Chapter 5: Nighttime Drive Nightmare
Vale Nighttime…
"Hey, punk, you scuffed up my new suit. You got to pay for that!" A Large Man demanded, holding a young man by his collar.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have the money for such a thing!" The Young Man cried as he struggled in his grip.
"Don't mess with me, punk. If you don't get me the money, they'll be finding your body parts in the sewers!" The Large Man threatened.
"I'm sorry, but I can give you a thousand besides an ugly suit like that can't possibly be worth so much, especially when someone like you is wearing it!" The Young Man mocked.
"What the…?! You little shit, I'll make you eat thos…." The Large Man began, but before he could finish, he was nailed by a car crushing him into a nearby wall.
ド
ド
ド
ド
The man's aura was shattered, and before he could question what happened, another car made impact killing him instantly. He had dropped the young man who dusted himself off, watching as both of the car's owners got out of the store he was in and panicked over the situation.
"I swear I had it in park!" One of the owners defended as the police came to the scene.
"Great, now my shirt is wrinkly, and I'm late." The Young Man hissed as he walked into a nearby open area and entered the bullhead that laid there. As he got in, a B brand could be seen under his neck.
Vale Bullhead Landing Earlier That Morning…
"So how are we going to do this since we can't really go into the school?" Richard asked as he tightened the strap that held the Stand Arrow behind him.
"We don't fully need to go into the school. We just need to question the students, so if any come out of the bullhead, we question them." Max answered as the two Stand Users waited on the bullhead landing.
"So, do you know why JoJo said he had another objective he had to do today?" Richard asked, keeping up the conversation.
"No, he didn't say, but I could tell whatever it was that he had to do it was important. I would have prodded more about it, but whatever it is, it seems like a sensitive subject to him." Max responded.
"I see." Richard murmured, as an awkward silence befell the two Users.
The two Stand Users had a hard time thinking of how to talk to one another on topics that did not concern the mission. Having to be so suddenly thrown together as a unit, they haven't breached the ice between them.
It didn't make it easier seeing as one was an ex-criminal and the other a patient at a corrupt mental institution that tortured its inmates to make them subservient to them. This meant that the two had little in common with one another, making it harder to strike up a conversation.
Watching the sky for any sign of bullheads, Richard sighed as he looked at the arrow strapped to his back. It was decided to have him permanently hold on to the arrow for thanks to his Stand's durability, it was safest with him. Upon thinking about it, he found something to talk about.
"So how did you get shot by the arrow?" Richard asked, surprising Max, who was hesitant to answer before he relented.
"It's a long story," Max replied as he looked up into the sky.
"When I was a boy no older than seven, I still lived with my family in Mistral. We were somewhat well off in comparison to most around us." Max began.
"We got that warehouse on a cheap deal and turned it into both our home and office, where we treat people with our pressure point skills which were unlike any other." Max continued.
"With our skills, we were able to help people cope with pain and give physical therapy. I think that was why we were targeted by the institution." Max explained.
"Wait, I thought only you were shot by the arrow." Richard pointed out.
"No, I was the only one that survived." Max clarified, shocking Richard.
"Everyone in my family was shot, but none save me was strong enough to obtain a Stand, so they died. After they died, I was alone for years until I was fifteen when I was taken away to the institution itself." Max continued.
"It was there that the torturing began for me. At first, I thought that I could grin and bear it to not give in to those pricks, but in the end, I couldn't." Max sighed.
"I gave in and served them so that I wouldn't suffer anymore, and now I've most likely caused others to suffer like I had if the institution got their hands on them." Max finished.
"I see, so the reason you joined with JoJo wasn't entirely for revenge, was it?" Richard inquired.
"It's part of it for sure, but the main reason is if I'm able to help bring these bastards down, then maybe I can get back the part of me that I lost when I gave in to them," Max responded.
"I don't fully recall the faces of my family either, so when my time comes and I die, I want to be able to look my family in the eyes and remember them," Max added.
"I see you truly are a respectful man, Max. I wish that I could have lived a life like yours." Richard commented.
"Alright, I told you about some of my past now tell me yours." Max requested.
"Not much to tell really most of my life in Mistral stealing from whoever I could and however I could." Richard began.
"I lived a despicable life, though, as a child, I only ever wanted to live a life like a normal person would and be a respectable human being." Richard continued.
"Though as I grew older, I forgot about that dream I ended up burying my conscience in my mind to be a better criminal and survive in the lower parts of Mistral," Richard explained.
"That is until I met JoJo when I felt his iron will and determination, I felt reborn especially when he told me that I could be better and go on to do great things if I tried." Richard continued.
