Welcome back to Guarding Vale: A VPD Story
Back to The Beat. A spicy chapter for those of you seeking to see some organized business. The next chapter will provide a lot of entertainment that I hope you all will enjoy. But for now, let's take a look into the Spider's Web.
Now onto some review responses!
MonsterKing: Thank you very much and I will.
ReDestrobo: It's going to be quite the ride for Jaune and Cardin. A lot of things can come up in the Police. From simple matters to some of a more serious nature. But never the same kind of day.
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: Downtown Vale
Date: Tuesday, July 21th, 20XX
Time: 11:15 AM
Looking out the window, everything seemed quite normal. Just ordinary people walking about, getting where they needed to be. Two weeks seemed to have flown by. Working with Pat had been a real learning experience, from learning the names of the streets, the names of the locals, to the usual vices which plagued the area. It was never a dull day when a robbery in progress was called. However their frequency seemed to be increasing. Downtown still remained a hotbed but the activity seemed to spread further out into the City. Shipments were pilfered at the docks and trucks just arriving from the North were swiped clean of their stores.
Not only was it concerning, it was more so that the dust had not even popped up onto the underground market in Vale. Despite the higher cost of dust, not a single influx of this newly acquired surplus had gotten out. Not even through the Spider's Web. The report came in this morning during a briefing. Only adding to the tension and the increased effort to combat these robberies.
On top of their usual calls, a robbery in the area would constitute the two closest cars to intercept the perpetrators in order to secure them and the dust. However nothing seemed to be occurring within the downtown district. However things were ramping up in the Harbor and Old Town districts. Though the dispatcher for downtown didn't let up with calls for the usual scuffles, petty theft, public drunkenness. In a way it felt episodic.
Turning to Pat at the wheel, Jaune spoke up. "So, how's things with the family?"
"Oh fine, just fine… Julie's entering high school."
"That sounds nice."
"Easy for you to say, you don't have to deal with a young woman's growing independence. She's going out with friends more, staying up later, talking back." Taking a deep breath he breathed out through his teeth. "Hell, I think I'll pop a vein if she brings home a boy."
"Well I do have seven sisters, Pat. 6 are older than me so I can understand where you're coming from."
"Seven? You've got to have an iron will to survive a gauntlet like that. How'd you do it?"
"Complying.
"I really do pity you, Jaune. I really do."
Alas, the radio broke the banter.
"All units in the vicinity of Benton, reports of an armed individual in Benton Station. Individual appears to be unwell mentally."
"1-Beo-12, Roger, Code 3-"
"All units responding, shots fired, shots fired."
"1-Beo-12 Roger."
Lights and sirens flashed atop the cruiser as they gunned it for the underground station.
Location: Benton Station
Time: 11:21 AM
"The .44 Magnum Is a Monster" by Bernard Herrmann plays.
Pulling up to the entrance to the station, a stream of passengers ran out screaming. Wishing to get out of the area for their own sake. Quickly getting out of their car Pat hurried into the station with Jaune grabbing the shotgun from the trunk before hurrying in afterward. The men rushed down the escalator, jumping the turnstiles and stepping cautiously into the platform area. Streaks of blood on the ground for those who were injured by the shots.
A sick laugh echoed loudly through the station. The gunman was still present, though given the laugh, not in the right state of mind. Giving each other a look, Pat whispered to Jaune.
"I'm going to rush in and take cover behind that support pillar. Cover me."
"Right."
The two peaked out slowly to see if the coast was clear. Soon enough Pat made the rush for the first support column. Jaune snapped out and aimed at any opening to see if this drew the gunman out. It didn't, but the footsteps did. Drawing a blast from a gun from the platform on the other side of the wall. The spinning of a revolver cylinder echoed.
"Hahaha! Come to tie off a loose end? Afraid I'll squeal like the pigs you are?" Footsteps echoed close to the passageway between stations. "I'm invincible! You can't kill me!"
"What kind of statement is that?" Jaune thought in the moment. "This guy important?"
Peeking around the corner he made a quick dash to take a position by the passage way. Only to be met with the brick being shot away. Making him reel back behind the wall in cover. He hissed at the shot. Drawing a cunning remark from the gunman.
