I don't own My Hero Academia or Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
Please enjoy this story to your heart's content.
Chapter 24: The Spirit Carries On
Dawn had come with a flurry of song. Birds joyously sang as the sun shined upon Musutafu, heralding the end of the awful storm that had plagued the city and for a new day to be ushered forth. Lingering puddles still littered the streets, but none paid it all too much mind; business men headed to the office with a robust step, children playfully splashing their way to school, and a pack of cats carefully drinking the leftover deluge as best they could without getting too wet. It was as if the world had finally woken up from a long slumber and was trying to make up for it with a spring in its step.
Fitting, Johnny thought with a yawn as he wheeled himself to U.A.
He didn't exactly dislike mornings, seeing them more of a necessity to start the day than a kick in the head so many complained about, but he always made sure to drink at least one cup of coffee to shake off the dregs of sleep. That was not the case this morning. Ever since he cracked open his eyes to greet the sun peeking through his blinds, Johnny felt oddly energetic. His head didn't feel like it was stuff with cotton, his eyes sand crusted, or be greeted with the remaining cold sweat he'd grown accustomed to over the last few nights. Naturally, he occasionally let out a yawn or two as he went about his daily routine, but once he got out of bed, he felt ready to face the day before taking a sip of the bitter black brew his maid usually made him.
In a way, this was the best morning he had since he first rode Slow Dancer. It was refreshing to say the least, but at the same time odd. Surreal even. Of course, this invigoration could only be because of that strange dream he had last night. The one where he fought the source of his nightmares, the wicked Stand, Dream On.
Frowning at the memory of the dream, Johnny wasn't sure what to make of it. Unlike every other dream he had, where he hazily remembered bits and pieces of them, this one he could remember with one hundred percent clarity. It was too specific, too real to be a simple conjuration of his imagination. That his classmates fought the villainous Stand just so they could save him—with a freaking giant walrus no less!—even after seeing his darkest secrets was simply incredible to say the least. Only for Johnny to end the nightmare once and for all by defeating Dream On with his own power. Truly a fantastical tale that would've inspired an entire generation of heroes… but Johnny had his doubts.
Skidding to a halt in a puddle of water, Johnny looked down at his hands. It couldn't have been real, he thought. There's just no way… Turning over his hands, he tried to find something, anything that would tell him if what happened in that dream was real. But there was nothing. Nothing but memory remained of that horrible nightmare.
Chumimi~in!
Tiny pink hands suddenly hugged around Johnny's own, barely able to fit around one at all, while familiar beady, black eyes stared at him. Allowing himself a small smile, Johnny patted Tusk's head, which nuzzled at his touch. At times he wondered what exactly went through his Stand's head; an irony that wasn't lost on him considering how it was the embodiment of his soul. But in this one moment, there was no mistaking the attempt at comforting him.
Leaning back in his wheelchair, Johnny turned his gaze towards the rising sun, its rays practically glistening his usual route to school. Almost like a sign from God. He wanted to huff at the thought, that heaven would shine down upon him after so long in the dark, but Johnny found that he could not. Perhaps it was because of the brimming energy he felt since he woke up, but his usual bleak mood that shadowed him was nowhere to be found. Just a sense of refreshment that was foreign to him.
Again, it came right back to that strange dream he had. Before his thoughts looped back into that rabbit hole, Johnny vigorously shook his head.
"Bah!" he huffed out loud. "I'm getting nowhere with this crap… It's just a dream and that's that." Despite his declaration, the words felt hollow to his ears. Even Tusk let out an unconvinced chime as it floated close to his face. "Drop it for now, ok? Aizawa will have our ass if we're late… I'll deal with this later, sound good?"
Nodding in approval, Tusk let out one last chime before fading into Johnny's body. The crippled sighed, wondering who really was the master of his body. Gripping his wheels, he headed to school as the sun continued to shine merrily upon him.
U.A. High beamed like a fortress of light as the morning rays shone down, its gate standing wide open with a proud confidence that would put a normal hero to shame. Not that Johnny really cared as he slipped on through the door. All he wanted to do for the day was get class over with as quickly as possible. No burdensome sidetracks. No overthinking stupid dreams. And certainly not dealing with anything tiresome that would ruin his rare energetic mood. Simply focusing on making his way through the silent halls of U.A. and to his class without any problems.
It didn't take him long before he reached the door to Class One-A, but before he went inside, he took a deep breath and steeled his nerves. He didn't forget what he said yesterday during Hero Informatics, and while he dealt with some of his classmates' already, the rest most assuredly were going to bother him about it.
Assuming what happened last night really was just a dream… Slapping his cheek at the thought, Johnny pushed everything aside and yanked the door open.
"Johnny!"
Freezing at the sudden shout, Johnny blinked as he was suddenly swarmed by his classmates. Expressions filled with worry as they crowded around him, they all spoke at once, asking questions in such an overlapping manner that it was impossible to make out anything. It was confusing to say the least, only added by the sight of not only seeing Aizawa with a rare concerned look on his face, but also Midnight, the lifestyle counselor, Hound Dog, Principal Nezu, and All Might standing nearby. All eyeing him with sympathetic looks mirroring that of their students.
It was almost too much to take in… that is until he heard someone mention something about Dream On.
"Wait, shut up!" he exclaimed, having to push back some of the touchier classmates to catch his breath. "What… What did you say about Dream On?"
"Don't you remember anything from last night?" asked Kirishima.
"Nothing about your awful nightmare?" added Hagakure.
"Or the bastard Stand who started that shit show?" huffed Bakugo; his usual aggression toned down and his face had a very odd expression. Almost like it was one of actual empathy, but that couldn't be right.
Whatever mental preparation Johnny had was washed away in a blink of an eye. His mouth opened and closed several times, before finally he mustered the strength to voice the one thought that remained in his head. "It wasn't a dream then… It was real."
His classmates bristled at the statement, but it was Midoriya that confirmed Johnny's suspicion. "It was…" he said delicately as he could, his eyes bright with compassion. "We all remember everything. Every nightmare we fought in the dream world, every struggle we faced with Dream On, and finally saved you in the end."
"Oh…" Johnny was stunned. He wasn't quite sure how to feel knowing that his suspicions of the hell he endured were real after all, but he was absolutely dumbfounded to know every one of his classmates remembered it as well. A part of him wanted to thank them for their valiant effort bringing him out of that horrible gaping maw of despair that almost swallowed him whole. However, the mere thought of their rescue also brought up the soul issue he really didn't want to entertain. "You… You all remember my past then…"
The uncomfortable looks everyone gave him was all he needed to know the truth. Some flinching at the accusation, others going teary eyed, but none dared looked away from him, as much as Johnny wanted them to.
Suddenly, a loud cough interrupted whatever thought Johnny had before Aizawa walked over to him. "Give him some space," he said. "No need to talk about something that sensitive in the middle of the doorway."
