Chapter 12: Study Night
Vale…
"So the targets are these three?" A Tall Skinny Man questioned as he held a photo of the Stand Trio.
"Yeah, I heard the boss wants them dead, and he's sending Star Brands to deal with them." A Gruff Older Man responded.
"So why are you bringing this up?" Another Man questioned as he flipped a gold coin which had two heads, one normal, the other was a reaper's face.
"Because I say we go after them on our own and gain the boss's favor. If we manage to take them down, we will be higher on the food chain." The Gruff Older Man smirked.
"How? If they're dangerous enough to have Star Brands go after them, how will we kill them?" The Tall Skinny Man asked.
"We bide our time until they are separated, and we take them out." The Gruff Older Man explained.
The other two just stared at him, contemplating on whether or not they would agree to this plan until Coin Man flipped his coin. His coin landed on the normal head side, and he cracked a smile on his face.
"Lucks on my side, so I'll get with this plan." The Coin Man replied.
"Fine, if he's doing it, then I'll participate as well." The Tall Skinny Man sighed.
"Good with our power and them separated. We should be able to kill them no problem." The Gruff older man laughed.
"Now, let's discuss our Stand powers." The Gruff older man added.
Beacon…
"So what you're saying is that you want us to stay on campus?" Joshua questioned as the Stand Trio, and Scotty stood in Ozpin's office.
"Yes, if you are going to be working with us, I would like to keep a close eye on you, and staying on Beacon grounds will help with that." Ozpin began.
"You can go out to Vale on missions to search for the arrow and other Stand Users but only with my permission," Ozpin explained.
"I would also like you to help shadow teachers when they are instructing students so that not only are you under constant watch, but you can help teach students." Ozpin finished.
"This way, if an enemy comes. It will be on our terms." Ozpin added.
Joshua and the others remained silent as they stared at Ozpin and Ironwood, who stood in front of them. It seemed like an eternity before Joshua finally spoke up with a response to what Ozpin had said.
"Absolutely not," Joshua stated.
"Yeah, not happening." Max agreed
"I'm not happy with that either." Richard voiced.
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"I'm sorry?" Ozpin questioned as he was confused at their refusal.
"Look, I get that you don't trust us and want to keep an eye on us, but we're not doing that. Don't forget we're being hunted, so the last thing I want to do is put kids in the line of fire even if you think it will be on your terms." Joshua began.
"Plus, we have no reason to be here besides the arrow and finding out where Kage Myojo is. I'm not letting you dictate what we do and how we work." Joshua continued.
"I'll keep you informed on our progress so that you're in the loop, but that's it. Trust goes both ways. You don't trust us, and we don't trust you." Joshua explained.
"So both sides are going to earn each other's trust, and we'll do our best to make sure that we get what we came to this city for," Joshua stated.
"You don't get it. You can't just go around fighting and putting people in danger. You also broke onto Beacon grounds and committed murder that cannot be overlooked!" Ironwood pointed out.
"True, but that being said, a lot of worse things would have happened if we didn't stop the Stand User. Plus, I think you're forgetting just what happened today." Max reminded.
"Don't forget you were at Yashimaru's mercy, and he was going to kill you," Max added.
"Yes, you did stop a crazed serial killer, but even so, we can't just overlook what is happening here," Ozpin replied.
"So you want to oversee everything?" Joshua questioned.
"Only until I know you are trustworthy then you can go about your business," Ozpin responded.
"Well, it's not happening." Joshua calmly stated.
"Besides someone like you who already has this Salem woman to deal with can't oversee everything," Joshua added.
"Listen here, if you're not going to collaborate with us, then we'll have to take you into custody!" Ironwood threatened.
"James, this isn't the time for that," Ozpin argued.
"Oz, if they aren't going to work with us on this, then we can't let them go free." Ironwood stated.
"And how're you going to take us in?" Joshua questioned.
"I'm sorry?" Ironwood asked.
"You couldn't even handle a single Stand User who was toying with you. How are you going to take us in?" Joshua reminded.
"You can't stop an attack you can't even see coming," Joshua stated before summoning his Stand and grabbing onto Ironwood's newly repaired pistol bringing it to his hand pointing it at Ironwood.
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"We're not your enemy. All we want to do is put an end to the institution. You can either be with us or against us, but that is up to you." Joshua explained as he walked up to Ironwood.
When he was right in front of the General, he flipped the gun over and held it on its barrel, and gave it back to the General. Ironwood reluctantly took the gun back as Joshua returned to his comrades.
"So what's it going to be?" Joshua asked as Ironwood and Ozpin exchanged glances.
"I see that there isn't going to be an easy answer to this situation." Ozpin sighed.
"Very well then, seeing as you won't accept my original terms, then how about this. I will have a place in Vale for you all to work from." Ozpin began.
