me to do?" Joseph wondered
"Well have you gone to see Enzo about helping us find his brother?" Drager asked raising his long eyebrow.
"Not yet, I'll do it tomorrow. I have to check on Dorian." Joseph said
"Ah I see, well listen. It's best you find a hotel or somewhere else to stay for the investigation. This island has many eyes at night and while I don't doubt your fighting abilities, I urge you to use caution from now on. Try to keep fights to a minimum. Oh and tomorrow after you deal with bishop Dorian and Enzo, come find me at the Kingston Hotel on Yucca Street. It will be on the map I gave you." Drager said
"Oh and sir about the commodore?" Joseph asked
Drager raised his long hairy eyebrow at the mention of his friend.
"Yes?" wondered Drager
"I ran into him and well he was with this woman named Jezebel. She did a number on him and I had to step in. It almost got lethal." Joseph reported
"Fucking crimson haired bitch." said the voice disgusted at the thought of the red woman.
The tall vice admiral face palmed as he heard what had transpired with Chamberlain only a few hours ago.
"Fucking great. Look I'll handle Chamberlain, I know how to work with him." Drager assured
"Got it, but I should warn you. He doesn't look like he's in the best shape." said Joseph giving a short salute.
"I'll deal with this mess for the moment. Just remember to be at the hotel tomorrow. There I'll show you how real marine work is done." said Drager pulling out a set of steel handcuffs.
Joseph nodded and left the three thugs at the hands of the tall marine. Joseph jogged his way back to orphanage to check on Dorian and to his displeasure, sister Abigail.
[Heaven Sent Orphanage]
(Joseph's point of view)
"Do we have to speak to the crazy lady? How about we just cut and run, go see Enzo eh?" the voice bargained
"We just have to get this over and done with. Afterwards I need to find a place to sleep." said Joseph jogging down the street.
Joseph ran back to the orphanage and saw a group of small children huddled around Dorian as he was speaking to sister Abigail.
"Dorian!" Joseph called out as he walked through the gate.
"Ah Joseph. Thank the lord you have returned." Dorian said happily.
"It was nothing, really." Joseph said scratching his head.
"It's nice seeing you again officer. Have you come to join us?" said the blonde nun smiling.
"Uh yeah definitely..." Joseph said
The young nun's eyes flashed briefly before she turned walked into the orphanage.
"She's scarier than Julia, no doubt about that." said the voice
"Definitely." Joseph thought, completely agreeing with the voice.
"Alright kids while the good sister is preparing dinner you can play for around thirty minutes, except you Izumi. You can sit on the veranda, due to your injury I want you to sit out for a while." said Dorian
"Yes Dorian!" said the children in unison.
The children scattered around the little area of the orphanage. Some ran around, others went inside and a few sat down to read the books that got from their trip to the library.
"Joseph I was wondering since your staying for dinner that it would be okay if you watched the kids while I help the good sister." Dorian said
"Ah sure. I can watch them." Joseph said
"Excellent, I'll get going. I call you all when everything's in order." said Dorian walking into the orphanage.
"Okay time to babysit some kids for a while." thought Joseph
Looking around as he watched the children play in small groups, he saw Izumi all by herself drawing in a large sketchpad.
"Hey the kid's all by her lonesome." said the voice
"Yeah maybe I should go talk to her. See how she's doing after what happened." Joseph thought
The young officer walked over to the small brunette as she was scribbling away.
"Hey, Izumi right?" Joseph asked as he sat down next to the young girl.
"Uh hi." said Izumi looking up to Joseph.
"So what are you drawing?" Joseph asked as he looked around keeping all of the other kids in his view.
"I was drawing a picture of a beach see and I started drawing pictures of little fishes." said Izumi turning her sketchbook around.
Joseph turn his head to look at the crudely drawn picture of a fish.
"Well in fairness, it isn't the worse fish I've seen." said the voice
"It's a nice looking fish Izumi." Joseph commented
The young girl giggled as Joseph finished speaking.
"Eh? Did I say something wrong?" said Joseph confused.
"Hehehe. You say fish weird." Izumi giggled as she pointed at Joseph.