"I… rather we didn't talk about it at all," muttered Johnny. "…but I'm guessing I don't have much of a choice now, do I?"
Once more, Aizawa gave Johnny a compassionate look, almost looking foreign on his usual tired face, before patting his student's shoulder. "Afraid not… especially not after what happened last night. But I promise that we'll take things nice and slow, Johnny. Just breathe in and out slowly, that should calm your nerves if nothing else."
Grumbling to himself, Johnny pushed past his classmates before settling himself in front of the blackboard. There was no way out of this, so he decided to bite the bullet and get it over and done with as fast as he could. Oddly enough, he didn't feel angry at his history being brought up. Resigned, frustrated, and tired, of course, but certainly not angry. Perhaps it was because they already saw his fall from grace first hand, more than he would've liked anyone to see, that took the brunt of his shame already. Or perhaps it was because he was still riding that refreshed feeling from the earlier hours of the morning that made his current situation tolerable, at least to some degree. Whatever the case, it didn't matter now. All Johnny could do was make himself moderately comfortable before he was barraged with the one thing he tried to avoid for years. As well bracing himself for whatever came after.
"Before we begin, I'd like to make a few things clear," Principal Nezu said before jumping onto Aizawa's shoulder, much to the teacher's reluctance. "First, Eraser Head and Midnight have already caught the school staff and I up to speed on all the terrible things that happened last night. Rest assured that we have already filed a report to the police who are taking this matter very seriously and begun an investigation. Of course, they will be wanting some interviews regarding the incident, but I managed to convince them to delay that for a more desirable time."
"Secondly, what will be talked about today will not leave this room!" Hound Dog declared with a growl, though from the way his voice pitched it was clear he was trying to hold back his innate bestial nature. "You have our word that anything sensitive will be between us and no one else. And if you don't want to talk about something, then we'll respectfully leave it alone for the time being." He then turned to the students, his growling growing intense. "That goes double with you, pups! If I hear one prodding word or insincere question, then it's the dog house for all of you!"
"… bit late trying to ease me into this gently," Johnny said, ignoring Hound Dog's surprise. "They already saw it… my past… my sins. Was only a matter of time, I suppose. So don't hold back on my account… Already endured worse before. What's one more group therapy session going to do?" Not his best opener, Johnny admitted, but at this point, he was being honest with himself. No need to hide anything anymore. They would all see how pathetic he truly was.
The students of One-A gave him a variety of uncomfortable looks, with the teachers no better, but above all else, they shared the same sympathetic eyes to him. "Johnny… we all know how you feel," began Midnight. "The pain you had to go through, the scars… You don't have to bear that burden alone. That's why we're here to talk and listen."
"What's there to talk about? You all saw it… that hell born from my own sin."
"You did nothing of the sort, Johnny!" protested Ida. "Everything that happened was completely circumstantial!"
"Yeah! You didn't deserve any of it to begin with!" added Mina.
More and more protests came from his classmates, all shouting encouraging things and denying any hint of wrongdoing that Johnny had done in the past. Good souls one and all, even if he thought their hearts were wasted on him. Shaking his head, he said, "But I did… I did do something unforgivable… I killed my brother."
"Stop that, kid," Hound Dog stepped in, placing a hand on the young student's shoulder. "Don't blame yourself for your brother's death. From what I understand, that wasn't your fault."
"But it was…"
"No, it wasn't, Johnny!" Uraraka retorted fiercely, once more showing the iron behind her soft side. "Nothing about… about what happened to your brother was because—!"
"I let Danny go!" Johnny yelled, releasing the reins of his frustration after keeping his dirty secret for so long. "If I just obeyed my dad, then Nicholas would still be alive!"
"There is no way of knowing that white mouse was the same one you let back into the wild, Johnny," Todoroki said calmly. "It could have been a different one entirely."
"That's right!" agreed Midoriya. "Or if it was a mouse that startled Black Rose to begin with. I don't know that much about horse racing, but surely there could've been anything that could—"
"Even if either were the case, that doesn't eliminate the possibility that it was Danny." Johnny could feel his throat getting a little hoarse now, his eyes starting to water, but still he felt no anger. Just sorrow. "If it's a millionth of a long shot—a billionth even for all I care!—the fact is that there was a mouse there that day… and I know that it was Danny… He's the start of my sins, my curse. All because I loved him so much that I couldn't do what I was told… and it cost me someone I loved even more…"
"Johnny…"
The cripple ignored his friends as he continued to berate himself, his eyes growing darker with every word that left his lips. "Nicholas was only the start of my hell… From dad disowning me, to fame raising me up before tearing me down, to finally taking my legs, all of it was fate punishing me." He sighed then, his frustration slowly abandoning him in favor of a tired resignation. "…even now it still haunts me. Teasing me with glory, but always just out of arm's reach… Constantly reminding me of what I've become… a negative."
Silence filled the room at the bleak declaration. He looked up, expecting the worst. To his surprise, what he got was wordless compassion from his classmates and teachers. Some even had tears standing in their eyes. He knew that they wouldn't shun him like so many before, not after what they did to save him from Dream On, but pity was something he expected, as much as he hated it. A natural response to a pitiful soul such as he. Certainly not this.
Suddenly Gyro pushed forward, standing over his protégé with an expression void of emotion. At least, that's what it appeared to everyone else. To Johnny, however, he recognized that familiar steely challenge in his eyes. "So… what are you going to do about it?"
Johnny blinked at the question, but his astonishment paled to his classmates who all chaffed or called out the Italian for his apparent lack of tack. Even the teachers gave him cool disapproval.
"Gyro!" Hound Dog chided, but Aizawa held a hand in front of him, much to his confusion. The stern teacher kept quiet, eyeing Gyro with a mysterious expression as he wordlessly kept his fellow teachers back.
"I said what are you going to do about it, Johnny Joestar?" Gyro repeated. "Don't tell me everything you did to get here was just for show? No, that isn't you. Not your style. Not the type to quit halfway through a race. You're the kind of the guy who'd drag himself across that white finishing line with your bare hands if you have to. The kind of guy who spent day and night to ride a horse again before you learned a thing about the Spin."
"It's that determination that's so inspiring," added Midoriya, walking over to stand beside Gyro. "No matter what obstacle you face, you don't back down even with a million to one odds stacked against you… That's why I don't think you're a negative, Johnny. After everything we been through, there is just no way someone who kept getting back on his horse can be considered one."
Gyro nodded at Midoriya's words before suddenly flashed his signature "Go Go Zeppeli" grin at his protégé. "So, Johnny, what are you going to do about it? I already know the answer, we all heard it last night when you beat the tar out of that nightmarish bastard. But say it one more time. Say it loud and clear of what you hunger nobly for!"
Not a sound escaped Johnny's lips, opening and closing them for a few seconds as he drank in his friends' words. It wasn't the sort of usual inspiring speech heroes that many heroes used during interviews or in their autobiographies. Some would even call it encouraging dark ambition. But for Johnny Joestar, it was exactly the thing he needed to knock the despair out of him.