"You'll be able to go around the city and will be farther from the students, but the building will be in a place that is far from the public, so they won't be in danger either." Ozpin continued.
"When you've made progress, you will report it, and there will be weekly check-ups by a Beacon staff member. Is that agreeable?" Ozpin inquired.
Joshua turned to his comrades, and they gave him a nod of approval. Then he turned to Scotty, who stood looking very nervous. It would probably be better for him too to stay away from Beacon, too, and with them, as it would be "safer" than being here.
"That's fine." Joshua accepted.
"I'll get on it right away then. For now, you four get some rest in a temporary room." Ozpin replied as they left.
"This agreement doesn't make me happy, Oz. I feel as if they're ordering us around!" Ironwood voiced.
"Sadly, we can't control everything. We just need to have faith that they will do the right thing. Though that being said, I still have my doubts on people who've never trained a day in their life." Ozpin replied.
"I could arrange security cameras to be installed in the place you give them." Ironwood suggested.
"No, if we want them to trust us, then that is out of the option." Ozpin declined.
"Then what is the plan for them?" Glynda questioned as she entered the office.
"Glynda, so good of you to join us." Ozpin smiled as she stood in front of them.
"Well, seeing as you two had to deal with this Stand problem, I had to run the school." Glynda pointed out.
"Thank you again." Ozpin thanked.
"So what is the plan?" Glynda inquired.
"There isn't one. Admittedly I did not foresee these events ever happening, so even a man such as I cannot fathom what the next step should be." Ozpin explained.
"We aren't being brought into another war, are we? I remember Kage was always a little aggressive at times, and gods know what he's like now?" Ironwood questioned.
"I don't believe he will act against any of the kingdoms. His overall goal is to kill Salem, and he has not found the right power to do so." Ozpin began.
"How could he even know what the right will be?" Glynda asked as Ozpin turned to look out the window.
"I don't know." Ozpin lied, knowing that he would have it when he found an impossible Stand that could kill an immortal.
Beacon Dorms…
Joshua exited the bathroom, having re-dyed his hair, and rejoined everyone in the main room who was awake save Scotty. This was the first time he had been in a dorm room, and it was smaller than he expected. But it fit the four Stand Users well enough.
"You know, I never thought I would ever see myself in a dorm room before," Richard smirked as he looked out the window.
"Have you never been to a school before?" Joshua inquired.
"No, growing up in the lower parts of Mistral never gave me that opportunity," Richard responded.
"What about you, JoJo did you go to school?" Richard asked.
"No, I was homeschooled by a private tutor. I didn't really get to go out much because of it." Joshua explained.
"What about you, Max?" Joshua inquired.
"I went to school until my family died. When I did, it wasn't the best school in Mistral, but I liked it." Max answered.
"So what's the plan now? I mean, this new accommodation is nice as I'm glad we don't have to move constantly anymore, but I doubt it'll last too long." Max asked.
"We just need to find what we need and dig up all the Stand Users in the city. Someone here has to know where Kage is and who has the arrow." Joshua explained.
Scotty evidently had not seen the woman's whole face and had trouble remembering the details prior to her stabbing him. Though it was understandable as no doubt, he had been through several traumatic events that affected his psyche, much like Joshua.
"Tomorrow, we should prepare ourselves for any battles we may face ahead," Joshua suggested.
"How so?" Richard inquired.
"Well, beyond getting physically stronger, we should look into getting dust for ourselves. It could prove very useful in the long run." Joshua responded.
"Good idea. I'm going to go to the Vale library to research more about chakra theory. I think I'll be able to discover more about my family's pressure point technique with it." Max replied.
"If you think it will help, go ahead but to be safe, we should stick in two groups of two. I'll stick with the kid, and you two can go to the library." Joshua planned.
"Sounds like a plan, but still, I feel like the kid is still apprehensive about this all. He needs a little push to bring him out of his fear." Max pointed out.
"That's easier said than done, but maybe spending a few days like a normal kid will help," Joshua said.
"I'm not a therapist or an expert on kids, but it sounds good," Max replied.
"By the way, do you really think Elton Jobe would help us?" Richard questioned.
"I mean, he seemed nice, but I was the one who put him in the hospital." Richard reminded.
"True, but I beat up Max when we met in prison, so this isn't so different," Joshua replied.
"He's got a point." Max agreed.
"We should get some sleep. Gods know we need rest," Joshua suggested as they turned in for the night.
Lower Vale…
Cinder Fall breathed heavily in exhaustion as she had been training in mastering her Stand's power all night. She laid against the warehouse floor in the center of a burned circle courtesy of her Fall's Reprise.
"There is still two weeks until the Vytal Festival, meaning I should have enough time to gain better control over my new Stand." Cinder thought as she stood up.