"Normally I thought people like him were just stuck up pigs who never would bat an eye on the people under them, especially me but not JoJo I knew then and there that he was different. He gave me hope and reignited my soul!" Richard spoke, shocking Max, due to his words.
"I see that too is respectful, Richard." Max smiled, the ice between them slowly breaking.
"So if your family was so good with pressure points, then why do you only use it to paralyze people in battle? Isn't there any other pressure point that could deal better damage?" Richard questioned.
"That's because the better ones are harder to hit, especially from a distance. My Stand is accurate but not that accurate, especially since some are in places you can't hit without the opponent blocking them." Max began.
"It's a shame too, with my family's technique, we have uncovered many interesting things about the body and aura for one aura cannot protect you against attacks to some of them." Max continued.
"There are pressure points that can block aura or even cause someone to be unable to use their semblance with more work and research who knows what mystery of the body could be uncovered." Max finished.
"Amazing, but now that it's just you that research is at a much slower pace than it was," Richard noted.
"Yep, but that is for a time when I'm not in a life or death match with a large organization made up of Stand Users," Max replied.
"However though my favorite is that I can give a temporary boost to a person's aura, both increasing their semblance's power and the rate they heal," Max added.
"Really, could you do it on me right now? I'm still recovering from our last fight?" Richard asked.
"I would, but once the effect wears off, you'll be extremely exhausted and aura depleted for twenty-four hours," Max responded.
"Oh never mind then." Richard sighed.
"I see you guys are getting along." Joshua pointed out when he joined them.
"Yeah, it's good to see you finally back. I hope that you'll be able to share with us the reason for whatever you were doing at some point." Max replied.
"I'll tell you soon, but it looks like we need to get to work," Joshua stated as a bullhead came in for a landing.
For the next couple of hours, they questioned several students about the Stand User, but as they expected, none of the students knew about him. Some said they saw him lurking around the school sometimes, but never had he talked to any of them.
When noon came, they were going to give up on interrogating the students after one last set. This was due to the that very few of the students even saw him and less believed that he was dangerous.
"Uh, how hidden does this guy plan to be?" Richard complained as he slumped on the bench he sat on.
"If only the last Stand User wasn't in the hospital, we could have questioned him." Joshua sighed.
"Well, his Stand was too dangerous to leave him mobile, so if we were to find another User, we'd be able to question them." Max pointed out.
"He probably wouldn't have told us anything anyway," Richard added.
Soon their final bullhead landed, and students filed out and into the city. As they questioned the students, one group caught Joshua's attention. Specifically, one of the people in said group for she approached them after looking at Richard.
"Excuse me, where did you acquire that arrow?" The White-Haired girl asked.
!
"I uh…" Richard stuttered, not knowing what to say.
"We got it off a person who was shooting it at people in Mistral, and now we are here looking for another person who has a similar arrow who looks to do the same." Joshua butted in saving Richard.
"This girl she is…she's Weiss Schnee, right? Yeah, that's definitely the current heiress of the Schnee Dust Company I remember now." Joshua thought as Weiss turned her attention to him.
"What person?" Weiss questioned as her friend joined her.
"Weiss, we don't really have time for this. We have a mission, remember." A Girl in the Red Hood reminded.
"I know, but this is important. It has to do with family Ruby." Weiss replied as she returned her attention to Joshua.
"Well, who is this person?" Weiss asked again.
"We don't know, but we believe he is targeting you, students, so be careful if you have seen him. It would be greatly appreciated if you would tell us where he went." Joshua responded, showing Weiss a picture of the Stand User.
"I haven't seen this guy anywhere," Weiss replied.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with the Brando Institution, would it?" Weiss asked.
"The Brando Institution isn't that the place where a bunch of huntsmen were called to take down for several accounts of torture last year?" The now named Ruby asked.
"The very same," Joshua answered.
"What are you planning on doing here?" Weiss questioned.
"She's full of questions," Richard whispered.
"We are going to stop this man from doing what he plans on doing," Joshua answered.
"But if he's here to do something bad, why not report it and help local huntsman in stopping him?" Ruby asked, confused why these people who clearly were not huntsmen were working alone.
"They couldn't handle what the people of Brando can do," Joshua stated.
"And you can?" Weiss questioned, skeptical of Joshua's claim.
"Yes, for unlike huntsman or huntresses, I know what they are capable of," Joshua responded.
"What do you know about them?" Weiss asked, but before Joshua could answer, Max interrupted them.
"JoJo, I've got a lead," Max informed, getting both Joshua's and Richard's attention.
"What is it?" Joshua asked.
"He was spotted yesterday near the docks. If we're lucky, we'll find him there." Max answered.
"Alright, let's go. It's been a pleasure, Ms. Schnee." Joshua said before he and his two compatriots began to leave.
