Author's note: This chapter tho... everything went to hell. . But on the bright side, this is the last chapter in the twelve-year-old adventures. Expect the next chapter to have a time skip of seven years! Also, there is yet another cameo in this chapter, not one hell of a cameo, but a cameo.
The very next day, Jonathan found himself sitting in a tree, his loyal dog, Danny, sitting at the foot of the tree. This was the same tree that he, Erina, and Integra (and Dio if his mood allowed it) would usually sit at. Today however, he was on his own, contemplating yesterday's fight. He still felt irritated and angry, especially after Dio had blatantly jabbed him in the eye after he punched him in the face. The worst part being, Integra had seen it all, thus proving her point that he just couldn't fight in her opinion. She may have said that he was just inexperienced, but the Joestar knew better than to just accept her neutral words. No, Integra was just sparing him because he was already physically beaten by Dio. She didn't want to add insult to his injuries, that's why she said he was "inexperienced". She didn't want to hurt his feelings. Jonathan felt childish for even thinking such a thing, as if Integra was much older and wiser than himself, but it was the truth. She knew that if she were to be brutally honest with him, then he would surely be emotionally beaten as well.
"...Damn that Dio." Jonathan mumbled, feeling his anger channel itself towards his pompous stepbrother. It just had to be him he faced. It just had to be. Had it been anyone else, he would have certainly roughened them up, but no. Fate was so cruel, cruel enough to make Dio his opponent.
It hadn't been just the boxing match though.
Outside the ring, Dio had been outshining him in almost everything. His studies, his edicate, and even his stepbrother's "social butterfly" act completely casted a shadow on him. Dio was quickly becoming a favorite of many people the Joestar saw as important parts of his life, and the worst part was, he could do nothing to stop him. Feeling helpless, the Joestar clenched his fists feebly.
This is awful. He thought looking dismally up into the clear blue sky. It's like he's taking over my life.
"Get a move on!"
In the distance, Jonathan watched as three boys went on their merry way, horseplaying and rushing along the dirt path. They seemed to be having a grand old time with one another, prompting Jonathan to join in.
"Hey! What are you lot doing?" The Joestar called, waving to the trio. "Come here! Let me join in on the fun!"
The boys returned a disgusted look among one another before discarding Jonathan entirely.
"Did you guys hear something?" One sneered.
"Ignore it." Another commented. "It's just a snitch."
Jonathan's smile crumbled into an angered frown. "What?!"
Before Jonathan could even blink the boys had started to run off. Quickly, Jonathan had lept from the branch he sat on and bolted after the three.
"Get back here!" The Joestar called rushing up the hill. "Who's a snitch?"
"You're a snitch, JoJo!" Once called as he ran. "You'll blab to anyone over anything!"
"Squealer!" Yet another called.
"Hold on! Get back here!" Once he had finally made it up the hill, Jonathan gave chase after the three young boys, only see that they were far ahead of him. "I never squealed on anybody!"
"JoJo the Squealer!" Two taunted as they ran off.
"Why don't you get that Integra broad to come fight for ya, huh?" Another boy glanced backwards at the Joestar as he stood fuming on the dirt road. "At least she'd probably land a hit!"
Jonathan clenched his fists as they ran off. "What!?"
With the trio gone, Jonathan stood there, Danny rushing to his aid as the boy watched them disappear out of sight.
"...Dio! Dio did this! He's spreading wild rumors about me!" Jonathan growled. "He's trying to destroy me for some reason!"
Now, with bot fists clenched and rose outwards, Jonathan could truly feel his anger materializing within him. "Curse you, Dio!"
With nothing there to punch, the young Joestar started to swing rapidly into the air, letting his whole body swing along with the angry punches, all while furiously shouting his step brother's name. One final punch led to the Joestar tumbling back down the hill near the river, Danny rushing to his side. After letting all his frustrations out physically, Jonathan laid near the calming river, his thoughts dwelling on his insufferable stepbrother, Dio Brando. Ever since he showed up, everyone's turned on me!