"I better head back. The last thing I need is people asking questions." Cinder decided as she left the warehouse alone to return to Beacon.
Cinder had gotten a decent handle on her Stand but using it in an actual battle was another story entirely. She planned on working tirelessly on mastering this power so she could exact vengeance on Davion Brando and obtain the rest of the Fall Maiden power.
As Cinder walked back towards Beacon, she was intercepted by someone who came out of a nearby alley. Cinder was met with the sight of Neopolitan, who looked very disappointed and blocked Cinder's path.
"What do you want?" Cinder questioned as Neo pointed toward one of Ironwood's ships.
"Roman got himself captured. After all, you two left far too early. Don't get me started how furious that makes me." Cinder stated as she walked around Neo, who followed.
"When the time to enact the full plan, you will be able to get him out, so just sit back and be patient. Is that understood?" Cinder questioned.
Neo looked displeased but nodded in agreement as she walked off, leaving Cinder on her own once more. While she walked the streets, she began thinking of her new power and the arrow that had given her the power.
She had stolen it from those three led by Lailah's baby daddy. She wasn't overly concerned that they would find her, but she did see them as an obstacle. Cinder didn't believe that Lailah told much about her to the man, as not long after she ran away, Lailah got sent away.
No doubt Lailah would have just assumed that she had returned, not knowing that Cinder had never gone back. But even so, she needed to be careful around them as anything could happen, so it would be best to avoid them wherever they were.
"Clearly, there is still a lot about fighting with Stands that I need to learn about." Cinder thought as she summoned her Fall's Reprise and looked closely at it.
"Upon further inspection, my Stand looks truly elegant." Cinder smirked.
The Next Day…
Joshua waited at the bullhead landing for his friends. Ozpin had gotten a small garage that they were able to use to live out of for the foreseeable future, so they were going to check it out. Afterward, they would go shopping for dust and research.
"Sorry for the wait. The kid was scared of going out." Max apologized as he, Richard, and Scotty walked up.
"No problem, let's get going," Joshua replied as they walked into a bullhead. As the bullhead flew off, Weiss watched it fly away.
"You okay, Weiss?" Ruby asked as she approached her partner.
"I'm fine. Let's get going." Weiss responded as they headed towards the bullheads to get supplies for the upcoming tournament.
Once exiting the bullhead, Joshua and Co went to the industrial district of the city of Vale to go to the building Ozpin had provided them. When they arrived, the building was small, with the main entrance being a large garage door and windows lining the top.
They entered the building seeing that it had two floors, the first being the garage, and the second was an overhanging floor covering two-thirds of the above area. This meant the two floors were very joint though none of them really cared.
"Damn, this place is filthy," Richard complained as he scrapped his finger against a window picking up a good amount of dust.
"It will have to do. Honestly, I'm not surprised by these accommodations as otherwise, it may get the attention of the public." Joshua replied.
"Plus with this, we are farther from the main civilian populous while still being to access the commercial district easily." Max pointed out.
"I'll get some cleaning supplies while I'm dust shopping. When we meet back up here, we'll clean up. For now, let's open the windows to get some fresh air in this place." Joshua suggested.
"Good idea." Richard agreed as the three did that while Scotty sat on the ground. Upon seeing this, Joshua approached the boy and got to his level.
"Hey, I know this may be making you nervous, but we're going to do our best to make things comfortable for you. So if there is anything you want while we're out, just ask." Joshua said.
"Okay." Scotty replied.
"By the way, since we'll be around one another for the foreseeable future, would you mind telling me your name?" Joshua inquired.
"Scotty. Scotty Carlon." Scotty answered.
"Pleasure to meet you, Scotty. I'm Joshua Joestar, but you can call me JoJo if you like." Joshua smirked.
Scotty only nodded in response as Joshua stood up. Joshua returned to helping finish opening the windows, and the four departed once more. When they reached the commercial district, they split up to do what they needed to do.
Joshua took Scotty to go shopping while Richard and Max went to the library to have a study session. As they walked towards the library, they passed a little girl who held a bright pink dollhouse then a building labeled Love Fortune.
Eventually, they made it to the library and entered to get what they needed. Once they entered, they made their way to the right section. It took Richard and Max no time at all to get several books about pressure points and chakras.
"Do we really need to read through all of this?" Richard questioned as they carried the pile of books past a quiet group of university students writing notes.
"No, but I will. You can help, but I can do it myself, so don't worry about it too much." Max responded as they turned a corner to avoid a group with semi-loud music and found a table.
"I'd feel bad if I didn't help, so try to give me something light at first," Richard replied as he sat next to Max, who placed a big book in front of him.
"This is light?" Richard asked as he picked up the three hundred-page book.
"Oh yeah, you have no idea," Max smirked as he opened an eight hundred-page book.