"I… I don't care about living or dying, or who's just or who's evil. I don't even really care about being a hero all too much… but… if by some chance that being a true hero allows me to rise up from being a negative to zero and reset my fate, I'll take it. This is the path I've chosen. The only one left for me, and the only one I refuse to give up on. I will become a hero and I will regain the use of my legs. Even if I have to break myself to do it, I'm not going to back down now…"
It was a selfish answer, he knew, but Johnny didn't care. There would be no more hiding or running away from the truth, no matter how much it pained him. He would keep crawling forward until he finally tore down the curse he built with his own two hands.
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw a familiar signature smile from the world's greatest hero. "Your determination is without question, young Johnny!" All Might exclaimed. "Even pros wouldn't hold a candle to such unwavering conviction. That's why I want to see your journey to its rightful end. To help you become a true hero and be there when you're able to finally walk on your two feet once more! That is my solemn vow as the world's number one!"
"Not just, All Might!" Kirishima yelled, punching his hands together as he gave the paraplegic a mighty grin. "We're not going to simply sit back and let you do this on your own, Johnny!"
"Yeah! After everything that happened, there is no way we can simply abandon you like a floozy!" Hagakure added passionately. While he couldn't see her face, Johnny imagined that she too wore a fiery expression that wouldn't accept any kind of refusal.
"We're all came to U.A. for different reasons," said Yaoyorozu, "but that doesn't mean we're simply going to leave you to your own devices. We will help you achieve your dream as much as we will try to reach our own."
"If you thought we were going to abandon you now like those jerks in your past, then forget it," Sero said before giving Johnny a thumbs up. "We wouldn't be good heroes if we just left our friends in the dust, would we?"
More and more sincere declarations came from the students, each making it clear that Johnny would not face his monumental ordeal alone. Even the teachers and principal gave encouraging smiles, adding in their own support beyond what they were obligated to as defined by their jobs. The young American would've found it exhausting, tedious even as he would have out right rejected their overly assistance as mere pity.
Yet, he didn't.
He still felt like it was wasted on a negative like him, but despite everything that happened to him—every little thing that made him so jaded at life and especially at himself—Johnny couldn't find it in himself to reject his friends. Perhaps it was because of what happened last night or being able to relieve himself of his dirty secret after letting it fester for so long, but in the end, it didn't matter.
Letting a small smile cross his lips, Johnny closed his eyes as he leaned back in his chair, quietly deluding himself that, if for a moment, fate was finally allowing him a reprieve from his curse. A small hope, fragile and more than likely to be snuffed out at any moment, but hope nonetheless.
Against his instincts, Johnny chose to believe in that hope.
There had been plenty of consultation before classes resumed. Many of Johnny's classmates continued to heap on support in any way they could while the teachers would see to it that he would receive the best education regarding heroism and Stands. There was a little catch that made Johnny inwardly groan though. Principal Nezu quietly made it clear to him that he would be seeing a therapist for weekly sessions. Not that he didn't expect this. On the contrary, he would have been surprised if U.A. didn't get him to seek therapy after learning of his depression and failed suicide attempt. Would have made all their promises of help look like nothing more than hypocritical smoke. At the very least, the teachers were more sincere about their offers of help than simply trying to cover the school for legal reasons, which made the experience a bit more bearable. Still, Johnny found it irritating since he was far more determined to carry on and achieve his dream than simply end it all now.
After that, the day went by as usual. Classes quickly came and went, lunch was a blur, and by the end, everyone was already heading home. Not that Johnny noticed a few new things to the daily routine. More often than not, he found himself almost constantly with one of his classmates for something or other. Sometimes it was just casual chatting, talking about the latest fads from the internet, discussing hobbies, or working together for class work. To anyone else, this would have been natural, unnoticeable to the average teen. However, Johnny wasn't average. After spending so long without any true companions, let alone peers who didn't shun or pity him for his disabilities, both physical and Quirkless-wise, the whole experience felt foreign, almost alien to him. Sure, Gyro and Midoriya proved that he could have true friends, but not an entire class's worth. Until now anyway.
He knew exactly what was going on, his classmates were merely acting upon the promises they made in earnest. In a way, he appreciated the fact that they didn't simply stand idle like so many of his faux friends in the past, leaving him to rot when it was clear he was merely deadweight, but Johnny would be lying if he said that this whole new experience was bizarre, if not slightly uncomfortable to him. Genuine kindness, after all, wasn't an abundance afforded to him on the best of days. To actually have it after so long made him feel weird.
It was because of that noble virtue that he allowed Gyro and Midoriya to walk him back home from school. Johnny freely admitted that he wasn't one who liked company that much, even with the two people who first befriended him in his country, but he no longer balked at the idea of casual companionship all too much. If anything, he was starting to enjoy it.
"So if we follow the law of universal constants, there may be a way to strengthen your body some more, Johnny," commented Midoriya as he flipped through page after page of notes he had on hand. "It's a long shot since I'm basing this off Quirk based studies, but since Quirks are really similar to Stands, there is a possibility that this exercise could work."
"No, no, Midoriya," said Gyro. "What Johnny needs is to focus on mastering the Spin. It's what got him up on his feet the first time after all. Besides, there is no way to know if Quirks are related to Stands anyway. Mountain Tim said so."
"I know that, but still… It's kind of weird how Stand abilities and Quirks practically mirror each other. If we study them both some more, there may be a link in the chain we can use to heal Johnny's spine."
"Appreciated, but I doubt that's going to help, Midoriya," Johnny spoke up as he wheeled himself down the sidewalk with his two friends following close behind. The sun continued to shine warmly down the path as they continued onward. "We're dealing with apples and oranges here; sure, Quirks and Stands are kinda similar, but I can tell you a hundred and ten percent that there is a key difference between them. One is physical and the other is spiritual."
Shaking his head in disagreement, Midoriya flipped open his notebook before going to the very end of it. "That's what I thought at first after listening to Mountain Tim's lecture, but if that were the case, then it would be impossible for you to feel your legs at all after you got the Stand. Besides the Spin, you mentioned several times how using Tusk made your legs move. Meaning, there is a connection between the physical and the spiritual."
Johnny paused in the middle of the sidewalk, his hands clinging to his wheels as he mulled over Midoriya's theory. That was an angle he didn't consider with his problem. It certainly presented new possibilities for him to consider, but he still had his doubts about whether Stands were connected to Quirks. "Regardless," he said as he resumed his trek, "Quirk exercises wouldn't really work on me. After all, I'm still Quirkless."
Midoriya blinked at that before turning his head aside, flushing a deep red. "…right, sorry about that, Johnny. I got so caught in my thought process that—"
"It's fine. I'm used to this sorta—"
"Watch it, Johnny!"
