I do not own Jojo's Bizarre Adventure or the Persona series.
Johnny's eyes fluttered open as a familiar, soft voice sang into his ears. "The hell? Where am I?"
"Welcome, to the Velvet Room." The voice of Igor reached Johnny's ears, confirming that this was indeed the place from within his dreams that were somehow connected to his reality.
"Crap, I really did pass out." Johnny groaned out as he clutched his head and looked to both Igor and Margaret, who were looking at him. Margaret showed no reaction as usual, while Igor seemed to let out an amused chuckle.
"There is no reason for you to be alarmed. Your body is still well, and is being treated by those within the world that is inside your reality." Igor said, his hands still folded in front of him. "I have seen that you have been able to acquire a new Persona."
"You mean Izanagi?" Johnny asked, making Margaret nod in confirmation.
"Indeed. From within the sea of your soul, Izanagi of the Fool Arcana has come forth. However, it came from within your soul as if it had been always there. Usually, the wielders of the Fool Arcana gain new Personas in the aftermath of battles with Shadows. Yet here you were able to summon Izanagi without that." Margaret stared at Johnny, something akin to interest flashing from within her eyes. "This is a very strange development and quite a mystery as well."
"One that will be sure to unravel itself over the course of your Journey." Igor spoke, staring at Johnny with his large eyes. "While Morpheus is the true manifestation of your heart, the proof that you were able to control the raging tide of emotions within your soul, as the wielder of the Fool Arcana, you are able to use other Personas such as Izanagi, to be the side of you that shows itself when you face the hardships of this world, a facade of determination you wear for battle if you prefer."
Johnny blinked at that. "Wait, so… I can get other Personas?"
"Indeed, for you possess the Wild Card. It is like that number zero…" Margaret looked through her book, and Johnny could spot the picture of the card he usually crushed. "…it holds infinite potential."
"A Persona is the manifestation of what's in your soul. Your heart. In turn, a heart is strengthened though bonds. The more bonds you form by getting involved with others, your Social Links will develop. These Social Links, in turn, allow you greater access and control of your soul, bringing about both new abilities and new Persona." Igor elaborated, his wide grin growing even more. "Truly, seeing you form these Social Links will be most interesting."
"Forming bonds with others? Social Links? What the hell?" Johnny asked in his mind in confusion. Was this little goblin-like man telling him to get stronger by making friends? "Who are you?"
"I am simply someone given the task of helping any guest of the Velvet Room." Igor stated without a hint of lying. "You have nothing to fear of me, Jonatha-"
"Don't call me that." Johnny snapped, halting Igor from talking further. "First you drag me in here, say that I have some sort of unique power, give me vague information, and now you're telling me I can get stronger just by making friends?"
"Forming bonds cannot be summarized as simply 'making friends'." Margaret interrupted. "There are many forms of bonds. Families, rivalry, friendship, lovers… all these are Social Links. Each one of these, if gained and maintained through personal investment and a feeling of companionship between the two parties, will bring you ever closer to finding the Truth."
Johnny was now starting to get pissed. They were saying these 'Social Links' would bring him closer to 'The Truth', but didn't say what he was looking for! "Truth? What truth? Is this about the murderer? You guys know who it is, don't you!?"
"Unfortunately, it is not within our duty to help you beyond what we give you." Igor informed Johnny with a shake of his head. "However, you may ask any questions you have, and we can answer them the best we can."
Johnny sorely wanted to grind his teeth in annoyance. So they were neither confirming nor denying that they knew who the murderer was, or what was the supposed 'Truth' he was looking for. "Might as well get an answer out of them for that…" "What the hell is up with that world? How can it let me walk?"
"That world within… think of it as a gateway into other people's hearts." With a wave of his hand, he motioned to Johnny's legs. "It also gives desires and inner thoughts form."
"So I can move them, because I always wanted them to move?" Johnny asked, and Igor neither confirmed nor denied his statement. "Then… I'll never be able to move them in the real world?"
"If you give up then of course no progress will be made." Igor said with a grin. "But perhaps if you grow strong and have people to support you, some of your deepest scars may have a chance to heal."
"What the hell does that mean?"
Johnny then noticed that the limo slowed to a stop, and Margaret was now looking outside the windows. "Oh my, it seems we have a visitor in this foggy road."