"Weird how?" Joseph wondered
"You say the word funny. You say the word as if there was a letter 'u' instead of the letter 'i'." said Izumi
"I can't really help it. It's what happens when you have a different accent." said Joseph chuckling alongside the young girl.
"Do you like to draw mister?" Izumi asked
At hearing those words Joseph smiled as he pulled out his small notepad and showed it to the young girl.
"I sure do." said Joseph smiling.
"Can I look through it?" Izumi asked
"Go for it." said Joseph
Izumi took the small notebook in her hands and flipped through the pages. Each page she turned made her eye go a little more wide.
"This is so cool. It looks so real. I wish I could draw something like that." said Izumi
"You can, with a little practice and time. You can perhaps draw better than me one day. Besides my style has always been a little rough on the edges, but perhaps your future work could be more elegant than mine." said Joseph
"I don't know, this is really good. I can't do anything like this. It's impossible." said Izumi shaking her head.
"How old are you Izumi?" Joseph asked
"Uh, nine." Izumi responded
"Do you have two working hands?" Joseph asked
"Yes." said Izumi tilting her head.
"Do you have a pencil and a notepad?" Joseph asked
"Of course I do dummy." said Izumi pouting.
"Then you not only have the means, but also the time to catch up to me. As long as your determined there's not many things that can stop you." said Joseph
Izumi nodded and gave the notebook back to Joseph. The young marine put the book in his coat pocket and focused his sight to the other children.
"Hey mister." said Izumi
"Yeah?" said Joseph still looking at the other children.
"While I was looking at your drawings I saw a pretty lady in there." said Izumi
Joseph snapped his head back to Izumi's direction immediately as she spoke.
"I-I um yes the uh pretty lady..." said Joseph rubbing his shoulder.
"Is she your girlfriend?" the young girl asked bluntly.
"Oh dear god." said the voice speaking up.
"No just a friend, yeah just a friend." said Joseph looking down slightly.
"Oh well where is she?" Izumi asked
"What?" Joseph said
"You said she was your friend. Friends should be together, right?" said Izumi
"Um yes. Friends should hang out with each other. It's just this particular friend is far away and I don't think I'll be seeing her anytime soon." said Joseph quietly.
Izumi placed her notepad on the veranda and placed her hands on Joseph's temples. The young girl then started to rub his temples. Joseph felt slightly relaxed, but was confused at why she was doing it.
"Izumi, what are you doing?" Joseph asked
"My mommy used to do this for me when I was sad. You looked sad so I want to make you feel better." said Izumi smiling.
"This kid's alright." said the voice approvingly.
"Hahaha, you're alright kid." Joseph laughed as he patted Izumi's head.
Izumi giggled as Joseph continued to pat her on the head.
"I see you two are getting along swimmingly." said Dorian surprising the duo.
"Ah Dorian I see you've come to join us." said Joseph
"Well dinner is almost ready. The roast chicken is resting now, so I came out here to call the children in. If you don't mind, can I get you to help Izumi inside." said Dorian
"Sure thing, come on kid grab your things. I'll help you in." said Joseph standing up.
The young girl nodded and held on to Joseph's arm for support. As the two walked into the building to see a a series of tables pushed together. Joseph frowned as he saw how cramped some of the kids would be sitting in some of the more snug spots next to the wall.
"Okay kids, dinner time!" Dorian yelled to the children.
The children groaned, but complied. They piled into the building as Joseph and Izumi sat in the more spacious area of the room. Mainly for Joseph as he was the tallest one in the building.
"Come on now. Kayla, Lin, Olga, Kyle, Donny, Macy, Lance take your seats." said Dorian following the children inside.
A short blonde girl ran inside and started grumbling as she looked at Izumi.
"Oh man, Izumi got the best seat." grumbled the girl.
"Kayla you know the rules. Whoever's the first inside gets the good seat." said one of the boys.
"I didn't want your input Lance." grumbled Kayla as she down.
The rest of the children took their seats as the kind bishop went in to the kitchen and retrieved nine plates for everyone. Placing them all down with a knife and a fork beside each plate, Dorian just smiled as he set the table while humming.
"Dorian I should help." said Joseph as Dorian placed the last plate in front of the young marine.
"Oh no you don't. It's because of you were eating tonight. I say you should sit down and relax. Now I should go check on our meal." said Dorian walking off to the kitchen.
