Hey There!
Welcome to the 2nd Chapter of Birds of Paradise!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN "JoJo's Bizarre Adventures" OR "The Owl House". The glory of such work belongs to Hirohiko Araki and Dana Terrace.
Enjoy!
Episode 2 – The Owl Lady
For over a couple minutes now, Luz Noceda was currently wandering through the town that her and her mother took residency in on Gravesfield Island, Bonesborough. As she was walking the streets, she remained unaware of a flying follower, a crow that belonged to Smooth Criminal and its user, Jonas Shiobana. The young man couldn't help but be annoyed at this young woman.
Jonas: Damn it. Where the hell is she going?
After awhile, through the eyes of his crow, he noticed Luz making her way towards what looked like a farmers market in the middle of the streets. There were vendors selling food, some local artists selling and displaying their work & even some businesses that sell things in-between (flowers, baskets, soaps, etc.).
The young man was getting absorbed into what he was seeing that he forgot about his target, Luz. Luckily, his crow managed to spot her again. However, what confused him was that she was leaving the market and was heading into the woods that were right by the bazaar.
Jonas: Why is she heading into the forest?
Jonas quietly tailed her and hid himself behind a tree while Luz made her way towards something that seemed out of place, Another vendor's tent. Of course, this one had more differences than the others back in the market. For one thing, it was bigger than any of the tents from earlier. Instead of on the main street, this one was in the middle of the woods close by to the farmers market. There was a sign for the name of the business, "The Owl's Nest: Collectibles & Antiques". Now, there were more pieces that just weren't fitting together.
Jonas: Why is this one just on its own away from the street? And why would Luz come here? Is she the one running it? No, she said on the boat that she was away from the island the whole day. She couldn't have set this up.
Luz: Hey, you here?
?: Kid? Is that you? Perfect timing!
Jonas perplexed as he heard a new voice through his crow. He then watched as someone exited out of the tent.
That someone appeared to be a woman with long untamed hair that was multiple tones of gray. She also had skin as pale as a porcelain vase, maroon lips and golden eyes. She also appeared to have what looks like a golden fang. Despite the hair color, the woman herself looked to be in her mid-to-late 40s. She's wearing a sleeveless, two-tone maroon dress with a ripped hem design and gray tights. Accessory wise, she had two orange spherical earrings along with a gold spherical ring and a spherical amber necklace around her neck. For footwear, she wore maroon high-heeled boots.
Jonas: Who is that? And why did Luz go all this way to see her?
Luz: Why "perfect timing"? You get a new bottle of booze and need someone to take your tipsy culo home?
Woman: No smartass, I'm not even buzzed yet. I need you to make another delivery for me.
Jonas: Delivery?
Luz: I go out of my way to see you after a rough day and you're already putting me to work? Caramba.
Jonas: Work? Does Luz work here? That woman is her employer?
Woman: Relax kid. It's not far away from here. It's over on Ribb Street.
Luz: That's a 15-minute walk from here! By the time I get back, I'll have to get back to my house before my mom gets back from work.
Woman: Then ya better hop to it kid. They instructed it to be put underneath their welcome mat before you ring the doorbell.
As soon as she said it, the older woman tossed her employee what looked like an orange bottle full of pills. Through the eyes of his crow, Jonas was surprised.
Jonas: ! Is that… drugs? Is that woman some sort of dealer?
When Luz caught the bottle, she quickly put it in the pocket of her jacket. Before she turned around and was ready to take off on her delivery, she turned back to the woman.
Luz: Oh, and before I forget, those tips you've been giving me have been paying off (Pulls money out of her other pocket)
Jonas: My money!
Woman: 100 big ones. Not bad kid.
Even though Luz didn't want to show it, she slightly smiled about impressing her employer. Of course, that was quickly shifted when she saw the woman rubbing her fingers together.
Luz: Really?