"Then we must meet them." Igor spoke, delight in his tone before he looked to Johnny. "I'm afraid this is where we must depart. Until we meet again…"
Before Johnny could ask anything else, or deny being forced out before he got the answers he desired, Johnny felt his eyes grow heavy before they completely closed.
xxXXxx
Chie wiped the back of Johnny's head gently with the clean cloth partially soaked with disinfectant, wiping the blood off of Johnny's hair while Yosuke and Teddie stood back and watched. Johnny's now ruined hat was next to his head, torn and bloodied from the battle and taken off so that Chie could give a closer inspection to the blow on Johnny's head. The other wounds that Johnny had sustained had been bandaged up, and luckily Chie knew how to do bandages correctly from bandaging herself of any minor injuries she sustained during personal training. "I just wished that he wasn't unconscious…"
"Is Sensei going to be okay?" Teddie asked in a worried voice, only for Yosuke to knock on the top of his head.
"He's not dead. He's just exhausted." Yosuke then looked at Chie. "Right?"
"He's still breathing, and other from his wounds he seems fine." Chie answered. "But honestly I'm not a doctor. I have no idea what that hit to the head did to him."
Yosuke looked glumly at the floor. "If only I had accepted it earlier, then Johnny wouldn't be like this." It was a naive way of thinking, but at the same time it is true. That monster only came out because he would not accept his hidden self, his ugly self. It was all his fault in the end.
"Ugh…" Johnny groaned out as his eyes fluttered open, causing Chie to gasp out in shock as the young man sat up. "Man, my head is killing me…"
"Don't move too much Johnny!" Chie shouted, pointing towards his head. "You got a real nasty gash to the back of the head! If you move too much, then it might start bleeding again."
"But Chie-chan, the wound scabbed over already." Teddie interjected, making Chie blush in embarrassment. "I don't think he'll be hurt that much if he moves around now."
"How do you know that?" Yosuke asked curiously to the bear. "Aren't we, like, the first humans you ever talked to?"
"Hmmm…." Teddie groaned out, scratching the back of his ears in thought. "I… really don't know. Something in my noggin is just telling me that. It's beary weird…"
Johnny looked over himself. His uniform was a mess. His hat was torn up a bit with a few dirt and bloodstains here and there, resting on his lap. His sleeves were torn up and bloody, with white bandages wrapped over them. Some bandages were even on the palms of his hands, and now that he looked at it several other minor cuts and light bruises were on his body. Not to mention the back of his head throbbed in dull pain, and his muscles were a bit sore. But other than that, he felt relatively okay enough to operate.
"Which one of you guys fixed me up?" Johnny asked, turning to his two classmates.
"Oh, that was me." Chie stated with a raised hand, causing Johnny to look at her. "Well, Yosuke would probably screw up with the bandages, and I don't think Teddie can handle this kind of stuff. So I just wanted to help you. S-Sorry I couldn't offer any more help…"
Johnny could not help but feel Chie's desire to help him, and her disappointment in not being able to do more. It's like the felt helpless for not being able to do more than fix him up after the battle. "Relax. You being able to do this is enough."
"See Chie-chan! I told you not to worry! You did your part perfectly in helping Sensei by giving medical and moral support!" Teddie sang out happily, making Chie laugh nervously.
"B-But still!" Chie suddenly shouted, glaring at both Johnny and Yosuke. "It was stupid of both of you to come here just for that! What if we got killed? Why didn't you just tell me so I could kick both of your asses for being so stupid?"
"Well, it was kinda something even I didn't want to admit." Yosuke sighed out, scratching the back of his head. "I thought myself that I came to find out why Saki-senpai was killed. I really believed that. But I guess… a part of me really did just want to seem like a hero in this weird place. And I… I'm really sorry for dragging both of you into it."
"Don't blame yourself. I'm the one that shot out the idea first remember?" Johnny asked, but that didn't take away the guilt from Yosuke's face. "I just wanted my legs to move, and you still actually cared enough to try and find whoever murdered Saki. I just used it as an excuse, and I'm the one who pushed Chie to come along."
Yosuke looked at Johnny, into his eyes even. "He's really sorry about this. He actually believes this is all his fault…" Why? Why was he blaming himself for all of this? "Alright then, I guess it really is both of our faults." He then turned to Chie and said, "Sorry Chie. Can you forgive us?"
Chie was momentarily taken aback by the apology. She… never really expected Yosuke to be ever truly apologetic. Usually he gave apologies half-heartedly or out of desperation to avoid one of her more physical shows of anger. But both he and Johnny were asking her for forgiveness. She couldn't find it in herself to stay mad at them when they were both being so sincere.