Danny made a sort of solicit sound as he appreached his owner, quickly gaining Jonathan's attention.
"Danny, you'll be my friend no matter what Dio does." The young Joestar said rubbing the pooch's head.
A snap of a twig gained the attention of both Jonathan and Danny. The two looked up only to see Erina, hiding somewhat futilely behind a tree with a small, tan basket on one of her arms. She stared down at Jonathan with a flustered expression, her cheeks a light pink as their eyes met. I've been caught!
Erina placed the basket on a branch of the tree, then promptly got the hell out of there. She couldn't help the embarrassment that slowly clung to her as she ran off.
What if he doesn't like the grapes? She thought, her running speed increasing just at the thought of Jonathan rejecting her kind gesture. What if he's allergic?
Wait a moment, she asked these questions to Integra a few days before. What was her answer again?
You go through with it. Once you've done that, then you've done your duty and all you can do is wait for the results.
Erina pouted as she continued to run. That's easy for her to say!
In truth, Erina was grateful nonetheless for Integra's answer. She had believed her to not be one for romantics and the like, but she seemed interested none the less, even going as far as to say a loud "Finally going to confess to JoJo, eh?" when Erina told her about her plan of giving him grapes. Integra was very uncaring about whether or not Jonathan or Dio heard her at the time, but Erina immediately hauled her away to talk in a more private area.
She wouldn't just sit there and allow the Hellsing to tell all about her captivation with Jonathan Joestar.
When alone, the Hellsing actually provided more help than Erian had originally thought, coming up with a "bullet-proof plan" as Integra put it. All she really needed to do was be confident and show Jonathan that she really did like him. It sounded easy enough, what with the major point of the plan being to hand Jonathan the basket of fruits. Of course, she didn't the hand deliver the grapes. She got apprehensive, and instead left them on the tree branch, compromising the whole plan.
She's sure to tease me about this… Erina thought as she continued to rush along the dirt path. I don't even know what he thinks of the berries I picked for hi-
"Erina!" Jonathan called.
"Thank you for the grapes!" The young girl glanced backwards, watching as Jonathan waved her goodbye. "I'll be here tomorrow! Come see me!"
Erina turned back towards the dirt road. Okay, so she hadn't gone through with Integra's plan, but it still worked out in the end, right? She couldn't stop a smile from curving onto her face.
She's sure to be surprised that I improvised with the plan.
Dio had began to notice something, something annoying. Jonathan was no longer upset and gloomy like he usually was. Rather, he had that stupidly happy face on, as if he couldn't be upset to save his life.
The two stepbrothers stayed within the study, Dio trying to figure out what was making Jonathan so happy (because he had finished his homework for the day) and Jonathan struggling with his literature homework. Dio tapped his pencil against his chin, wondering what could have made Jonathan so lively again?
This has "gypsy" written all over it… Dio exhaled sharply through his nose. This was something that he hated about Integra, the fact that she was always meddling in his plans to drive everyone away from Jonathan. If it wasn't Danny, then it Erian and if it wasn't Erina, it was Integra. Danny and Erina could easily be disposed of, but Integra would pose more a of a threat than the two combined. Not only was Integra thoroughly cunning, but she was fearless too. No rumor he could spread would even remotely faze her. She honestly didn't care very much for other's opinions. Fighting her was out of question too. He had heard from some… unfortunate boys that Integra had given them a hard lashing with a stick broken from a tree, one account even going as far as to say that she was like a bloody swordsman. So obviously, it would be more than wise to not provoke her into fighting. Once more, it's been rumored that the Hellsings are big on game hunting. While they were just rumors, the love of hunting would explain the Hellsing's impeccable aim with a slingshot. (Dio had once witnessed her shooting a bird out of the sky after it stole Jonathan's wallet. Needless to say, he thought it was yet another enticing thing about the young Hellsing girl.) The rumors could be false, but knowing the unladylike attributes the young Hellsing displayed beforehand, it was more likely to believe them rather than to dismiss them. As the blond boy pondered just how he would get Integra off JoJo's side, the Joestar in question, rose from his chair and rushed to George Joestar, who stood at the doorway watching the two.