Woman: Hey, my lessons aren't free. But if it makes you feel better, I'll give you double when you get back. Business has been booming since you've been making my deliveries and I've got bucks to spare.
As soon as she learned she'd make double the money she stole off that kid from the ferry, she quickly handed the $100 to her employer/teacher. Jonas now witnessed that his target has shifted.
Jonas: Great, now I have to get it back from that lady. Well, even if she is a criminal of some kind, given her age, and that tent should be a small enough space for my crow to get in and out of fast enough, it shouldn't be a problem.
What happened next was something Jonas was not expecting. As the woman reached for the money, she turned her head up and looked in the direction of where Jonas's crow was. Her eyes widened in slight shock.
Jonas: !?
Trying to keep his composure, Jonas altered the crows gaze to a different direction. After a few seconds, the woman then fixed her gaze back to Luz walking back towards the street.
Luz: Hmm? (Turns her head) Did you see something?
After a few seconds, the grey-hair responded.
Woman: Nah, probably just seeing things. Get going. And remember to keep an eye out for anyone on your trail.
Luz: Uh, right. Be right back.
As Luz began her job, Jonas couldn't help but wonder what he just saw.
Jonas: Di- did that woman actually notice my crow? I've had Smooth Criminal for nearly a year now and she's the first one to actually look in my crows direction. How is that possible?
Jonas decided to be more cautious and instead of calling back his crow, he sent out another one to the same area but at another tree that was right behind the woman's tent.
When Luz was out of the older woman's view, she then walked back into her tent with the money Luz had handed her.
Jonas: Looks like she didn't notice the one I just sent out. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. But now the question is, what do I do next? My target has now shifted from Luz to this woman. She has my money now.
With one of the crows entering the tent, it did everything it could to locate the money or at least the woman herself. All the crow could see were dozens of what the sign upfront entailed, antiques and retro looking items such as clothing and toys & boardgames.
Jonas: Where is she?
What happened next was something Jonas couldn't see coming.
WRAP
The crow was suddenly being strangled in the neck by something long and thick.
Jonas: AH!
Despite the crow being only a fraction of Smooth Criminal's body, Jonas felt a very tight grip around his left index finger.
Jonas: What the hells going on?! It feels like something is tightening itself around my finger. Is it because of what's going on with my crow? Whatever's attacking it, I can't see it! It's attacking from the crows blind spot!
In his haste, there was only one thing Jonas could think of that could stop this.
Jonas: Smooth Criminal!
(The Crow inside the tent turns back into a feather)
Jonas panted as for the first time in a long while, he was scared as he couldn't understand about what just happened. But after a couple deep breathes, he calmed himself down and thought about what just transpired.
Jonas: When a crow reverts back into a feather, I lose all connection with it. At least now I know I won't feel anything when it's a feather. Still though, what's going on? Somehow, that woman must have sensed that she was being watched by me. Did she anticipate I would try to sneak into the tent or something? Not only that, but she somehow planned out how she would trap me by darkening the insides to disorient my crow and wrapping that rope-like thing around it.
As he processed what just happened, Jonas now had a dilemma.
Jonas: There's no doubt in my mind she knows someone is here and watching her. Right now, she's either waiting for me to make another move inside the tent or hoping I'm too scared to try entering again. Of course, for all I know, she could walk out any second to look for me.
Through the eyes of the other crow the boy sent out and position behind the tent, he realized something.
Jonas: No. Given how she a crook, that would explain why her tent is out here in the woods rather than on the street in public. She doesn't want to attract attention. Plus, for all I know, she could be wanted by the authorities and wouldn't want to risk being identified. That's why she has Luz as some sort of gofer instead of doing the delivery herself. Even if I try to lure her out of the tent, it's likely she won't leave. That being said, I have the advantage if she stays in one place.
After a minute, Jonas left from his hiding place behind a tree and began to slowly make his way towards the tent and slowly entered it. As he did, he tried playing a role as a curious shopper.