"Oh you found yourself in a pickle now, copper. Hope that Malachite can pay for your pension once I'm done with you. Oh whoops! I've slipped up a little detail. Might want to take in before I spill out even more~"
Glancing forward to see if Pat had some sort of plan, he motioned to his feet. Walking in place but emphasizing each step.
"Steps? Footsteps? He wants me to make footsteps!"
Nodding Jaune began to step in place, making it sound as if he were approaching once more. Allowing Pat to slip by the other passageway in order to get the gunman. However a slam to the gut came. Pat's aura flickering as it took the blow. Hearing the scuffle Jaunne rushed forward with the shotgun.
Looking to the ground he saw a struggle for the gun. Pat on the ground as the gunman tried to drag it over him. Sprinting over he aimed the stock of the shotgun at the gunman's head before giving a heavy whack. But his aura took the blow. Turning behind him he fired a shot off at Jaune, knocking him back against a support beam.
Hurrying off of pat, they dashed onto the tracks and laughed as they went into the tunnels. Both of them got back onto their feet and made the choice to pursue into the tunnels with flashlights drawn. With trains halted at this station there would be no inbound or outbound trains.
A flurry of shots came at them, landing at their feet or the tunnel surrounding them. Pat returned fire with a few off of his revolver, and Jaune let one go with the shotgun. It seemed futile as the gunman kept returning fire. Drawing them into a junction. Arring there they saw no signs of him there. Shining their flashlights around they saw an empty track until Jaune got smacked from behind, knocking him to the ground with the shotgun off to the side. Pat turned to aim his revolver but the gunman was too quick. Dashing like a flash, striking hard at each pass at Pat before knocking him down as well. Causing his aura to shatter from the fury.
Looking up at the man, Pat stared at him as the lights from passing trains illuminated the area briefly.
"You made a valiant effort, but alas it has failed you. Have to let them know I mean business, must be a run of bad luck for you pal." Aiming the revolver down upon Pat a smirk ran from grin to grin as he readied the trigger.
A large strike came at his head. Knocking him off balance and to the side as Jaune had his truncheon and revolver in hand. Yelling as he dashed in for another blow. Firing a round off at him point blank and shocking him before going for a surge of melee hits. This caused the man to stagger back, his aura was getting low but he wasn't going to fall to some punk cop. He made a zig zag dash to Jaune to deliver a final attempt.
Realizing the pattern, Jaune raised his revolver as the gap between them grew smaller. Then as the sights lined up Jaune let out a shot which struck its mark. Halting him as he stared at Jaune.
"Got some fight in you, not some old cop, no, no you're a newbie. Come on then!"
Replying to the request Jaune dove in with his truncheon held back as he swung forward. The gunman held his arms up to block but the blow was strong. Pushing him back a few inches. Bringing his gun hand around Jaune let the last two rounds in his cylinder out point blank. Causing the man's aura to shatter. Bringing him to his knees in exhaustion. Drumming up as much strength as he could, Jaune went over and handcuffed him. Reading him his rights briefly before dragging him and a weakened Pat back to Benton Station. The man muttered explicit words to him and his mother as he bumped along the rail ties.
Time: 11:45 AM
Outside of the station, police barricades were erected. Surrounding the station entrance with several police cars keeping the crowd at bay and re-directing traffic. Ambulances were off to the side treating those injured from the attack and from the rapid escape from the station. Unfortunately near them were body bags laid on the ground. Shooting and trampling victims from the chaos, crushed by the mad scramble out of the busy station.
The amount of damage one man was able to cause.
Sitting on the back step of an Ambulance, Jaune rested his head on his hands. Resting as Pat received medical attention from an EMT. The whole incident had been pretty hard on the two of them but they were happy to know that the guy was sent off to be held before his appearance before a judge. But now it was just a matter of dealing with the aftermath.
From his police SUV the Duty Officer, Lieutenant Thomas Kilp, walked over to the two by the ambulance. "Arc, Malloy, you two doing alright after that?"
"Yes, Sir. Just getting some stuff for these bruises." Pat said from the ambulance.
Jaune looked up at the man and nodded. "Just resting sir. My heart's still beating after all that."
