Everyone who talked about Hol Horse: I really wanted to give Hol Horse a little more respect than he got. After all, Araki DID want him to be a crusader at one point, and his death will shape Gyro's arc going forward. I'm really glad that you all were affected by the way I handled him, I was worried that I was just beating a dead horse.

I just realized the irony of that earlier statement, but I'm going to keep it in anyway.

AshenOne: Perhaps.

Bearticguy7: I think I'm going to have Bakugo get an arc of his own, and these stands are perfect for it!


Kyoka couldn't sleep.

How could she? She had never been so close to losing it all. She almost lost her quirk, her ability to play instruments, her friends, her parent's support, Johnny...

Not to mention she had to see the half-eaten corpse of a former enemy, who had apparently sacrificed himself to save them all. That was an image that wouldn't be leaving her brain any time soon, and if she was impacted by it, she couldn't help but worry about Gyro, considering he watched Hol Horse die.

They also watched Hol Horse go to heaven, which was one of the most beautiful and heartwarming things Kyoka had ever experienced, but it didn't change the impact the former villain's death had on the heroes. Kyoka rolled out of bed and massaged her ear, wincing at the memory of Santana ripping it off.

As soon as it happened, all Kyoka could feel was a headsplitting, agonizing pain. She was completely unresponsive, and it was only Johnny's touch that was able to bring her back to reality. She began this journey hating her quirk, but now more than ever, she realized that she was damn lucky to have it. It was a part of who she was, and she had become proficient in wielding her jacks to the best of their destructive capability.

I need a drink...maybe some water can clear my head. Kyoka thought to herself as she snuck out of her room and began creeping down the hall. She paused at Johnny's room. I would love to go in there, he'd probably be more than happy to help, but I don't want Iida crawling up my back for not being in my own dorm room again...so...

I'll talk to him later.

Kyoka made it to the kitchen and took a glass from the cupboard, sighing and putting her head in her hands as water began to fill the glass. Man, I'm a mess...we all are. Santana almost killed all of us, ALONE. Imagine what he could do if he brought friends...

He almost turned my boyfriend into a fucking pretzel, right in front of me. After all it took for us to get together...

Kyoka decided to push those thoughts away as she guzzled down the water and roughly set the glass on the counter, not bothering to wash it or put it away. One thing was sure, she wasn't going to pull a Johnny and keep everything bottled up, waiting until three days of no sleep for her friends to confront her, she needed to talk to someone.

"Jiro?"

"Wha- Kaminari, what are you doing up?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"I, uh...had a nightmare, and I needed a drink."

"Was it about one of those stand users that keep attacking the school?" Kaminari asked, and Kyoka took a step back.

"H-how did you-?"

"I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid." Kyoka opened her mouth, and then decided to let Kaminari continue. "Every stand attack that we've had, you have been somewhat involved in it. I can't imagine how scary that must be, and yet you still led us down into those caves, and you still stood up to Tomura Shigaraki of all people. You have been through a lot, it's only natural to be scared."

"That was...probably the smartest thing I've ever heard come out of your mouth." Kyoka reached up and jokingly knocked on Kaminari's head. "Eh, it's still a bit hollow...maybe you're like the Grinch and it'll grow after you save Christmas."

"Jiro, I'm really not as stupid as you think...I see how you follow JoJo and Gyro around, and they're right in the middle of it. They seem to be seeking out these enemy stand users, and you're following them right in-"

"They are NOT seeking them out. Stand users attract other stand users, and since these assholes are attacking the school, they are drawn towards those two. It isn't their fault shit is happening."

"But you ARE following them."

"I...yes. They are some of the best people in my life, I can't just abandon them when they need help. I know it's risky...but, I'm not going to leave them."

"I never expected you to." Kaminari said, sitting down. "You know, there was a moment, down in those caves, where we thought you were dead. I know all the teasing and poking at me might just be all fun and games to you...but I would've really missed it. Jiro, you are probably my best friend...and I hate to see you like this. Is there a way I could convince you to take a step back, even for a few days?"

Kyoka closed her eyes, feeling a bit guilty. I never really considered how this whole situation was affecting our other classmates...

"I'm really sorry Kami...I didn't know I was worrying you so much, but it's far too late for me to walk away. Although...I may have a bit of a break from it anyway, we kind of injured their ringleader, so..."

"I understand, but...there's something else I have to ask you too. Do you...like JoJo?"

"Well of course I like him, what kind of question is that?"

"No, I mean in the...romantic way."

"Oh...no we're just fr-"

"Jiro."

"Maybe."

"Look...I can see the way you look at him, and I can't help but be a bit...worried for you, especially if you're going to be following him into danger because of it."

