Bearticguy7: Interesting concept!
Kyeo307: Eri is going to be a younger sister to Johnny, and pretty much the whole gang. She's like their adorable little mascot.
dumpstertrashfire123: You've got a pretty good point, I didn't think about that. As for Shizuka...
Maybe she's already here...
Jpx0999: Joutawas a name that was considered for Johnny before he was born, one that he actively despises. It's more just a goofy reference more than an actual plot point. Kyoka usually uses the name to screw around with him.
Also, Polnareff has appeared multiple times, he just hasn't had a full chapter devoted to him...
Yet.
Euphoria: The weed wilting was meant to symbolize that Susan does indeed feel shame, at least towards the damage she did to Jolyne, and that she is going to feel that shame for eternity down in hell. Also, let's be honest, towards the beginning of MHA Momo is a bit socially awkward, and still is to an extent. She clearly isn't used to interacting with other people her age.
Death Omen Star: It's going to be quite interesting. Momo cannot fight the stand directly, but...the Doctor himself isn't a bad fighter either. There may be a final fist fight, inspired by a legendary duel from one of the greatest pieces of literature of all time.
Boy returns: Hell yeah, Joseph moment!
Kyoka sighed, and flopped over onto her stomach, before realizing it was pointless.
She was too worried.
When she and Momo had gotten back from their relaxing Sunday drive, they came home to find that there was an issue with Jolyne, and that everyone was worried about her and her mental health.
As if she couldn't catch a break...
Kyoka was told that the Joestars could handle it, that she didn't need to worry about it...
But she did. Of course she did. How could she not?
This was Jolyne. Johnny's cool older sister who probably already had Kyoka's wedding dress picked out. The kind, loyal, and brave former convict who pushed through the horrors of Green Dolphin, who only further convinced her that the Joestars were the people she wanted to be around. Someone who quite literally contributed to the salvation of the entire universe...
Her friend.
Possibly her sister, some time in the future.
Of course Kyoka would be concerned about her. How many people could say that they had someone like this in their life? Much less, having a rather friendly relationship with them?
Then there was the issue of how Johnny was holding up.
Don't text him, he might be asleep.
Don't do it Kyoka.
Don't.
Fuck.
I'm already texting him.
Was her concern/love for him making her do things unconsciously now?
Ears: Hey, sorry if I'm waking you up, but I had to ask. Are you okay?
Horseshoe: I'm awake, I couldn't sleep. I'm in the treehouse right now.
Ears: I hope you aren't alone right now.
Horseshoe: I'm not, Gyro is with me.
Ears: Good. I was worried.
Horseshoe: At least I told you this time.
Ears: I appreciate that.
Horseshoe: I just keep thinking about Jolyne, I can't get the look on her face out of my head.
Ears: I'm sure it can't be that bad, right? Whatever it is that Jolyne is worried about, I'm sure it will be resolved quickly.
Horseshoe: I already know what it is...it wasn't hard to figure out, I'm just waiting for her to tell me.
Ears: You should try and get some sleep JoJo...
Horseshoe: You should too.
Ears: I'm trying. Borrow Izuku's hammock, kick Gyro off if he's using it...I'm going to go get a glass of water.
Horseshoe: Alright...good night Kyoka.
Ears: Good night, Johnny. Sleep well...she'll come around, I know it.
Kyoka sighed, mentally thanking Johnny for actually letting her know that he was having trouble sleeping. The bitter memory of finding him in a rain soaked alleyway, dark circles under his eyes, found it's way into Kyoka's brain, and she involuntarily shuddered.
Thank you for learning from that, JoJo. I don't think I could ever take something like that again.
Kyoka went into the kitchen, and she was about to pour herself a glass of water, when she saw something that made her stop.
Jolyne was sitting on the couch, staring at the window. Her head was turned slightly to the left, indicating that she was aware of Kyoka's presence.
She probably wants to be alone, Kyoka, just leave her al-
GOD FUCKING DAMMIT BODY! STOP MOVING ON YOUR OWN!
Nonetheless, Kyoka had found herself sitting next to Jolyne, and couldn't help but notice her hands. They were caked in mud, and bruised, she had never bothered to wash them from wherever she went.
"Does Johnny ever talk about our childhood?"
