Welcome back to Guarding Vale: A VPD Story
I'm happy to report that this is going to be my longest chapter yet. Been working on this alongside a future chapter to not bore me so much. I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I did.
Now time for some review responses!
ReDestrobo: Quite the surprise, I'm glad it had the intended effect. To your second point I'll leave the chapter to explain it. Finally for your last point on the officers of the VPD. I'll say this, we haven't left the realm of the Spider's Web. For it is intertwined with the VPD in ways an organized crime network could.
DISCLAIMER: I do own a limited edition Pumpkin Pete's Cereal Box signed by Pyrrah Nikos, but I do not own the RWBY Franchise, these characters, or any of the references mentioned here.
Credits to Coeur Al'Aran for the information pertaining to Jaune Arc's Background. Man is the GOAT of Arc Fics.
Location: VPA | Infirmary
Time: 1:25 PM
White floors and mint walls surrounded the room where he laid. The last half hour felt like something out of a dream, but it felt more like a nightmare. He started to recall the things he said. The things he did. It left a bad taste in his mouth, and nothing could help cleanse it. Looking at the clock he had been awake for the last 5 minutes, regaining his bearings after his rampage. Though now he waited anxiously for a doctor or a nurse to enter. Likely followed by Sergeant Moore and Lieutenant Burgundy.
He was sorry. Not like it meant anything at that point. However his spiraling chain of thoughts was interrupted by a Nurse who had quietly stepped out of the ward. Looking to see him awake she nodded and walked over. Motioning to individuals outside of the door to follow as she walked over to Cardin. Giving him an assessment of his vitals. Following her as suspected was Sergeant Moore and Lieutenant Burgundy. Though the slow stagger of one other individual seemed to slow everything down. 'Uncle Lyle'. The man seemed elated to see him again, not much had changed. The three approached with Lyle slowly taking the rear with the slow tapping of his cane. Cardin straightened up slightly in the infirmary bed, looking quite nervous by the figures.
"Cadet Winchester, I suppose you've gained some bearing to your current situation?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good, because I don't want to sugar coat this for you. You've gone and caused one hell of an incident, boy. Now I don't know how long you've been holding this in but given recent events, it's about time we addressed it properly." He gave a heavy sigh before continuing.
"Your mother told us about your situation, before you came here. You arrived here looking like a punk but I saw you grow into an upstanding individual. Able to work with others, despite their race. You were able to break those boundaries that held you back before. But now we think it's about time to give you that final push. We've brought Mr. Luden to talk with you for a moment before you're discharged from the infirmary. Sergeant Moore?"
Nodding, she stepped up and looked towards him. "Cadet, before you go on asking you didn't hurt anyone. Though I suppose your fellow group members would like to have a lengthy chat with you so I'd prepare myself for that. But just know that there are ways of letting loose. If you need some help, the Academy has a counselor."
Cardin nodded and smiled at his instructor. "Thank you, Sir."
"We best get going and leave you and Mr. Luden to talk."
The instructors took their leave along with the nurse. Leaving Cardin alone with Lyle. The middle aged man looked at the boy with a warm smile. Reminding him of happier times before his father died.
"Been a while, Cardin. How have you been? Your mother and sister alright?"
"I've been doing alright Uncle Lyle, Mom's doing well and Clara's in her last year of middle school."
"That's good," Pulling over a stool the man took a seat and rested his cane against the side of the bed. "Now, explain to me just what happened."
Cardin took a hard swallow before explaining what happened. "I lost control. We were doing riot training and- I just got really angry. They were acting like the White Fang and it-." Choking up slightly he felt a little watery in the eyes.
"It made me remember the funeral, and the trial."
Lyle looked at the young man sitting up on the bed. 9 years had gone by and still it hurt him. Not that he could blame Cardin, his own children didn't have to deal with the loss of their father thanks to Charles' efforts. Though keeping it all up inside must have been very unhealthy for the boy. The memory of the funeral was simple enough, though looking back to the trial, it seemed more vivid. Taking him back to the witness stand.
Date: 8 Years Ago
Location: Vale Federal Courthouse
Time: 11:30 AM
"Your Honor, the Prosecution would like to call to the stand Officer Lyle Ludden of the VPD."