"Fine… I forgive you." She then turned to Johnny and said, "And remember what I said! If you never need anyone to talk to, just tell me! Maybe then I can help you stop from doing something stupid."
Despite himself, Johnny could not help but grin as he threw his now useless hat to the side. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
*SMASH*
Johnny almost jumped in shock at the sound of breaking glass. Everything and everybody seemed frozen as a mysterious voice rang out.
Thou art I… And I am thou…
"What the hell?" Johnny breathed out as he looked everywhere for the source of the mysterious voice.
Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Chariot Arcana…
Wait, Chariot? What did that mean?
Thou hast established a new Social Link…
It brings thee closer to the truth...
Jonathan 'Johnny' Joestar has established the Social Link: Chariot with Chie Satonaka…
"Social Links? Aren't those the things that Igor guy was talking about?" It didn't make any sense! Did these things just form whenever he just had a heart-to-heart talk to someone? Was this like manipulation of both him and whoever he was forming Social Links with? "Just what the hell are Personas, really?"
Then, time seemed to resume as normal. He saw Chie, Yosuke, and Teddie moving, even show signs of breathing.
"Anyway, I'm glad you were here, man. If you weren't, I'd probably be a smear on the ground." Yosuke spoke up with a grateful smile.
"Why are they acting like nothing happened?" Johnny asked himself before questioning, "Didn't you guys see that?"
"See what? What are you talking about Sensei?" Teddie asked, and Johnny looked to both Chie and Yosuke, who were also giving him puzzled looks.
They didn't know what the hell he was talking about.
"…Nothing, forget it." They obviously did not see anything, and it was very likely they wouldn't believe him even if he told them. What he just felt was something one had to experience for themselves. Plus, Johnny wasn't sure he could describe it very well either. Deciding to change the subject, Johnny turned to Teddie and asked, "Hey, did Saki and the announcer lady get attacked by their own Shadows too? It happened to me, and now it happened to Yosuke… Does that mean it happens to anyone who enters this place?"
"Ugh, don't say that. Makes me think my own Shadow is going to pop up at any moment…" Chie complained as she shivered. What if she did have a Shadow? What if it did come out? "No, it can't. I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. It'll never show up… right?"
"I think so. Shadows are born from people's the fog clears, the Shadows go berserk. A strong-willed Shadow forms and gathers other Shadows to it, and they attack everything around it." Teddie looked glumly at the floor. "I get scared when that happens and I go hide. I tried to warn the other two about it, but they were so scared that they ran away faster than I could follow."
"Teddie, don't beat yourself over it. You did the best you could." Chie comforted the mascot, while Yosuke looked down. So that was why they died? Because of their other selves?
"Saki-senpai…"
"So why are these places in here?" Johnny asked in confusion. "I mean this shopping district, that apartment building, my old place…"
"Well this world is reality for people who enter. I think it changes to people's thoughts and whatever they find familiar." Teddie looked back towards the liquor store in thought. "But that's what I think. This never happened before until recently. Before it was… It was… hmmm…" Teddie then stopped and hummed to himself, as if he were trying to remember something. It confused Johnny. If this world wasn't supposed to be like this, then what was it like before?
Suddenly, Yosuke groaned and stumbled a bit, snapping Teddie out of his thoughts. "Oh! You guys can't stay around here any longer! This world isn't meant for humans. So let's go back."
"I'll be fine." Yosuke said, righting himself and stepping forward. "Come on, dude." Yosuke then reached out to Johnny with his right hand.
"You sure?" Johnny asked as he looked Yosuke up and down. "You're kinda beat."
"Not as beat as you." Yosuke shot back with a grin. "My Shadow knocked you around pretty good, so I can do this much at least."
Johnny stared at Yosuke for a moment. This was truly a new thing for him. People truthfully helping him out for more than pity. More than just feeling sorry for the fallen famous person turned cripple.
"Yeah, thanks."
xxXXxx
"'He was a real pain in the ass' huh? Man, what a way to find out…" Yosuke groaned as both he and Johnny sat on the floor of the TV Station platform which they arrived on with Chie. It had only taken a few minutes and a trek up a flight of stairs to reach. While their muscles did feel tired, they were not as exhausted as they were before. Johnny could actually note that his bruises were slowly but surely growing smaller.