"Wait a minute!" Weiss called, causing the Stand Trio to stop.
"Yes?" Joshua asked.
"What's your name?" Weiss inquired.
"Joshua. Joshua Joestar." Joshua answered as he and his compatriots left the area.
"Soooo, can we go back to our plan now, Weiss?" Ruby asked.
"Yes, sorry, I just got a bit worked up when I saw that arrow and talk of the Brando Institution." Weiss apologized as she and Ruby began to head to the CCT tower.
"What was that about any way you said it had something to do with your family, but I never heard of your family being involved in that crazy place?" Ruby inquired.
"We weren't involved, so to speak, but the thing is I hav…had an older brother, and a long time ago he was shot by an arrow that looked exactly like the one those three men were carrying." Weiss began.
"Shortly after he was shot, he began seeing things, so he was sent to that institution to help him. In the end, after years of him being there, his entire existence was basically covered up, and when the Institution was exposed, we learned that he…he died." Weiss continued stopping in her tracks.
"Weiss I…I'm sorry." Ruby apologized, shocked by the story.
"If you want to talk about it, I'm here for you." Ruby offered, causing Weiss to slightly blush.
"It's fine. I've come to terms with it, but I still don't fully like talking about it, but thanks for the offer." Weiss thanked
"Either way, my sister Winter has been looking to see if she can find the people in charge and have them arrested ever since we learned he died, but she never found anything," Weiss added.
"However, those men have, and now apparently they are working in Vale." Weiss finished.
"I'm surprised you didn't try to question them further," Ruby commented.
"Oh, that's because I'm going to find them again I took their photos, and now I know one of their names, so I'm going to find out who they are then what they know," Weiss explained.
Vale Docks…
The Stand Trio arrived at the Vale Docks, and once they arrived, they were met with a busy street and life of the locals. People packed the streets and the docks working and just moving about, making their job would be that much harder.
They began to question the people there, but it seemed that no one had seen their target, most likely for they weren't there a day earlier. Soon day turned to night, and not a little bit of progress was made even as they questioned the workers who would have been there the day prior.
What they got from their questioning was that the Stand User must still be in the area, so they decided to go looking building to building. As a Bullhead flew high in the sky, they continued their search from door to door and abandoned building.
"Damn, and just like that, we're back to square one." Richard cursed as he held onto his shoulder.
"You okay?" Joshua asked, seeing Richard's discomfort.
"My body is still all beat up from the fight with the last Stand User," Richard answered.
"Right, you mentioned that earlier," Max commented.
"Do you need rest because if we encounter another Stand User and you don't feel one hundred percent, we won't hold it against you to go and rest?" Joshua questioned.
"Honestly, I'm used to fighting just not fighting like this one where I could die, so my body is adjusting to the pain," Richard replied.
"Then why not go back to the hotel and wait there me and JoJo will go to a few more buildings then meet you there. We'll start again tomorrow." Max suggested.
"Yeah, I think I'll do that, but if you need help, give me a call via scroll." Richard agreed as he turned and left his fellow Stand Users.
The two remaining Stand Users continued searching for their target but came up empty-handed when they decided to call it a night. When they went to go back to the hotel, they spotted a large crowd of people around a corner.
Going in to investigate, they saw police tape everywhere and a man crushed by two cars against a wall dead. Shocked, they looked around to see what exactly had happened with two people. Presumably, the owners sat on the curb.
"What happened here?" Max asked a nearby person.
"Apparently, both cars had suddenly drove themselves into that man while the owners were in the store." The Man explained.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Joshua whispered to Max.
"Yeah, it could be the work of a Stand, but we can't say for sure, so let's get out of here before it's too late," Max responded.
Quickly they left the area as a Bullhead flew over them. They walked towards their hotel. While stopping at a nearby light, Joshua looked at the cars adjacent to them. As he watched them, he had a premonition of a car going crazy and crashing into him and Max.
ゴ
ゴ
ゴ
ゴ
Sure enough, a car began to lose control and head their way. In reaction, Joshua grabbed onto Max and got them out of the way. The car brushed passed them and nearly missed several people before it crashed into the wall of a building.
"What the hell was that?" Max questioned as he and Joshua got up.
"No idea, but thankfully my premonition went off," Joshua replied as he felt his entire body in pain. It felt as if his premonition had come true, and he was hit by that car, but soon, the pain went away.
"That's the second time that's happened, but why?" Joshua wondered as he forgot about the pain and focused on the car.
"That can't be a coincidence, can it?" Max asked as they looked at the car.
"Yeah, it's not likely to be a coincidence." Joshua agreed as a loud screeching sound could be heard behind them.
Both Stand Users quickly turned around to see a semi-truck barreling towards them before turning sharply. Due to this, the trailer was now coming to hit them as well as giving them little chance to run.