"Hold it, I'm not doing this just because I have feelings for him."

"I never said that was your only reason, but it's probably a big one. Listen, I can understand why you would like him, and I know he's one of your closest friends, but...don't you think you're reaching a bit too far?"

"..." Kyoka gave Kaminari a narrowed look, and he quickly waved his hands in front of himself to avoid her piercing glare.

"N-not that I'm s-saying you're not good enough or anything! The opposite actually...I think you can do a bit better. He's not the romantic type, everyone knows that, he's the kind of guy who's going to be a bachelor for the rest of his life, like his dad. I mean, his dad TRIED to marry and it didn't work out...JoJo will be the same way, I can tell. I just...I don't want you to get your heart broken, you know?"

Kyoka sighed. It wasn't like she could just tell Kaminari that she was already dating the guy. The only reason Dr. Kujo's marriage failed is because Susan was a Grade A bitch...Mr. Joestar's relationship with his wife lasted a really long time, why can't ours?

"If I'm being perfectly honest...I'm still going to support him. Whether he turns out a "bachelor" or not, he's still one of my best friends. Although...I really appreciate that you're looking out for me...thanks Kami."

"Of course, just...remember that if he does end up rejecting you, there are other people who care about you, alright?"

"O-oh...s-sure."

Holy shit...he likes me. How the hell does JoJo deal with this crap? Do I shut it down now? Do I just play dumb? I need-

"Hey, Kyoka! I saw you go down here, are you okay?" Kyoka turned to see Gyro emerging from the hallway. Relieved, she nodded. "Had a nightmare, Kaminari was just looking out for me...what are you doing up?"

Gyro nodded, Kyoka knew why he was up, she was really asking him if he was okay. "I'm just awake, and I got bored. So...you guys up for an early breakfast?"

"I-I actually need to go back to bed, I'm pretty tired. Good night you guys!" Kaminari said as he waddled away back to his room. Kyoka pinched the bridge of her nose and sat down, with Gyro following suit.

"Well?"

"What?"

"I know you heard him, aren't you gonna tease me or something?" Kyoka asked. Gyro shook his head.

"I don't think now is the best time for that...Santana really did a number on you, didn't he?"

"It's nothing compared to what he did to you. He practically broke every bone in your body...and he killed...you know."

Gyro nodded, and a ghost of a smile appeared in his lips. "I wish he had lived, I think we would've made great friends, but...I'm also kind of happy. He was old and tired, and in the end, he finally got the rest he wanted. The forgiveness he earned...I'm really happy for him."

Kyoka nodded. "I understand, still...I can't stop thinking about how we almost lost everything. I mean, if just ONE thing went wrong, someone else could've died, and the school would've shut down, and-"

"But none of that happened Kyoka, and...although I don't really think we "won", we did come out with the best possible scenario. You need to stop worrying about what could've been and focus on the NOW."

"I know. It's just exhausting sometimes, and it really felt like we were all out of hope. It's just so...terrifying."

Gyro pressed his lips together and got off the couch, kneeling in front of Kyoka so that way they were eye-to-eye. "You of all people should not be feeling hopeless, especially considering who you are."

"I'm lost."

"Remember when you said that you think of me when you think of a leader?" Kyoka nodded , and Gyro continued. "Well, when I think of you...I think of hope. If I recall correctly, when Johnny was shot and recovering in the hospital, you were the one to get him to open up, right?"

"Well, yeah, but Midoriya could've-"

"But he didn't. You also PERMANENTLY freed him from his mother's influence, you took that bitch out later, you gave ME hope with that harmonica of yours, you rallied an unorganized team together to defeat Shigaraki, and you...you've inspired ALL of us Kyoka. You give people hope, and that is a beautiful, beautiful thing. You're the glue that keeps this team together Kyoka, and it's time you finally realize that."

Kyoka could feel tears coming, so she threw her arms around Gyro. "I-I never really t-thought about it like that...thank you." Her voice cracked as Gyro patted her back. "It's okay to let it out Kyoka, we've been through a lot, you don't have to be tough around us."

So Kyoka did just that, and next thing Gyro knew his shirt was drenched in tears. "I said let it out, not to drench me."

"Sorry." Kyoka said, sniffling with a grin. "I...really needed that, thank you. I don't know what I'd do without a friend like you."

"Die probably."

"Shut up, I'm emotional right now!" Kyoka laughed, wiping a tear from her eye.

"So, should I tell Johnny about Kaminari? Because I've never seen him jealous before and that would be a real treat."

"You know, I kinda want to see that too." Kyoka said. "It'd be funny to see the shoe on the other foot...you know, I think I'll take you up on that early breakfast."