"Well, there are worse ways of finding out." Johnny stated matter-of-factly, causing Chie to give him a weird look.
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
"Her actually saying that crap to his face."
"I'm sure that if she had the chance, Saki would've said it a bit better." Yosuke informed Johnny with a sigh. "But… those probably were really thoughts that Senpai was keeping down inside." Yosuke then looked at both Johnny and Chie with an utmost serious expression on his face. "Okay, let's get some things straight. Senpai and Ms. Yamano were thrown in here, and since they couldn't get out they wandered around and after a while, their Shadows came out like Johnny and mine's. The fog cleared, the Shadow went berserk, and then it killed them right?"
"Sounds about right." Johnny agreed with a nod. His eyes then widened. "Wait, wouldn't that fog have come back after the rain? If we went after it stopped raining then…"
"Oh crap you're right!" Chie exclaimed in fear. "If we had gone inside when it was foggy, then there would have been even more Shadows that would be pissed off!"
"Phew, I can't believe we dodged a bullet like that…" Yosuke groaned out, thanking his often minimal luck for once in his life. "But I can't believe it… Senpai and that announcer were stuck here all alone… and no one could have saved them…"
"We couldn't have known Yosuke. We were just as clueless as you were." Chie tried to comfort Yosuke, only for him to shake his head.
"And to think, a part of me was a dumbass that just wanted to not have a boring life anymore by coming here." Yosuke gave a bitter laugh at that. He then looked at Teddie and asked, "Hey, Ted… were Saki and Yamano safe before the fog lifts over here? I mean, were the Shadows not attacking them before then? You said it's only when the fog lifts that they get agitated."
"Well, Shadows are always agitated, but they get really, REALLY worked up when the fog lifts." Teddie said. "Normally they don't bother anyone if you don't get close, which is probably why those two from before weren't attacked at first, but they were here too long and when the fog-"
"You don't have to finish that sentence. We get it." Yosuke interrupted, grimacing as he tried to get the image of a helpless Saki out of his head.
"Well, at least it should be better with you guys here!" Teddie smiled. The three teenagers stared at the bear, puzzled. At their perplexed looks Teddie gestured to Johnny and Yosuke. "Sensei and Yosuke can fight Shadows, can't they? You all can enter this world for some reason, so if someone is thrown in, you guys can come and get them!"
"Holy… that's right!" Yosuke exclaimed as realization dawned on the three of them.
"Yeah… with our Personas we can fight Shadows, and with Teddie around we'll be able to get them out safely through your exits. And with them gone, the Shadows would disappear right?" Johnny questioned, which made Teddie frown.
"I'm not too sure about that. There might be some Shadows lingering in the environments formed within this world, but maybe over time…"
"Our first priority should be to find the guy who's throwing people in there and make that bastard stop." Yosuke stated, closing his eyes in pain. "This isn't about me trying to become a hero anymore, or me looking for something that'll make my life less dull. I want to catch this guy, because I can't leave this alone. Not when I have the power to stop it."
Johnny sighed and scratched the back of his head. Looks like Yosuke was still going to try and go through with this. "But… he seems really serious about it this time." This statement seemed to have more power than what he declared at the school. As if it were fueled by true determination and emotion, while the previous one seemed to be driven simply by emotion. "And I can't leave him to do this on his own." Johnny would never forgive himself if he hung Yosuke out to dry. Despite what the Shadow said about him, Yosuke was still one of the few able to stand him, even after he heard everything about Johnny through his Shadow. "Plus, maybe I can find more answers about this world if I keep coming here."
"Alright, well… I can't let you go at it on your own. Count me in."
Yosuke smiled in appreciation while Chie looked back and forth between Johnny and Yosuke. "They are seriously planning on chasing this guy? For real this time?" She understood that both of the boys were probably reeling from both revelations and admittance. They seemed to have had an epiphany, so much that Yosuke and Johnny were actually going to try and find the murderer. "They aren't scared anymore… they aren't second guessing themselves… so they're really going to do this?" Chie then looked to Teddie, who was looking at her expectantly. That's right. Whoever was pushing people in was also wrecking the bear's home. He had nobody to turn to except her and the guys. "I can't just leave this alone. This guy, Yosuke, and Johnny are counting on me…"
"Alright. I'm in too. I can't ignore this crap. If you guys are seriously going to try and find this creep, then I'm coming with you."
"You sure?" Johnny asked. "It'll probably get even more dangerous from here on out, especially if we're trying to find a murderer."