The saint of the east returned with a pot of vegetables and another smaller pot of mash potatoes. He placed them down on the centre of the table and with a large wooden spoon he served the children and Joseph with vigor.
"This mash is nice and smooth. No lumps, nice." thought Joseph with a smile on his face.
"I can't wait for the chicken." said the voice excitedly.
Joseph just shook his head at the voice's antics, but smiled anyway.
"I hope you kids are in the mood for some nice chicken." said Abigail carrying the roast.
The young nun placed the roast chicken in the middle of the tables and took a sharp knife out to cut equal portions for the children. Once Abigail finished serving the children, she locked eyes with Joseph as she placed a large chicken leg on his plate.
"I hope you enjoy~" said the young blonde winking.
Abigail took the other seat next to Joseph and held her hands together. Dorian Joined in as he sat down, as did the other children. Joseph followed suit in a small prayer and after they concluded, the group began to eat to their hearts content.
Joseph took a bite of his nicely cooked meal and felt satisfied on the outside. On the inside was a different story as the voice was a little too excited."
"Thank all of the heavens, angels, God, fucking whoever! I'm just glad to eat some real fucking food again. I missed chicken so much..." the voice rambled, losing himself in the pleasure of eating an actual home cooked meal.
The young marine just chuckled at the voice and kept eating his meal.
Dorian and Abigail engaged in idle chat as the children rambled to each other. Joseph just smiled at the comforting vibe of the orphanage.
"Joseph?" Dorian spoke
"Eh? What?" said Joseph snapping his head towards the bishop.
"Oh you were just spaced out. I was checking if you were okay." said Dorian
"Yeah I'm good. Just enjoying the meal." said Joseph taking another bite of chicken.
"I'm glad you like it." said Abigail.
"Mhmm, but it is getting late and I should really be out finding a hotel or something." said Joseph finishing his vegetables.
"Do you not have accommodations?" Dorian asked frowning.
"Not at the moment." said Joseph truthfully.
"Then the only solution is to have the spare room prepared for you." said Dorian clapping his hands together.
"Excellent idea bishop." said Abigail
"Wait what? No, no, no wait a minute. You don't have to go through the trouble." said Joseph shaking his head.
"Nonsense, you are the reason were even eating tonight. Fair is fair, you deserve it. Sister Abigail if you don't mind, could you get the room ready for our wonderful friend here." Dorian said
"Of course bishop." said Abigail
The young nun left the table to prepare Joseph a room in the orphanage. After she left, Dorian stood up and whistled to gain the children's attention.
"Okay children, I can see that most of the food around the table has been finished. It's time for bed, so all of you head to your rooms and prepare for bed time." said Dorian
"Ah man." groaned Lance
"It's about time, you really need a bath." said Kayla pinching her nose.
"Hey shut up!" Lance yelled
"Okay that's enough children. Lance I will not have such bad language used in this place and Kayla be nice. Now off you go children." said Dorian sternly.
The rest of the children followed the bickering youngsters, leaving the two men alone.
"It's not easy some days I tell you. Now your room should be down to the left of the kitchen, just go through and on your left. It's small, but we have a spare mattress and blanket there for you." said Dorian
"I-I, ah forget it. I guess I'm staying." Joseph conceded
"Too right, now I'll take care of the dishes. Go on then." said Dorian moving to grab the plates on the tables.
Joseph sighed and stood up. He walked through the kitchen and out the other entrance next to the stairs. Joseph saw the young nun leave the room, upon noticing him she gave the young officer a playful smirk.
"Bedrooms ready officer~" said Abigail breezing right past him.
"Man she's freaky, but she can cook a nice roast. I might lower her on the crazy scale." said the voice debating on his opinions about the nun.
"Unbelievable..." Joseph whispered
The young marine laid down on the single bed cramped in the small room. Deciding to figure out a plan tomorrow, the young elemental closed his eyes intent on falling into the peaceful bliss of sleep. Before the darkness could take him he thought or at least hoped that Chamberlain was doing okay.
"Don't over do it..." Joseph said as he fell into slumber.
