At Feral Beauty, Speedwagon appeared to Percival, who was saluting to the officers. Percival asked, "Who are you?"

She bowed and said, "Mr. Percival Gaynes?"

"Yes. That's me."

"My name is Hotaru B.O. Speedwagon, and I happen to be a friend of your fellow agent, Michelle Nevins."

"How did you-? Wait… But Michelle's dea-."

"Still alive!" She boomed, "And I have proof! Here! I need your expertise on this. This is a piece of mountain rock that saved Miss Nevins's life, after she was killed."

Percival whispered, "What did you say? This rock revived Michelle?"

Hotaru said, "It's alright. I'm on your side, my good sir. But I promise that nothing bad will occur. I only came to tell you that Michelle is alright."

Percival nodded and said, "I see… Good…"

He took the rock and said, "I'll have my men examine this rock… In the meantime, I'd like to ask you a few questions. AAW gave me a rundown on you, an "erstwhile" relative of Robert E.O. Speedwagon."

"Who?"

"An old man with your last name. You know him?"

Hotaru explained, "I think it'd be better if I told you my true nature, in private. I don't want you, your partner, her brother, and the rest of your friends to know… But the truth is… that Robert Speedwagon is…"

She replied, "The man known as Robert Speedwagon… is my father…"

He gasped, "What did you say?"

He was amazed. Percival learned that Robert Speedwagon had no heirs, right after he died. But was puzzled, learning that this woman, Hotaru, is a blood relative to Robert Speedwagon.

Episode XIII – Chapter 2: Hotaru Speedwagon?
The Truth of the Daughter of REO

In another room, in Feral Beauty, a girl in short brown hair, with an emotionless face, wearing a black suit, was hitting the RECORD button on the tape recorder. She said to her, "Miss Speedwagon, my name is Kotoha Kutsugi. I am Agent Nevins's fellow operative in the FBI. I happen to know who you are, since you're a beauty…"

She read her files, "Hotaru B.O. Speedwagon; Age: unknown… Born and raised in America, but everything is classified."

She said, "Tell me, where were you born?"

Hotaru said, "London. I was raised by a darling young woman named of Eudial. She was my mother. I was born, after my father died."

Kotoha asked, "Your father died in 1952. You were birthed, moments after the incident in Italy."

Hotaru nodded, "Yes. In fact, he never met me, from the day I was born. But I was shocked to learn about what he's done. He was a wealthy oil tycoon in America, after his travels in England. And that was when he met my mother, Eudial…"

She explained, "1931, my mother was Eudial Arimura. She was visiting the world, all the way from Japan, to learn of the exotic places in this planet. She was recently Mexico, Germany, France, and England… Her next stop was America. From there, she met a man in gray hair and a very slim body. He looks elderly, but Eudial found him handsome. One night, he was offered to go out with her on a date, but he said that he's rather busy, at the moment. He even said something about a horrible incident, long ago. You see, he is a caretaker for a young man of a very rich family. The ward's name… is Joseph Joestar. From the story that my mother told me, after she dated him, Robert once took care of an Erina Pendleton-Joestar, who was Joseph's grandmother, and the only blood relative he had left. His father died in a war, and his mother mysteriously disappeared. He also said that he has more to talk about himself, but he didn't tell Mom anything else, since… it's secretive. I can tell by the look on his eyes that he is a bit forlorn. Mother asks what and why he refuses to go out with her."

In 1931, Eudial, a woman in red hair, and an all-red dress, was talking to Robert Speedwagon, an old man with short gray hair and a brown business suit. She asked him if there was a personal reason. Robert said, "Yes, there was… I know I'm not supposed to share it with other people, but I once had a friend, who was the spitting imagery of a knight in shining armor. Or, to put it bluntly, a warrior of many heroics. This man was a hero to the human race, putting to shame evil demons, trying to turn the world into his own personal playground of chaos and greed. But under the skills of a superpower called "Hamon", he struck down the evil demon, but at the risk, he lost his life to save his darling wife, Erina. That man's name… was Jonathan Joestar.
On February 8th, 1889, Jonathan took his own life in a huge boat accident, in the Atlantic, during Jonathan and Erina's honeymoon. The boat exploded, as Jonathan was caught in the explosion. Erina and an unborn baby girl were washed away to shore, being the soul survivors of that tragic day. They were rescued, somewhere in the Canary Islands.
A tragic day for the Joestars. Jonathan's father was killed by a man named Dio Brando, who wanted to kill the Joestar Family, for wealth and greed. Dio Brando was evil incarnate, and he would later become DIO. But, as of late, he has been vanquished, thanks to Jonathan Joestar's sacrifice."