Jonas: Excuse me. Is anyone here? The sign said you sell collectibles. Mind if I browse?
After a few seconds, the woman he was targeting showed herself.
Woman: Why hello there. Anything you looking for specifically?
Jonas: (Smiles innocently) Not really. Just browsing for anything interesting looking.
Woman: Well, help yourself.
When she gave the greenlight, the young man continued on with his act of being intrigued by everything this woman had. Of course, to keep up the appearance, he had to break the ice someway.
Jonas: Just curious, but why is your booth away from the other ones at the market?
Woman: I like making money, but I'm not too big on crowds. If I was out there, there'd be no point in the other vendors being there when all the customers eyes would be on me.
The teen could tell from her tone that this woman was being half truthful with what she just said. He could tell that she thought pretty highly of herself, but just as he theorized earlier, she didn't want attention from those who would rat her out or the local authorities themselves.
Now, it was her turn for a question.
Woman: I've never seen you around here before. Visiting?
He responded simply as he could while keeping the "discussion" going.
Jonas: Yep. How long have you lived here?
Woman: Been here my whole life. Living the life.
Jonas was here on a mission, but he couldn't help but wonder if she was being truthful about living her life. Especially when it didn't sound too confident.
Jonas: If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?
Woman: Really prying aren't we? Name's Marilyn. People sometimes call me "The Owl Lady".
Jonas: The Owl Lady? Is that why this business is called, "The Owl's Nest"?
"Marilyn": Yep. Had to do something with a nickname like that.
As Jonas kept conversing with the "Owl Lady", he quietly had a crow enter from the other end of the tent.
Jonas: (While talking to "Marilyn") If I can draw out more time with her, my crow should hopefully be able to find where she keeps her money and hopefully find mine.
Jonas then made his way to a small collection of floor mirrors.
Jonas: Excuse me if this sounds rude, but if you've been here your whole life, I assume it would get kinda boring.
"Marilyn": Well, you're not wrong there. But there are times when things can get interesting. For example, when someone's got a little birdie snooping in my tent.
Jonas: !
(Something sharp pierces through the crow and as a result, a small cut appears on Jonas's left shoulder is bleeding)
Despite being in pain as he immediately grabbed his wound, he quickly noticed in one of the mirror's reflection, he saw the woman radiating a brown color aura. This feeling gave Jonas chills as he recognized it as the same sort of sensation he projects whenever he brings out Smooth Criminal. What happened next took him by surprise.
Right next to the woman was what looked like a humanoid owl-like being with a femine like figure with proportions similar to "Marilyn" herself. It has a tan face with yellow eyes and a russet beak in place of the mouth and nose. It also has a light-brown stomach while the rest of its body is darker brown and its arms have brown feathers hanging from them and at the bottom of its legs are russet bird-like face.
When Jonas noticed the figure next to "Marilyn" approach behind him, Jonas acted fast.
(The figure throws a punch at Jonas)
"Marilyn": Gotcha.
(Jonas ducks to avoid the punch and leaps to the left)
SMASH
(The mirror breaks & shards fall to the ground)
As Jonas was slightly relieved to have avoided the behind-the-back attack, he looked at the direction of "Marilyn" and her "friend"
Jonas: Th- That thing.
"Marilyn": The fact that you can see my Free Bird can only mean one thing, you're a Stand User too.
Jonas: What? "Stand user"?
"Marilyn": No use playing dumb now kid. I know that crow that was hovering around here thing is your stand.
Jonas: ?!
"Marilyn": But if I had to guess, I'd say you've got more of them. Am I right? Or am I right? (Grins smugly)
Jonas: Stand? Is that what Smooth Criminal is? (Looks at Free Bird) Is that thing a stand too? Is that why she noticed my crow earlier? Because she has similar powers to me?
(Something small slashes across Jonas's arm)
Jonas: Ghhh! What the?!
Confused, Jonas looks down and identifies what scratched him due to his blood that was on it. What confused him was how it happened.