[Dockyard Markets, Santa Villa]
(Chamberlain's point of view)
Meanwhile on the other side of Santa Villa. Hours had passed since his encounter with Joseph, in the time since Chamberlain aimlessly wandered through the streets of Santa Villa. Pushed and shoved passed by passerby civilians as he miserably dawdled back to his ship. He arrived around dusk as the markets and their merchants started to close for the night. Chamberlain did not care, even as the marines on station gave him a salute on his arrival. He could feel nothing but shame in those moments. He waved them off and bumped into the last man he'd wanted to see, Drager.
Chamberlain was a complete mess, even more so than during his time in the Kalani Islands. The commodore appeared disheveled, blood covering his nails and staining his shirt. His hunched over stance and his look of utter defeat marked him and anyone who saw him could feel the surrounding negative wave of emotion flow from Chamberlain's near broken form. Drager instead looked furious to the appearance of the raggedy commodore.
"God it's worse than I thought. Get in the captain's cabin now!" Drager growled, grabbing Chamberlain.
The imposing vice admiral practically threw the commodore inside his quarters and sat him down on a finely crafted wooden chair. The tall marine left his side for a moment with some plan in mind. Drager returned a moment later with three large bottles of rum and placed them down on the mahogany table. Taking a seat, Chamberlain saw his friend glare at him as he started drinking. The commodore hung his head in shame as his old friend grilled him.
"What the fuck do you think your doing Chamberlain!? Coming back here looking like a sullen mess. You're even dirtier than a fifty thousand beli whore." said the tall marine, taking a big swig of rum.
"I had to tell Jezebel what happened, If I sent one of the boys to handle this then she would have skinned them alive." Chamberlain defended
"And yet you come back here with blood under your nails, all over your shirt and to top it off you smell like horse shit." said Drager pinching his nose.
"Her son died and you know how much I cared for that kid. He was like a son to me and I failed to save him." Chamberlain moped laying his head on the wooden table.
"Chamberlain he's gone. There's nothing more that you can do about that. If Jezebel doesn't forgive you, so what? Fuck her then. But Yusuke? He died end of story." Drager said bluntly.
Chamberlain raised his head and looked at his oldest friend in anger.
Sensing the tension between them, Drager looked slightly remorseful at seeing the reddened face if Chamberlain.
"Look I don't mean any disrespect, but he was a marine like us. An officer no less, he knew the risks. It's sad, but we need to move forward. Hell, I need you in the game right now." Drager said firmly.
"It's not easy. I've known him for years. Always by my side. Ready for action, ready to get his hands dirty and when the time came for him to get his hands dirty, he died. He stood there and smiled at me, then in a single moment he was on the ground bleeding to death." said Chamberlain tearing up.
"I'm not saying his death was nothing my friend, but as marines we fight and die. Justice above all, you of all people know this." said Drager opening another bottle of rum.
Chamberlain sighed, feeling tired. The commodore looked into Drager's blue eyes and then turned his attention to the unopened bottle on the table. Reaching over to grab it, his hand was swatted by the tall vice admiral.
"Normally I'd give you the bottle, but with what you've been through I think it's best you stay sober. Some self control will do you some good." said the vice admiral
"Fucking prick. A man can't even have a drink while in mourning." Chamberlain thought as he glared at the tall man.
"Why'd you bring me back here old friend." Chamberlain spat.
Drager's eyes widened as he heard the anger of Chamberlain seep out. Scratching his scraggly beard, the tall officer looked slightly lost in thought. Chamberlain though was curious as to what he'd say to him after he took reeled back in shock from his own slip up.
"I know you were attached to the boy. But he was a marine for what? Ten years? A captain too, he knew the risks Chamberlain. Then Jezebel, of all the sons it had to be..." said Drager shaking his head.
The brown haired commodore looked to his old friend and sighed once more. Mustering up the courage to reveal the aching pain looming over him, he looked into Drager's eyes once more.
"The day I met Yusuke. A boy with nothing to his name except a dagger and his mother. He reminded me so much of myself it felt like I was looking into a mirror. I told him that when he was old enough, I'd come back for him and three years later on his eighteenth birthday I gave him the choice. Stay with his mother or sail the seas as my new apprentice." said Chamberlain reminiscing on happier times.
Chamberlain looked to his oldest friend and sighed.
