Think… Shizuka had to think. It was the only way out of this situation. The twins working together felt nearly invincible. However, Shizuka knew nothing was unbeatable. She grew up listening to stories of how her father defeated the ultimate being. It taught her an important lesson that sounded a little cheesy, but was infinitely true: There's nothing you can't beat with luck and a smile. Those were the words her father would always end his story with.. She just needed to push her luck a bit and think things through. A diagram began to form in her head. Pepsi was attacking Jotaro relentlessly because Jotaro couldn't defend himself due to Shirlie's empathy attack. Shizuka also couldn't attack Shirlie due to the incredibly powerful short range Stand Pa-Pa-Power defending her. There was a way to solve this. She just needed to stay calm. Then, her eyes widened.
"I figured it out." She said firmly.
This drew the attention of Shirlie. The sobbing girl managed to look at Shizuka with confusion. "Figured what out?"
"You two are really, really strong. The synergy of your Stands is crazy. I can't beat you." Shizuka shrugged.
Shirlie wiped her eyes. "Yeah? Then what's your plan?"
Shizuka couldn't help but smile. Yes, she planned on following in her father's footsteps with this one. "Get well, Jotaro! Bye-bye!" She shouted, turning and sprinting out of the alleyway.
Shirlie watched in absolute shock. Had the little twerp really abandoned her comrade in the middle of a battle? She refused to believe it. Pa-Pa-Power remained cautious as Shirlie focused on keeping Jotaro restrained. Meanwhile, Pepsi was still beating him every few seconds. Something didn't feel right. The air fell silent for a moment as Shirlie contemplated the situation.
" Ultra Violet!" Shizuka shouted, her Stand appearing out of nowhere.
Shirlie let out a gasp as the enemy attacked. There wasn't time to prevent it. She had no idea Shizuka could create illusions! The brat must have sent a fake running away and become invisible herself, that way the twins would think she was gone. Pa-Pa-Power raised his hands in defense, but Ultra Violet easily stepped to the side. A flurry of punches connected with Shirlie. Ultra Violet was just too fast to challenge.
The tall woman was pushed back by the sheer force of Shizuka's attacks. She held her stomach in pain. It took a few moments of heaving before she even attempted speaking. "Y-You… God dammit. I'm really gonna have to do it." She whined, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You really think I can only make one person feel things? You're wrong!"
Shizuka didn't leave any time for a counter-attack. Ultra Violet sent another frenzy of attacks toward Shirlie. They didn't connect, though. Suddenly, she felt the same anguish that was plaguing Jotaro. Her breath hitched and she felt her heart ache. This was what Jotaro was dealing with? Shizuka fell to her knees as Ultra Violet faded in power.
Shirlie gritted her teeth in determination. Forcing two people to feel emotions doubled the effect on herself. She was currently experiencing the anguish of both Shizuka and Jotaro. She was very used to coping with grief though. She could handle it. She would last. Meanwhile, Pa-Pa-Power was well within range of Shizuka. With a bit of reluctance he punched her away. She flew into the nearby wall; crumbing down into a silent mess of emotions. The small girl was bleeding from several places.
Shirlie found it within herself to laugh. "See Power? We're winning… We're beating th-them…" She let out a small sob. "Aren't you happy?"
Pa-Pa-Power silently wept as he shook his head.
"F-Fuck off you big softy... We're okay. This is all okay." She reached into her pocket and grabbed a knife. "If we stab the girl we can make a run for it. Let's just finish this."
Shirlie stood up and took baby steps over to Shizuka's limp body. She raised the knife up in anticipation. Then, out of nowhere, she felt a firm hand grab her wrist. Something in the air shifted. She felt different emotions coming from her victims. It all clicked. Jotaro had stopped her from stabbing Shizuka. She felt a surge of determination coming from the man. He was enraged.
"What a wicked, horrible woman." He growled from behind her.
Shirlie's stomach sank. Somehow, Jotaro had turned all of the anguish she made him experience into pure rage. She could feel the fury he held for her. He leaned closer; his breath hitting the back of her neck as he squeezed her wrist in his hand.