"Father, I've finished my homework for the day." Jonathan handed the papers to Mr. Joestar, who looked them over carefully. "May I go out now? Erina is waiting for me!"
Of course! Dio's head craned backwards as Jonathan stood in front of their father, waiting impatiently for the elder man's answer. It's Erina…
The elder Joestar rubbed his chin a bit before moving slightly out of Jonathan's way. "Well, I suppose since you did finish your work on time."
Jonathan did a bit of a happy little fist bump as he ran past his father, letting a silent "Yes!" pass through his lips. "Thank you, father!"
When Jonathan left the room, Mr. Joestar sighed. That boy is far too headstrong… just like his mother…
"Father, I'm going to be heading out today." Dio called, walking past the Joestar. "I'll be back soon."
"Wait a moment, Dio. Where are you off to?" Mr. Joestar patted the blonde's shoulder, making Dio come to a complete stop. His red eyes glared back into Lord Joestar's, his mood veering from perplexed to annoyed in an instant. Lord Joestar however, took his son's brief silence as a sort of hesitation. A smile curved onto the elder Joestar's face. "It wouldn't happen to concern the lovely Ms. Hellsing, would it?"
Dio could feel his cheeks burn hot, the sight of which prompting Mr. Joestar to laugh a bit. The blond let out a flustered "Tch!" before turning around all the way to face his step-father. "N-no! I'm just going out!"
"To the outside world?" The elder Joestar teased. "Out with Ms. Hellsing?"
"Yes! I-I mean no!" Dio's face was a bright shade of red at this point, both out of spite and out of genuine embarrassment. How dare Lord Joestar tease him, Dio? It was only funny when it happened to Jonathan, not him! Dio, finding himself unable to find the resolve to look up at the elder Joestar looked towards the floor. "M-may I please just go, father!?"
In truth, Mr. Joestar did feel a bit bad for kidding around with Dio about his attraction for the young girl. Sure, it was cute to see, what with Dio not being able to admit to him that he in fact liked the girl, but it also served to greatly upset the boy. With another sigh, Mr. Joestar patted Dio's head. "I suppose since you have finished your work, Dio. You may go out today."
Dio rushed away at those words alone, never once looking back at Mr. Joestar.
"Ah… Young love." the elder Joestar mused, walking gingerly back into the study.
"Hey, Dio?" A chubby boy asked, walking behind the blond in question. "Why are we going over here again?"
Dio rolled his eyes. This was, what? The third time he's answered this question? "Jonathan and Erina are heading this way."
"Oh." Another said.
There was silence for a while, all three boys continuing to walk. Then, the taller boy once again broke the silence. "Why?"
Dio stopped dead in his tracks, prompting both boys to stop as well. His smug red eyes met theirs in an instant. "I just want to check up on my favorite stepbrother's new girlfriend is all. Is that so much of a crime, especially to a squealer like JoJo?"
It took time, but soon, both boys were cackling to each other.
"Yeah. That is kind of you, Dio." The taller said.
"Hehe. JoJo's in for a surprise tomorrow." The other chortled.
Dio and two other boys, the ones that had originally tormented Erina and Jonathan in the past, were walking along the dirt path. Dio had brought the back up as a means of motivation in a way. If he let JoJo have Erina, then he'd surely build back up the confidence to win over some more friends at school.
He needed to stay alone and empty in order for Dio to take the Joestar fortune right out from underneath him, so naturally, he wouldn't let him do that. THe boys were a reminder of everyone else to Dio; they were always eating out of the palm of his hands, and he'd like things to stay that way.
In that short time, Jonathan's heart was spurred by love. Erina and JoJo quickly became friends, and Jonathan was enchanted by her. Dio thought, continuing along the dirt path. A maniacal grin snuck its way onto Dio's face as he continued forward. So all I need to do is break that blossoming romance.