"Make no mistake. I know Jezebel is monster, but deep down she had one thing keeping her in the light, her only son." Chamberlain said
"And now she's all alone. She nearly killed you from what I hear." Drager said quietly drinking.
"I know. Joseph almost put a bullet in her today, after she beat me of course." Chamberlain said slumping in his chair.
"He's a good kid that one." Drager said scratching his messy beard.
"Yeah that boy is a beast, I haven't met someone like him in a very long time." Chamberlain said smiling slightly.
"Too right. He has a ways to go if he wants to be a marine. Tomorrow I'll be meeting him at the hotel on Yucca Street. I'll walk him through how real marines get the job done." said Drager standing up, carefully hunching over as to not hit his head on the ceiling.
"What about me?" Chamberlain asked curiously.
"Keep the ship in order and await for further instructions tomorrow morning. Right now I am going to bed and you should probably should too. Also, have a shower and get changed into some fresh clothes. You stink worse than a dirty toilet." said Drager walking out underneath the cabin doors.
The doors closed behind the tall vice admiral, leaving Chamberlain alone with his thoughts.
"Why is everything so difficult now. Everything use to be easy, now it feels like all I try to do to keep the people I love alive fail in the end." said Chamberlain staring up to the ceiling.
The tired commodore stood up and shuffled to his bed in the corner of the room, falling face first on to the linen covers.
"I'm such an idiot..." Chamberlain said before slamming his head onto his pillow.
Chamberlain tried his best to force himself into the bliss of sleep. Though as he continued and failed, he silently prayed that someone could get him through this. For the lads, for Drager and more importantly himself.
[Western District, Santa Villa]
(Joseph's point of view)
The following morning was rather peaceful for the marine lieutenant. He woke up around five and wandered from his room to see Dorian enjoying the sunrise. The two men engaged in idle chat for a short while. Joseph used the showers in the orphanage and donned his grey suit and white coat. Bidding the jovial clergyman goodbye, Joseph left the Heaven Sent Orphanage intent on meeting Enzo as soon as possible.
As he moved the city at such an hour, Joseph could feel the morning light giving him a relieving sense of warmth, It helped soothed his nerves as carried on. The young marine strolled slower than usual, taking in the sights of the holy island. Surrounding through the Western District was buildings of marvellously crafted stone. Showing off symbols of intricate roses and vines, while also being built seemingly to last. To Joseph the architecture of Santa Villa reminded him of something. Something his memory fails to remember, but deep down he feels as if he should know the historical era for such a building.
"It is a beautiful city no?" said Joseph walking slowly through the street, admiring the exquisite statues of angels as he passed by.
"Indeed, but I won't lie. There are a lot of statues on this island and I mean a lot of statues. It's kind of creepy that no matter where you go, or even which direction your looking at, there is still some kind of statue looking directly at you." said the voice
"I guess, but I can't deny the craftsmanship." Joseph responded
"Indeed. Now as to our mafia problem. I frankly don't see a peaceful way out of this." said the voice
"Understandable, more than forty people got killed. Now if I was an armed maniac with a brain, I'd get out of town really quick or hide somewhere few people would go to look." thought Joseph agreeing with the voice.
"Oh definitely, but I'm referring to the fact that I have a feeling we'll need to put down these crooks for good. Shen, Frankie and probably Enzo himself." said the voice
"I'm not quite sure, Enzo was more or less okay. Shen and Frankie I get, but I have a feeling that Enzo wants something else. Perhaps an early retirement is in order." Joseph thought
"A guy like Enzo isn't going to lay down. I saw the look in his eyes the first moment of our encounter. I saw a killer, experienced and tactical. That old fox has seen things, things were still to green to know up front." said the voice
"Well we will have plenty of chance to speak to him when we head up to the Northern District won't we? said Joseph obviously.
"Let's not dawdle now, pick up the pace." said the voice
[Northern District, Enzo's Mansion]
(Joseph's point of view)
The young marine aimed north to Enzo's mansion intent on questioning the man on the whereabouts of his brother. Joseph wandered into the northern side of town, feeling as if he's beening watched on all sides. Despite the streets not being densely populated at this hour, he did not feel completely at ease. He felt nervous as he neared his destination, wary that a potential enemy he can't see may possibly catch him off guard.