With no other option, the Stand Users jumped into the air avoiding several of the cars being dragged around. Summoning his Crimson Destiny, Joshua then used it to tear a large hole in the trailer, allowing both him and Max to enter and be at least safe from being crushed.
"Okay, this is definitely the work of a Stand!" Joshua stated.
"Yeah, do you think it's our target?" Max inquired as the trailer hit a wall blocking their entrance.
"Maybe, but we can't know for sure, especially since we have no idea where the User is," Joshua responded.
"Could this be another Automatic Stand?" Joshua suggested.
"I don't think so, but I can't say for certain," Max replied as a loud bag hit the trailer.
A large dent was formed in the side of the trailer, indicating that something big and strong had hit it. Soon another dent was made and another and so on and so forth until a large hole was made and a car entered the trailer.
"We need to get out of here!" Max yelled.
"On it!" Joshua replied, busting a hole in the bottom of the trailer allowing the two Stand Users to exit.
Once outside, they saw that four cars had embedded themselves into the truck's trailer, and several people were swarming the scene at the odd event. But one thing stood out to both of the Users it was that none of the cars nor the semi-truck had a driver inside.
Before either could make any more observations, several cars that were parked adjacent to them began to move and gun towards them. They began to run from the "attacking" vehicles avoiding being crushed by them.
The two ran towards the docks and jumped into the water to avoid the vehicles. As they crashed into the water all around them, they swam under the pier to avoid the falling vehicles from hitting them.
Having nearly avoided the vehicles, they swam back onto the solid ground and sitting down. Now having some time to breathe, the two Stand Users decided to figure out just what they were dealing with.
"Okay, so clearly we are dealing with a Stand that can control vehicles. The next question is what the limit on how many and what kind of vehicles the User can control." Max said.
"Yeah, and it seems the Stand can only effect anything without drivers or passengers," Joshua added as they got up and kept moving.
They decided to keep moving, for they believed that the Stand was still in effect, and they wanted to get to a place where no civilians could be hurt. However, as they moved, that didn't seem to be a likely scenario for more vehicles came after them.
"Shit so much for getting to an isolated area!" Max cursed as he and Joshua ran full speed away from the vehicles that chased them, which were gaining on them fast.
"We can't keep this up. They're too fast, so now…" Joshua began before he stopped at an isolated motorcycle and grabbed onto it.
"We have to ride." Joshua finished as he used his Crimson Destiny to start it up.
"Let's hope the User can't take control of this, but seeing as all the vehicles being controlled are empty, I'm not too worried," Max replied.
"Alright, let's go," Max added as he hopped onto the back. He waited for Joshua to go, but he didn't, so he glared at his fellow Stand User.
"Well, what are you waiting for? They're getting close!?" Max questioned.
"I can't drive," Joshua responded, causing Max to deadpan.
"Oh well, I guess you never had the chance to learn…whatever I'll drive then." Max sighed as he took control.
With Joshua hopping on the back, they shot off, moving fast and farther away from the vehicles that chased them. As they drove away, they tried to shake off the cars pursuit, but they were unable to for no matter what. It seemed as if the cars knew where they were, no matter what.
"So did the Institution teach you how to drive?" Joshua asked.
"No, I had to learn it once I got out. It actually isn't as hard as it looks though I had…trouble at first." Max answered.
"Should we call Richard for help?" Max asked.
"No, he's in no condition for this kind of action. I'd rather not push him too far." Joshua responded as they passed several people who were terrified at the vehicles that chased them.
"So, this has to be an Automatic Stand right because the cars don't go away no matter how far we are from the docks?" Joshua inquired as they drove deeper into Vale, passing a nightclub.
"No, I don't think so. Remember this an Automatic Stand, meaning while it can move far from the User, that doesn't mean it will be very strong." Max began.
"Recall the last Stand we went up against. It was an Automatic Stand but not too powerful it's best power was that we couldn't see it without the help of another. Otherwise, we could have stopped it easily." Max continued.
"This Stand, if I'm correct, is more of a kind of a long-distance control type Stand. The user is able to control it from a distance, but they would still need to see us." Max finished as he avoided being hit by a car.
"So, if you're right, then how is the User seeing us?" Joshua questioned as he looked around to find them.
As he looked, however, a car got too close and flipped over, threatening to crush both him and Max. Acting quick, Joshua summoned his Crimson Destiny and punched the vehicle with several punches until it finally its momentum stopped, and it fell to the ground.
People as they drove screamed in shock at the sight as cars and tucks barreled through the streets following the two Stand Users. Some even had to jump out of the way as some vehicles got on the sidewalks or into buildings.