Jonas: Is that…. A shard from the broken mirror?
(Jonas looks at the mirror)
Jonas: What the hell? How did she manage to throw one of those glass pieces at me? From what I saw earlier, (Looks at Free Bird) that thing only punched the mirror. Did it somehow pick up pieces when it shattered? Not only that, something hit my crow earlier while this lady was close to me.
Unbeknownst to the young man, he had more trouble approaching him. As he held his arm to stop the slight bleeding from the glass, Jonas heard something moving.
SSSSS
(Rope ties itself around Jonas's feet and his hands)
(Jonas falls to the ground)
Jonas: What the?! How the hell did she get this rope around me?
The young man was keeping a close eye on the woman and now realized that there was no possibility of her throwing anything. Meaning his thoughts about her "Stand" throwing the glass piece earlier wasn't possible. As he thought things out though, a new theory popped up in his head.
Jonas: (Looks at Free Bird) That thing. Did it…..?
("Marilyn" walks over to Jonas)
"Marilyn": Looks like the gears are turning in that head of yours.
Jonas: It… It can make things move on their own?
"Marilyn": Ding! Give the kid a prize. Yep. My Free Bird is able to make any object it touches move on its own and act however I want so long as its able to.
Jonas: I get it now. When that mirror broke, the shards moved towards me as if they were swarming insects. (Looks down at the rope around his feet and hands) And this rope, It moved on the ground similar to how a snake uses its muscles to slither on the ground. Damn, and just like a constrictor snake, the grip around my feet and wrists is getting tighter by the second.
With Jonas's hands and feet tied together the older lady confidently walked over to her little spy.
Jonas: This is the first time I've ever encountered anyone with powers similar to mine. She acts as if she's done it more than enough to know how to use her abilities to the fullest. Earlier, I thought I had the advantage, but if she has more experience with her "stand", then I'm the one who's in trouble!
Stand: Free Bird
Stand Master: "Marilyn"
Destructive Power: A
Speed: A
Range: D
Stamina: C
Precision: B
Development Potential: B
Abilities: Anything non-living object the Stand makes contact with can be made animate and move on its own and act however Eda sees fit. For example, Eda can make broken glass move on its own by crawling on the ground or sliding across a table. It could also make a strand of rope move on its own as if it were a slithering snake and coil itself around someone.
Namesake: Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Free Bird" (1973)
While Jonas struggled against his living restraints, he saw her standing right above him.
"Marilyn": Ya know, I honestly didn't think they'd have recruits as young as you in the group, but if you're with them, then you're an enemy.
Jonas: They? Them? What the hell are you talking about?! I'm just a tourist!
("Marilyn" raises an eye)
"Marilyn": Really? (Leans down) I'll be the judge of that.
("Marilyn" takes Jonas's wallet from out of his pocket)
Jonas: Hey!
"Marilyn": Don't give me that. Considering you stalked my employee and my business, it's only fair you pay up some compensation.
Jonas: Tch
"Marilyn": But right now, I need to know whether or not you really are an enemy or not.
As soon as she said that, the woman opened up his wallet to take what he "owes" her and see who he really is. However, before she could take anything, something quickly caught her attention.
"Marilyn": Huh?
That confusion quickly shifted when she suddenly lost possession of the item she was just holding.
(A SC Crow quickly flies between "Marilyn" & Free Bird to snatch the wallet in its beak and flies out of the tent)
"Marilyn": !?
(Shadows cover Jonas's eyes)
Jonas: Earlier, you assumed that I had more than one crow. You were right. So before I walked in here, I had brought out more of my feathered friends to wait outside and act accordingly should anything happen to me.
(Jonas summons Smooth Criminal & 20 crows and lets the crows fly towards "Marilyn")
"Marilyn": (Looks at Smooth Criminal) So that's your Stand's main body huh?