Flinching at the warning, Johnny immediately gripped his wheels tight, grinding the chair to a halt, stopping inches away from a black limousine that suddenly stopped at the street corner in front of the students. Feeling his chest beat a little faster, the cripple cursed himself for his lack of awareness. This happened way too often to himself lately and he didn't want it to become a regular thing!
Annoyed, he started to wheel himself back a few feet, giving the limo room to leave. But it did not. Instead, the passenger door opened, revealing familiar curly golden hair and blue eyes that pierced the soul.
"Well, this is certainly a surprise," Giorno Giovanna said, eyeing the students with a careful eye from his cushioned seat. "Ciao, Johnny Joestar. It would appear that fate has brought us together yet again. Although sooner than either of us were expecting I imagine."
Unable to help himself from staring blatantly at the mafioso, Johnny was absolutely mystified. This couldn't be a consequence, there was no way he would meet the leader of Europe's largest underworld again after only a single day. Fate. Yes, that was the right word Giorno used for this situation. Another of fate's curve balls thrown his way.
His classmates' reactions were no better than his. Midoriya's eyes practically bulged out their sockets, his mouth hanging open, but only muttering gibberish leaked out. Gyro too gaped at the mafioso boss, but he was quick to cover it up with a tilt of his hat. However, both subtly moved closer to Johnny, each stood protectively beside him, with Gyro warily caressing a Steel Ball warily. Giorno must've noticed the youths' actions for their friend, shifting in his seat casually as if to alleviate their fears. It only made them stiffer. "There is no need to be so tense, ragazzi. I apologize if my driver gave you a start, but to be fair, you did almost run into us."
"Oh, that isn't the reason why we're so tense… Don Giovanna," Gyro said quietly, his eyes steely as his signature green balls.
"Ah. I see. You know who I truly am. I shouldn't be surprised, considering you're a fellow patriot, Gyro Zeppeli."
"I'm a patriot. You're most definitely not one."
If Giorno was offended by the lack of respect in Gyro's voice, then he gave no sign of it. "Countrymen, then? I assure you, you have nothing but my sincerest respect for not only representing Italia in the U.A. Sports Festival, but also having the skill and wit to make it as far as you did. You, Izuku Midoriya, and Johnny Joestar all have my admiration."
"Oh, I'm sure you do…"
"W-We appreciate your praise, Don Giovanna!" Midoriya hastily stated as he quickly stood in between the two Italians. Despite trembling slightly, he tried to keep a level head and stop his friend from picking a fight with Europe's most powerful mafioso. There was no telling what kind of power he could have, and that lack of insight made it very dangerous for the students taking on someone with a monumental reputation of Giorno. Especially since legally, they could not. Giorno had yet to commit any crime on Japan's soil, thus was protected by the law. Even if they all knew who exactly he was. Not to mention his first priority was to make sure his friends didn't get hurt!
As for Johnny, he had an altogether different response than his friends, who continued either glower or fuss over their situation. He instead continued to eye Giorno curiously, neither judging him harshly or with fear. It was strange, just like last time he felt something from Giorno. He couldn't explain what it was, but it wasn't hostility, he would have felt that a mile away despite the golden-haired man's perfect mask. No, what Johnny felt was a certain familiar aura that went beyond the realm of normality. After a moment, his eyes shot open in clarity.
However, before he could act upon his revelation, the conversation between the young heroes-in-training and the mafioso started to die down. "I see that my presence is causing you all some distress," Giorno noted, leaning back in his seat with a fist nestled underneath his chin. "To which I must apologize. It was never my intention to cause you young heroes any sort of trouble, but if it makes you any better, I'll be leaving."
"Wait!" exclaimed Johnny, halting Giorno from gesturing to his driver. Suddenly, he lurched his wheelchair to the limo, forcing Gyro and Midoriya aside before he was pretty much leaning into the car. Sky-blue eyes meeting turquoise, the cripple didn't blink as he held the leader of Passione's gaze. "I wanted to ask you a few questions, Giorno Giovanna."
"Eh?!" Both Gyro and Midoriya spat out, but Johnny ignored them.
As for Giorno himself, he raised a curious eyebrow at the youth, the first real break in his mask. "And what sort of questions might you have for me, Johnny Joestar?"
"The kind only a wealthy collector like you would know about… The kind related to Stands."
"I see… Interesting. You're assuming that I know more than the most educated scholars in the world about powers that have yet to be thoroughly documented like Quirks? All because I am a collector?"
"Among other things… but saying them out in the open could be a bit risky for you or I, wouldn't it? Especially considering… you're a Stand User too, right?"
Johnny could hear the sharp hisses coming from his friends behind him, but he didn't care in the least. This was a dangerous gamble he knew, but he needed answers about Stands. As much as he wanted to talk to Mountain Tim about the nature of Stands, it was clear that Giorno held more knowledge about this power than he was letting on. It was an opportunity he couldn't afford to pass up no matter the danger in front of him.
There were many responses he considered that the mafia boss could give after exposing him. Anger at being caught by a lame legged brat; indignant fury at being blackmailed; cold deniability at such an accusation. All of which Johnny prepared to deal with and its consequences. What he got, however, was something completely out of left field.
A low sound erupted from Giorno Giovanna; a quiet rumbling that sounded like the fluttering of a beetle's wings. It took a moment before Johnny realized that the young, golden-haired man was chuckling. The small, bright smile that melted away his mask confirmed it.
"You certainly are one for surprises, Johnny. It certainly takes determinazione to make such a guess in front of one such as me, but I suppose that's only natural that you would, considering I did give you a few hints."
"Then you are one…"
Giorno smiled, but didn't confirm the boy's accusation just yet. Instead, he rolled up his left sleeve to reveal a pristine and priceless Rolex watch. "As much as I'm willing to indulge your questions, I'm afraid I have places to be soon… However, I'm willing to talk if you join me for a ride."
"Hey, hold on now!" Gyro interjected quickly, shoving himself beside Johnny to crowd around the limo's doorway. "Johnny, I got to level with you. This is a piss poor idea. This is the Giorno Giovanna! Even the most harden terrorist in Italy is scared shitless of this guy… There is no way this is going to end well if we get in this car, especially if he's a Stand User!"
"I promise that I mean none of you any sort of harm." Giorno's words only caused Gyro to glare hard at the mafioso, not that he seemed to care, still smiling pleasantly.
"That's easy for you to say… You're all smiles now, but next thing we know, you'll be throwing us off a bridge with new brick shoes…"
"How uncouth, but I can understand your reluctance. But once I give my word, I keep it. I don't have any insurance to give you, but I promise to not lay a finger on any of you. After all, you're still students of the most prestigious hero academia in the world. It would be unwise for me to make enemies out of the entire hero community in Japan if I brought you any ill will." Giorno then leaned back, tilting his thoughtfully for a moment, before adding, "Consider what I have to say a reward for not only your performance in the Sports Festival, but for finding out my secret what other trained men could not do in a matter of two days."