Chie huffed and clenched her hands into fists. "Don't talk me out of this! I'm not going to walk away from this, and when I find this creep I'm going to launch him to the moon!"
"Woah, you sure have a lot of energy Chie." Yosuke cracked with a grin. "Alright… thanks guys."
"Hey… Can I ask you guys something?" Teddie questioned, making the three turn to him. "If Shadows are born from humans, then what am I?"
"Wait… do you seriously have no idea what you are?" Johnny asked, making Teddie shuffle his feet in embarrassment.
"But don't you live here? How can you not know who you are?" Chie agreed as Teddie looked down.
"Yeah, if you don't even know who you are, then how would we know?" Yosuke asked out loud, and Teddie lifted his head to look at all three.
"Well, I know stuff about this world, but I have no idea what I am." Teddie confessed, causing the three teenagers to look at each other. Was he really serious? "I honestly didn't think about it until you guys and Sensei showed up."
"No wonder we couldn't get a straight answer from you…" Johnny grumbled to himself. That would definitely hinder things if he tried to get explanations out of Teddie.
"Will you guys come back here?" Teddie asked, making Chie kneel down and place her hand on his head, flashing him a smile.
"Of course! We made a promise didn't we?" Chie asked, making a small blush form on Teddie's 'cheeks'.
"T-Thanks guys…" He then stamped his foot, and a row of TVs appeared behind him in a puff of smoke. "Alright, you guys can get out of here. But I'll be waiting for you right here. You need to enter in the same place for us to meet up."
"Wait, so the TV at Junes is our gateway?" Johnny questioned, only for Teddie to shake his head.
"Well, you could enter through other places, but you wouldn't end up here." Teddie answered truthfully, causing all three of the students to nod. That made sense. After all, different doors (Or TVs in this case) led to different places. "I don't think you would like getting lost, Sensei. If you got to somewhere that I can't reach you, you'd be DOOOMED!"
Yosuke groaned at Teddie's melodrama. Seemed like the bear wouldn't stop being the most lighthearted of the group. Instead, the three students went close to the TVs. "Alright, first we need to make sure that the coast is clear so we don't freak out any customers…"
Teddie would have none of that, because he wobbled up behind them and began pushing. "Alright, enough jibber-jabber! Off you go! Squish!"
"Hey! Quit pushing!"
"Stop moving damn it!"
"Gah! It's so cramped an- HEY! WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT YOU TOUCHING ME THERE YOU WAAA-!?"
xxXXxx
"-AAA-OOF!" With another shout of shock before letting out a grunt of pain, the three Yasogami students landed in front of the TV. Johnny opened his eyes and looked up to see that as he laid face-down, his back was arched in a way that his legs and feet dangled just above his head. "I swear, that damn exit is just messing with us now." He lifted his arms and pushed back on his feet, making his legs flow onto the ground. Johnny then turned his head to see Chie next to him, lying on her back and groaning a bit in pain. Johnny then looked to his left to see Yosuke was face-down like him, but with his face smashed against the floor and his ass comically sticking up.
"Hey, are you guys okay?" Chie asked as she lifted herself from the ground.
"Oh yeah, just peachy." Johnny replied as he grabbed onto the seat of his wheelchair and pulled himself up. Chie rushed to his side and helped to keep the chair in place while Johnny moved his body to sit down correctly on the seat. Johnny slightly grimaced in pain as his wrist and head wound began to throb in pain. "Why can't this crap go away like the bleeding in that place?"
"Man, I'm beginning to hate that bear." Yosuke complained as he pushed himself up. "But, at least we got out okay."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Chie said, smiling in relief as all three of them began taking off their glasses. She truly meant that. Despite all her doubt, they had been able to return back to Junes safe and sound again. "Well, that isn't true…" She looked at Johnny. More importantly, she looked at his wounds. He was the one who got hurt for them, who fought to protect their lives while all she did was stand in place being useless. "No, that isn't true! Without me, he wouldn't have his wounds clean!" That little fact alone brought some peace to Chie's mind, but a part of her wanted to do more. To have had both Yosuke and Johnny being able to rely on her back in that world…
"My clothes haven't gotten out okay." Johnny pointed out, motioning to his torn uniform and wrecked hat. Yosuke could not help but grimace. That was definitely a problem Yosuke could not help but feel responsible for. After all, it was his Shadow that laid the damage on Johnny.