"Kid just take your time. I'm turning you two in early. Pat, head on home and rest up. Aura depletion ain't nothing to laugh at. And Arc I'll ask that you head back to the station to fill out your share of the paperwork. Not to mention the shooting board is gonna take a look at the CCTV footage from the station and tunnels to verify everything."
"Yes, Sir." The two of them replied as Kilo walked off to look over the crime scene.
Once the medical professional was done aiding Pat they went to check up on some of the other injured civilians. Leaving the two by themselves as they pondered the sudden events.
"Jaune, I wanna say that I'm absolutely proud of you today."
"Thank you, Pat. But save it for when you're all rested up. I can drive you back home in the cruiser."
"That- That sounds fine. I'm too tired to drive anyways." He remarked with a weary laugh.
Helping him up, Jaune led Pat back to the cruiser, easing him in gently before closing the door and getting in driving off to where Pat lived.
Location: Midtown
Time: 12:00 PM
"Hey Pat? You mind if I ask you a question?" Jaune said as he drove down the street.
Resting in the back of the cruiser, Pat looked up and nodded slowly. "Sure, ask away."
"That guy we got earlier. Kept mumbling about a Malachite, are they talking about that Malachite?"
"Yes, Jaune. The very same, though I don't need to give you much of a lesson on who she is now."
"No, but I remember what they taught us at the Academy. The Spider's Web and its influences. Are they that deep into the Department?"
A silence reverberated throughout the car. The sound of the car and others passing by were the only things coming through. Pat took a deep breath before responding to the question. Pondering on how to phrase it right to Jaune.
"Jaune, there are a lot of things wrong with the Department. The Spider's Web is one of many. Alongside them the Xiong Clan, and the sobs who let them pass or turn a blind eye for a couple thousand Lien in their wallets. It's a cancer and unfortunately it's going to take a lot of advancements for us to get rid of. Advancements we haven't got cause we don't want to make cause we're fine the way we are." Glancing out the window, Pat looked out into the street to see people walking along the sidewalks and shopping in department stores. "No matter how much the men and women of the Department work to get rid of corruption within our ranks. No matter how much the good people of Vale want their city to be free of corruption. It's not going to stop the Families and the Clans. Only in Atlas can you go to sleep thinking that no one's going to steal your car or break into the shop next door."
The heavy handed speech left a deep thought in Jaune's mind. Corruption in government wasn't a foreign thought. Vacuo was the poster child for it. But in Vale? Was it that bad?
"Have you encountered any of them during your time working?" Jaune asked.
"Unfortunately I have. Though I make it a point to steer clear. Not for the money but for my job and my family. You get mangled into the Web and you're stuck. Rat them out and you might see your family again at the coroner. Or even worse, they'll see you there. I spot the occasional goon from the Xiong Clan and dealing with them is enough trouble as it is.. But it's the Spiders that scare you the most."
"I just hope I don't have to meet them. I don't want to ruin my life here."
"It's already too late for that Jaune. They've got the names of every officer in this city. And by nabbing that lunatic, you've already dipped a foot into this mess of a situation. Just, don't fall into it."
The light turned green and Jaune returned to driving. Leaving the car in silence once more as they drove to Pat's house to drop him off.
Location: Midtown Vale | Malloy Residence
Time: 12:06 PM
Pulling up to Pat's neighborhood, the area was quite the lovely area. Rows and rows of townhouses. Trees every other block. Cars parked out front in varying models and qualities. It was homey. Parking the car on the side, Jaune stepped out and opened the rear door. Slowly helping Pat out from the vehicle while kicking the door shut with his foot. Ascending the three steps to the door, Jaune knocked. Only for it to be opened by Mrs. Malloy.
"Pat! What are you doing here? Are you okay? You look ill. Who's this young man here? Is this Jaune? You have to let him come in. Please, please, come in. I'll set something up for the both of you. You can rest him on the couch inside." The short statured woman fired off as she dashed off inside the house.
Jaune stood there for a moment, taking in what just occurred before Pat cleared his throat.
"She's a fireball, alright. Part of the reason why I married her." The man snickered. "Anyways let's head inside, I could really use that couch right about now."