Though despite his fears he reached the long white brick road where Enzo's mansion resided.
Joseph saw two of Enzo's men dressed in black suits standing in place at each end of the decorative metal gate. Both men were armed with rifles and looked vigilant. The two men waved Joseph over as he approached.
"Hold!" said the guard on the left.
"Hey now boys, I'm not here for any trouble." said Joseph raising his hands into the air.
"State your business marine." said the other guard pointing his rifle towards Joseph.
"I'm here to speak to Enzo. I can assure you I'm not here to cause trouble. Things went okay the last time I was here after all." said Joseph
"Joseph right?" said the guard on the left.
"That's me." Joseph confirmed
"Okay come through, the boss said to let you in next time you were here. He'll be in the back garden past the fountain and next to palm trees." said the guard on the left lowering his rifle.
The other guard lowered his gun and unlocked the gate to Enzo's mansion. Joseph calmly walk through and continued straight past Enzo's fountain and followed a side path to the backyard.
Enzo's backyard was in a state that Joseph thought to be perfect. Lush green grass, a row of palm trees evenly spaced from each other and a marvellous bed of roses surrounded the scene with crimson beauty.
Joseph turned to see the old gangster sitting on a chair with a small table situatednext to him whilst he was reading a book under the shade of a palm tree.
Seeing that Enzo was deep into his book, Joseph thought that he'd be the one to start things off.
"Hello Enzo." said Joseph trying to get Enzo's attention.
Looking up to see the young marine, Enzo smiled slightly.
"Hey hotshot, what brings you here to my humble abode?" Enzo asked politely.
"I'm here on business. About your younger brother." said Joseph
Enzo's smile faded and the silver haired man looked the young marine in the eyes with slight sorrow.
"Oh, I see. What exactly do you need of me?" The old gangster asked
"We need to find Frankie and I have no idea where to start. I was hoping you had a lead." Joseph said
"Frankie has gone off the grid that I know for a fact, but I know he's here on the island. He knows the ports are being watched. My best guess is he's somewhere in the Southern District. Then again maybe not, he hasn't gone to any of his usual spots in nearly a week now and he hasn't called either." said Enzo placing his book down on the small table.
"Damn." Joseph said
"I guess it was too much to assume it would be easier to get to him then." the voice said tiredly.
"I think you'll need to draw him out of hiding. My brother is a hot head and he never backs down from a fight. Not even against me. If you somehow piss him off enough he might come out to show he's still a tough guy." said Enzo
"That sounds dangerous and very risky, but I have nothing else to go on. Is there anything you can do to lure him out for me?" Joseph asked
"You got guts hotshot, but no I can't assist more than I already have. Despite the horrible things Frankie has done, he's still my kid brother. I'll put the word out that you're running your mouth about him though. The rest is up to you." said Enzo looking down to his lap.
Joseph looked at Enzo and was perplexed by his approval of him hunting his brother. Yet also his reluctance to help more.
"You know I don't get you old man. You seem a lot more calmer than I pegged a big time mob guy to be." Joseph said
"Don't believe everything you hear about us wise guys. Most of us are no different than every other random guy on street. Though occasionally you get hot heads like my brother who bring a bad reputation upon us." said Enzo
Enzo paused for a moment and took in a deep breath.
"This thing of ours used to mean more than just a single person. It meant the world to me, it was my family, my community, my home. This is my way of life. As dangerous as it is, it's how it goes in the West Blue."
"Okay, then why live this life. You're walking down a long tight rope Enzo. What do you do when you fall?" Joseph asked curiously.
"Kid I appreciate your concern for an old fuck like me, but I've been in this game for more than thirty years. I know a thing or two about surviving." said Enzo smirked.
"But is this really how you want to spend the rest of your life? A gangster with dozens of enemies out to kill you?" Joseph asked
"I could say the same thing to you, a marine facing off against pirates. A marine standing before a gangster talking about another gangster on the run. We both live dangerous lives. You've yet to make your legend. I've been around a long time and made a minor legend out of myself. Trust me hotshot I'll be alright. You on the other hand should try to live a more fulfilling life while you still can." said Enzo smiling knowingly at the young elemental.
Joseph was stunned internally by Enzo's words. Perhaps maybe he was the strange one for asking or perhaps he himself was the hypocrite. Joseph didn't know and this confused him more.