The bark of JoJo's dog, Danny, rang against Dio's ears. The blond quickly took cover behind a nearby tree. THe other two boys, struggled to find a suitable hiding place before finally diving into the bushes nearby. Dio smirked as he peered his head around the tree. Erina and Jonathan were heading their separate ways after a day of fun and romance. Perfect.
Well, aren't I incredibly lucky today?
"See you! Bye bye!" Jonathan rushed off with Danny close in step, waving goodbye to Erina as he went.
Erina waved to him just the same, hoping that tomorrow, she'd surely see him again. Everything's turning up swimmingly…
Erina started on her own way home, staying on the dirt road all the same. Dio continued to hid behind the tree, his hand sliding downwards to stay out of sight. While moving however, his hand brushed over a carved part of the tree.
Hm? What's this? Dio thought glancing downwards towards the tree.
A large heart with the names "Erina" and "JoJo" on the inside came into view. Dio quietly chuckled at the sight.
Poor JoJo… He thought sarcastically. He has no idea of what's about to happen to his precious Erina.
As Erina walked towards the tree, Dio slowly made his way out onto the dirt floor, startling the poor girl in the process. The two boys also made their way out of the bush, both flashing the girl less than friendly smiles. Erina backed away a bit, breaking into a cold sweat as she did so.
D-Dio…
"Hello Erina." Dio chimed, walking a bit closer to her. "I see that you and JoJo have been getting rather close lately."
Think Erina! Think! Erina continued to back away, despite Dio still continuing forward towards her. ...What would Integra do in a situation like this?
In a situation like this, Erina assumed that Integra would beat Dio and his lot of bullies up. She'd show them what for and just who the hell they were messing with. But, she wasn't Integra, a strong-willed, tough as nails little girl.
No.
She was Erina Pendleton. A true lady at heart both in mind and soul. She couldn't fight them off even if she tried. So then, what was she to do?
"I knew something was wrong." Dio said as Erina stopped for a moment, trying to think back to a time where Integra had dealt with a group of ruffians non-violently. "He's been happy where he should be miserable."
What do I do? Erina thought futily. She couldn't think straight with all this tension, all this pressure, and most certainly with Dio's eyes searing into her. It was times like these were Erina really wished Integra was here.
With no other options, Erina opted to run. It was all that she could do. She turned to hightail it out of there, but her hand was grabbed by Dio. She was forced backwards towards him. Then, she stood in shock. Dio's lips were pressed against hers and… and…
"He did it!" Both of Dio's lackeys exclaimed, their faces in ture disbelief.
Erina stood helpless, trying desperately to break free from Dio's kiss. She couldn't push him away, so she opted to at least rip his clothes.
"That's our Dio! He's got way more guts than we do!" The taller of the two boys said. "He's my idol! I want to be him!"
When Dio had his fill, he dropped Erina, allowing her to fall into the puddle beneath him.
"Have you and JoJo kissed yet?" Dio asked, doing a comical sort of victory pose. When the girl didn't respond Dio gave a bit of a satisfied chuckle. "Not yet, eh?"
Erina struggled to pull herself together, her mind barely staying within her subconscious.
"Your first kiss was not with him!" Dio taunted. "It was with me, Dio!"
These words pierced through Erina's mind, easily taking her from her thoughts and back to the reality that her first kiss was in fact, Dio. She couldn't believe this. She just couldn't.
Even if I stole it, the fact that I kissed her is enough! Dio smirked to himself at the thought. Their little romance is over! Now, all that's left is that gypsy and JoJo will be without friends and lovers!
"L-look! What's she doing?" The taller of Dio's lackeys said.
Dio's smirk immediately disappeared from his face as he watched Erina wipe her mouth with the dirty puddle water.
"What is she thinking?" The chubbier boys added. "She's washing with puddle water!"