Jaune helped Pat in through the doorway and into the hall. Closing the door again with his foot til the door shut. Entering the living room, Jaune carefully rested Pat on his back on the sofa. The man gasped in delight at finally laying down on something comfortable. Crossing his arms as he closed his eyes. Seemingly at peace with his current position. Over in the kitchen Mrs. Malloy, who worked from home, walked over with three mugs of tea. Setting them down on the coffee table and sitting by the cough arm next to Pat.
"Dear oh dear, what happened to you?" She asked with a concerned look on her face.
Glancing up he grinned. "An armed individual in the Underground. Should be breaking news I suppose. Though don't turn on the TV. The noise would give me a headache. But I'm fine, Laura. EMT cleared me out, it's just aura depletion and some minor injuries. All I need is some rest."
"And you better rest, I don't want to see you get up. I am going to nurse you back to health Patrick. And I'm sure Lauren and Sophia are gonna be glad to see that you're alright. Especially since we'll be getting take out tonight considering you're preoccupied."
"Oh that'll be nice, it's been a while since we've been to that nice Mistrali place down the block. Oh- Before I forget, I'm sure you've noticed my care worker. This is Jaune Arc."
Jaune raised his hand sheepishly and waved. Sipping one of the hot mugs of tea from the coffee table. "Please to meet you Mrs. Malloy."
"Oh, aren't you such a sweetheart? You'd be such a good match for Lauren. Anyways, thank you for taking care of my Patrick. I hope he hasn't given you too much trouble now?"
Shaking his head he replied. "No not at all, Ma'am. He's been the best teacher I could ever have. He's had my back on several occasions."
Smiling, she beamed at the revelation while stroking Pat's hair. "Well I'm happy to hear that. I'm glad that the department gave him a good Officer to work with. He's usually alone so having a partner is good for him."
Beside her Pat had pretty much fallen asleep. Resting quietly as his aura slowly regenerated. Jaune looked at him and smiled then back to Mrs. Malloy. Finishing his cup of tea before standing up.
"Well I'm sorry to keep you occupied. I best head back to the station. Got a lot of work ahead of me."
"Oh I understand, do take care of yourself now. Stay safe out there." She said with a cheery voice. Waiving Jaune off as she continued to nurse Pat.
With that Jaune took his leave. Heading out the door and down the front stoop to the police car. Glancing about the neighborhood was fairly quiet. Most folks were off at work or school. Maybe he would settle down here later in life. It certainly looked like a nice part of Vale. Though given today's events, no place was entirely safe. Getting back into the Cruiser he drove off back to Downtown.
Location: VPD Headquarters | Downtown Vale
Time: 1:24 PM
When arriving back at Headquarters, the least of Jaune's expectations was to be standing in a briefing room with cameras pointed towards the Police Commissioner at the podium next to him. Crossing his arms behind him as reporters asked a flurry of questions to the Commissioner. Raising his hand for silence before speaking.
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for coming today. At around 11:16 AM, an armed individual was spotted exiting a train car at Benton Station in Downtown Vale. The individual made several threats as he brandished his firearm. Acting in a deranged manner. He then discharged his weapon several times, later we found that he was armed with several magazines.
At 11:21 AM, officers arrived at the scene followed by other police personnel and Emergency Medical Services. Two officers then proceeded into the Underground Station. They engaged the suspect who did have their aura unlocked. They were then chased into the tunnels. Underground service had been halted on that line due to the situation. After a brawl, the individual was apprehended and taken into custody. We have identified him as a former huntsman but we will keep his identity private til his appearance before a judge.
Several people were injured and killed from the individual's weapon but also the massive rush to get out of the station. People were trampled and compressed up against the walls of the station. At the moment, 16 individuals are dead. We are contacting their families at this time. 80 individuals were injured to varying degrees.
Beside me here is Officer Jaune Arc. One of the two officers who apprehended the suspect. Officer Patrick Malloy who assisted is currently resting from aura depletion. Along with the press briefing kit you will all be provided, CCTV footage of the event will be released once investigators access it. I open the floor to any questions."
The reporters clamored for a chance to speak. The commissioner pointed to an individual near the front.
A man stood with glasses and a notepad. "Maury Molts, Vale Times. Why has the department refused to disclose the identity of the perpetrator?"
