"Once upon a time, there were two princes. Jonathan was cherished by all and had a heart of pure gold. Dio, while also beloved by the people, was manipulative and cold, with a heart of unfeeling stone. As the princes grew older, Dio's lust for power increased. He wanted the crown and riches for himself. Jonathan was set to claim the throne when their father was unfit to lead. Dio wasn't originally the king's son, but he still thought he was entitled to have dominion over everything like a god. He deserved to be king more than his adopted brother. He came up with a plot to ensure his ascension to the throne, so he started poisoning the king.

The ruse went off without a hitch until Jonathan noticed his father had not gotten better after many treatments. He investigated to find the cause of his father's ailment and was appalled to discover Dio's wicked deeds. Even though Jonathan found out the truth, it was too late for his father. Jonathan's first act as King was banishing his only brother. Before Dio left, he swore that he would have vengeance, and he would return one day. As the years past, the kingdom forgot about Dio, until a celebration ball for the youngest Joestar, Prince-"

"Noriaki." Startled, Kakyoin jumped in his seat and slammed his book shut. He gazed up to see his dad in front of him. "Y'okay, kid?" he asked, "You didn' respond when I called you for supper."

"Yeah, I just got lost in my reading, sorry," Kakyoin answered. He tended to get whisked away in his books and tuned the real world out. It was his favorite form of escapism, besides drawing and painting. He got up from his reading chair and followed his dad to the kitchen. The smell was starting to waft through their small home. His dad had set out two plates with his famous Chicken N' Dumplins, a dinner roll with butter, green beans, and apple cider. This was one of Kakyoin's favorite meals his dad made. He took his seat and started to eat the contents on the plate.

"What's your book about? Musta been real good for you to space out like that." Hol Horse didn't really like to read books for fun, but he always wanted to know about what Kakyoin was reading. He could listen to the kid ramble about his latest read for hours. It was calming in a way, and it at least kept him from thinking about cigarettes and alcohol for a while. Another reason was to learn more. As a kid, Hol Horse didn't really go to school, especially after running away from home at a young age. When Kakyoin talked about anything, it was always a privilege to obtain new knowledge.

Kakyoin's eyes brightened at the question, he loved talking about his books and just random facts. He also appreciated that his dad cared enough to ask.

"It was about the legend of the Joestar family, and how they mysteriously disappeared," he explained. "I haven't finished it yet, but it's very interesting. These two princes…" Kakyoin went on while they ate. Hol Horse nodded occasionally to show he was listening to his adopted son. They had both finished dinner by the time Kakyoin was done recounting the events of the story, and his own thoughts about it.

"Sounds real interestin', kid," Hol responded as he stood up to start cleaning their dishes. Kakyoin went over with his dishes to assist his dad like he did every night.

"Yeah. It's just captivating. It almost sounds real, but it's just a town legend from a long time ago. I'm excited to read the rest though. I stopped right before there was supposed to be a celebration for the youngest prince." Kakyoin started to dry the wet plates and cups his dad handed him. The room was silent for a moment until Hol Horse finally spoke.

"Hey, Noriaki." Hol Horse had delayed this conversation long enough.

"What, Dad?" Kakyoin started to get apprehensive. His dad only called him by his name if he wanted Kakyoin's attention, or if he had to say something important.

"Sorry I didn' tell you earlier, but I gotta go to the city for some supplies," Hol Horse admitted. He hated leaving Kakyoin alone, especially since they only just moved into their new home less than a year ago. "I'm leavin' later tonight after I get packed. I'll only be gone a day though. I'm gonna stay at an acquaintance's house with Emperor, and I'll give you the number to call if y'need me. Will you be okay by yourself?" Kakyoin stared at his dad for a moment to take in all the new information before he responded.

"Yeah. I'll be okay." He didn't like being by himself, but he'd be fine. He was used to being alone before he met Hol Horse, but that didn't mean he wanted him to leave. "Besides, I'll still have Hierophant with me, so I won't really be alone."

"Alright. Do you wanna help me pack?" Hol Horse asked.

"Sure." They both headed up to Hol Horse's room. After a couple of hours of successful folding of clothes and assembling toiletries they were almost done until.

"Shit!" Hol Horse exclaimed, "They have to be 'round here somewhere!" Kakyoin watched his dad go into a panic. He frantically looked through all the drawers, closets, and any other unchecked corner of the room. When he was done searching, he put his hand in his hair and sighed in exasperation.

"Is everything okay?" Kakyoin inquired, "Did you lose something?"

"Yeah," he sighed again, "I don' have any bullets left for m'gun. Thought I had more, but guess not. I'm gonna have t'go into town to get some more. I'll just leave tomorrow mornin'." Hol Horse sat on the bed and fell back in frustration.

"I can go," Kakyoin offered, "I have to return some books anyway. You can stay here and finish packing, and I can get the bullets you need."

"Y'don' have to do that kid," Hol Horse replied in defeat. "I'll jus' go tomorrow."

"I promise it's okay. I can get them," Kakyoin insisted. Their house wasn't far from town, plus he always enjoyed a walk. It helped him think.

"Y'sure?" Hol Horse questioned, not getting up from the bed.

"Yes. I'm sure, Dad." Kakyoin loved his dad, but he had to have more faith in Kakyoin to do things. He was seventeen, almost eighteen. It wasn't like he was that small, scared, nine-year-old child lost in the woods anymore.

"Alright. Jus' hurry back okay. It's dark out," Hol Horse warned, "and y'never know what kinda creeps're out there."

"I will, Dad. It's not that far, I'll be fine." Kakyoin reassured, "You should finish packing, I'll go get the bullets."

"Y'know what kind, right?" Hol Horse interjected.

"Yes. I do." Kakyoin was starting to get annoyed. His dad really was trying to keep him from leaving.

"Are y'sure? Again, we can jus' both go in the-"

"Dad!" Kakyoin interrupted, "I'll be okay. I can do this."

"I'm sorry, kid. It's jus'," Hol Horse paused, "I get worried, y'know?"

"I know, Dad, but you just have to trust me, okay?" Kakyoin answered.

"Okay. Jus' be safe," Hol Horse cautioned.

"I will," Kakyoin replied.

"I love you kid." Hol Horse rose from the bed, and bear-hugged Kakyoin surprising him.

"I love you too, Dad." Kakyoin hugged back. They stood there for a couple of minutes until Kakyoin finally pulled away. "Alright. I'm going."

Kakyoin then left his dad's room and left to grab his books in his own room. His completed books were sitting on a table near his bed in a neat stack. He normally read five books at a time, and then turned them into the library to get more. He put on a green jacket over his cherry t-shirt in case it was a colder night. It was around mid-September, so the weather was a roulette game. He also decided to put on his favorite cherry earrings. They were always comforting. He received them when he was a young kid from his mother. It was the only thing he had left from his childhood besides Hierophant. He exited his house quietly after putting his books in his backpack and retrieving the money from their stash in the kitchen teapot. He shut the door and headed out into town.