"Johnny…" Midoriya muttered, having quietly snuck up next to his friend as Giorno talked. "I know how much you want to learn about Stands, I really get it considering everything I have done… but this is really ill-advised! Even if he is a Stand User, there is no telling how much he knows is valuable to us." The young inheritor of OFA was about to continue to list off all the things that could go wrong, but stopped when he saw a familiar look in his friend's eyes.
Smoldering dark flames staring intensely at Giorno, never once leaving the man's own even as Gyro and Midoriya tried to talk him down. Suddenly, Johnny reached forward, grabbing hold of the doorway before his friends could protest and hefted himself into the limo. Landing on a soft cushion seat, he turned to his friends, promptly ignoring the Don beside him. "… thanks for worrying about me, but I can't let this opportunity slip away. I'm going to learn more about Stands one way or another, no matter where the information comes from… But…" Johnny then turned back to Giorno. "I think he's telling the truth about not wanting to harm us…"
"How the hell do you know that?" Gyro demanded.
"Just a feeling… besides, if he really wanted to harm us, he would've rammed me over just now or back at that café… And if he did, then I sure as hell would make him regret it.
"I'm sure you would, but fortunately I meant what I said and won't harm any of you," Giorno agreed before tilting his head to the side in curiosity. Before Johnny could question him, he felt the limo shift as someone entered the passenger cab. Turning around, Johnny saw Gyro and Midoriya quickly settling himself into two seats opposite of the mafioso, their bodies tense and their eyes wary, ready to spring into action at any moment.
"For the record, Johnny, if we die, I'm going to kick your ass when we get to the gates of St. Peter," Gyro grunted uncomfortably.
"We're going to be in so much trouble once U.A. finds about this…" Midoriya muttered to himself, but didn't attempt to get out of the limo.
"…You have wonderful friends, Johnny," commented Giorno.
"Hah, kids these days certainly have some balls to get in a stranger's car."
"To be fair, they go to U.A., and by definition, that place demands nothing less than steel in their veins if they want to be heroes."
Jolting at the sudden voices, the students all turned to the other half of the limo. Sitting comfortably next to a mini bar were two young men who looked to be around the same age. One wore a black hat with blue stripes and a long-sleeved purple sweater that barely covered up his midriff. Smiling wide, he saluted the students with an icy glass filled with brown liquid before casually taking a sip. His companion, however, refrained from taking any sort of alcohol. Brushing a lock of carrot colored hair from his eyes, the man's clothes could be argued that they covered less than his companion due to how many holes were cut out of the green fabric, though it was clearly a designer choice rather than by accident. Sitting upright in his seat, he eyed the students as one would watch birds from afar. The two were odd enough, but in the orange haired man's lap was a turtle with a strange red gem sticking out its shell.
"Ah, I forgot to mention that I wasn't alone," Giorno apologized before gesturing to the pair. "The one with the hat is Guido Mista, and the other is Pannacotta Fugo. They are some of my closest friends and confidants."
"How do you do?" Fugo greeted.
"Yo, kiddos," Mista said with a smile.
"Don't mind them all too much," Giorno advised. "They'll not interfere with our conversation whatsoever."
"You say that, but I find it hard to relax with your two goons at our back," Gyro muttered, trying to keep an eye on both mafioso and his underlings at the same time.
"Trust me kid, you don't need to worry about us," Mista puffed out before taking another sip of his drink. "If there's any sort of trouble, Giorno'll be the be first to sort it ou—OW! What the hell, Fugo!?"
Mista flinched back as Fugo's fingers flicked at his cheek a second time, barely managing to dodge it as he sank back into his seat, carefully balancing his drink all the while. "I know he's our boss now," Fugo said, "but show Giorno more respect than simply addressing him so casually like that, Mista. Especially in front of guests."
"I am showing him respect! I'm just not an uptight dick like—Ouch! Will you cut that crap out!?"
"Apologize to Giorno and the students!"
"I can't address him casually, but you can!?"
Staring flatly at the pair, Johnny couldn't believe what he was seeing. When he heard about Passione, he expected the mobsters to be tall, buff, and incredibly intimidating henchmen. Not fashion models looking like they were about to throw a hissy fit. Gyro and Midoriya must've had the same thought as they eyed the mobsters incredulously.
"That's enough, Mista, Fugo," Giorno ordered. There was rebuke in his voice, but oddly, not the hardened and cold mob boss voice Johnny expected. Almost like a friend having to deal with his more eccentric companions than anything else. Instantly his two friends silenced, letting go of each as they turned to their boss. "Please refrain from making a scene while I'm entertaining guests, ok?"
"Right, Giorno." Mista and Fugo said at the same time, returning to simply enjoying themselves before the students arrived.
"Sorry about them. They mean well, but sometimes they get a bit carried away. Pay them no mind." Giorno then gestured for the driver to carry on with their destination. Immediately, the car shifted as the mafioso leaned back into his seat, crossing his legs together as he eyed the trio of heroes-in-training. "This shall be a short ride, so let's be brief… What do you want to ask of me?"
While he could feel his friends still hesitant about their situation, Johnny pushed on forward regardless. "What can you tell me about my Stand?"
"Oh? I thought I explained it last time we met."
"You explained the basics, but I can tell there is more to it than that."
"Perhaps, but I think you're under a misconception. I don't hold any secret to help you evolve your Stand. Evolution Stands are based solely on the growth of their users, thus it's impossible to tell what can trigger their next Act. Only you can figure out what growth means to you."
Johnny frowned at that, but didn't falter. That was merely the warm up. "Alright… Then tell me what kind of Stand types there are."
"Ah, now that is an interesting question. Currently there is a variety of Stands not unlike Quirks. But to be brief, stands can be categorized under several types such as close range, long range, automatic, humanoid, artificial, non-humanoid, phenomenon, bound, colony, and evolved. Ranged Stands are self-explanatory, as well as automatic since the user has barely, if any, control over their Stand. Humanoid and artificial refer to how a Stand looks, which could also affect its abilities. Meanwhile, phenomenon is, shall we say, otherworldly. They don't follow conventional rules of other Stands and typically bend reality to the will of their user, depending on its power anyway. Bound Stands follow a similar principle, but only to the degree of following their own rules, specifically being bound to one or more objects or people. As for colony stands, well, imagine them as your Stand split into several pieces. All of them are one in the same, but also not. They could have their own individual will or be mere extensions of their user's own, but one thing is for certain, they are usually more than one and can't be destroyed unless they all perish at the same time. And that is only the basic explanation. If you want to know more of each type, I recommend meeting someone who fits one of those categories."
"I see… I didn't know that Stands could be so complex," Midoriya muttered, cupping his chin thoughtfully. Even in the face of a powerful crime lord, the young hero couldn't help the fan boy in him from cataloging all kinds of new powers and abilities. "Like Quirks they have so much more complexities than what's simply on the surface. In fact, one could argue that with the way they are starting to appear among the populace, Stands could further evolve as humanity does. Possibly even spreading out among the populace over the next several generations even. This brings up the question of how a Stand is formed in an individual…"
"Holy crap," exclaimed Mista. "The kid's a freakin' walking encyclopedia, isn't he?"