Taking a breather, Joshua was about to resume his search, but before he could, more vehicles came crashing towards them. Joshua now preoccupied with keeping the vehicles controlled by the Stand and keeping himself on the motorcycle.
"Do you mind not turning as much it makes it hard to stay on the bike!" Joshua requested as he grabbed onto Max's left shoulder.
"I would if I could, but we are basically stuck in town, and the people are in danger if we stay on one street too long," Max argued.
"What about the highway?" Joshua questioned.
"That…that would work," Max responded as he made a sharp turn, nearly throwing Joshua off as they went towards a highway entrance, and a bullhead flew overhead.
However, it turned out that going on the highway was a mistake as it seemed that something had gone through there, leaving a path of destruction. Several cars were totaled on the side of the road, and the blocks were greatly damaged.
"By the gods, did a Grimm come through here?" Max questioned.
"Who knows, but it seems that all the people have gotten out safely," Joshua responded, seeing that all the vehicles were empty.
"Wait, they're empty?" Max asked as he and Joshua went wide-eyed.
ゴ
ゴ
ゴ
ゴ
Each totaled car sprung to life rhetorically as they followed after the two Stand Users speeding over to crush them, at least the ones that could. With the large "army" of vehicles chasing them, it seemed that there was almost no getting away from them.
"Damn, how does this Stand work?" Joshua questioned.
"Yeah, and I don't even see the Stand either, so where is it?" Max added as they looked back.
Taking a closer look, Joshua noticed small wire-like strings attached to each and every vehicle going directly upward. Closely inspecting it to make sure that he didn't lose it, he saw that it led straight to a Bullhead that was flying over them.
ド
ド
ド
ド
"There! There's a bullhead following us. The User must be watching from up there!" Joshua stated.
"Damn, we can't touch the User from here!" Max cursed.
"Can't you hit it with your knives?" Joshua asked.
"No, it's too far away. I'd be missing most of my shots." Max answered as he swerved to avoid a truck.
"Damn, what do we do!?" Joshua wondered as he used Crimson Destiny to punch another car away.
His knuckles started to bleed and peel due to the constant strain of hitting the cars one after another. But ignoring the pain, he noticed something odd about the vehicles he had dismantled. Once they were made ineffective, the wires attached to them detached and returned to the Bullhead.
"I have a plan though it may not work. I think I can get to the User." Joshua informed.
"What is it?" Max questioned.
"I noticed that every vehicle has a wire attached to it, leading to the bullhead whenever I dispatch a vehicle enough to where it cannot move the wire detaches." Joshua began.
"I think I can use that by grabbing onto the wire and have it take me with it," Joshua explained.
"Are you insane? What if they notice you they'll stop you! Hell, it might even not work for all, you know?" Max questioned.
"It's worth the risk, and I'd rather risk my life trying it than a comrade's," Joshua responded.
"You're too honorable, you know that though I guess, that's not a bad thing." Max sighed.
"Just make sure to come back alive, JoJo." Max requested as Joshua nodded in return.
Readying his bruised fists, Joshua waited for the next vehicle to make its move on them. When the time came, Joshua was prepared battering the truck with several punches. Ignoring the pain, he grabbed onto the wire and jumped off the motorcycle as it carried him away.
As he drew closer to the bullhead, the User, who was inside, noticed him and commanded the wire to break off and cause Joshua to fall. But it was too late as Joshua was close enough to the Bullhead to have Crimson Destiny grab onto it pulling him in.
"I'm not leaving just yet, pal!" Joshua declared as he pried the door open.
Behind the door was a lone man, who Joshua noted was not their target, flying the airship shocked to see Joshua there. Joshua saw that the wires all converged onto the User's left hand. Before the User could attack him, Joshua entered the airship while summoning his Crimson Destiny.
He grabbed onto the User's left hand and proceeded to crush it, damaging his aura and his hand slightly. With the User's left hand under Crimson Destiny's grasp, his Stand was negated due to not being able to concentrate, stopping all the vehicles chasing Max.
"Let go of me, fool. I can't control the bullhead with my Stand Road Rage! If I don't pilot the bullhead, we'll crash!" The User demanded.
"Oh, I know, but I'm not worried about that because I know how resilient a bullhead can be," Joshua replied as he kicked the controls sending the Bullhead spiraling down and closing the door he had used.
Max watched from above as the Bullhead fell under the highway, crashing into another Bullhead that was flying upwards. Both crashed onto the ground near four girls that stared at the scene in disbelief.
"What was that?" Yang questioned as they looked at the two crashed Bullheads.
Roman Torchwick and his partner in crime, Neopolitan, exited the Bullhead, annoyed and angry that their escape was thwarted at the moment. It seemed that before they could leave, they would have to fight against the four girls in front of them.