Jolyne's voice came out quiet, hoarse, as if she had been shouting.
"He mentioned you used to play with him."
"...I was blind."
Kyoka looked at Jolyne in concern. "What do you mean by that?"
"I know I was just a little kid...but my brother was suffering, and I was living the high life." Jolyne said bitterly. "She treated me like a princess...I felt like a princess, and he was suffering."
"You were a kid, you didn't know any better."
"...I should've been there...not just for back then...but for his whole life. Now I'm...just moving on? As if I don't have thirteen years to make up for? As if...I didn't have to be there for him...I know he's grown, and I know he's better, he moved past Cummings...but I still feel like he needs me."
"He does. He loves you, if he were given a choice between me or you, he'd pick you every time."
"I would never make him do that...he loves you so much..."
"Jolyne."
Jolyne looked at her dirt-caked hands as Kyoka took them in her own, and led the older girl to the sink. Kyoka began helping her scrub them, and took out a medical kit from under the sink, and began cleaning the wounds with peroxide.
Jolyne winced at the sting, but accepted the help.
"I was punching her grave...that's why-"
"I figured."
"...I am so glad you killed her, have I ever told you that? That fight was more than just the future girlfriend vs. the evil mom...it was Johnny's past vs. His future." Jolyne said, taking Kyoka's hands. "I...I really appreciate you, I really do."
"We're talking about you, although I appreciate it." Kyoka put a band-aid on Jolyne's finger. "We're all worried about you."
Jolyne nodded. "I know."
"Johnny is in the treehouse right now, he can't sleep." Kyoka felt a bit guilty upon seeing Jolyne wince, but she knew that she needed to hear that. "I know this hurts...but whatever it is you're keeping from him, it's causing more damage than if you told him."
"I know! I know that...and to be honest...I know that I'm blowing this way out of proportion, but I just don't know if I can say it." Jolyne sighed. "I've spent most of my time making sure that Johnny was happy, but now that I'm trying to pursue my own...I feel selfish."
"I know how that feels."
Jolyne raised an eyebrow. "You do?"
Kyoka nodded. "Back when I was still crushing on him, the only thing I could ever think was: 'there's no way that could happen.' I was thoroughly convinced that he deserved better than me, so when I found out he actually did share my feelings...I felt bad, I felt like I was taking advantage of him."
"Are you actually kidding me? It was obvious you two were head over heels for each other, why do you think I helped Dad and Gyro push you guys?"
"I know that now. I've always struggled with my self-worth, and my appearance. People say I'm attractive, but one mean comment sends me back a million miles. My insecurities made me believe that Johnny deserves better, and even now there's a little voice in the back of my head, saying that I don't belong with him."
"That's-"
"Bullshit. You're right, it's complete and utter bullshit. Johnny and I have something really special, and with recent events taken into account...I know that I'm important to him. Still, back then, I really did feel like I was selfishly keeping him to myself, preventing him from finding someone better...so I get it. You're afraid of hurting him, but you won't. Johnny is the strongest person I know."
Jolyne studied Kyoka for a moment. "And you never pushed him away..."
"It's his decision at the end of the day. I decided to just let him be with me until he says otherwise...and something tells me that isn't going to happen. I felt selfish, yes...but denying myself happiness would have hurt him."
"Just as I'm hurting him now..." Jolyne said, hanging her head.
"Listen." Kyoka said, catching Jolyne's attention. "I know you're worried about leaving him behind, but I can assure you that won't happen. Even if for some reason he's hurt by what you have to tell him...I'll take care of him."
Jolyne's eyes widened. "You'll..."
"I will take care of him, for the rest of his days. Every wound delt to his soul, every time that he would dare to shed a tear, I will be there to make him smile. It's what I do, after all. Even if for some ungodly reason you ever do end up gone from his life again, which I highly doubt...he will never, and I mean never, be alone. That is my promise to you."
In the back of her mind, Kyoka remembered when Johnny confided to her in the treehouse, just before their fight with the Necromancer. How he said that being alone was his worst fear...
I made that promise to him too, but right now, Jolyne needs to hear it.
Jolyne stared at Kyoka for what seemed like an eternity...
And then finally...