Snapping out of his muttering, Midoriya flushed a deep red as realized he got caught up in his habit again, in front of an infamous mafioso no less! Yet so did Mista as Giorno sent him a withering look.
"No need to feel embarrassed, Midoriya," Giorno soothed. "Your remarks are simply that of a scholar, which is highly commendable for someone so young. You also grasp a theory that I myself have been harboring for a while now."
"Speaking of which, this leads me to my next point…" Johnny cut in, his eyes flicking down his left hand, in particular where a certain arrow pierced his skin. "How are Stands made? I know of one method, a golden arrow that gave me Tusk, but that can't be the only way… is it?"
Suddenly there was a shift in the atmosphere. Giorno went silent, his lips thinning while a mysterious intensity appeared in his eyes. Both Mista and Fugo went completely silent, eyeing the students like a falcon would a rabbit. Midoriya shifted uncomfortably under their gazes and Gyro casually leaned back, his hand slowly caressing a Steel Ball in an obvious manner. But Johnny paid little heed to the increase in tension. In fact, he saw this was a sign that he was on the right track.
"I see…" Giorno finally said. "You're a very lucky boy, Johnny Joestar."
"I wouldn't say that…"
"Oh, but you are. You're very lucky to be alive right now."
"What's that supposed to mean?" demanded Gyro, his fingers stilled over his Steel Ball, ready to launch it any moment.
"That golden arrow has the power to awaken a person's Stand… but it's one of the most dangerous methods. There was a good chance you could've died when the arrow pierced you."
"What?!" Midoriya exclaimed. He wasn't the only one, Johnny and Gyro visibly paled at the declaration.
"The Stand Arrow awakens a Stand not by simply transmitting a disease or element into the body, but stabbing the soul itself. The arrow has a will of its own and will test to see if you're worthy of evolving, but failure to pass its challenge is fatal. Those with overwhelming will, spirit, or drive have a better chance at survival than those who don't." Giorno turned to the side, his eyes distant as he stared at the moving scenery out the window. "…once I saw a man next to me stabbed by the Arrow… unfortunately, he died on the spot. There was no wound on him to be seen, but he was already cold to the touch. A tragic lifeless husk."
Johnny hissed sharply at the description. "Mountain Tim was right… I got off lucky."
"We got off lucky!" Gyro added with bated breath. "Holy crap, I know getting a sharp, golden arrow stuck in a guy's eye is fatal, but Jesus… Makes me wonder how the hell I'm still walking around with it still stuck in my skull."
"In your skull…?" Giorno repeated with a raised eyebrow. Realizing what he just said, Gyro immediately clamped his mouth shut, glaring at the mafioso as if he insulted him. "Interesting. It would appear that you are worthy of the Arrow's gift in more ways than one, Gyro Zeppeli. You both are."
"…that Guardian also said the same thing," Johnny pointed out, remembering that awful night when Gyro obtained his Stand. "It said we were both worthy of the Arrow… Are these things all tied to the arrow?"
Giorno was quiet for a moment, cupping his chin as he stared out the window. "Not all of them… Some arrows have been found by chance, others, I've noticed in recent years, are protected by spirits similar to Stands. As to what they are, I'm not certain. However, they act much like the Arrow; a powerful will that tests people to see if they are worthy of power unimaginable."
"Is… Is this arrow the only way to gain a Stand?" Midoriya cut in. "You said it was one of the most dangerous. That means there are others, correct?"
"Yes. The arrow is the most dangerous test to gain a Stand, but there are others. Some of which are far easier, others not so much. For example, I was born with the innate aptitude for a Stand. My power had started showing signs when I was a child before fully manifesting when I was in my teenage years."
"They are like Quirks then."
"Not precisely. While they have similar properties, Stands are still rarer than Quirks for a reason. Sure, one of the methods to gain a Stand is through blood inheritance, but it isn't that simple either. One can go throughout their whole life being related to someone with a Stand, but not have one themselves. This is tied back to how Stands are spiritual in nature. If one doesn't have the will power or fighting spirit, then their Stand will never manifest on their own."
"Will power, huh?" Gyro questioned, tilting his head forward till the rim of his hat shadowed his face. "That's quite the claim… Speaking of which, I have a question of my own while we're on the subject."
"What would you like to know, Gyro Zeppeli?"
"…what does your Stand look like?"
"That's a pretty bold thing to ask, Zeppeli. Showing off one's Stand can be seen as an intention to fight or display power in certain circles, among other disadvantages. After all, there is no telling if someone can figure out a weakness of your power just from a mere glance. Almost how it's impolite to explain the basic principles of a specific Quirk as it may be incredibly private information."
Tilting back his hat, Gyro stared unconvinced at the mob boss, his grip on his Steel Ball slowly getting tighter and tighter. "…thought you might say something like that, but afraid that isn't going to cut it… Especially since U.A. was attacked last night by a Stand from Italy."
The intensity in the limo thickened as Gyro's accusation rang in the occupants' ears. Johnny stared at his friend for a second, before swearing quietly to himself. In his haste to uncover the truth about Stands, it never occurred to him that the person in front of him would be the same man who sent Dream On after him and his class. Despite his instinct continuing to say Giorno meant him no harm, Johnny eyed the young mafioso warily now. From the corner of his eye, he could see Midoriya was no different, his hands, while shaky, slowly coming together with a finger already pulled back to shoot an air bullet if need be.
Oddly, he could see Mista and Fugo merely continue to sit back in their seats, as if content to let things play out. For that matter, Giorno didn't even appear bothered by the very serious accusation. Merely returning Gyro's intense glare with the blank mask that he perfected.
"An attack you say? I wasn't aware another attack had happened to U.A."
"Like hell you don't! There can't be that many Stand Users in Japan right now! Don't 'cha think it's a bit odd that after meeting you the other day we get attacked by a lunatic Stand who can turn our worst nightmares into reality? There is no way in hell that you're—!"
A sudden brilliant light emerged from Giorno, cutting off whatever else Gyro had to say, allowing the trio of students to see a golden figure to manifest in a crouched position in the middle of the limbo. It certainly wasn't Dream On, there wasn't a hint of malice in its design or aura. Rather, all Johnny could feel was power from it. Power unimaginable and unquestionable. It left him speechless, but what really made his jaw drop was at the Stand's forehead was the golden arrow that he was quite familiar with. Yet it wasn't quite the same. If anything, it looked like merely a part of the Stand's body rather than an accessory.
"This is my Stand," Giorno announced, "Gold Experience Requiem. I'm sure this confirms that I am not the one who attacked you last night?"