Eudial said, as she agreed, "Your friend was a great man… But I am a little sad to hear the truth, since you never had time for love. Was all this because of DIO?"

Robert said, "Uh? Well, no… But in my age, I don't think I want to have a normal family life. I once grew up in the slums of Orge Street, the night I first met Sir Jonathan, and how he wants to find an antidote for his father, George Joestar."

Eudial was amazed, as Robert told her everything of the days his friend, Jonathan Joestar, fought the evil Dio Brando, long before DIO was earthed to this world.

Hotaru said, "And that was all Mother learned of him. After that, Robert offered to spend more time with him, only for other stuff, rather than death. It was a sad story to learn about the Joestar line… and how father was a part of this. I was born in 1953, long after Robert told mother about his adventures, including how he got kidnapped by the Germans, and even the stone mask and the Pillar Men. He was very relieved that Joseph Joestar was still alive and in one piece. But I was saddened about what became of the others. I was born, five years after Erina Pendleton died… and father died, two years later… I was born, because he was feeling ill. When I was birthed, Eudial held me in her arms…"

In a hospital bed, in 1953, moments after giving birth, Eudial held a newborn Hotaru in her arms and said, "My dear Hotaru… Your father was a brave man, even though his time ended… I'll let you in on a secret… I was saving him for when he's about to die. You see, I want to have the name "Speedwagon" continue on, mainly because of the foundation he ran. But, mostly… it's because you're of his blood… and that I want you to honor him. For 11 months, I kept you in my womb, still in grief, over your father's saddened death… But if I ever meet both Jonathan and Joseph… I want to say… Thank you… for having a friend like Robert…"

She lied back down and whispered, "I wish we were married… but… I was going to pop the question… but I was too late… I knew that I wanted a child to run his company, for the riches… but after his time with the Joestars… I want… you to… be happy… and live longer… for me…"

She closed her eyes and whispered, "Hotaru… I want you… to live on, like me… and like your father… Robert… I will… always… lo-."

She stopped breathing, as the machine flatlined. Hotaru started to cry, shaking her arms, knowing that Eudial died of childbirth. Actually, she died of a broken heart, because Robert, the man he loved, never returned.

Kotoha nodded, as she was convinced, "I see… Your mother died, the moment you were born, and she was planning to marry your father."

Hotaru said, "That's true."

Kotoha asked, "But wait… You said that Robert Speedwagon was told to you, by Eudial."

Hotaru explained, "That was when I was told the full story from one of Father's friends… Elizabeth Joestar, Joseph's mother. And her words were true. It was in 1960, back when I was in the orphanage, and Elizabeth saw me, feeling sad. She recognized the last name I had, and said that Robert knew her son, Joseph, and even told me every story about my father. I never met my father… I never knew him, until I learned that he helped stop DIO, and founded the Speedwagon Foundation. By the time I turned 18, I wanted to run the Speedwagon Foundation, myself. But the judges forbid me of taking over. They didn't believe me that I was Robert E.O. Speedwagon's only heir! Hell, I was born after he died!"

Hotaru was sobbing, as Kotoha said, "I understand…"

Percival and Eri were watching, in a one-way window, as he said, "Amazing… She was born, after the first historic encounter with DIO…"

Eri beeped, "Villain bios: DIO, real name: Dio Brando; currently deceased, since 1989."

Percival said, "And that was years ago in Egypt. So, this woman is a biological heir to the Speedwagon Foundation, but…"

Eri said, "There is no proof. Her father died, before she was born. And her mother never married… therefore… She's a bastard!"