(Free Bird stands in front of "Marilyn" and throws punches at the crows)
(Jonas's arms and legs bleed)
"Marilyn": Looks like those birds of yours aren't really durable. If one of them croaks, all you get is a little cut or bruise. But the more that end up eating it, the more damage piles up on ya. (Looks at Smooth Criminal) I can only imagine what'll happen to you if I land a blow on the Stand itself.
("Marilyn" & Free Bird make their way towards Jonas & Smooth Criminal)
"Marilyn": Sorry to do this to ya kid. I guess you recently got your stand? Well, I've had mine since I was around your age. When it comes to experience, you're outmatched. Having a bunch of them swarm against me isn't the smartest play. Hopefully, by the time you wake up after I knock you out, you'll know that if you ever wind up in something like this again.
Jonas: (Shadows covering his eyes) Sorry, but you misunderstand.
"Marilyn": Huh?
Jonas: I didn't bring out all those crows out to attack you head on you.
She couldn't understand what other purpose he had to bring his crows out and attack her. But she would get her answer until she noticed their surroundings.
The tent that they were battling in was slowly falling apart and looked as though it would fall on top of them.
"Marilyn": What the?!
She then looked over to the corners of the tent and saw more of the boys crows using their beaks to pull the stakes that held the tent to the ground out of the ground.
"Marilyn": What? Wait a minute. Don't tell me. Is he-?
Jonas: They're not only good at scouting and snatching things. They're also quite resourceful and can make use out of anything in its surroundings. Even with whatever's keeping this tent upright.
By the time she realized what he was up to, it was too late. All 4 stakes were pulled out of the ground and as soon as they were, the tent immediately fell on top of everything and everyone inside it.
While maneuvering his way out of the fallen tent, Jonas had not only gotten out of the mess, he also freed himself from his restraints.
Jonas: It's a good thing not all of those glass shards were alive. Thankfully a crow found some for me to cut the ropes with.
While he was glad to be free and feeling the slight rope burns on his wrists, the crow that took his wallet back from the Owl Lady dropped it into his hands. While relieved that he had it back, it didn't last as he heard movement from the fallen tent. "Marilyn" was the only other person it could be. Readying himself, he brought out Smooth Criminal and readied himself for anything she could pull off. He soon saw his attacker out of the wreckage and she quickly locked eyes with him. What happened next though, was something he didn't expect.
("Marilyn" raises her arms up)
Jonas: Huh?
"Marilyn": Kid, I give up. I don't feel like fighting you anymore.
Jonas: What? You can't really expect me to believe that can you? You called me an enemy earlier. For all I know, your "surrender" could just be your attempt at having me drop my guard.
"Marilyn": Yeah, I did think you were an enemy. But now, even though I don't really trust you, I'm sure you're not with enemies of mine.
Jonas: Huh?
"Marilyn": I do have one thing I want to know though.
As he kept his distance and eyed her, ready for whatever she was up to, what she asked wasn't what he was hoping to hear.
"Marilyn": Who are you really?
Jonas stayed silent as she asked that.
"Marilyn": You look to be about 15 or 16 and yet you've got no ID in that wallet there. No drivers license, learners permit, not even a damn school ID. Plus, you've got a bunch of $20s, $50s and even a few $100s and yet you don't have any credit cards on ya.
Jonas: Maybe its simply because I'm too young to have and cards of my own? And all the cash here is allowance or birthday money?
"Marilyn": Maybe. Of course, there's also the possibility you stole all that cash right?
Jonas: (Eyes slightly widen) !
"Marilyn": I'll take that as a yes.
Jonas tried to rebuttal.
Jonas: It's not- ! It's complicated. Besides, I don't have to tell you anything.
As he said that, another crow made its way out of the fallen booth with a couple dollar bills and made its way over to its user by landing on its shoulder.
(Takes money from crow's beak)
Jonas: This is the exact amount that "employee" of yours took from me back on the ferry. If you really don't want to fight anymore. That's fine with me. I already have what I came for. (Turns around to walk away).