Broke out into a big smile, tears coming down her face. Without another word, Jolyne hugged her, tightly, and Kyoka returned it. Jolyne was shaking, but Kyoka could tell that it was no longer from sadness.
"Kyoka...you have no idea how much that helped. I know you'll keep that promise too...I guess...I really don't have to worry so much about him anymore, not while he has you. Thank you, for loving my brother the way you do..."
"So?"
"I'm going to tell him."
"It may be too much to ask, but you mind telling me?"
"Oh...right. You should probably know...my uh, my wedding is happening soon."
"..."
"..."
"...that's what you were so worked up about?!"
"I was scared!"
"Jolyne, he was happy for you when you first got engaged, why wouldn't he be happy about the wedding?"
"It's just a big step, I was scared he would think that Narciso was stealing me away from him or something!"
"He likes Anasui."
"I know! I'm...oh my God I'm so stupid!"
"I wouldn't say stupid, traumatized is a better word for it."
"Thank God you killed that bitch."
"I don't regret it at all...who knows what kind of damage she could've done if she had lived?"
"She's already done enough dead. You're a godsend, Kyoka, I mean it. It's no wonder our ancestor chose to empower you..."
Kyoka nodded, and gave Jolyne a sly grin. "Thanks. I hope you didn't punch the grave too hard, I would hate to have my artwork ruined."
Jolyne chuckled. "Don't worry, your beautiful...masterpiece, has been preserved."
"Good!"
Momo dug through a book of ancient history, confused.
Koichi had informed her that Paradise City had claimed to be 676 years old, which in Momo's opinion, didn't make much sense.
The user can't be a vampire...Paradise City's attack pattern in relation to it's user suggests that the user can walk around during the day...in fact, the attacks are never past 8:00 pm, it's almost like the user has a set bedtime...
Very organized.
So why do they seem to be immortal?
Momo knew she was dealing with a mastermind, but this was a mastermind who had years upon years of knowledge and experience. It was safe to say that whoever this mysterious doctor was, he was only an even greater threat than she realized.
He may have good intentions, but years, perhaps even centuries of delusion makes it near impossible to try and reason with him.
The only way we are going to stop this stand from hurting anybody else, is unfortunately violence. Momo thought to herself, frowning. This is someone who has held his ideals for a very long time...no matter how good his intentions are, we might have to take him out.
Unless, of course, Momo could find a way to show her foe that he was wrong. However, it would undoubtedly cause some sort of mental breakdown, having everything he had ever believed in revealed to be harmful.
676 years, and a British accent, native to the Yorkshire region...
Momo finally came on a page that made her stop.
During that year...England was being ravaged by...THE BUBONIC PLAGUE!
The pieces were coming together, one at a time. All of his victims of experiencing at least one of the symptoms of the disease, although there was no indication that the Black Death was anywhere in Japan.
Now that Momo thought about it, why would he even be in Japan? Clearly, he had been in the country for a while, since Paradise City seems to know it's way around.
A doctor, and the stand dates back to around the time of the Black Death...he was a plague doctor! Dr. Kujo said that he must've had some sort of traumatic event that fuels his delusion, and back then there was an absence of medical knowledge required to deal with a pandemic...
He must have failed to save a lot of people.
Failure, a feeling Momo despised more than anything. Losing to Tokoyami at the Sports Festival, failing to negotiate with Santana...
And her recent encounter with the man she was now hunting, someone who was no stranger to failure himself.
I know the damage that failure can do, and when lives are on the line, it hurts even more. I feel sorry for him, because I can somewhat relate...but not to the same extent. His failures blow mine clean out of the water.
Having an insight into the mind of her elusive quarry, Momo began to try and put herself in the doctor's mindset, and one thing just didn't make sense.
He's intelligent, very intelligent. So why is he abducting people with the symptoms of a plague that is no longer a serious threat? While he may be insane, he's also quite rational, he is likely more than aware that current medical technology can handle the Bubonic Plague...
Which means that whatever his goal is, it's bigger than the plague. It's a result of it, but not a response. Our culprit is sending another message...
It was safe to say that the user of Paradise City had a much bigger goal than countering a disease, and the abductions were only the start of said plan.
A plan that involved One For All, and her friend.