"You can't go home like that!" Chie shouted, worry now showing on her face. "If your uncle sees you then… then…!"
Johnny nodded in agreement. His uncle probably would first freak then demand answers for both his bandaged wounds and wrecked clothes. He needed to do something about it, because this time a jacket swap with Yosuke wouldn't cut it…
"Wait! I know! Let's just buy a new uniform!" Yosuke declared, a big smile appearing on his face. "I just remembered that we got a big order from our school, full of uniforms of all sizes! If we just buy a new uniform Johnny's size…"
"He can change and go home without his uncle telling the difference!" Chie finished, relief now filling in her. It made sense! The school probably thought that it would be a smart idea to sell their uniforms within Junes to make a profit from all students who need a spare. Now they could use that to their advantage!
"But maybe Dojima will notice the new uniform." Johnny butted in, making them turn to him. "My hat's wrecked, and I'll need to buy a new one if I want to hide my head injury. He could notice my clothes are new…"
"What? Are you sure you aren't overcomplicating this?" Yosuke asked, only for Johnny to shake his head. Despite what he said, Yosuke could see where Johnny was coming from. What they did was dangerous, and they could never let anyone know about it. "Fine, but then what? You can't go back in rags."
"Maybe if Johnny bought some casual clothes and wore those, he could have the excuse that he just went clothes shopping with us…" Chie muttered out in thought, only to notice both boys looking at her in surprise. "W-What? It's just a thought!"
"No, that could actually work!" Yosuke shouted, a smile forming onto his face. "I mean, your uncle won't get suspicious if you just say that you were hanging out with us and stuff right?"
Johnny thought about it for a moment. It was true that Dojima would back off on any suspicions he had about his new clothes if he said he had gone out with Yosuke and Chie. Why would he be suspicious of that? "Okay, but I'll have to buy some other stuff to put over the uniforms."
"Dude, that won't be a problem." Yosuke stated with a grin. "Junes has a bunch of different clothes in the apparel department. Just pick, choose, and change in the changing room. So long as we buy them, it won't be a problem. Plus, it's just a bit away from here."
It didn't take them long to reach the clothing section of the store. There weren't a lot of customers around, so nobody really noticed Johnny's state of being. Well, it kind of helped that Yosuke and Chie blocked him from view by standing at his sides. "At least a store like this doesn't have bad taste." Johnny thought to himself as he picked a T-Shirt off the rack. It was a simple white one with a pink stripe going from the pink collar to the bottom of the shirt.
"I don't mean to rush you or anything, but people are starting to look at us." Yosuke whispered to Johnny, only to earn a glare from Chie.
"Well maybe if you didn't look so nervous they wouldn't feel like we're hiding something!"
"Me being nervous? You're the one who looks scared out your mind!"
"Why you…!"
"Would you both relax? I'm going to grab some pants and go to change." Johnny interrupted, mildly amused by the two bickering. With that, Johnny rolled himself over to the pants area and grabbed a pair of blue cargo pants that matched his size. After all, it was important to look as 'casual' as possible to Dojima. While normally Johnny would have picked something a bit more… well… stylish, he didn't have the time to spend an hour or two looking through pants brands.
"Wait, we need something that can hide your wrists from view. Otherwise your uncle will probably still freak." Chie began, before realization struck her. "Wait, I know just the thing!" With that, Chie ran off to another portion of the apparel section out of Johnny and Yosuke's view.
"Won't you need to scan this stuff?" Johnny asked Yosuke, who shook his head.
"Nah man, we just need to pay the exact price of the clothes before we get out. Don't worry, I'll think of something to let whoever's on cashier duty to allow it." Yosuke informed Johnny, and while Johnny nodded in appreciation Yosuke still felt the knowing feeling of guilt inside of him Was Johnny blaming him as well, but not saying anything for his sake? "Hey, I gotta ask… are you mad at me? I mean, for the crap my Shadow said."
Johnny looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Didn't we already talk about this back in the TV World?"
"I know, I just…" Yosuke sighed out, trying to get his thoughts straight. This wasn't easy, revisiting those painful truths that his Shadow laid bare. "I mean, at least you had a better reason to go into the TV World. I just went because I wanted to become some sort of hero. You just wanted to have your legs move again."
"We're still equally selfish assholes though." Johnny informed Yosuke. "We both just wanted to fulfill some sort of desire, and Chie got dragged into this crap because she believed that we were really going to try and avenge Saki and that announcer by trying to find out why she died. My reason is just as selfish as yours. I won't hold it against you."