"So you can make people feel whatever emotions you want? Hmm?" He squeezed her wrist so hard she feared it might break. "I'll admit, you made me do some serious thinking. Maybe it would have worked, but then you went and tried to drive a knife into a kid. And not just any kid." He snapped her wrist in his hand; causing her to scream. " My kid."
Perhaps Shirlie had gotten carried away in the moment. She always had a bit of a problem with allowing situations to escalate. When he worded it like that, she felt like shit for trying to stab a ten-year-old. Still, she didn't have time to fret about that. The hair on the back of her neck stood tall as Jotaro stepped closer.
"You know, there are other ways to make people feel emotions. I find it pretty easy to make people afraid." He said barely above a whisper.
In an instant they were on top of one of the buildings overlooking the alley. Shirlie let out a shriek as her eyes adjusted to the sight. When had that happened? How did they get up there? She struggled in his grip as he continued.
"There are things in this world you can't understand, but let me make one thing very clear. A universal truth. Try to hurt a kid on my watch..." He paused, and they appeared back down in the alley once more. This time, however, Shirlie was facing Jotaro. "And I'll hurt you ten times worse."
" ORA!" Star Platinum roared as it threw Shirlie across the alley like a ragdoll. She slammed into the wall and landed uselessly in the rubble.
Shirlie had never felt such potent fear before. There was something wrong with Jotaro. Not only could she feel her own emotions, but she felt his absolute rage and bloodlust for her. That only added to her terror. She decided to stay down. It was better that way. This man was so good at repressing his emotions that he turned Power's artificial depression into a blind frenzy. And unfortunately for the twins, he wasn't done yet.
"And you." Jotaro pointed down the alley, unable to see his other foe. "I don't need to see you. Come here. Right now. "
After a few moments Jotaro felt a brass fist collide with his chest. The moment the fist connected, time froze. Jotaro's eyes focused on Pepsi's paralyzed body. "There you are…"
Jotaro adjusted his hat and took a deep breath. "Yare Yare. Here I go again." He groaned. He had to take another second to get enraged once more. Then, he screamed in anger as Star Platinum pummeled Pepsi's stomach. Time resumed a moment later as Pepsi was thrown over to Shirlie's body. Jotaro's foot stomped down on the pavement in front of them as he glared down at them.
Pepsi had received enough punishment that MIST's shroud faded. They were completely noticeable to the naked eye now. The large man reached down and reclaimed the stolen belongings from Pepsi's person. He groaned, turning to face Shizuka. "You okay?" He called across the alley.
Shizuka sniffled a bit as she wiped her eyes. "Don't think I missed you calling me your kid." she responded with a shit-eating grin.
Jotaro just smiled softly. "It was an emotional moment. Literally."
About twenty seconds later, Josuke and Marina sprinted into the alley.
" Jotaro!" Josuke shouted as he ran up to him. "Are you okay? Did we get them?"
Marina squatted down in front of Shizuka. She raised a brow and smirked a bit. "Hey there slugger. Do you make a habit of being tossed around in alleys?"
Shizuka groaned. "I have a bucket list. I wanna get beaten up in ten different alleys all across the globe. Next stop, Africa."
The older girl helped Shizuka to her feet. "I'll fly you anywhere once we're done here. Now." She turned and walked over to the twins. Bubblegum Bitch appeared and stuck them both against the brick wall. "You two aren't going anywhere until you answer a couple questions."
Both twins struggled to no avail. Shirlie spat in frustration. "What do you want? You got your stuff back. Just leave us the hell alone!"
Marina would love to leave them alone. Right after she got some answers. "Did Blondie send you?" She questioned.
Shirlie looked truly confused. "Blondie? Is that a name? Is it a code? Look, we're not involved in any mob stuff… We just take what we need."
Jotaro checked his wallet. Everything was accounted for. After he put it into his pocket, he spoke. "You sure have useful Stands for petty theft. Have you ever considered a bigger heist? Like a museum? You could make millions."