"Why do I feel like I drew the short stick." Richard thought as he opened the book Max handed to him.
After a few minutes, he was already lost but attempted to stay focused. That was easier said than done when the group that was playing music kept playing it too loud. Time and time again, the librarian had told them to turn it down only for them to turn it back up later.
It got so annoying that Richard used his House of Cards to break the boom box they were using to finally stop the music. With the new silence as with the broken boot box, Richard got back to reading.
However, something odd happened when he went to turn the page. Instead of putting his right thumb under the page, his right thumb moved upward. This event perplexed him, but before he could question what happened, he heard a loud shriek.
Both he and Max whipped their heads around though he, for some reason, did it the opposite way he had wanted to see what had happened. Richard fully expected the people who were playing music to be the culprit, but to his surprise, it was the students who had been quietly studying.
"What the hell did you do!?" One of the students questioned as Richard saw a pencil stuck in his eye.
"I'm sorry, I wanted to put the pencil down, but my arm shot upwards!" Another student apologized as he went to what looked like get up but fell instead.
"I can't get up!" The Student cried.
"My eye is gushing blood!" The Student with the pencil in his eye screamed.
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"What the hell is going on?" Max questioned.
"I don't know, but that kid is going to need a doctor," Richard responded as he went to get up.
But when he went to get up from his chair instead of standing up, he slid his foot under himself. This caused him to fall out of his chair and on his back as Max slipped and fell onto his stomach. Both Stand Users were confused as every time they tried to move their body, the opposite happened.
"What's happening?!" Richard wondered aloud as Max looked around, seeing everyone in a state of panic.
"It looks like we're not the only ones affected. Everyone's struggling to move." Max pointed out.
"Could this be a work of a Stand?" Richard asked.
"Most likely," Max responded as he looked around more.
"But where is the user?" Max questioned as a tall skinny man looked around the corner of a bookshelf at the other end to look at the two.
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Dust Shop…
Joshua looked through all the dust options that were available to him. Since he wasn't a licensed Huntsman nor one in training, he had few options to choose from. Scotty was at the other end of the store, looking at the magazines and reading one that interested him.
After picking up some fire, ice, and lightning crystals, Joshua got some powder of the same kind though he was limited to only a few. As he went to check out, Scotty came up with a comic in hand, seemingly wanting to have it.
He looked like he wanted it but was too scared to ask. The older Stand User noticed this and took the comic and bought it with the dust before handing it back to Scotty, who looked happy. When they were finished, the two made for the door.
As Joshua and Scotty exited walked down the street, they were being watched by a man with a coin in his hand. The man flipped the coin, and it landed on a reaper causing him to frown and leave the area as a man with bright blonde hair began to follow Joshua.
Joshua and Scotty began going towards the general store to get some cleaning supplies as Joshua equipped some vials of powder to his belt. But things weren't that simple as Team RWBY rounded the corner to go to the dust shop Joshua and Scotty just left.
"Hey, isn't that Joshua Joestar?" Blake inquired as everyone turned to look at Joshua and Scotty, who walked on the other side of the street.
"What are they doing, and who's the kid?" Yang wondered.
"I think the kid was with them last night." Ruby pointed out.
"It's not any of our business, so let's leave them alone," Weiss stated until she noticed something odd. Someone was following the two of them but kept his distance to not be noticed.
Weiss wasn't sure if she was just overthinking things, but when Joshua and Scotty turned the corner, so did the man. This caused the white-haired girl to stop in her tracks which in turn caused her teammates to do so as well.
"What are you looking at?" Ruby asked.
"Someone's following them," Weiss responded.
"Are you sure?" Yang questioned.
"Not entirely, but I want to be sure," Weiss replied. They decided to take a look as they followed Joshua and Scotty.
The two Stand Users continued towards the general store until Joshua felt a chill down his spine. He didn't even have a premonition, but he already knew something was off. Joshua felt a dark presence around him and Scotty and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Stick close. We may have a fight on our hands." Joshua ordered as Scotty looked at him, terrified.
Suddenly he felt a strong gust of wind come from behind him, nearly blowing him and Scotty over, but he managed to stay up with the use of his Stand. Several people were blown away, and any others were knocked out.
"The hell?" Joshua questioned as he heard footsteps behind him.
"Impressive, you acted fast," Davion smirked as he leaned against a building.
"Who the hell are you?" Joshua asked as he stood in front of Scotty and stared Davion down.
"My name is Davion Brando. But you can call me Dio." Davion introduced himself.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Joshua Joestar." Davion smiled.
Vale Library…
Max leaned against a bookshelf as he struggled to keep himself standing. He and Richard had barely moved from where they were before and had no idea how they would find the Stand User. The situation throughout the rest of the library wasn't any better as many continued to panic.