There was no way Momo was going to let this man take Izuku, no matter how much she felt sorry for him, no matter how good his intentions were. His actions were born of delusion, of insanity, so there was no way his plan could ever work the way he intends it to.
Even if his victims were still alive, somehow Momo could tell that their situation wasn't as favorable as her opponent thought it was. There was no way he would ever get his clutches on Izuku...
She would fight him from the sidelines, and she would help put a stop to him...
Even if there was no chance of ever winning against him directly.
Momo winced, remembering her fruitless struggle against the superior stand...if the doctor ever decided to send Paradise City after her again, she would be even more helpless than she was on Nabu Island, as he would be wise to any trick she would pull.
When it comes to stands...I really do just belong on the sidelines, solving the mystery is all I can do, other than that...
I'm useless, completely useless. No matter how much Kyoka encourages me, or how much Gyro insists the group would fall apart without me...it is a fact. I can only fight against quirks, and users...
Everyone else can fight everybody.
That was the reason Momo had thrown herself into the investigation, because when the user was finally located, her contribution would be over. The investigation part was really all she could do...
Then, a piece of paper fell out of the book. Perplexed, Momo reached down to pick it up.
-:-
Yaoyorozu Foundation Hosts Gala to Celebrate 20th Anniversary:
The two founders of the charity foundation, Riku and Akari Yaoyorozu are returning to Japan to host a gala celebrating 20 years of making the world a better place. The two were successful heroes back in the day, before retiring to focus on philanthropic endeavors...
-:-
Momo felt a stab in her heart.
Why...why didn't they call to let me know they were going to be in town? Were they going to surprise me?
Why is this even in here?
At the bottom of the article, a note scribbled on the bottom caught her eye:
'I'll see you there. I would imagine you would be required to go, considering they are your parents.'
Momo's blood ran cold as she continued to read. This note was clearly addressed to her.
'You could bring your friends, although I would prefer if we talked alone. I can assure you, Paradise City will not attack you, and I am a man of my word. I am aware that you are pursuing me, as evidenced by my leaving of a letter in a book I knew you would read.
Think of this as negotiations. If you are investigating my motives and origins (which you clearly are if you've gotten to the Medieval Europe portion of this book) then you know that my intentions are pure. I also know the OFA user, Izuku Midoriya, is your friend, and that you are doing this out of concern for his safety. I can assure you, I mean him no harm, nor any of you.'
Momo couldn't believe it. Somehow, the user of Paradise City had known precisely which book she was going to use, and he also confirmed her suspicions that he already knew who had One For All.
How did he even now I was going to get the book at the library? I could've ordered it online, or...
Wait...
It hit Momo like a truck. The user had to have known the precise time and date she was going to be reading the book, and the only way he could've predicted where her research was taking her, considering she decided to visit the library on a whim...
He was in the building with her.
Momo whipped her head around, searching for any signs of Paradise City or suspicious characters, but no one looked out of the ordinary, and there were no spider-like stands immediately noticeable.
Momo walked over to one of the librarians. "Excuse me, did you get a good look at the person who used this book before me?"
The librarian, a small, elderly woman, looked confused. "Well yes, but why did you want to know that? Did they vandalize the book?"
"No, they left a note...I was wondering if they were still here."
"No, he left just about the same time you came in, you walked right past him."
Momo's breath caught in her throat. To think, she had been within striking distance of the user, and she had no idea. "R-really? W-what did he look like?"
"Hmmm...he had a face mask on. Very gentlemanly, he had such a nice accent..."
"Do you know which way he went?"
"I believe he went that way." The librarian pointed left. "But you've been reading for a while, he's probably long gone. This note, did he leave it on accident?"
"...yes, I think he did. It's no worries, it didn't sound like anything urgent. I apologize for bothering you."
"Not at all! Just remember...he wants to talk to you."
Momo had her back turned when the old lady said that, and she whipped around, only to find that the old woman had vanished. If she was unsettled before...now she was terrified. Momo quickly walked over to the desk, grabbed her things, and got out of the library as quick as she can.
As she did so, she passed by what appeared to be the old woman in one of the corners, only she wasn't speaking in a normal old lady voice...
But in a smooth, buttery British accent, a male one at that. The same voice as Paradise City.
"I look forward to meeting you...face to face."