Shirlie shook her head. "No. We don't want to draw any unwanted attention. We just take enough to live week by week."
Shizuka finally spoke up. "You said that we had shades too. And you were really surprised. We call them Stands. Have you never met another Stand user in all your travels?"
"There are more!? How many are there?" Shirlie questioned in disbelief.
Jotaro adjusted his hat for a moment. "Where are your parents?"
"Dead." Pepsi said without a hint of emotion.
Shirlie looked down with a dark expression. "Our mom died when we were six. We never had a dad."
Marina looked over to Jotaro with confusion. "You said that Stand Users attract Stand Users. How is it these two have never met any before us?"
Jotaro rubbed his chin in thought. "It could be their shroud ability… They could have been in close proximity to Stands and not even known it. They're undetectable."
Pa-Pa-Power emerged from Shirlie, forcing everyone else's Stands to appear as well. This set them all on edge. However, Power didn't seem to be angry. No, he just frowned and looked down in what appeared to be shame. Then he fell to his knees and clasped his hands together. Everyone watched in fascination.
"Is her Stand begging for mercy?" Josuke raised a brow.
Shirlie groaned in annoyance. " Power! Stop it! We don't need them! We don't need anybody! So stop asking!"
"Asking what?" Jotaro questioned.
Shizuka understood. For some odd reason Shirlie's deeper emotions were being projected onto her Stand. Maybe it was due to her empathy powers, or maybe because she intentionally routed unwanted feelings into him. She couldn't be sure. Still, it seemed some abstract part of Power was capable of feeling; even if it was just Shirlie's own subconscious mind. Pa-Pa-Power wasn't just a second set of arms like Ultra Violet. He was a person to Shirlie. And this person only wanted one thing.
"He wants to be our friend." Shizuka mumbled.
"He? What are you talking about?" Jotaro looked down at her with interest.
"She thinks Pa-Pa-Power is a person. Can't you tell?"
This caused Shirlie to growl. "He is a person. Just like you and me. And he's making me angry right now."
Power looked like he was ready to cry as he pleaded on his knees. None of the others knew what to say in response to that. Shizuka tugged on Marina's sleeve gently. "I think you can let them go. They're not going to fight."
Marina wasn't as convinced. "And what makes you say that?"
Jotaro shrugged. "Her fighting spirit is literally groveling on the ground. I think it's safe to say they're done."
Marina relented; dropping the twins to the ground with a sigh. "I assume you two are smart enough not to try anything?"
Pepsi had no reaction. Shirlie, on the other hand, rubbed her arms in irritation as they returned to their normal state.
Josuke cleared his throat. "So." He mumbled awkwardly. "Why does your Stand bring out everyone else's?"
Shirlie shrugged. "Power gets lonely. I didn't realize there were others, sure, but MIST would always come out when Power's summoned. He sees it like a family reunion." She explained.
"Are you going to keep robbing good people?" Shizuka asked softly. "Because if you are, we're not gonna let you go."
Piercing eyes glanced up at Shizuka. The disdain in Shirlie's expression was tangible in the alleyway. Everyone could feel it. Perhaps Power was projecting his user's emotions onto everyone. Either way, it caused Shizuka to stand upright in shock.
"Good people? We never rob good people. We rob drunks, cheats, wife-beaters… The scum of the Earth." Shirlie mumbled.
Josuke gritted his teeth. " Wha!? Me? I'm not any of those things though! Why'd you steal from me?"
Shirlie just looked at him darkly. "Your hair's ridiculous. And you were ordering a drink with a kid at the table. What was I supposed to think?"
A shiver ran down both Shizuka and Jotaro's spines. They witnessed a blue aura emit from Josuke's body as he stared down at the ground. He ground his teeth together and let out a growl. "You know kid?" He asked in a low, sinister voice. "If it wasn't for the department-mandated anger management therapy, you'd be getting the snot beaten out of you right about now."
"Why's that, Mister?" Shirlie growled with equal animosity at she sat up. "I'd understand needing therapy because of that hair. I feel like I need counselling just by looking at it."