"Damn, what the hell are we supposed to do?" Richard questioned.
"I have no idea. If we can't move, then we can't go anywhere!" Max cursed.
"Which is perfect for me." A Voice stated as a tall skinny man got into view of the two users.
"Oh, you have to be kidding me." Max seethed.
"Now that neither of you can move, it makes things easier for me to kill you both." The man stated as he pulled out a gun and pulled the trigger.
The bullet shot out of the gun and charged towards Max, but it was stopped by a large playing card that stopped the bullet. Richard had managed to use his Stand to defend Richard before attacking the assailant.
But the second his Stand to the form of a person, its movements were erratic, and it had trouble moving just like their bodies. Max attempted to help out, but the second he summoned his Stand, it too suffered the same effects.
It was as if someone had damaged their nervous systems and the control of their bodies were all out of wack. Thankfully as long as his Stand wasn't in human form, Richard was able to use it, making a cage around the assailant.
"You have ten seconds to undo the effects of your Stand before I close my cage around you." Richard threatened.
"Don't worry, Lorenzo, you'll be out of there in moments." An unknown voice stated as suddenly both Richard and Max began to sink into the floor.
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"What now!?" Richard questioned as he tried to get out of the floor, but due to his body already out of wack, it caused him to sink faster.
"Stop. The floor is acting like quicksand!" Max shouted as the bookshelf, and the nearby table began to sink as well.
Because of his break in focus, his House of Cards broke the cage, allowing the now named Lorenzo to be freed. An older man was now seen sitting at the table where the students were though they were now sinking into the floor around him, unmoving.
"Thanks, Gael, that was almost concerning." Lorenzo thanked as he walked around the sinking Richard and Max staying out of the affected area.
"What did I say? Taking these kids out wouldn't be a problem." Gael laughed as his scroll went off.
"How's everything on your end, Faust?" Gael questioned.
"What do you mean you left?!" Gael shouted.
"I don't care what the coin says. It doesn't matter!" Gael yelled.
"These guys got some issues." Richard sighed as he used his House of Cards to begin to pull him and Max out of the floor.
"Whatever, I'll call you back," Gael said.
"Lorenzo, don't let our "friends" escape," Gael ordered as Lorenzo pulled his gun back out and fired upon Richard and Max.
Unable to make a shield in time, both are hit by the bullets damaging their aura. Richard was forced to retract his Stand to create a dome around them to protect them. This left the two sinking back into the floor.
Richard and Max were in deeper trouble than initially thought as the two Stands perfectly complimented one another. The first made their movements erratic to the point that causes them to sink into the floor now, which is like quicksand.
"Damn, I can't get out." Richard cursed.
"These Stands are bad news. They're a better union than Ricochet Riot and Cube Master." Max replied.
"Do you have any ideas?" Richard inquired.
"I have one that may allow me to move normally," Max responded.
"Give it to me." Richard requested.
"I need you to use your hand to hit a pressure point just at the back of my neck. Normally it sends the nervous system into chaos." Max began managing to point at the spot.
"Since it's already like that, then it may set me back to normal." Max finished.
"What if it doesn't? What will happen?" Richard asked.
"Worst case scenario, it will shut my nervous system down and kill me, but if we don't do it, we'll die anyway," Max explained as he sank up to his chest.
"But that's…" Richard stuttered as he began to sweat nervously.
"I don't know if I can do that. Without proper control of my body and precise movements of my Stand, I may accidentally lob your head off." Richard warned.
"We have no choice, and I'll trust you to do it," Max replied.
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"But I don't know if I can," Richard murmured as they continued to sink.
"RICHARD, WE HAVE NO CHOICE. WE HAVE TO DO IT!" Max shouted as Richard looked at him nervously.
"Damn…" Richard cursed as he commanded a card to rip off and fly towards Max. The card struck around where Max had shown him and damaged his aura.
Max didn't react at first and became unresponsive before falling face-first toward the floor. Richard managed to catch his head with a card before it sank into the floor. In a panic, Richard tried to move towards his friend, but due to the effects of the first Stand, he sank faster.
"MAX!" Richard cried as Max laid unresponsive. Due to his struggling, Richard sank to his shoulders, having to retract part of his dome to pull himself out.
But when he did, the two enemy users were standing as if waiting for them to attempt to escape. Lorenzo fired upon Richard damaging his aura to near break. Richard used what little power he had to get Max out and onto a bookshelf before falling back into the floor.
"Nice try, but you will die here," Gael stated as Lorenzo pointed the gun at Richard.
"It's good that you already took out your friend. Guess he didn't want to suffer." Gael laughed.
"Don't mock my friend!" Richard shouted as he attempted to move.