Though her eyes were filled with tears, Erina still had some resolve left within her, enough to make her wash away the filth Dio had left on her.
"Is she nuts? There's a stream nearby." The taller continued, pointing to the tranquil running water.
"Tch!" Dio reeled his hand back. "You wench! You're doing that to insult me!"
Erina skitted across the dirt when Dio's hand connected to her cheek, leaving her twitching from the pain. After he had savagely slapped Erina, Dio turned away, grabbing a tree branch and regretting his sudden outburst.
Dio, you fool! Don't lose your head over a dumb girl! He thought, breaking into a bit of a panic.
"We're done here!" Dio snapped, tossing the now snapped branch onto the ground. "Let's go."
The next day, JoJo had gone into town to meet up with Erina. Originally, Integra would have accompanied them, but she had to stay for a meeting Penwood had scheduled with a family called the Britannias. Nonetheless, JoJo was happy to at least spend the day with Erina. As the Joestar walked down the stone stairs, he spotted the girl, walking a bit slower than usual.
"Hey, Erina!" Jonathan called.
The Joestar began to rush at Erina, but noticed how she quickly turned away from him, tears filling the corners of her eyes. Unbenounced to both JoJo and Erina, Integra had came to see if the two had already gone on their merry way. She was relieved when she spotted them. To think that all she needed to do to get out of the manor was "misplace" the baby's milk. Erina however bolted away from Jonathan as soon as he reached her. Jonathan held his hand out towards the girl. Integra rushed down from the stairs as she ran, coming to scold Jojo for scaring her off.
"E-Erina! Wait!" Jonathan called.
"JoJo!" Integra snapped, grabbing the boy's shoulder. "What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything!" He snapped back. Jonathan didn't mean to come across as rude as he did, but what that one boy had said, about Integra always coming to save him or Erina, it still stuck with him. "Why do you think I did something!?"
Integra became a bit surprised by Jonathan's words, quickly letting go of his shoulder. "I'm only trying to help."
Jonathan turned away from Integra, noting how Erina had already gone out of sight by the time he looked back.
This isn't right… What happened? Jonathan thought.
At the sound of chuckling, both Integra and Jonathan looked towards the group of boys. Dio's bunch stood there, laughing at the young Joestar.
"Look at the sorry look on his face!" One laughed.
"Go tell him why she ran away!" Another giggled.
"But I just couldn't bare to see JoJo cry!" The first chortled.
The rest burst into laughter at the comment, making Jonathan's blood boil. INtegra's icy frown grew even colder.
"You rat bastards…" She flared.
"Why you… What did you do?" Jonathan's anger was far greater than that of Integra's. "What did you do to her!?"
Even Integra winced at how loud Jonathan had gotten.
"JoJo! Calm down!" She barked. She knew that Jonathan was letting his anger get the best of him, something that would prove to be dangerous in the end. "Getting angry isn't going to solve anythin-"
"NO!" Jonathan glared at Integra. "Stop speaking like you know everything! Stop speaking like you know better than me! I can solve my own problems!"
"Tch!" Integra could feel her own anger rising. Was he really yelling at her when all she was trying to do was help? "I'm trying to help you!"
"No! What you're doing is look down at me! You think you're better than me! You pity me!" Jonathan retorted, getting up close and personal to Integra. "No wonder you and Dio get along so well! You've always been just looking out for me, like I'm some sort of child!"
Much to everyone's surprise, Integra chuckled, rather than yelling back at Jonathan. "Is that what you think? Fine then."
Integra walked past Jonathan, almost as if he were someone she didn't know. "Go ahead and solve the problem then, you oaf. I'm leaving."
Dio's crew parted out of the way as Integra walked past them. Once she was gone, they immediately started taunting Jonathan again.
"Wow! You really messed that one up, JoJo!"
"Guess she's not your friend anymore, huh?"
"Don't worry! Dio will take good care of her!"
Jonathan rushed past the boys and towards home. At the moment, Integra was the least of his problems. "DIO!"