From the room behind the judge, Lyle was led through a door into the courtroom. Clutching his crutch as he slowly maneuvered into the witness booth. Cameras flashed as reporters began to take photos of the lingering injuries suffered by him. The Judge waived his right to stand given his condition but he stood for his swearing in. The Bailiff Brought forth a holy book and had Lyle place his hand on it while raising the other.
"Will you tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help the Gods?"
"I do."
The Bailiff walked back to their place to the side and Lyle took his seat in the chair.
"Prosecution you may proceed."
"Thank you, Your Honor."
From the bench to the left of the judge a woman stood and nodded. Walking over to the witness booth.
"Officer Ludden, could you please state for the court how long you have been working for the Department?"
"Yes Ma'am, I've been working for the VPD for around 8 years now."
"Have you received any accolades during your service?"
"Yes Ma'am I've received one citation. One for good conduct over 5 years of service."
"How long have you known Sergeant Winchester?"
"For 7 and a half years Ma'am."
"How would you describe Sergeant Winchester?"
"Sergeant Winchester was a dedicated man. He knew how to handle a lot of the difficult things we faced. Always knew how to talk to people and all the folks on our beat got along well with him. He was able to help settle disputes and bring folks to a common understanding."
"Now, could you please tell the court what happened on that afternoon on ##, #, 20##."
"It was sometime around 2:20 PM. We were performing our beat around Fau Town, the Faunus District of Vale. Up ahead we spotted an erratic driver in a blue compact. Making jagged turns and rapid accelerations. We put on our lights and went to pull him over to the side of the road. Once we did we ran his plate through our computer which came up with Mr. Torria's MVA information. A minor speeding ticket but nothing else on his license. We approached the car and looked through the Windows, I was on the right hand side while Sergeant Winchester was on the left side. He asked Mr. Torria to turn off the car and to step outside of it which he did although he was very jittery and hyperactive. I was called over to make sure Mr. Torria didn't dash off on us while Sergeant Winchester went to get the substance testing kit from our vehicle. I informed Mr. Torria about our search but suddenly, he lashed out at me."
Lyle took a heavy breath as he did his best to keep it together as he recalled what happened.
"I-, I couldn't push him off of me. I was on the ground… He had sharp fingernails and he kept lashing at me. All over me. Seconds later I heard shots rang out, but- I couldn't remember all too much. Doctors said I lost too much blood and passed out from the shock. When I woke up I was informed what else occurred, and- What happened to Charles." He said with a slight sniffle to his voice. Wavering slightly as he held his head low to hide the few tears welling up in his eyes.
"Thank you, Officer Ludden. Your honor, the prosecution would like to submit exhibit A, footage of the incident from Sergeant Winchester and Officer Ludden's cruiser."
"Very well Prosecutor. I advise those present here in the gallery, if you are sensitive to any sort of bloodshed, please cover your ears and eyes. Bailiff, play the video."
A holographic projection screen appeared just to the side of the courtroom. It played out the incident, the voices of the officers present as it was synced up with their body camera footage. Once the footage ended the holographic screen went away and the courtroom fell silent. The prosecutor went back to her table and sat down. The judge looked to the Defense Attorney.
"Defense, would you like to cross-examine the witness?"
"Yes, your honor."
The man stood and walked over to the witness stand.
"Officer Ludden," The man spoke with a smug aura. "You and Officer Winchester followed the proper procedures for pulling over a suspect under the influence?"
"Yes, Sir."
"And do you carry out things by the book for every individual?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Regardless of race?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Officer Ludden, do you see Faunus as animals?"
The prosecutor rose from her chair. "Objection! The question is argumentative."
"Sustained." The judge replied and looked to the defense attorney. "Mr. RightmanI suggest you rephrase your question, if not then please move on and step down."
A few moments passed until the attorney stood down. "Your honor, the defense has no further use of the witness."
He was allowed to step down from the stand, though the verbal beating didn't serve to help him feel any better about himself or his testimony.
Two weeks later
The courtroom was bustling, though things came to a silence as the Bailiff called out.
"All rise! For the honorable Judge Newhart."