"Don't bother. My Stand Inverted Controls reverses the commands you give your body so you'll never move like you want to." Lorenzo explained.
"You know it'll be better to hide the body, so let's allow him to drown," Gael smirked as he broke off a table leg and moved to push Richard down into the floor.
But Richard used his Stand to cut up the leg and prevent Gael from pushing him down into the floor. Tossing the leg aside, the two watched as Richard slowly sank to his neck with his hands still sticking out of the floor.
However, Richard wasn't done yet as he made another wall between him and the other Stand Users so that he would have some time to pull himself out, if only a little. Thankfully they would need to take the long way around.
Sadly though, due to his Stand being made up of a deck of cards, he did not have many left after making the wall. So Richard could only pull himself up to his stomach before the two Stand Users came back.
Gael immediately increased the size of his Stand's effect, causing Richard to fall back into the floor. Richard fell face-first into the floor but managed to turn himself upward so that he would not suffocate.
"Don't you get it? You can't escape? You can't keep u far enough to get out from the floor." Gael boasted.
Richard attempted to fight back by getting several normal-sized cards and shooting them at Gael and Lorenzo. The two split to avoid the cards as Richard took down his wall at captured the two in cages to keep them trapped.
"You can't get out now! So turn off your Stands!" Richard demanded.
"You in no position to make demands, son," Gael stated as suddenly a loud metal screeching noise came from overhead.
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Richard looked up and saw that the ceiling was slowly liquifying just like the floor, and several drops fell down. Eventually, a large beam broke off and fell like a chunk of mud right over Richard forcing the man to let go of the two Stand Users to pull himself away.
But the liquified beam still covered Richard as the splash brought him under until he pulled himself just above the floor before Lorenzo shot at him. Richard was now in a worse situation than before as he was neck-deep in the floor, about to sink entirely in.
"Smart, but you can't stop this kid. Just let go and die." Gael smirked as Richard sunk to his mouth. It looked like it was all over as Richard was unable to pull himself out without retaliation.
"VATTENE!" Max shouted as several knives fell from above and struck the two Stand User's, paralyzing the right side of their bodies.
"What?!" The two questioned as they turned to look at Max, who stood on top of the sinking bookshelf with Pins and Needles out, holding several knives between its fingers.
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"Sorry for the wait. My body was readjusting to the Stand's effects. But now I can move freely." Max smirked before through more knives to completely paralyze the two.
"Richard, can you get yourself out?" Max inquired as Richard smiled under the floor as he used his Stand to slowly get himself out.
"I'm glad that I didn't kill you!" Richard exclaimed.
"It'll take a lot more than that to kill me," Max smirked.
"But my Stand should stop you from moving normally!" Lorenzo gasped as Max jumped to a nearby table.
"Don't underestimate my family's pressure point technique, buddy!" Max shouted as Richard freed himself from the floor.
"So what should we do with them now?" Richard inquired as he used his Stand to make a slide to land next to Max, who hit the point at the back of Richard's neck, allowing him to move normally after a few minutes.
"I have an idea on what we should do to these two," Max smirked.
"I say we give them a taste of their own medicine," Max added as he flipped a knife in his hand.
"Really? Well, that sounds like fun." Richard smiled as he summoned his Stand.
Max hit both of their pressure points at the back of their necks before Richard battered them with his Stand before tossing them both into the floor. Eventually, they sank until they were neck-deep, and Richard and Max knocked out Gael but left Lorenzo awake, stopping the liquid effect.
"Wait, please don't kill me!" Lorenzo begged as the floor solidified.
"Don't worry, we won't kill you, but you're going to answer our questions," Max stated.
"Whatever you want!" Lorenzo stuttered.
"How many Stand Users are in Vale currently?" Richard questioned.
"I don't know the exact amount, but I know that there are at least seven, maybe more. I also don't know their powers. Most of us are secretive in case one backstabs the other." Lorenzo began.
"But I do know that there are Stand Users out there that aren't part of the institution. They appear from time to time. It's inevitable that you may encounter them." Lorenzo continued.
"Stand Users are tied together, and no matter what, you will encounter another every now and again." Lorenzo finished.
"How do you receive orders?" Max inquired.
"We get messages from letters. I don't know how but somehow they appear wherever we are." Lorenzo admitted.
"Do you know where Kage Myojo is?" Max asked.
"Who?" Lorenzo questioned.
"Then we're done here," Max stated as Richard knocked Lorenzo out with a punch from House of Cards.
Name: Lorenzo.
Stand: Inverted Controls.
Type: Area Of Effect.
Brand: B.
Ability: To reverse the orders given to the body for movements causing the opposite action to occur. This affects a certain radius and everyone within except those the User designates.
Name: Gael.
Stand: Sink or Swim.
Type: Close Ranged Effect.
Brand: B.