Momo sprinted away as fast as she could, gunning towards UA in fright. The user was onto her...
And it was safe to say, on top of being a doctor, a genius, and a threat...she could now add master of disguise to that list.
Her opponent was one step ahead of her, and he had put one new terrifying thought in her head:
He could be anyone.
The Doctor ripped away the old woman mask, throwing it into the trash. It had worn out it's use.
Not to mention, in order to play the part, he had to throw out his own back in order to appear as though he couldn't move that well, so he cracked it back into place, wincing.
Finally, he put on his doctor's mask once more, and he was officially out of disguise.
"It's a good thing I took all those acting classes too...mimicking the voice of an elderly woman does a number on the throat." The Doctor muttered, and began brewing himself a cup of Gold Tips Imperial to help soothe his wary throat.
One of his favorite forms of entertainment was the good old fashioned Shakespearean play. He had become quite a fan of the famous Bard...
During his debut.
Ah, Elizabethan times... The Doctor remembered fondly. Such elegance, and it followed the Renaissance, another time full of culture and art.
Shakespeare was such an eccentric fellow, but if it weren't for his influence my performance might have been terrible back there. Thanks for the lessons, Bill.
It had taken a special kind of rubber, synthesized in his lab, to make a convincing mask, but it was worth it. He had a dozen more masks that were made from that batch, and he could most certainly make another.
The Doctor turned on the news, and watched the headline in dismay:
Former Pro-Racer Hot Shot: Arrested Again.
He went after Jiro again, didn't he? That idiot...here I was, hoping that restoring his face would convince him to find a new purpose in life...
Wait...HE RUINED IT AGAIN?! I SPENT HOURS!
The Doctor groaned, looking at the picture of the wreckage, and of a certain pair of girls leaving the scene. The news story actually gave the two credit for stopping the madman's rampage.
Well, it was a legal arrest. They both have provisional licenses, so credit was given where it was due. It goes to show that the OFA group is not to be underestimated.
Which is something I most certainly will not do.
Once we meet face-to-face, Yaoyorozu, I will give you a clear message, no puzzles, no tricks, just a plain message, and you better be ready to receive it.
The two Kujo siblings were staring at each other, and it took Jolyne a full minute to speak up.
"I'm...uh...sorry for freaking out on you..."
"Don't be."
Joseph was sitting nearby, and reached into his pocket, pulling out a wrapped cookie and silently sliding it over to Kyoka, who was also there for support.
"Why are you giving me this?" Kyoka whispered.
"Holly made it for you, she saw that you and Yaoyorozu were on the news."
Kyoka was touched by the gesture, even if she had never been properly introduced to Holly, and silently unwrapped the cookie, taking a bite.
"Johnny...you probably already know that I would give my life for you. I'm...protective, to the point it is probably a bit unhealthy...and you already know why."
"I don't blame you, and to be honest, it doesn't bother me."
"Holy shit...this is the best cookie I have ever had."
"Holly shit?"
"..."
"Shut up." Jotaro muttered, watching from a healthy distance. This was a problem that his two children had to sort out together, without his help.
"Still...I've focused all of my energy on you, and it's because I want you to be happy. That bitch took our childhoods away from us, and I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't trying every day to make up for that."
"You...were just as much of a victim as I was, Jolyne, even if Susan wasn't directly cruel to you. She has caused this whole family pain..."
"That's why I was so afraid to be honest with you. I felt selfish, doing something for my own benefit rather than yours...but I made a commitment to it. I just wanted you to know, I will always look out for you, no matter where our lives take us...and..."
Jolyne turned to Kyoka, who had half a cookie in her mouth, and was covered in crumbs, and smiled.
"I can finally take comfort in knowing that someone will always be by your side, even if I'm not...so, I'm taking a big step forward."
"I look like a mess."
"Feeling a bit crummy?"
"Mr. Joestar, I may have to hurt you."
"I'd like all of my teeth in my mouth, thanks."
"I didn't know I was hitting him that hard!"
"Johnny...my wedding with Narciso is soon. I know it's a bit stupid to freak out over something like that, and I'm sorry that I worried you, but I was afraid you would think that I'm going to start valuing him over you, and-"
"Jolyne...I am over the fucking moon. That really made my day." Johnny said, honestly, and Jolyne could see the beginning of tears in the corners of his eyes. "Did you really think I wouldn't be happy for you?"