All stood as the judge entered from his chambers and took his seat. Following such everyone who had one did take a seat. After organizing his papers. He looked out of the courtroom.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I will keep my remarks brief before I hand down the verdict. This trial has been through a whirlwind of accusations and threats but none more shocking than one I was informed of just last night. To think a form of justice would be a bomb placed in this very court room. Now do not be affraid because the VPD has searched this room from top to bottom and there is no bomb to be found. Such baseless threats shall not hinder justice here today. I will now hand down the verdict. Will the accused please stand."
Tony Torria and his attorney Paul Rightman stood and waited for the verdict to be handed down.
"Tony Torria, for the count of murder in the second degree, the court finds you guilty."
The courtroom sparked into a light frenzy as some congratulated each other, some stayed silent, some cried, and others seemed only to grit their teeth. Outside a large group of protesters began to shout out in anger at the verdict. By the banging of his gavel things quilted down as he read the rest of the charges.
"For the count of First Degree Assault I find you guilty, for the count of assaulting a police officer I find you guilty, for the charge of driving while under the influence I find you guilty, for the charge of possession of illegal narcotics I find you guilty. Your sentencing date will be set for next Tuesday. Court is dismissed."
With the final bang of the gavel he stood up and exited to his chambers. Tony Torria was now being restrained once more by officers of the court, however in some last minute struggle he quickly jumped free and gave a mighty roar before rushing for an exit. Officers quickly unloaded a shotgun with high yield rounds. Shocking Tony and knocking him out completely. That was the last time Lyle ever had to look at him, along with a young Cardin, his sister, and their mother. that were seated next to him.
Present day
"Cardin, I know it's hard. When I heard the news I was livid. The fact that I couldn't do anything because of my eye and my leg injury made me furious! But I did my best to control my anger. My neighbors in our apartment block are a nice elderly faunus couple. They've got no hate in their hearts and hell they even took care of Martha and the kids when I was in the hospital."
Cardin, who had his head lowered slightly, looked up to his Uncle, nodding slowly. Lyle reached over and took the boy's hand and held it tight.
"Your Father was a good man, and he would be damn proud to see him follow in his footsteps. To see you overcome your prejudices, but he could also understand where you come from. Your anger. But it's not going to bring him back. We need to move on and live our lives. Live the life you want to live. To serve and protect others, no matter race. You understand that Cardin?"
"Yes, Uncle. I do, it's just so hard."
"That's why you have me boy, that's why you have your fellow cadets. No one can get through something like this alone. Now once you leave here, go out for a walk and then try to find them. Talk to them, explain to them, and if they're good people, they'll help you."
The two nodded, smiling with slight tears in their eyes as they leaned over and hugged on another. Cardin let some much needed water leak from his eyes as Lyle patted his back. Though once the talk had finished Lyle took his leave and let Cardin slowly get himself back together. Putting on his uniform was placed beside his bed on a nightstand before exiting the infirmary. Looking to wander about for a while as he thought about how he was going to talk to the rest of Group C.
Time: 2:14 PM
Group C converged on the infirmary. Though only a few entered not to crowd the head nurse. Stepping forward Alice went to the desk as the nurse looked up to her.
"How can I help you, Dear?"
"Is there a Cardin Winchester here?"
Looking at the notes on her clipboard she shook her head and replied. "No sorry, Dear. Mr. Winchester checked himself out around 10 minutes before."
"Do you know where he might have gone?"
"I have no idea, Dearie. I asked just to make sure he was alright, but he said he would just be on a walk."
"Thank you, Ma'am." Alice said as she turned around and headed out with Jaune and Charlie who had followed her outside.
Once they were outside the group looked at each other for a moment. Trying to figure out what they were going to do now. Though as they were conversing Bernie peeped up and spoke to the Faunuses of Group C
"I don't want to hammer you four with this but, are you all going to be alright with Cardin? Even after we talk to him?"
Alice, Charlie, James and Petra all looked at each other. They seemed to be at a loss to the question, though Charlie stepped forward.
"Cardin has been a really nice guy to us. Guy was really walled off at the beginning of training but he softened up. Given his past, I wouldn't hold it against him. I might have ended up like him if my Dad were killed by a human." He said as he thought grimly on what could have been if it were the case.