Percival said, "Well, granted, yes… She's an illegitimate daughter to Robert E.O. Speedwagon… and she's so young, being that she's only 64."

Eri cried, "SIR! Don't divulge her age!"

He huffed, "Oh, shut up…"

Kotoha said, "Your story amazes me, Miss Speedwagon. Your father has such a lifestyle, and yet you are the one who helped Agent Nevins, prior to her immediate and assumed death."

She asked her, "But I want to know… How did you two meet?"

Hotaru said, "Well, it all started in Witchen Street, near London. After I was living on my own, in a gutter, after being shunned for not being a proper heir to my father, I lived my entire life in the streets of Witches and ne'er-do-wells. It was a new life, as I became an evil woman. But then one day, on a snowy night, as I was making my rounds, she came to my life… Two years ago, a woman appeared in Witchen Street and…"

London – Two years ago…

Michelle, in her brown hat and coat, was walking down Witchen Road, looking for an Asian apothecary, in which she needed an antidote for a poison that her father, Pastor Clifton Nevins, consumed, thanks to Mio Akiyama. As she was walking through the snowy streets, with a small shower of flurries falling, three women appeared from the distance. One girl has long blue hair, done in a right side ponytail, and another was with long red hair, done in a left side ponytail. The woman in the middle has long black hair, wearing a small black hat, and a flowing revealing black dress.

The woman in black called out, "Cyprine! Ptilol! Shiv this wench, if you can! I want her guts for garters!"

Michelle huffed, "Witchen Street… It's aptly named."

Cyprine held up a knife and lunged at Michelle's chest. But she caught the blade with her bare hand. Cyprine was shocked, as she saw blood coming from her hand. She cackled, "OY! Check out this idiot! She just caught my blade! In all my days, I've never seen the likes!"

She snickered, "Heh, heh, heh! You're a silly fool, milady. Just try and break free. One yank of this blade, and they'll be picking up your fingers, in a fortnight."

Michelle huffed, "Just try it, varlot! The moment you pull, my leg will kick up my foot, landing right at your groin, like the sheer force of a sledgehammer!"

She glared, "I'm willing to see our transaction through… or you, sera. I'm only here to protect my family from those who wish it harm. I doubt very much that your resolve is equal to mine."

Ptilol dove over Michelle, but Michelle landed a swift kick to the head of Ptilol, while Cyprine is thrashed by Michelle's heel kick. They both fell into the snow, badly hurt and bloodied.

Michelle brushed herself off and said, "That's quite enough! Now, tell me, one of you… Where can I find an Asian apothecary?"

The woman in black said, "Tough talk! If you're looking to lose limbs, do stick around! Observe."

She held up her small black hat and flattened it like a pancake, producing sawblades around the rim. The woman cackled, spinning her hat, "I'll mince you, right finely… with a tip of my bonnet!"

She placed her blade hat back on and said, "And now, we dance."

She rushed towards Michelle, as Michelle defended her, "I have to find that druggist… no matter the cost!"

The woman cried out, "Don't tell me that this is your first dust-off! If you're going to block like that, it'll be your last one, too!"

Michelle grabbed a hold of Cyprine's blade, and kicked it towards the woman. The woman threw her hat towards Michelle. The hat flew towards Michelle, impaling onto her wrists.

The woman laughed, "Cut you straight to the bone, it looks like! Granted, I didn't think you hoof the shiv at me, like that… but my chapeau still hit its mark."

Michelle ran towards the woman, succumbing to the pain. The woman gasped, "NO WAY! How did she-?"

SOCK!
Michelle lands an elbow to the woman in black, and then a kick to the face. The woman was sent flying, as she was in complete shock, "No… She was meant to take the attack? Fingers, arms, legs… no matter how she defends herself… she doesn't give a wick what she loses! It's as if her resolve runs deeper with pain and fear."

Michelle removed the hat from her wrist and moaned, "Ungh…"

The woman was on the snow, badly hurt, and then said, "I took the lass for an easy target. I took suffuse for that notion."

Just then, a bunch of wicked women, in suits and gowns, appeared armed with axes, torches, and swords. They went towards Michelle, as she was defending herself.