Jotaro just stared in baited breath. There was a good chance he'd have to stop Josuke physically if things got more out of hand. The police officer just ran a comb through his hair and took a deep breath. Then, in a flash, Crazy Diamond put an enormous hole in the wall behind Josuke. The Stand kept going; attacking the wall with enough rage to completely destroy it. Soon, it was rendered to tiny pieces. They could see into whatever storage room was on the other side. The entire time this happened Josuke just kept combing his hair with his eyes closed. After about thirty seconds he exhaled heavily. Then, in a blue shine, the wall repaired itself. He cleared his throat and pocketed his comb.
"People who make fun of my awesome hair piss me off. I can't help it. But I'm not about to pummel some orphan's teeth out just because she's got a bad attitude. You can put Star Platinum away, Jotaro. I'm fine." He mumbled.
Jotaro, who had been ready to knock Josuke out if need be, pulled his Stand back and sighed. Tensions still seemed very high. There had to be a way to ease them. Shizuka got an idea. She stepped forward from the group and looked at Pa-Pa-Power. Even though he was on his knees he was still an inch or two taller than Shizuka. She just smiled and extended a hand.
"I'll be your friend, Pa-Pa-Power. And Shirlie's too, if you put in a good word for me." She smiled.
Everyone watched in fascination as Power contemplated her offer. Then, in a silent roar of pure joy the Stand lifted Shizuka into his arms and swung her around. Jotaro and Josuke flinched, ready for attack, but it quickly became clear that Power was hugging the small girl. She began to laugh joyfully; hugging him in return as he swung her to and fro. Eventually he put her down. He gave her shoulders a few loud pats before pulling away. Shirlie rolled her eyes, but Shizuka could notice a small smile forming on her face.
"He likes you." Shirlie mumbled.
"I like him. There's no need for any of us to fight. We're all on the same side." Shizuka said.
Pepsi stood up. It was shocking since they're so easy to miss. Shizuka had honestly forgotten they were there. Their face was still obscured by MIST's ability, but they were looking right at Shizuka.
"You want us to stop stealing. What's the alternative? We can't own our own home yet, and we refuse to go into the foster system." They spat.
Shizuka looked to Jotaro for guidance. She didn't have an answer to such a loaded question. He thought for a moment before speaking.
"The Speedwagon Foundation has a program for gifted minors. They'd provide food, shelter, and education in exchange for your services when you're older." He mumbled.
Shirlie raised a brow. "The what? Is that some sort of cult?"
Jotaro shook his head. "It's a foundation that specializes in the supernatural. They have operatives all over the world. They're used to taking in troubled kids with nowhere else to go."
The twins looked at each other for a moment in consideration. Then, they disappeared. After they discussed their options with one another in private' they popped back into view. Shirlie rubbed her right arm, looking down at the ground nervously.
"We could check it out. There's no promise that we'll stay though."
"Great! We're on our way there now!" Shizuka beamed. "It's like fate, huh?"
Jotaro fixed his hat and looked down at his phone. He had an email from the foundation. They would be ready for his arrival in a little over an hour. He put his phone away and sighed. "Yare Yare… We should get going now. I guess we'll have to pick up food on the way?"
Shizuka nodded eagerly. "McDonalds!"
Jotaro groaned. "Maybe somewhere with actual food? We'll call into a local diner and order to go. My treat."
Everyone agreed on that. Josuke healed the four who were injured during the fight and they were all on their way. Shizuka couldn't help but feel entirely optimistic about all of this. How could things go any better than they already were? It seemed like their hardships were behind them. Yes, it seemed that way…
They arrived at the Speedwagon Foundation slightly early. Jotaro lead them through the entrance and into the first security checkpoint. They went through a metal detector with no issue. Then, at the second checkpoint, they ran into some problems. The three tagalongs of the Joestar party were stopped at the gate. A tall man took them aside and gave them a cautious glare. He was a very skinny man. In fact, he resembled a twig more than anything. His brown hair stood upright; and his body had very few bumps and curves that normally make up the human form. He was pillar-like. He adjusted his glasses and spoke up.