Petra nodded "The White Fang don't speak for all of us! That Tony guy seemed like bad news. He got what he deserved, not what Cardin's father received."
James gave a heavy sigh as he rubbed his right ear. "I've got no quarrel with Cardin. He was able to set aside any prejudices to work with us so it goes to show how good of a person he is. He's changed."
Alice being the last to speak spoke timidly, being the utter opposite of her outgoing self as she tried to voice her thoughts. "I- I always saw Cardin as a friend like all of you. When he needed help I reached out to him and helped him deal with some personal issues, and he always did the same. Cheering me up. I guess you could say…"
The group looked at her straight faces as they all said in unison.
"You like him."
Alice's ears perked up sharply as her face turned beet red. Clearly embarrassed by the truthful accusations.
"Alice, we all know you've started to like him since we went to Junior's the first time." Jaune said as he crossed his arms.
"You two always hang out together when there's downtime. All cute and adorable." said Mavis.
Sean prosed, "The real conundrum here is why Cardin hasn't picked up on the hints after this long."
"AAAAH SHUT UP ALL OF YOU." Alice said as she quickly held her ears over her eyes and face to hide her embarrassment. Petra quickly went over to hug her while the rest of the Group seemed to just die of a sugar overdose.
Though resting all of that to the side now was what to do. In the end they decided that they would wait for Cardin to return to their Quarters though Alice opted to walk around a bit.
Location: VPA | Alumni Garden
Time: 2:30 PM
"Think Cardin! You've screwed yourself over and your group mates are going to flame your ass! What do you even say?"
"Oh gee Cardin I don't know, how about you try and play it smooth and explain your situation?"
"How about something like this.." He said as he pretended to walk into a room. Opening a pretend door and closing it. "Hey guys, Cardin here."
The phrase made him facepalm himself, groaning at the cheesiness but also his lack of ideas when it came to talking to his group mates. Sitting down on one of the funded benches he tried to think out aloud to himself.
"That's the wrong kind of approach… Oh! Wait how about just going the more diplomatic route? Nothing like some fluffed up language to make things go over smoothly, right?"
"I don't know about that, Cardin, maybe you should try asking us if we're alright first." Said a voice he was hoping not to hear at all.
Turning to the entryway into the small garden he saw Alice, she held her hands behind her back as a small smile donned her face. Slowly she approached him and stood by the bench he sat on. He quickly stood up and lowered his head in shame.
"Alice! I… I…" He swallowed hard. "I'm really sorry about today! I didn't mean to swing at any of you. I got lost in thought and I want to try and explain it all to you properly. I understand if what I said hurt you and the others and you don't need to forgive me in any way."
Looking towards the hurt boy she felt some strings plucking away inside of her. Without a second thought she hugged him, squeezing him tight. "Cardin, it's okay. You had a good reason to get angry, we know about your Dad…"
Raising his head he looked at her. "It's alright?" he sniffled.
"Yes you big dummy, it is. I think it's better if you explained things to the rest of the group though. They all know too." She said with a comforting smile.
He felt quite safe at that moment. His fears were laid to rest as he took in her words. Almost instinctively he returned the bug to signify his understanding. Though something seemed to spark within him. Both of them felt quite comfortable with the other. They've been hanging out almost all the time, chatting, sharing, helping out one another. It all seemed to climax as the two met eyes for just a moment. It was all they needed before both embraced each other for a minute or two. Deciding that maybe they could return to the barracks a few minutes later than intended.
"A Beautiful Friendship" by Nat King Cole and George Shearing plays as a light breeze blows by.
Ladies and Gentlemen, a ship has sailed! Cardin and Alice are going to be a fixture from here on out. To give some background information. Their little side story was meant to be the Pyrrha and Jaune of the canonical timeline. Clueless boy and ever longing girl. Though no arrows to the chest here, for once let there be love.
For those of you wondering about Alice's background, she's based off of the story "Alice in Wonderland". Her rabbit faunus traits being a call to the little white rabbit she chases down the rabbit hole. She has ginger hair, freckles and is just about the sweetest person in Group C.
Well folks that wraps up this chapter here. Leave a review or a comment, I'll respond to them all.
Stay tuned for more Guarding Vale: A VPD Story.