"Y-Yes," Midoriya stuttered out, unable to take his gaze away from the incredible Stand that sat on the floor. How could it make merely sitting on the floor look so regal? "There is no doubt about it…" He then turned to Gyro. "Giovanna isn't the one who attacked us last night, Gyro… There's just no way he could be the one."
Gyro opened his mouth, but closed it immediately. It was clear that he wanted to say otherwise, but the look in his eyes told all that he couldn't deny the truth. Finally, he leaned back, tilting his hat forward and grumbled to himself about the Stand.
Satisfied by his acceptance, Giorno gave his Stand a nod before allowing it to phase back into his body. "I'm sure that asserts my innocence now. For what it's worth, I'm truly sorry for what happened last night. I don't know the details, but from what your comments… it probably wasn't pleasant. Fighting Stands can be very brutal, but you all came out in one piece. And for that, you have my respect."
Then Giorno did something none of the students expected. He bowed his lowly. Not just him, but Fugo and Mista also mimicked their boss. Seeing such a powerful mafioso with an equally intimidating reputation bowing to young heroes-in-training was such a surreal sight that it left Johnny speechless. It was something he never would've expected from Giorno, leaving him unable to completely process the gesture.
"We, uh, appreciate it," he said awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. He was about to ask the mob boss to stop before his embarrassment grew, but paused when he felt the limo come to a complete halt. Peeking out the window, he noticed that they were at the local airport.
"It appears that we arrived at our destination." Giorno raised his head before giving his friends a nod. Both Mista and Fugo quickly got out of the limo, taking the turtle with them as they held the door open for their boss. Before the students could say anything, Giorno turned to them, his smile pleasant as ever, but his intense gaze was solely fixed on Johnny. "It has been a pleasure chatting with you all, but this is where we part ways. I apologize if I couldn't answer everything you wanted, but I'm sure you'll come to understand the true nature of Stands in time. When that happens, then you will become some of the greatest heroes of your generation. But before I go, I should give you a word of warning, Johnny Joestar, Gyro Zeppeli and you too, Izuku Midoriya. Consider it my final lesson about Stands and the most crucial advice I can give about them. Stands Users attract other Stand Users. Whether they be your enemy or your friend, you'll eventually run into more. So best prepare yourself for whatever peril or fortune that comes your way." With that said, the golden-haired young man got out of the limo. But before he closed the door, he suddenly paused. "Oh right. I should mention you don't have to worry about nightmares any more in this city. I already taken care of that."
Johnny blinked in confusion for a moment, before going wide eyed at the implication. "You…!"
"I said my peace about this already. Kids like you should never have to deal with bad dreams… That it had come to this is disgustingly unacceptable. But you don't have to worry about it anymore."
There was nothing in his statement that would implicate the man, but the students could see in his eyes the truth behind his words. That Giorno Giovanna, for whatever reason, ended the threat of Dream On once and for all. "The driver will take you wherever you need to go. Don't worry about the price, I'll already made arrangements for his services for the rest of the day." He then allowed himself another small smile. "Goodbye, Gyro Zeppeli, Izuku Midoriya, and especially to you, Johnny Joestar. Meeting you all has made this trip very enlightening."
Without another word, Giorno turned around and headed to the airport, all the while Mista closed the door before the still incredulously gaping students of U.A. high.
"So, what do you make of those kids, Giorno?"
Giorno didn't bother facing the voice that came from the turtle, merely continued to head to the private plane parked and ready to take off on the runway. "They all have great potential, Polnareff."
The ghostly appearance of Passione's Consigliere, Jean-Pierre Polnareff, poked his way out of Coco Jumbo's back. He gazed thoughtfully back to where they left the U.A. students, allowing a mysterious smile to cross his lips. "They all got spunk. Reminds me a little of back when the world wasn't straight out of a comic book… Heh. I'm sure Joseph and Jotaro would've liked meeting them. Especially Johnny. Honestly, I was surprised to see the Joestar lineage made it to this new world." His smile then turned melancholic, as he remembered an age long since passed, of a bizarre journey with true companions that he would never see again.
"Probably one of those big mysteries that we'll never know or be disappointed if we did," Trish Una said as she emerged from Mr. President. "Honestly, I didn't know what to expect with those three, but that Joestar kid sure has some balls getting into the limo despite knowing of Giorno's reputation. Looks like your stories about the Joestars have some weight to them after all, Mr. Polnareff."
"Kid's got a fire in him," agreed Mista. "Would've made a great member to Passione if he didn't already have his heart set upon being a hero."
"A hardened hero if you ask me," Fugo commented. "Did you see the look in his eyes? I swear I could see dark flames in them from time to time. I can only speculate that whatever caused him to be condemned to that wheelchair gave him such powerful resolve…"
"He does have such a powerful determinazione," Giorno agreed. "Which is why I'm glad we found Focaccia when we did. To take away such a powerful flame before it could truly shine would've been a travesty."
"Damn straight," Mista said. "I want to see how far those kids can make it after meeting them in person… Still, I have to ask… Are you sure you want to leave now, Giorno? I mean, we did accomplish dealing with one problem, but we didn't find the Stand Arrow."
"And I thought you wanted to talk to Johnny Joestar some more," added Trish. "If it was simply Focaccia and the arrow, you would've sent one of us regardless of what that creep All For One requested. The moment you heard about Johnny, nothing stopped you from taking the first flight down here. But now that you have met him twice, you're suddenly satisfied?"
Giorno paused, allowing his closest friends to halt just behind him. He did consider staying a bit longer, to find the Stand Arrow, but he had a feeling that it wasn't a good idea. There was no way All For One and the League of Villains weren't already tracking his every move even now, so it was best to leave before they got any bright ideas. He had no doubt that All For One's newest disciple would become a true villain in his own right with time, so he didn't want to give the creepy boy incentive simply by being on Japan's soil any longer than he could. So he made the decision to simply abandon the arrow. He had a feeling it was simply fate that it was still loose upon Musutafu. Whether it was a good or bad fate, he couldn't say. Not yet anyway.
As for Johnny Joestar, Giorno could tell he didn't have to worry about him. It was true he wanted to talk to him more, but he felt this was more than enough for the time being. Staying longer would endanger the cripple and his friends more than they already were. Still, it was an enlightening experience to say the least. To meet a Joestar—a name that had a legendary impact upon the Old World from which he came from—was truly special. Hearing the sheer will in his voice, seeing that black fire in his eye made Giorno certain that regardless of fate, the young man wouldn't stop until he achieved his own dream. And for that, he prayed for his success.
Buck Wilson was in a really good mood. Today had been a great haul with all the blood he sold on the black market. Emitter and transformation types were mere pittance to the dough he was making in the mutation market. Apparently, some freaks really thought that having all that transformative blood in their veins would suddenly make them super human. Especially those idiots who didn't have any Quirk whatsoever.