Just when it seemed like his troubles were over, she had another card up her sleeve.
"Marilyn": I could call the police ya know.
(Jonas stops)
"Marilyn": The fact that you have no ID on you AND the fact that you trashed my business AND stole money from me just now is enough for the police to ask questions.
Jonas: You really expect me to take bait like that? The fact that you're keeping yourself out of public view means your wanted. You'd be incriminating yourself if you turned me in.
"Marilyn": That's why there's such a thing as "Anonymous Tips".
As much as he hated to admit it, she did have a point. If she's really had that Stand of hers for a while, she knows how to use it. If he himself can steal things with his Smooth Criminal, what's stopping her from using her Stand to pickpocket someone else's phone and making an anonymous call to the local authorites. Even though he has dirt on her, she unfortunately has some on him too.
"Marilyn": But relax, I ain't no snitch. But don't get the wrong idea. I'm not gonna let you off the hook so easily.
Jonas: Really? So what do you want from me then?
"Marilyn": Believe it or not, I'm actually gonna need your help with something.
Jonas: If you want me to be some drug gofer for you like Luz is, I don't want any part of it!
"Marilyn": Cool your head kid. First of all, I'll have you know the stuff I make ain't cocaine, meth or that kinda crap. I make prescription drugs and deal 'em out to those that can't afford what the doctors recommend.
Jonas: You make prescription drugs? What like steroids or morphine?
"Marilyn": I can't do everything, but I have my specialties.
Jonas: I take it your licensed then?
"Marilyn": Legally…. No.
(Jonas stares at her blankly)
"Marilyn": I do what I can to get by. But secondly, I don't need you for that. What we'll be pulling off, well, lets just say you're gonna wish you were making deliveries.
("Marilyn" walks past Jonas)
Jonas: I don't really have a choice in the matter do I?
"Marilyn": Nope. Now follow me kid.
Jonas: It's Jonas.
"Marilyn": (Turns her head) Hm?
Jonas: You asked me who I was earlier. Well, that's my name. Jonas Shiobana.
The Owl Lady looked through his wallet and he didn't have any ID on him, so she wasn't sure if that truly is his name. But of course, she's not exactly one to talk about false identities.
"Marilyn": Good to know, but I'll call ya "kid" if I feel like it. Oh, and since we're being honest here, I lied about my name earlier. Yeah, some people call me the Owl Lady, but my real name is Eda Clawthorne.
Earlier, Jonas was almost certain this woman was using a fake name in order to hide her identity. This time though, Jonas could tell she was telling the truth. Still though, that doesn't save him from being blackmailed and being involved in whatever it is this "Eda" had planned.
To Be Continued…
That's the end of this chapter.
Seems as though there's more to Jonas than you think there is. Any theories as to why he's got no ID on him? Feel free to ask in a review or PM.
Now, in case I haven't mentioned before, the "Witches" from TOH are humans in this AU, but a lot of them will have Stands. Care to take a guess what Stand abilities other TOH characters will have? Let me know via review or message and I won't confirm nor deny, but your more than willing to guess.
As for Free Bird, I obviously made it as a stand-version & female-like version of Owlbert. It's power(s) are inspired from Big Mom's (One Piece) ability to put souls into inanimate objects and make them talk and move. Unlike Big Mom, Free Bird is capable of giving living characteristics to anything it makes contact to. Sort of similar to Giorno's Golden wind, except she can't turn things into plants/animals. Given how Eda is in someway a free spirit, I figured an ability like this would be something up Eda's alley.
Also, In case any of you love Eda a lot that you don't like the idea of her making and dealing drugs, Eda doing that and having Luz deliver them is a reference to the 2nd Owl House episode (Witches Before Wizards) when Luz was delivering Eda's potions through town. So I'm trying to play things as they were in TOH canon, but with a bit of JoJo style.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to review, follow and enjoy!
See ya next time!