"A little, yes."
"I know that you'll always be in my corner, and by no means do I think that Anasui is going to just steal you. Besides...I've taken a liking to the guy. Please, don't ever think that you pursuing your own happiness will ever hurt me." Johnny spread his arms wided, and Jolyne crushed her little brother in a bear hug, sniffling.
"This is cute, I'm getting a picture."
"Send it to me, will you?"
"I'm gonna take two."
Hermit Purple wrapped around Kyoka's phone, and switched it to selfie mode just as she took the second picture. A jpeg of her crummy face was then sent to Joseph's phone, along with the one of the siblings having a heart-to-heart.
Kyoka slowly turned her head towards the young/old man, her signature unamused glare cracking him up even more. Joseph just sat there, silently laughing as Kyoka tried to wrestle his phone out of his hand, all the while Jotaro's focus was on his kids.
"I'm so sorry I kept this from you..."
"To be honest-"
"You already figured it out, didn't you?"
"Yep, but I wanted you to tell me."
"Figures...did you just get a text from Gramps too?"
"I did."
"Don't look at it!" Kyoka hissed, restraining Joseph's arm against the wall with one of her jacks, but his mechanical hand popped off an scuttled away with the phone, Hermit Purple controlling it's movements.
Then, from the hallways, Gyro could be heard laughing his ass off in his dorm room.
"DAMMIT! MR. JOESTAR!"
Johnny peeked at the picture on his phone, and stifled a grin. "Hey Kyoka...need a napkin?"
Kyoka brandished her jacks threateningly. "Delete it."
"Aaaaaand this is now my lock screen."
"JONATHAN!"
Jolyne couldn't help but giggle, both at the admittedly funny/cute picture that her great-grandfather had snagged of Kyoka, but also the comical way her brother's girlfriend tackled him to the floor, trying to steal his phone.
I guess it really wasn't a big deal after all...everything turned out okay.
Well fuck, I'm getting married!
Toshinori yawned as he loaded his suitcase into his car, and staggered back upon Izuku carrying his second one clean over his head.
"You've certainly grown strong, my boy."
"Well, it's all thanks to your training routine!" Izuku said cheerfully, putting Toshinori's suitcase in the back. "Why are you leaving again?"
"I want to take a more direct approach in helping you with One For All. I feel like just sitting around and giving you advice isn't good enough, so I'm going to see David Shield."
"Oh! He's out of prison?!"
"Yep, and still making genius support gear alongside his daughter. I'm not going to spoil anything...but we may have had an idea or two." Toshinori put a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "I'm going to try and be more involved with this from now on...it's only fair, considering I sent you on this journey...I want to be with it and see you grow until I can't anymore."
"All Might..."
"How many times do I have to tell you to stop crying?!"
"I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing too."
"I'm sorry."
"..."
"Oh! I'm sor-SHIT! SORR-I CAN'T STOP!"
Toshinori chopped Izuku on the head. "You're too nice for your own good, kid. Alright, I'll be off, try not to die while I'm gone."
"I won't...hopefully. See you All Might!"
Toshinori drove off towards the airport, looking at Izuku waving in the distance, and couldn't help but smile. "That kid..."
"He's quite attached to you, isn't he?"
Toshinori didn't have time to react as a one mechanical arm grabbed the steering wheel, and another...
His throat.
Paradise City leaned over, crawling up from the back seat as Toshinori began to disintegrate, his particles being drawn towards the hole in it's chest. "Makes sense, since he's your successor."
"W-what?! You're-"
"It's a good thing you are taking a trip, people won't notice you're gone. Do not worry about Midoriya, he will be joining you soon. However, you are the only living user of One For All besides him, so adding you to Elysium will be beneficial once I have the quirk. Then all nine will be mine..."
As the remains of the former Symbol of Peace were sucked into Paradise City, the stand took control over the wheel, and began driving the car over to a remote location, where it wouldn't be discovered.
"It's all coming together...soon, very soon...One For All will be in my grasp...the combined power of nine strong individuals will preserve Elysium for centuries...more than enough time for me to complete my larger goal...
Humanity...your salvation is at hand."