The woman kneeled up and called out, "That's enough, lads! Stop! I won't let you lay another finger on that lady, there!"

They stopped, as Michelle stepped back. She said, "But why?"

The woman said, "Tell me something… Strong as a bull you are… It's plain to see that you could've stove my head in that foot of yours. But you went easy on me, didn't you?"

The witches were stunned, murmuring in disbelief. Michelle bowed and said, "I came here… for the sake of my father. You have a family… People to protect you from this dark business. It's not my place to cause them grief."

The woman was speechless, as she saw Cyprine and Ptilol coming to. "She means it, don't she? How this fella survived so long… WAIT! My allies… She… She beaten them to a bloody pulp, but she spared my mates' lives, just as she did mine. I like the cut of her jib. Sure, she's naïve, but she's a lady, through and through!"

She called to Michelle, "WAIT! I want to know the name of the lady that spared me."

Michelle picked up her hat and said, "It's Nevins. Michelle Nevins."

The woman smiled and said, "Well, fancy meeting you here, Lady Nevins. If it's Asian Concoctions you're looking for, watch your back! That druggist is a sly one!"

And that was how Michelle met Hotaru, years ago, which led to the events leading to today.

Hotaru said, "Everything else, I cannot explain… I know it's not much, but it's relatable to Sir Nevins, Michelle's brother's disappearance. All I know of was that her father, Clifton Nevins, died, because of MIO. Michelle never forgotten that moment…"

She added, "And when she said I had people to look after, it reminded me of Mom and Dad… I'm all alone, and I said to myself… "Would I say NO to someone who understands how I feel?"… I went with my gut instinct and my woman's intuition, and wound up joining her. But I was right. She is a saint amongst men…"

Kotoha said, "Touching story. And this is where we come in, correct?"

"Exactly right… And I gave the gem that Michelle obtained, which belonged to one of the friendly Jewel Women."

"I see… Well, your story is well thought-out, and we believe that you're worthy of helping us. Since The Gang is unavailable, what will the others do?"

Hotaru said, "Well, June and Beth are handling it. I was assigned to watch over the girls… only to learn of what occurred, a while back…"

As they were talking, Percival was worried. He said, "The two girls… Do you think it has something to do with what happened in New York?"

Eri replied, "I believe so."

Percival thought, as he looked on, "Seriously… First, Anna Nishikinomiya, and now this enigma… And we later learn that Michelle was killed, only to survive. Something doesn't make sense."

Meanwhile, on an airplane to Italy, Emily was sitting by the window, as she was worried. She was sitting next to Michelle, while Beth was sitting in the window seat, behind her, and June sitting next to her. Emily said, "We should've brought Midoriya with… I mean, the boy's nice and all, but we're worried, since we're going to Rome, without him."

Michelle said, "The young bloke had heart. He'll handle himself. I have a strong feeling about it."

Emily said, "You're right. Beth said that he was a superhero, under the tutelage of All-Might. But I'm assuming that he shiv his hair off and force fed it to him, like Samson loses his locks, and passes to his son… if he had any sons."

Michelle replied, "Oh, devouring superpower-laced items is a myth."

Beth was sitting in her seat, silently, thinking over what happened, earlier today.

"More Jewel Women, other than Helaviento… and Auntie Michelle knows something about this MIO… I want to know more, but first… I have to train harder, if I want to find the next stone woman…"

Beth was lost in thought, as June whispered, "It appears that you're upset over what became of Von Stroheim."

Beth said nothing. She was looking out the window. June whispered, "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have assisted you… but Mom says that we're brave enough, on our own…"

The plane continued to fly, as they were heading for their next destination – Rome, Italy.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, far away in Europe, a figure was watching in the clear sky, from atop a hill. She then smirked evilly, whispering to herself, "Come on out, Steven Nevins… Come on out… So you can witness your daughters' deaths at my hands."

She cackled, "This time… Vengeance will be mine! MWAH, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!"

Episode XIII – End

Who is this mysterious woman? Is she responsible for the rise of the Jewel Women? And if so, is she associated with MIO?
Moreover, what is her beef with Steven Nevins, who mysteriously disappeared?

Stay tuned to the next episode!

To be continued…