Chuckling at the idea of some dumb kid poisoning himself with somebody's own blood just to feel special, Buck continued down the clean hallways of the hospital he worked with. Nurses made way for his massive bulk while patients, regardless of their health, pressed themselves desperately to the walls. All turning their heads fearfully lest they incur his ire. That earned another laugh from the vile man. He knew exactly what his reputation earned him. After all the bribes, the threats, the extortion, and blackmail to secure his position as an irreplaceable nurse in the hospital, there was no way he wouldn't revel in it.
He smiled remembering a time when he had to step on eggshells to keep himself from being noticed by anyone. But then that one night, years ago, when he truly indulged in his cruelty with a freshly crippled boy, everything changed. Everything could've gone wrong when he abused that one former jockey, but nothing happened the moment the boy was discharged. The pathetic cripple knew his place as scum smeared at the bottom end of society; Quirkless, lamed, and abandoned by all. What was his name again? Joe-something? He couldn't remember, but just remembering the pure terror in that boy's eyes elated Buck to no end.
"Ah what a beautiful day!" he declared, heading to the cafeteria to get a hearty meal for such a good day's work.
"HALT!"
Buck blinked, stopping mid-step as he entered the main lobby. Instead of being greeted with dozens of patients, doctors, and nurses during a busy workday, he saw two lines of fully armored policemen standing at the entrance. And towering in front of the police was a very familiar figure that sent a chill down the vile nurse's spine.
"C-Captain Celebrity?!" Buck's exclamation caused the hero's signature flashy smile to brighten wider than ever before.
"Buck Wilson, you're under arrest for crimes of blackmail, bribery, extortion, and abuse of minors. Come quietly or we will use force!"
Tuning out the insufferable hero before he even finished his speech, Buck turned and ran back where he came. He thought that maybe, just maybe if he could find a patient or two, he could bargain his way out of this nightmare. And it was a nightmare! How the hell could anyone know what he did after years of silence?! Did one of his patients squeal? He was going to gut the bastard who ratted him out!
He was only half through the hallway's entrance before he spotted something blur along the walls ahead of him. Eyes bulging, Buck only had a moment to let out a pathetic squeal before two feet were planted firmly in his face with a bone breaking crunch.
Koichi Haimawari, formerly known as the Crawler, now dubbed the Skycrawler, skidded across the lobby alongside the bloated body that was the disgusting nurse. The man's eyes were completely rolled to the roof of his head and his bleeding nose was now completely jagged in three places.
Good, the young hero thought. Normally he would be more lenient and thoughtful of villains, like those poor souls he had to deal with during the Villain Factory era in Japan, but after hearing what exactly this man had done, he was truly and utterly disgusted. Koichi had no doubt that the man would be behind bars for a long time.
"Excellent work, Skycrawler," Captain Celebrity praised his sidekick as he walked over. The police surrounded the fallen villain and were already binding him in anti-quirk restraints. "A quick arrest than the usual collateral damage is a nice change of pace, wouldn't you say?"
"You know I don't intend that, sir!" Koichi flushed, but couldn't deny that it was nice not having some villain cause more headaches for him when performing his hero duties. He still was going through his huge amount of debt he had left from Japan!
"Still, it's a good thing scruffy Eraser Head tipped us off to this tub of lard." The celebrity hero's eyes hardened as he watched the man get taken away. "His victims will finally get some peace of mind after all the things he did."
"Yeah." Suddenly Koichi felt his phone vibrate. Scrambling, he pulled it out of his suit before answering. "Hello?"
"Is it done, Koichi?"
The Skycrawler blinked at the familiar almost tired voice before allowing a small smile to cross his face. "Yes, sir, Eraser!" he declared confidently. "We're actually taking him in right now. You don't have to worry about a thing."
"Good," Aizawa breathed with satisfaction. Ever since he woke up after facing Dream On, he spent most of his morning carefully and methodically figuring out who exactly tormented Johnny when he was crippled. While he had some choice words for the boy's father and his former fans, the nurse who abused his student was something he couldn't ignore. He didn't know if Johnny would truly appreciate what he did, but that was fine. He wasn't doing this for praise or glory. It was merely the right thing to do for his student. "Let me know when you need Midnight or I for witness testimony. We'll fly right over once you give us the date."
"Will do, Eraser! Cap and I will let you know first thing." Giving the disgusting nurse one last side glance before he was hauled off to jail, Koichi couldn't help asking his former mentor one last thing. "Hey, Eraser… How did you know about this guy anyway? I mean, we never would've found out about this guy if you didn't call us. He hid his tracks really well."
Silence greeted the young hero for a moment, before Aizawa finally answered in a low voice. "Let's just say that I want to lessen the nightmares burdening one of my students."
Author's Note: Hi everyone! It's been a long while hasn't it? Longer than even I would've liked, but things like this happen I suppose. I'll be honest, this year has been a little rough for me writing wise. Not just with fanfics, but with anything writing related. Which hurts me since I'm still trying to write my first real novel. So I hit a bit of a rough for a long while, but to make a long story short, it has been a exhausting year and only now that I feel like writing again. And capitalizing on that fact, I decided to work on this story after so long. With that I'm terribly sorry for making you all wait so long for this. I can't promise that I will be any faster with future updates, (as I have other real life stuff going on at the moment, not to mention my other fanfics and my novel that I'm working on), but I will say that this story is most definitely not dead.
As for what comes after, we finally hit the Hero Killer Stain arc, which I'm excited to do since I already have a few ideas on how I'm going to approach this arc. I don't know when the next chapter will come out, probably not a long while unfortunately, but I'll definitely try to make the next arc interesting as the last one.
Speaking of writing, I have to apologize if this new chapter comes off a bit odd from my other chapters. I've been practicing writing and using new editing formats to help me get better over the years, so what I'm currently writing with is my current style. So please bear with me if it seems a bit off.
As for other stories that I have in the works, (not novel related), I'm still working on my Dorohedoro X Bloodborne story, so expect more from that, but also another Bloodborne crossover with Fate Grand Order that I'm working on. (Been a in Bloodborne mood lately). I don't know when I'll be publishing it, and the former's next chapter, but I hope you all like it.
Finally, I like to address Giorno Giovanna and his gang. As I mentioned way back when, they are not major players in this story out side small moments like this. This story is about Johnny, Gyro, and all of Class 1-A. If anything, Giorno is a cameo, albeit a very helpful one for the next Joestar. He knows this isn't his story, but rather the story of the next generation. He might show up again later, but that's very down the line from where we are now. This is a rule I made with ALL survivors from Made in Heaven. Sorry if that disappoints anyone, but I'm sticking with that.
Also, I wanted give some closure to something that, while to Steel Ball Run, kinda pissed me off. Namely seeing that asshole nurse who tormented Johnny get his just deserts. And in a Hero Society like MHA, especially with a hero like Eraser Head around, there is no way he was getting away scot free.
Well, I think that covers everything I needed to say. I hope you all enjoyed this new chapter and I equally hope you all have a nice day!
Sincerely, Count Chaos
P.S. The title for this chapter is named after a song by Dream Theater.