"I'm sorry, but the three of you aren't registered in our database. We're going to have to ask to frisk your persons and see your Stands. If you decline, you'll be banished from the premises and put on our permanent blacklist."
Marina looked over to Jotaro with concern. He just shrugged in response. "Al, they're with us. Isn't that enough?"
Alfonz shook his head, raising a dismissive hand to Jotaro. "I'm sorry, Dr. Kujo, but you're the only family exempt from our strict rules. Everyone else has to abide by them for the safety of the entire organization. If these two won't agree to the terms, they'll be removed from the building."
Jotaro raised a brow. Two? That's when he noticed Pepsi was missing. He rolled his eyes. "Pepsi, you're just causing problems. Stop hiding."
After three awkwardly silent seconds Pepsi appeared. Their face was still obscured by MIST. Alfonz groaned in annoyance. "Alright then, let me see your Stands."
Pa-Pa-Power came roaring out; flexing his arms and punching high in the sky with triumph. This, of course, caused Bubblegum Bitch and MIST to appear as well. Alfonz was shocked to see his own Stand appear. It was a small laptop that hovered at about chest level in front of him at all times. Several projected screens appeared above the spiritual computer as well. With a nervous cough he quickly put it away. Then, after a moment of analyzation, he nodded. "Good. Thank you. It's important for us to have every Stand on record. Now, the three of you will be frisked by Agent Ripley."
A short woman with a shaved head and dark brown skin walked out from behind the security station. She was very compact and toned; sporting several nasty scars on what little skin she exposed. Her eyes were a shocking bright orange. The bridge of her sharp nose was scattered with small faded freckles. She wore the same uniform that Alfonz donned every day. It was a light blue shirt with black dress pants, a tie, and a hat that screamed "security" in big text. She looked at Pepsi with curiosity. "Al, should I frisk that one too? Or should you?"
Alfonz coughed nervously, rubbing his neck. "Uhmm… I didn't wanna be the one to ask. Pepsi, was it? What's your gender?"
Pepsi just stared with empty eyes. "Is it important?"
Alfonz didn't really know what to say. "Well… Who would you be more comfortable frisking you?"
"I'm equally uncomfortable with both of you. Just do it quickly." They mumbled.
Ripley shrugged. "Sounds good to me, kid. C'mere."
After about two minutes they were just about finished with the lot. That is, until Ripley felt something strange in Marina's pocket. She reached in only to feel her hand being slapped by the girl.
"Oi! Back off!" Marina pulled away violently.
Ripley narrowed her eyes. "Ma'am, I'm going to have to see what's in your pocket. Otherwise you won't be allowed in."
Marina looked to Jotaro once again for some kind of support. When it became painfully obvious that she was on her own, she relented. Her slender fingers reached into her pockets and pulled the black feather out. It captivated everyone immediately. How could such a beautiful jet black feather stay perfect in a sweaty pocket? It was enticing… Almost addictively so.
"What is this? It's letting off a strange energy." Ripley mumbled.
Marina held it close to her chest. "It's my final gift from my father. You're not having it. I'll march out of here before I let that happen."
Ripley cleared her throat. "Ma'am, unauthorized supernatural objects have to be studied by our scientists before they can leave the property lines. This will be much easier on all of us if you just hand it over."
"Like hell I'm handing it over. And what kind of trite bullshit is that? It's mine. You can't just inspect it because you're the space-police." Marina spat.
The room fell silent for a moment. Ripley didn't stand down. In fact, she just seemed to emit violent energy as she stared Marina down. "Ma'am." She said with a hiss. "Hand over the feather. I'd hate to upset the Joestars, but I'll be taking it from you in ten seconds."
Bubblegum Bitch appeared, aiming its bat at Ripley. Marina glowed with pink Stand energy as she glared right back. "I'd hate to bash in one of Jotaro's playmates, but it seems like neither of us are about to get what we want, ey?"