"We feel that for the sake of the perpetrator. Keeping his identity hidden until his trial will help protect him and others from any unwanted violence. Our job is to ensure he is treated fairly as any other criminal. This means protecting him by keeping his identity a secret. Next question."
A lavender haired woman stood up with a smirk on her lips. "Lisa Lavender, Vale News Network. Commissioner, there were reports from those who escaped that the man was making references to the Spiders. Can you confirm that the man was an associate and or a member of the Spiders Web?"
"I can neither confirm nor deny it at this time. Investigators are still at the scene and questioning witnesses. This will all be provided in your press briefing kit which will be continually updated. Next question."
Another woman stood up with a camera dangling from her chest. "Janet Jolt, Remnant Today. How will the VPD be responding to an attack like this in the Underground?"
"We will be helping the Department of Transportation by increasing the number of officers patrolling the lines. Along with updating the CCTV network throughout the system. Now that's all the questions I can take today. Again more information will be in your press briefing. Thank you very much, Ladies and Gentlemen."
The commissioner walked away from the podium as reporters tried to ask more questions. Though the room came down to a bunch of small chats as reporters talking amongst one another as they went to leave. Leading to Jaune giving a deep sigh of relief as he went for the exit. Only to be stopped by a reporter as he had his foot out.
"Officer Arc! Just a moment please." They said politely.
Turning around, Jaune looked towards Lisa Lavender, one of the reporters whose questions were answered. "Yes, Ma'am?"
"Just a question for an article that I'm writing. How long have you been serving in the VPD?"
"Oh, just about two weeks." Jaune answered with a steady tone. Doing his best to be professional.
Writing this down she smiled and nodded her head. "Thank you very much, Officer. A job well done today."
"Thank you, Ma'am. Stay safe out there." He replied as he gave a smile in return and walked out the door. Heading off to write up the reports that he needed to submit before heading out early. Though what he didn't notice was the quick snapping of a headshot by the reporter followed by a call to another individual on her scroll.
Location: Vale Harbor District | Waldi
Time: 3:16 PM
Having come home early, there was still quite a lot of daylight left to burn. Taking this time, Jaune went to do some chores he needed to complete for the week. Heading out to the local grocery store in the area to stock up for the week. Entering in through the sliding doors with a jingle and grabbing a shopping cart. Strolling through the isles grabbing the things he needed for the week and perhaps the next. Humming quietly to himself as he picked things from the shelfs. Looking around there weren't that many shoppers present at this hour. Most would have gone earlier in the day. But after some time he started to get some glances from all of them. Lingering in curiosity before going about their business.
It didn't bother Jaune all too much. People get curious about others often. He himself was guilty of observing for longer than intended. So he carried on shopping, pulling into the dairy aisle and grabbing a few packs of yogurt. Though he was stopped by a woman who was on the opposite side of the aisle to him. She called out.
"Hey, are you Officer Arc?"
Caught off guard by the question, Jaune nodded in reply. "Yes, Ma'am. Can I… help you with something?"
The woman shook her head. "No but I'd like to say good job on dealing with that nutcase in the Underground."
Another shopper, a mother and her child, came over and added on. "You were so brave, I hope your partner is alright. You two did a fine job."
"Thank you, Ma'am. I'm glad to have done my part. I only regret that we didn't get there sooner. Lots of folks died cause there wasn't an officer there to take him down the moment he started firing."
"That's why we're glad to have you in the neighborhood. Have a good day Officer." The woman said as she went back to her shopping. The mother did as well.
Leaving him alone now Jaune went and completed his shopping. Checking out and carrying his groceries and brown paper bags. Heading out of the grocery story with a big of a kick in his step. Being acknowledged and thanked felt rewarding. It made the hard work worth it in the end.
Location: Vale Harbor District
Time: 3:31 PM
Humming along as he walked down the sidewalk. He stopped at a crosswalk, waiting for the crossing sign to appear. From the side he could hear the strands of a conversation. Glancing he looked to see a group of individuals hanging by a convenience store to the side. Two of them had a light purple bandana wrapped around their upper arms. Sirens rang as he recognized the colors, he seemingly caught the eye of one of the members which caused him to turn forward. Praying that the crosswalk sign came on.