Ability: To turn any surface into a quicksand-like liquid that traps a target, and the User can revert the surface to normal at any time.
Statuses: OUT OF COMMISSION!
With the two enemy users unconscious, their Stand powers ceased, and everyone around was picking themselves up. Richard and Max helped those who had injured themselves up before bringing them to paramedics that had arrived at the scene.
"So you think a Stand is dropping off their orders?" Richard asked as they walked off from the library carrying a few books with them.
"No doubt. It used to be that they would message us on burner scrolls, but now that I betrayed them, they switched it up a little." Max responded.
"It's also not surprising that he didn't know about Kage, seeing as this guy is so secretive," Max added.
"True, but what concerns me at the moment is how the older one Gael was on the phone with what seems like another Stand User." Richard reminded.
"True, but it seemed like something went wrong and that there are countless Stand Users in Vale we're still not sure about." Max agreed.
"We should find JoJo just in case they were going after him and Scotty too. I bet the other User was going after him too." Richard pointed out.
"Good point." Max agreed.
Earlier…
Joshua stared right into Davion's eyes as the devious blonde smirked a malicious smile. They had remained in silence ever since Davion introduced himself. During that time, Joshua eyed Davion up and down in order to see his Stand.
In order to test the waters, Joshua summoned his Crimson Destiny and willed it to kick at Davion's head. Suddenly a strong gust of wind came and pushed his Stands leg away and into a light pole bending it severely.
"Now that's no way to greet someone, Joshua. Or is it JoJo? I did hear that is what your little group calls you." Davion laughed.
"Only my friends call me JoJo," Joshua stated as he glared at Davion.
"Your name. You said it was Davion Brando, am I right?" Joshua asked, putting extra emphasis on Brando.
"That's right, but you can call me Dio, JoJo," Davion responded.
"What relationship do you have with Kage Myojo?" Joshua questioned.
"Oh? So you learned his name. I assume Ozpin told you." Davion chuckled.
"Kage Myojo is my uncle," Davion answered.
ゴ
ゴ
ゴ
ゴ
"He's Kage's nephew? That means he is the son of the person who actually owned the deed to the institution." Joshua realized.
"Damn, I never got his name from Ozpin." Joshua cursed.
"You're here to kill us then, I presume?" Joshua inquired.
"No…well, if you do die, it can't be helped, but I'm here for something else entirely," Davion responded.
"What would that be?" Joshua asked.
"Oh, you'll see JoJo," Davion smirked.
Suddenly the wind picked up again and blew straight at Joshua and Scotty, the older of whom stood his ground with the assistance of his Stand. When he did so, Davion sent several blades of wind that cut into Crimson Destiny's flesh.
This caused several wounds to appear on Joshua's body before Crimson Destiny broke the light pole it had hit before then threw it at Davion. Davion used the wind to launch himself into the air dodging the pole that embedded itself in the building before landing on top.
"That's some good strength, but let's see what else you can do," Davion commented as the wind picked up and lifted a nearby car throwing it at Joshua.
"TROTROTROTRO!" Crimson Destiny shouted as it battered and broke the car into pieces though it gave him small bruises.
But then Joshua noticed a shadow on the ground and looked up to see Davion flying through the air. A maelstrom seemed to come from above, sending both Joshua and Scotty into the ground, damaging their aura.
Though it didn't take long before Joshua freed himself and Scotty before jumping away from another blast of wind. Before Davion could attack again, Joshua used his Crimson Destiny to rip up the ground to shield him and Scotty.
Scotty curled up into a ball as he always does when he gets scared, shaking as Joshua waited for Davion's onslaught to finish. The young boy held his head tight as he questioned over and over why he was there, why this was happening, and why couldn't he be left alone.
He just wanted to go away and be left alone. Scotty just didn't want to deal with this. He didn't understand why any of the Stand Trio was fighting and why they kept pressing forward. All he had ever wanted was to live a normal life.
"Listen closely," Joshua stated, getting Scotty's attention.
"Stick close to me, and when you see the opportunity, run away and get somewhere safe," Joshua instructed as Scotty looked at him, shocked.
!
"But why are you still fighting? Aren't you scared? Don't you realize it won't ever end?" Scotty questioned, having finally reached his limit. He just couldn't understand why Joshua or the others fought.
"Of course I'm scared. It's only natural to be scared when in danger. But I refuse to give up. No matter how hard it gets or how impossible my goal may be…" Joshua began.
"I refuse to sit and do nothing as the people behind the institution hurt innocent people," Joshua stated as Lailah's bracelet shined in the light.
"I know you don't want to fight, but they'll be coming after you. So I'll protect you. I gave you my word." Joshua added as he looked Scotty in the eye.