The lights began to flicker as Ripley growled. Everyone felt heavier, like their bodies were being pulled to the ground. Marina was moments away from swinging when a tired old voice called out,
"Stop! Both of you, right now." An old woman barked from down the long hall.
Alfonz gasped. His eyes darted across the hall. "Madam Dolly! What are you doing here?"
An old, old woman was currently limping her way toward the second security checkpoint. She used a cane and was clearly relying on it for most of her movement. She had to be in her nineties. White and gray hair fell down past her shoulders, and she was dressed remarkably fashionable. Her purple peacoat nearly made it to her ankles. Underneath the unbuttoned coat was a lovely lavender dress. And, to top it all off, she wore a large hat with a pink feather sticking out. She groaned to herself, mumbling under her breath about the younger generation.
"Quiet, Alfonz! I'm here to see Jotaro and the others! It's not often that the Joestars pay our organization a visit." She groaned.
Shizuka stared at Dolly with admiration. Such an old woman demanded so much respect from these powerful Stand Users. She was enamoured by it. It took her a moment to realize that Dolly was staring right back at her. Shizuka's cheeks turned pink in embarrassment as the woman approached.
"Oh, hello deary. You must be Shizuka Joestar! Oh, you've grown so much! I've only met you once. It was the day your father arrived with you in America. He brought you here for observation for several days. Just to make sure your Stand Ability was stable. How is Achtung Baby? Growing like you I hope?"
Shizuka looked down nervously; letting out a short laugh. "Thank you, Ma'am. Achtung Baby is," She paused, unsure of how much she wanted to share. "growing. Yes, she's getting stronger."
"That's wonderful! If you ever need any guidance dealing with such a strange Stand, please let the foundation know. I'll make sure you're seen to immediately." She smiled.
Shizuka couldn't help but wonder why this woman had such power. "Uhm.." She mumbled. "Are you Mrs. Speedwagon?" She asked softly.
This caused Dolly to erupt in laughter. " Mrs. Speedwagon? Oh, goodness no! I don't think there was ever -or could ever be- a Mrs. Speedwagon. And besides, he was decades older than me."
Shizuka felt a tinge of embarrassment. "Oh, I'm sorry Ma'am. He's gone, right?"
Dolly just smiled. "Yes, dear, Robert E. O. Speedwagon passed away a long time ago. Heavens, Jotaro wasn't even alive yet. It must have been in the fifties, if I remember correctly."
"So who are you?" Marina asked bluntly. She was getting a little tired of watching the joyful reunion.
Dolly made an interested sound as she turned her attention over to Marina. "Oh? And who might you be, dear?"
Marina wasn't impressed. "I asked you first, lady."
Alfonz was taken aback by the girl's rudeness. "Hold your tongue! This is Madam Dolly! The-"
"Now, now, Alfonz. Let's not go yelling at our guest. It's a fair question, after all. I'm Dolly Harris. The head of the Speedwagon Foundation. Robert left me with the organization at a time when women could barely support themselves. I'm forever in his debt. That's why we honor his final wish and provide the Joestar family with anything they need, any time, any place. Any friend of a Joestar is a friend of Speedwagon. So, by extension, you're a friend of mine. It's a pleasure." She extended her hand to Marina.
The young woman was still skeptical, but shook Dolly's hand anway. "I'm keeping my feather, Madam."
Dolly clapped her hands. "Of course you are! No questions asked. Please, all six of you, come with me at once. We can take the executive hall straight to your destination. The catacombs of the foundation! Alfonz, Ripley, I pray you'll learn to show the Joestars more respect in the future."
The two employees looked down in a mix of shame and frustration. "Yes, Madam." They said in unison.
Shizuka couldn't really place why, but she felt as if she'd met this woman before. Or, at the very least, she felt like she'd seen her somewhere. Maybe Joseph had a picture of her on one of their many decorated walls. It was certainly a possibility. Either way, it seemed like they were done with all of the arguing. She'd happily take whatever executive shortcut the woman was offering. Everyone followed Dolly through a hidden door and away they went.
To be Continued...