"Whatever that was, it was a blessing because now we can capture Torchwick!" Blake declared as she and the rest of Team RWBY got ready to fight.
"Let's see how you manage kiddos!" Torchwick replied as he and Neo prepared to fight.
But before either side could make a move, a loud bang was heard from the second bullhead that laid next to a pillar. Soon more bangs rang from the Bullhead as the door bent out of proportion and broke off entirely, sending it and a man out onto the ground between them.
"So this is the reason why we are still here. Well, I hope you're happy because you die here with them!" Torchwick yelled.
"Sorry, but he's not dying until I get what I want!" Joshua shouted, surprising everyone present.
Joshua climbed out of the Bullhead and jumped onto the ground as everyone stared at the Stand User. The enemy Stand User then started to run away, but he was stopped in his tracks when several knives embedded themselves in his body.
Max came down, landing with the motorcycle screeching to a halt as he and Joshua were now side by side staring at the enemy. Getting off the motorcycle, Max joined Joshua as they approached their enemy, who watched them terrified.
"So you going to spill the beans about the Institution and the User with the arrow?" Joshua inquired.
"Never! Just wait until my brother hears about this!" The User responded.
"Oh, I'm soooo scared." Joshua sarcastically replied.
"Are you scared, Max?" Joshua asked.
"Terrified JoJo," Max answered.
"Well, then, if you're not going to say anything, we better make it so you can't get in our way again!" Joshua declared as he and Max summoned their Stands.
"TROTROTROTROTROTROTROTROTROTROTROTZEN!" Joshua's Crimson Destiny cried.
"VATTENEVATTENEVATTENEVATTENE!" Max's Pins and Needles cried in turn.
Soon the enemy Stand User was battered and beaten, his aura broken and body covered in knives as he was sent into a nearby pillar. Upon impact, the pillar shattered, covering the User in debris stained in his blood and knocking him unconscious.
Name: Unknown.
Stand: Road Rage.
Type: Long Ranged Control.
Brand: B.
Ability: To control any ground vehicle that is not occupied by people with wires attached to the User's hand. The User can control any number of vehicles, but they must be within a 25 to 30-meter range and able to see the target. When a vehicle is broken, it is unusable.
Status: Out of Commission!
"Guess it's not surprising that the Users aren't selling each other out. You and Richard were right." Joshua sighed as he and Max dismissed their Stands.
Everyone was shocked at the scene in front of them. Two men had somehow, with an unseen force, beat another man into a pillar shattering it. Weiss had noticed that the two men in front of them were the same ones from earlier that day and had mentioned the Institution to the other man.
"Wha…What was that?!" Yang questioned as Joshua and Max turned around and looked at the people around them.
"I think we're interrupting something." Joshua pointed out.
"No shit," Max commented.
"Okay, I don't know what the hell that was all about, but thanks for the ride!" Torchwick shouted as he and Neo shattered into glass and appeared on the motorcycle and drove off.
"NO! They got away!" Blake cried.
"Well, I guess nothing changed. They were getting away anyway." Ruby pointed out.
"We should probably leave. I don't want them getting mad at us, plus I wouldn't be surprised if the cops come soon, and I'd rather not get stuck in a Vale Prison." Max stated.
"Yeah, that'll be way harder to break out of." Joshua agreed as they turned to leave.
"Wait, you two have some explaining to do!" Weiss demanded.
The two Stand Users turned and looked at Weiss then at each other and as if they could read one another's mind, ran full speed away from the four girls. Suddenly, however, a black marking appeared beneath them and sent them flying back and landing in front of the four teens.
"This just keeps getting worse." Joshua sighed as he got up.
"Listen, Ms. Schnee, as much as I would love to explain things to you, we don't have time for this," Max stated.
"Sorry, but we already had one mission go south today, so now I want one to go right, so you're going to answer my questions," Weiss demanded.
"Listen like I said we don't…" Max began before Joshua interrupted him.
"Don't bother, I can already tell she won't take no for an answer." Joshua interrupted.
"Weiss, what is this about?" Yang asked.
"It's about my family." Weiss began.
"Look, I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but can we at least move to a better location? I'd rather not get arrested." Max requested.
"Fine, I'll explain what this is about on the way." Weiss accepted as she turned to her teammates.
They left the scene, returning to the city, avoiding the police that went to the scene of destruction. Soon they found an alleyway where they took shelter in, and while Weiss explained to Yang and Bake the situation, Max patched up Joshua's hands since his aura was slow to heal them.
"Okay, so these people from the Brando Institution killed your brother, and now these two know something about them," Yang said.
"Yes," Weiss replied.
"Okay, now that you're done with your chat, can we get this over with? We're very busy people?" Max asked.