The young marine decided it was best to go, rather than to argue anymore.
"Thanks anyway Enzo, but I better get out of here." said Joseph looking down at his watch.
"See you later kid." said Enzo picking up his book once again.
Just as Joseph turned away, Enzo called back to him.
"Hey Hotshot." Enzo called
"Yeah?" Joseph said turning his head back.
"Be careful out there and good luck. You'll need it." said Enzo
Joseph nodded and walked away from Enzo. He made his exit garden through the side pathway. The young marine made it back to the front gate and knocked twice. The guards opened the gate and Joseph walked on into the town.
"I don't understand him." Thought Joseph
"I get what you mean. But I feel as if there is some truth and experience in his words. A type of knowingness that we both do not possess." The voice said
"I suppose..." sighed Joseph, thinking on the subtle wisdom of Enzo's words.
The young man reached into his pocket and pulled out his map and pointed out Yucca Street. He noticed on his map that the only hotel there was called the Kingston Hotel. Joseph knew his destination. Now it was time to see Drager.
[Kingston Hotel, Santa Villa]
(Joseph's point of view)
Joseph arrived infront of the Kingston Hotel roughly twenty minutes after his departure from Enzo's mansion. The hotel was three stories tall and was painted in a grimy brown colour. Half of the windows of the hotel were covered in boards and the other half were shattered.
"So this the hotel? It looks filthy." Joseph said walking across the dirt stained entrance.
"For God's sake, the fucking smell. Oh good lord." said the voice heavily disgusted by the stench.
Joseph wandered to the front counter whilst pinching his nose, carefully trying not to inhale the foul air.
Behind the counter was a pale man with a receding hairline, who wore a disheveled green uniform. The hotel employee started to pick his dry, cracked lips as Joseph took a good first look at the man in front of him.
"Oh God, what the fuck?" Joseph thought, grossed out by the slimy employee.
The slimy man looked to Joseph with his blood shot eye.
"Can I help you, Sir?" The slimy man said sarcastically.
"Y-Yeah can you tell me what room Drager is in?" Joseph asked, still not having fully recovered from the stench of the hotel.
"Who?" The slimy man asked
"Drager, big guy, marine." Joseph said a little more forceful.
"No, never heard of him." The slimy man responded now picking his nose.
Joseph looked at the digusting wretches name tag and saw that his name was Gerald.
"Gerald right, look I'm kind of in a rush here. So can you point me out to where Drager is and I'll leave you to whatever you were doing." Joseph said trying to be polite for one last time.
"Listen pal, how about you fuck off. I don't have time to entertain kids like you. It's bad enough I have to work next to a bunch of religious nut cases, but to cater to a little punk like yourself? Nah I don't think so. So piss off before I get less than friendly alright? Thanks." Gerald said, not even bothering to look Joseph in the eyes.
"Fuck this, let's just crack his head open and make him tell us what we want." said the voice angrily.
"What about keeping calm and maintaining a low profile?" Joseph asked, unsure of next approach.
"Less talking more hitting!" The voice demanded
Joseph tried to rally his patience, but failed and ruled in favour of the voice.
The young marine walked around the front counter and shoved Gerald backwards.
"Woah what the hell!?" said Gerald surprised.
Joseph quickly punched the slimy man down to stained carpet beneath them. Gerald reached out to the counter and tried his best to get up. Though as he shakily rose to his feet, Joseph threw a right hook into Gerald's face and knocked him down again.
"Now you listen to me you piss stinking prick. I will not be looked down upon by a man who smells like a urinal. So you will tell me where Drager is or I'll bash your shit filled skull in." Joseph threatened
"Okay okay, he's in room eleven on the floor above us. Okay." Gerald coughed out.
Joseph kicked the digusting man in his ribs. Gerald grunted in pain and whimpered as Joseph started walking away.
"Was that so hard?" Joseph said, walking to the stairwell on the right hand side of the front counter.
"Time to see what Drager has to say..." thought Joseph as he walked up the stairs.
Next Chapter: The Archbishop
I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Justice.
I'm back bring another chapter in the Santa Villa Arc. I hope you all are having a nice day.
I'll see you all next time :)