When Scotty looked into Joshua's eyes, he saw kindness and confidence in them that almost put him at ease. Scotty could see Joshua's determination and unwillingness to back down from the fight.
"Alright, let's move!" Joshua shouted as he jumped out from behind the cover, with Scotty soon following.
"About time, I was getting bored of waiting," Davion murmured as he sent a large blade of wind.
Joshua jumped over the blade as Scotty ducked under as the blade hit the building behind them. When Joshua landed, he used his Stand to kick the ground and launch himself towards Davion. He punched at Davion, who blocked with a wall of wind.
Towards the end of the road where Joshua and Scotty had come from, Team RWBY was looking at the scene completely perplexed. They couldn't fully tell what was happening, only that Joshua was fighting Davion and that Davion could control the wind.
"What is happening?" Ruby questioned.
"Well, this…is a Stand battle. I think." Blake responded.
"This is impossible." Weiss gasped.
"It looks cool. I just wish I could see all of it." Yang commented.
Eventually, Joshua could not keep in the air anymore as he fell towards the ground allowing Davion to send several blades at him from below. Being in the middle of the air and nowhere near any buildings, Joshua could not dodge as the blades hit him.
The blades severely damaged his aura, nearly breaking it as Joshua hit the road and rolled onto his stomach. He quickly got to his feet to avoid another attack from Davion before hiding behind a car.
"Come on, JoJo, give me something more. I want to see the full power of your Stand!" Davion demanded as Scotty hid in an alley peeking out at the floating Stand User.
Joshua contemplated his next move. He was in a tight situation as he was not prepared for a battle so soon and against such a strong Stand. At the moment, he still had no idea what Davion's intentions were and knew that help would not be coming anytime soon.
Looking at the dust he had just acquired, he knew that the powder was a no-go as it would only get blown away from the wind. Any fire could also be snuffed out, which left Joshua with just ice and lightning crystals.
But he had little time in how he would implement those as he had a premonition of Davion's next attack, which would cause the car he was hiding behind to explode. He jumped out of the way to avoid the attack, but when he did, he still felt a searing pain as if it still happened.
Having no time to lose, Joshua got back to his feet and jumped up to a nearby roof so that he was now level with Davion. The blonde Stand User smirked and looked at him smugly as he lounged in the air.
"Honestly, so far, I'm a little disappointed. I heard you were such trouble up until now, but I can't see it. Tell me are you hiding something from me?" Davion questioned.
"What could I be hiding that would benefit me?" Joshua pointed out.
"Fair, but maybe there's something you are hiding even from yourself," Davion suggested as he checked his watch.
"Eleven twenty-five AM," Davion noted.
"I've got time," Davion smirked.
"Now then, JoJo, let us continue!" Davion exclaimed.
"Then come at me, Dio!" Joshua shouted as he readied a lightning crystal and jumped at Davion, who flew right at him.
===To Be Continued===
Next Time…New Found Courage
Author's Note:
I got this done faster than I thought, and I really liked how the main battle came out. Next chapter will be the full fight between my first JoJo and Dio! Though I have to say my favorite part of this chapter was the part where Joshua put the law down on Ironwood and Ozpin.
Not everything can go their way, as Joshua was not going to let people boss him around. Funny enough, when I paired the two Stands together here, I didn't realize how well they went together until I was writing it. I laughed at myself for not seeing it sooner when I came up with the Stands, so it was very funny.
The other Stand User with the coin, aka Faust, will show up later, and the nature of his Stand will be explained. Though that will have to wait, of course, hehehe. Now I don't have much to say here I will get to the review:
IzuOchaShipper99 – I will neither confirm nor deny the possibility that Joshua is Walter. That will have to wait for later (Evil Laughter increases). Anyway, about the comparison between Crimson Destiny and King Crimson, I'd say that's fair.
However, the two Stands will be very different. To be honest, Crimson Destiny was one of the first Stands I made. The name was just a coincidence with King Crimson. Though I will say this, I have laid several clues as to the true nature of Crimson Destiny's power in previous chapters to keep a keen eye!
Now about the last part of your review, that is not exactly how Stands work, even if Joshua is Walter. You see, the reason why most of the Joestars have Stands was because DIO stole Jonathan's body and was given a dose of the Stand Arrow.
Jonathan's body, in reaction to this, sent a distress signal to his descendants via a mental link, and when DIO died, that link was severed. That is why (Spoilers for part 6) Jotoro's daughter Jolyne didn't have a Stand and had to be pierced by the arrow.
She had the potential to be a Stand User but was not guaranteed that, like Trish from Part 5. However, in comparison, twins are an exception as if one twin is shot by the Arrow, the other will also gain a Stand like in part 6.
Just wanted that to be known for anyone to also thought about that as well. Either way, that's all I've got today. I hope you guys enjoyed and I'll see you next time!