"Fine first off, I want to know everything about the Brando Institution. What are they, and what is their goal?" Weiss questioned.
"The Brando Institution is a mental hospital as a front, but in reality, it's something…much darker." Joshua began.
"They torture their patients to try to make them submit to their will and do their bidding, but as to what their overall goal is, we have no idea as of yet." Max continued.
"But why are they torturing people who are unwell? Wouldn't that make their condition worse?" Ruby asked.
"Well, that's because in all the institution there was not a single person who was mentally unstable. Or at least from what I know." Joshua answered.
"Wait, so these people accept people who shouldn't belong there?" Blake questioned.
"Not just any people, just anyone who was shot and survived the arrow." Joshua clarified.
"What is the arrow? What does it do?" Weiss asked.
"This is never going to end, is it?" Joshua sighed.
"The arrow is a…special weapon, so to speak, I don't know how it does it, but it unlocks the hidden potential in any human or faunus to unlock a power that is far superior to a semblance." Joshua began.
"We call this power a Stand," Max revealed, confusing the girls in front of them.
"A Stand?" Yang questioned.
"We don't know who coined the term or why but in essence, a Stand is similar to a semblance but better in fact, if you have a semblance, your Stand would be an evolution of that power." Max continued.
"Otherwise, it's power is random and can be quite bizarre." Max finished.
"So does that mean you two have this Stand power?" Weiss asked.
"That's correct. It's what we used against the other Stand User we beat up back there." Joshua responded.
"But we couldn't see anything." Ruby pointed out.
"Nor would you only Stand Users can see Stands people like you guys will never see it," Max explained.
"That preposterous. How do we know you're not lying?" Blake questioned as the wall behind her shattered, revealing an empty room startling her.
"Is that proof enough for you? I used my Stand to break that wall." Joshua stated.
"What kind of powers do Stands give you then?" Blake asked.
"It varies from person to person many Stand can appear as a figure that always sticks by you and can attack people but er the power can be very unique." Max began.
"My Stand can throw knives so precise that I can hit pressure points on your body to paralyze you, and if you rip it out, you bleed excessively regardless of aura." Max continued.
"My Stand allows me to see into the future but not too far into it. Mostly it comes up during battle, so don't ask me to predict what's going to happen next." Joshua explained, shocking them.
"These Stands have that kind of power?" Ruby asked.
"Yep, which is why we are hanging on to one of the arrows," Joshua responded.
"Okay, so then why is someone here with one of those arrows?" Weiss inquired.
"Our working theory is that he's waiting to find the best fighters in the Vytal Festival and use the arrow on them to convert them into Stand Users for the Institution to use," Joshua explained.
"That's just terrible." Weiss gasped before regaining her composure.
"Okay, so do you know anything about what happened to my brother?" Weiss asked.
"Sorry, but neither of us have any clue what happened to him. I heard a rumor that he was in the Institution, but neither JoJo nor I ever saw him." Max answered as Joshua just looked away.
"As I was thinking about it, I thought that he may have been a Star brand, which would explain why no one saw him," Max added.
"What's a Star brand?" Weiss asked.
"It's part of the sorting system in the Institution a person is branded just under their neck based on the power of their Stand." Max began.
"Normally the ranks go from F being the lowest and A being the highest, but there is also a Star rank which marks Stands with special powers." Max finished.
"I am a A brand while JoJo here is a Star brand," Max added as the two showed the girls their brands.
"Either way, Star brands were treated differently. They were separated from the rest of us and kept hidden and in the dark." Max revealed.
"During my stay in the institution, the only other patient I came across was my cellmate," Joshua stated.
"I see well changing the subject. I did a little research on you, Joshua Joestar, and you, according to all known databases, don't…" Before Weiss could finish, she was interrupted by Joshua.
"Don't exist, yeah, I get the point I changed my name deal with it." Joshua interrupted.
"I left who I used to be back in the institution. All I want now is to stop them for good." Joshua added.
"Okay fine, then how do you plan on stopping them?" Weiss asked.
"I'm going to expose everything that they did, and when I find the person in charge of the whole thing…" Joshua began before his expression got serious.
"I'm going to kill them," Joshua stated, shocking everyone on Team RWBY.
"You…you can't just do that if you do you…" Blake began.
"Listen, these people are dangerous, and if they are left to their own devices, they'll never stop hurting people, so I'm going to stop in permanently." Joshua asserted.
"Plus, I would be lying if I said I wasn't bitter about being tortured for twelve long years," Joshua added.
"Twelve?" Weiss thought.
"Alright, as fun as this was, we have to go. We still have stuff to do." Joshua stated as he and Max got up to leave.
"Also, if you can keep this stuff quiet, it would be appreciated." Joshua requested.