Yosuke let out another sigh as he scratched the back of his head. As he did that, Johnny began moving to the hats section and picked up a blue wool cap with a yellow star stitched onto the front. Yosuke could not help but idly note that it was a Speedwagon Corporation product, a trusted American corporation that had a hand in clothes, technology, cars, and made several scientific achievements. It was famous even in Japan.
"No come on, focus." Johnny was right in a sense. They were both selfish, and in the end that was all that mattered. Reasons did not matter, just the simple fact that they came for their own causes under the pretext of 'justice'. "Still, I can't walk away from this, not after what Teddy said." Now Yosuke was really curious. Was whoever pushed Yamano and Saki aware about how the TV World changed with their hearts and brought out their Shadows to kill them? Was the murderer just like him, Johnny, and Chie? "I gotta find out, not because I want to be a hero, but because…"
"Got them!" Chie's voice interrupted his train of thought, causing both men to turn to see the girl with a pair of arm-warmers in her hands. They were big enough to cover almost half of Johnny's arms, and covered in red and blue stripes. "Thought these suited Johnny the most, so I grabbed them. Hope this helps."
"Yeah, thanks." Johnny thanked Chie as he took the arm warmers and placed them on his lap with his other clothes. His eyes then spotted something that quickly grabbed his interest.
Golden pins.
Not just any golden pins, but pins shaped like symbols ranging from a peace sign to a heart in various sizes. They were the kind of pins one attaches onto their clothes in order to make them seem either cooler or more stylish. Usually, girls did that but some guys like Johnny put them on to make even casual clothes look better than before. "Maybe I can put them on my uniform…" After all, Yasogami's dress code was kind of lax. So long as they had the uniforms' pants and another piece of the uniform, students were able to make alterations however they wish. Yukiko's red sweater, Chie's jacket, and Yosuke's headphones were proof of that rule being used already.
"Uh, are you okay?" Yosuke asked, only for Johnny to wheel himself over to the pins and shoot his hand forward, grabbing about four three-inch big gold heart-shaped ones and also a handful of several one and a half-inch horseshoe-shaped pins. "Woah! Dude! Don't you think you should hold off on getting those?"
"Yeah, they are kinda expensive…" Chie included, only for Johnny to reach into his pocket and pull out his wallet. In a flash of motion, Johnny had several yen notes in his hand before he handed them to Yosuke.
"Here, use this to pay for the clothes and pins." Johnny spoke while Yosuke brought the money to his eyes.
"Dude, just how loaded are you?" Yosuke asked in an exasperated tone, only for Johnny to look at him blankly. Yosuke then remembered the fact that Johnny's family was supposed to be rich and said, "Oh, right. Sorry."
"Don't be. Don't really care about money anyways." Johnny replied with a shrug. "You want more? It can cover the bat and first-aid kit…"
"Nah, don't worry about it. It'll just put a dent in my paycheck. I can live with that since I, you know, got to live thanks to you." Yosuke replied with a grin.
Johnny nodded in acceptance. After all, this was Yosuke's choice and not his. "Alright. Be back in a few minutes." With that, Johnny turned to the direction of the changing area and pushed himself forward.
Yosuke nodded before looking back at the money. "Man, at least I know who to go to if I need to borrow some cash."
Chie glared at him for that. "Don't even think about it Yosuke."
Yosuke chuckled nervously at the glare. "Come on Chie, I was just joking. Jeez…" Chie just huffed and turned away. "A-Anyway, let's just pay for Johnny's stuff! We can get that out of the way before he buys the spare uniforms!"
"Alright then, let's go." Chie then walked forward, with Yosuke following behind her. "But you owe me an order of nikuman if you want me to keep quiet about what you just said." That caused Yosuke's shoulders to slump.
He just could not catch a break.
xxXXxx
It did not take Johnny long to change into his new outfit, and even shorter grabbing about three new school uniform and put them in a bag over his wrecked one, with the pins in a separate bag over the new uniforms to keep them out of Dojima's sight. Sure, it sounded overcautious since Dojima might still be out late to handle the murder, but Johnny wasn't going to take any chances.
"After all, people who are careless are usually caught by the cops in crime shows."