A snicker came from the group as they began to stride over towards Jaune. Not looking in need of a friendly conversation but something a little more sinister. Though like a saving grace the crosswalk sign came on as traffic halted. Allowing Jaune to proceed. Narrowly escaping from the goons. Though in his haste he didn't turn to see them attempt to catch up. Only to be stopped by a girl in red with a penchant for fashion.
After rounding a corner, Jaune gave himself a few moments to breathe. After today's incident, he couldn't handle dealing with a group of Spiders. Yes he could often avoid them, but this was the Harbor District. If Downtown wasn't the main hub then the Harbor was. Reassessing his current situation he might want to look into moving elsewhere in the city. But with his paycheck at the moment, he would have to brave it for the meantime.
Continuing on his way back to his apartment, he waved to one of the shopkeepers who lived in the same apartment building as he did. Carrying on his way til he came to the entrance. Only stopped by someone calling out to him from behind.
"Jaune?" The voice said, it was female and familiar.
Turning around he came to face a familiar girl. She was dressed in a red jacket with a black blouse underneath. Red sneakers and a red ear ring on her left ear. Despite the change in wardrobe it was her.
"Miltia?" Jaune said with a surprised expression. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
She couldn't help but smirk at the more composed figure standing in front of her. After several months he seemed to have grown since they last met. Though heeding Junior's advice she never went any further beyond that night. But this was just a chance meeting, at least to Jaune.
"Mhm, guess it has been. I guess you and your friend graduated then? Unless you flunked, nothing against you there." She said with a bit of curiosity in her tone.
"Yeah we actually graduated. Working with the Department here in the city." He said proudly. "It's good work though, not the best wage but it's alright."
She snickered slightly, smiling in return before responding. "Yeah but hey you've got a job, still pretty good huh?"
"Mhm, anyways what are you doing here? Given you were at Junior's I suspected you were from the Uptown area?"
"Oh, well I'm just here visiting a family friend. Along with handling a chore for my Mom. Mel is working right now. But that begs the question, why are you here?"
Jaune sighed, pondering back to today's events before responding. "I got off early due to some pretty hairy stuff. The Underground incident and all."
"Yeah that Underground situation- Wait hold on, that was you? Wait it was you, I knew I heard something familiar when Lisa came on the TV. Holy shit you actually nailed that dude." Mil with wide eyes said as she looked at Jaune. "Damn you're a hero."
"Yeah, it's not that big of a deal. Lot of people still died, this could have been prevented. But the Department will be making sure something like that won't happen again." He said. "Anyways I better not keep you held up here, you got business to attend to."
"Yup, well I guess I'll see you later then huh?" Mil said with a smile to him."
"Mhm, stay safe Miltia." Jaune said with a smile in return.
The two parted ways, leaving Jaune alone by the entrance to his apartment. He entered the code and opened the door. Stepping in and heading up to his apartment.
Location: Eastern Vale Apartments, Apartment B6 [Jaune Arc]
Time: 8:58 PM
Sitting at his laptop once again, Jaune opened up his email and began to type out another one of his letters. This time addressed to his Father. Looking back on the day.
Dear, Dad
Hi Dad, how's it going?
Hopefully the farm's doing alright. I know the summer's usually rough but harvest time is soon. I don't know how but maybe you could send some of Mom's preserves? I finished the last jar she sent.
I know today you might have gotten news from the city. If not, me and Pat apprehended a gunman in Vale. Good number of people died. I've got those on my conscience. He almost killed Pat but I got to him before he could do that. I'm tired from the whole thing but I'm glad to have gotten him.
Anyways, say hi to Mom and the gang for me. I miss you all but hopefully in the winter I'll visit you.
Love,
Jaune
"Splanky" by Count Basie plays.
Closing his laptop he just crawled into bed. Turning the lamp off and just dozing quietly off to sleep.
We've dabbled with Spiders in today's chapter. Though how deep we'll go into the confines of the web, you'll have to wait and see.
Another note, we've broken 50 FOLLOWERS. Thank you to you all for continuing to follow my story. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. And I look forward to more feedback to help improve my writing for future ones. If you spot any continuity errors, please feel free to bring it up in the comments or in a PM.
Anyways I'll be signing off. Happy New Year to you all!
Stay tuned for more Guarding Vale: A VPD Story.