"It's been a pleasure, ladies," Max said as he and Joshua began to leave.
"Wait, is there anything we can do to help?" Ruby asked.
"No kids like you would just be in the way, so just take care of your own problems. This one is ours." Joshua answered.
"Hey, we're not kids!" Ruby complained.
"I'm around ten years your senior, so I beg to differ," Joshua replied as he and Max left.
"That was bizarre," Yang stated as Team RWBY began to return to Beacon.
"Tell me about it evil institutions, supernatural powers, and they're in Vale as we speak!" Ruby agreed with her sister.
"Guess the White Fang isn't the only thing that threatens Vale, but they seem to be better suited to deal with them. For now, we should focus our efforts on finding the White Fang." Blake said.
It seemed the faunus girl was determined to find the White Fang and unknown to her teammates, it would be an obsession. But Weiss was too busy thinking about everything she had been told by the two Stand Users.
"Twelve years that would be around the same time Walter was admitted, maybe Joshua Joestar knows more about him than he's letting on." Weiss thought.
The Next Morning…
"This is Lisa Lavender reporting on the disastrous events that took place last night," Lisa announced over the TV.
"Last night, a violent attack occurred on the highway as a giant mech went on a rampage causing destruction throughout the road." Lisa continued.
"Not only that, but a large number of cars and trucks went on their own rampage across Vale, amassing a great amount of property damage," Lisa added.
"Many witnesses claimed that these vehicles were chasing two people on a motorcycle and believe it or not that the vehicles were empty," Lisa revealed, but before she could go any further, the TV was turned off.
"So, do you care to explain how you failed Roman?" Cinder requested as she turned to look the criminal in the eye. She had visited the man taking time off from Beacon to discuss the events of the prior night.
"Well, those girls got in the way just like they had done at the last major dust heist. I think that was self-explanatory." Torchwick defended.
"Yes, I know, but I heard that something else got in your way last night, more specifically these two men?" Cinder inquired as she showed Roman a video of Joshua and Max.
"How did you get a video of that?" Roman asked.
"Neo recorded it now answer the question." Cinder demanded.
"How am I supposed to know they had some kind of power to do that! Who knows, it's probably their semblance!" Torchwick replied.
"That would be unlikely. I don't see this as a normal semblance." Cinder stated as she turned around.
"I want you working double on the plan to make sure nothing like this would happen again, and if you encounter these two men again…let me know." Cinder requested as she left.
"What a pain." Torchwick sighed.
Vacuo…
Syed had just finished his work in Vacuo and entered a Bullhead that would take him back to headquarters when he got the message. It explained how his own little brother had failed to defeat Joshua Joestar and Maximilian Zeppeli.
"Who cares? He wasn't expected to anyway." Syed commented as he prepared the next move.
"No more games the next time we go after them, it will be with an A brand," Syed stated as he put his scroll away.
"So, all of that happened last night?" Richard asked.
"Yeah, sorry you missed it," Max responded as he laid down on his bed.
"I'm glad that at least I missed the interrogation you guys had to go through since I'm not as knowledgeable about this as you or JoJo," Richard commented.
"So, what's the plan for today?" Richard inquired.
"Nothing JoJo said. We should take this day to rest so that we will be at one hundred percent for another fight," Max answered.
"Plus, the Stand User must know that we were close and probably relocated by now," Max added.
"Still, though, a lot can happen in one day," Richard argued.
"True, but as long as he's in Vale, we'll find him," Max replied.
"Since JoJo isn't here, I assume he's out on his mysterious side mission again." Richard pointed out as Joshua entered the room.
"Or not," Richard said.
"Sorry, did I miss something?" Joshua questioned when he closed the door.
"Not much," Max answered.
"What were you doing?" Max asked.
"It's…a long story," Joshua responded as he sat down.
"Do you want to share?" Richard inquired.
"Yes, it's about time I tell you both my story so that we can fully trust one another," Joshua answered as he looked at the bracelet on his arm.
"But to do that, I need to take you both somewhere so we can visit someone," Joshua added.
"Where are we going?" Max asked.
"The graveyard," Joshua answered as he got up.
====To Be Continued====
Next Time…Lailah
Author's Note:
Hey, guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter even with the exposition dump for Team RWBY. So next chapter, there will not be a big old Stand battle but will be a flashback/reveal of Joshua's time in the mental institution.
We will also find out why he wears a woman's bracelet unless if your smart, then you probably figured it out (Not saying that anyone who hasn't is stupid). Now about Joshua getting hurt from hitting the cars, it's because while Crimson Destiny can break steel, constant strain and use on steel will still hurt him.
Either way, I don't have too much to say about this chapter. There will probably be more for me to say next time, so see you then!