"Man, this rain won't let up." Chie groaned out as she, Johnny, and Yosuke rolled down the Junes parking lot to head back into the shopping district. She had her jacket wrapped in a bundle under her left arm while her right carried the umbrella, most likely to hide any bloodstains her jacket got from him. "And my mom wants me back soon, so…"
"Yeah, I gotta head home too. I'm beat." Yosuke sighed out before looking at Johnny. "I'm going to go home, take a shower, and sleep this off. But you know what? I feel like I'm going to sleep a bit better tonight…"
"Because you got some peace in mind?" Johnny asked, making Yosuke shake his head.
"Nah man, it's because I know what I'm going to do now." Yosuke answered, his eyes narrowing in determination. "I know that we now gotta find this bastard who threw Saki-senpai and Yamano into the TV World. I know that we got to stop him, and when we find him, we force him to go to the police and pay for his crimes."
"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll find him." Chie said with a smile on her face, causing him to grin.
"You know Johnny…" Yosuke then stared right at Johnny. "For some reason, I feel like with you around, we'll be able to catch this guy." He then raised his right hand and stuck it out to Johnny. "I'm counting on you, man."
Johnny just stared at the hand. Yosuke's trust in him surprised Johnny for a second. Yosuke truly believed that with Johnny, they would be able to end the culprit's schemes. That they could put an end to the murders…
It… was kind of heartwarming, not that Johnny would ever admit to it.
"Don't worry. I'll do my best." Johnny then reached out with his own right and grabbed Yosuke's hand, shaking it.
*SMASH*
The familiar sound of breaking glass reached Johnny's ears.
Thou art I… And I am thou…
"This again?"
Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Magician Arcana…
"Magician this time? Not Chariot? What do those mean?" Johnny thought to himself while the mysterious voice continued.
Thou hast established a new Social Link…
It brings thee closer to the truth...
Jonathan 'Johnny' Joestar has established the Social Link: Magician with Yosuke Hanamura…
Time the proceeded as normal, as Johnny found out when the raindrops began falling again and Yosuke shook his hand a few more times before letting go.
"Alright, well we'll see you tomorrow Johnny!" Chie shouted as she began running away, waving back a Johnny with a smile on her face while Yosuke gave him a parting grin before walking away as well. Johnny looked back at his right hand, contemplating on what had happened.
"Went back to the TV World, got my legs to move again, got my ass kicked by Yosuke's Shadow, won out of sheer luck, met those two weirdos in my dreams again, formed 'Social Links' with Chie and Yosuke, and made a promise to a bear to find a murderer." With that last comment, Johnny gave a wistful sigh with a small smile on his face.
He probably wouldn't have had to deal with half this shit if he was still back in America. Even so, and despite everything that happened, part of him was really anticipating what would happen in the months to come.
[To Be Continued |\|]
Note: Well here's the next chap of ADKoT, betaed by Kiiam and released on the very same day as the first episode of the Stardust Crusaders anime adaption!
I hope you liked the heart-to-heart talks. I know Johnny may seem pretty chill right now, but keep in mind that this is after a battle where he almost died. He's still reeling from what was said by Yosuke's Shadow as much as Yosuke is, so he's a bit softened up when interacting with others. However, next chap we'll return to the more snarky asshole Johnny, now that he's given time to cool off. After all, people can't pull a 180 on personality just from a few experiences. Not to mention his number 1 priority still is finding out about the TV World and why he can walk. The murders are still a priority, just not his true purpose and more like a side one since he doesn't want Yosuke getting himself killed.
Also, for those who are curious about Jiraya's stats...
Name: Jiraya User: Yosuke Hanamura Destructive Power: B Speed: A Range: C Durability: D Precision: B Development Potential: A Powers: - Whenever the two shurriken attached to its hands are thrown, they generate razor-sharp wind 'blades' from the points that can even cut steel. If thrown at the same time, the shurriken can generate a powerful whirlwind - The wind cannot distinguish between ally and foe, if thrown at an incorrect angle it could potentially even damage the user. - Only Jiraya is immune to its own attacks.
Also, today is the day! The first episode of the Stardust Crusaders animation is now out! Not only that, but now more people than ever can experience JoJo LEGALLY through Crunchyroll! That's right, the site is showing the entire JoJo series, with Part 1/Phantom Blood and the first episode of Stardust Crusaders already up! If you want to truly experience JoJo's Bizarre Adventure in all its fabulous, manly, and bizarre glory from the very beginning, go check it out!
This story now has a rec & page on TV Tropes, so check that out from the link on my profile and add whatever you find appropriate.
Please leave any and all constructive criticism.