"Ooooh! I should make Johnny breakfast in bed! And then you can do something else in b-"

Kyoka elbowed Gyro in the gut, cutting him off. "Jackass!"


"So, after my battle with DIO in 1989, I took his diary and discovered that there was more to stands than first met the eye. They can evolve, and they can become powerful enough to influence reality itself." Jotaro explained to the class. They were currently discussing ascension stands.

"That's really scary." Mina muttered to Tsuyu, who nodded.

Johnny began clicking his pen rhythmically, and Izuku did the same. Back during their work studies, Josuke had Kyoka learn Morse since her quirk revolved around hearing, and Johnny crashed her lessons. Johnny proceeded to relay information to Izuku and Gyro, and now all four of them knew it.

And now Johnny and Izuku were having a conversation in Morse code, while Bakugo was sitting in between them, growling. Kyoka's lips were slowly stretching into a smile as she listened in to the two childhood friends bicker in a series of clicks and taps, purposely annoying the explosive teen.

Johnny caught her eye and smirked, tapping his pen a few times, and Kyoka looked away with a blush. Izuku's mouth fell open as he turned to stare at Johnny in disbelief.

"Why do I have a feeling you two are talking about me?" Bakugo muttered, and Johnny raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think we'd be petty enough to learn an outdated form of communication just to talk about you behind your back?"

"Because you are."

That's when Gyro entered the conversation, tapping out an insult that made Johnny snort.

Bakugo shifted his weight to look at Johnny out of the corner of his eye, and it was clear that he was curious about something. "You and I need to have a little chat after class."

Johnny sighed. "Yare yare daze..."


"What's this about Katsuki?"

"It's about what happened the other day, with Santana..."

Oh...yeah I think I know what this is about.

"Why the FUCK WASN'T I INVOLVED?!" Bakugo was bristling. "I'M PART OF THIS TOO YOU MORON!"

"You chose to be in class."

"I WOULD'VE LEFT!"

Johnny sighed. "Look Katsuki...I just, didn't really think about it, okay? My friends were in danger, and I'm sorry you didn't get to fight the Pillar Man. Maybe next time you can fight him by yourself and prove that you're the strongest of us all or something-"

"You people want me to be a team player, how the hell am I supposed to do that when you won't let me on the team?" Bakugo said, walking forward until he and Johnny were nose-to-nose. "Tell me JoJo, go on."

Johnny glared at him right back. "You know DAMN well why I don't trust you."

"Oh sure, it ALWAYS comes back to Deku, doesn't it? How you ran off with him and LEFT ME BEHIND. You've always picked him over me, because I'm nothing but a little shitstain to you am I? You would just leave me to drown while you took Deku to shore, why don't you just abandon Earlobes and kiss him instead?!"

"Katsuki you WERE my friend! I thought you were cool at one point! The only reason I ever chose Izuku over you, is because he didn't make me choose. You ruined our friendship a LONG time ago. Oh yeah, and it isn't very heroic to tell someone to off themselves, so why don't you go fuck yourself, Ferret boy?"

"I'm going to prove you wrong."

"Huh?" Johnny took a step back as Bakugo wrinkled his nose.

"I'm going to earn your respect, and there is nothing you can do about it. You may not give a damn about me-"

"I never said that."

"-but I'm going to show you that I'm not the villain you think I am. I'm GONNA KILL YOU WITH HEROISM STARKID! I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU THAT I'M A BETTER HERO THAN YOU'LL EVER BE!"

Bakugo stormed off as tears began to brim in his eyes. I'll prove you wrong JoJo, I'll become the greatest hero you've ever seen!

As Bakugo stomped away, Johnny felt a weird mixture of emotions. On one hand, he couldn't quite forgive him for what he did to Izuku, on the other...

Well, they were friends once.


"And where do you think you're going?"

Anasui put a fishnet in his suitcase and sighed. "I really don't feel as though I'm of any help, Jolyne. I didn't stop Santana from hurting you, and well..."

Jolyne's expression saddened. "So, you're leaving."

"Yes. It has really been fun getting to spend time with you again, but I can see that I am only a hinderance."

"That's not true."

"Look Jolyne...I get it. I've been annoying you."

"THAT'S why you're leaving?! Seriously?!"

"What?!"

"That's so stupid!"

"Why?"

"You're leaving the country...because I yelled at you. That is the most dramatic, unnecessary, petty, and all around idiotic reason I could ever think of." Jolyne said, shaking her head.

"But...if I annoy you, why do you want me around? You made it pretty clear that you aren't going to marry me."

"Anasui, my last relationship ended with the guy framing me for vehicular manslaughter. I'm still not very sure about putting my trust in someone like that again. You...you ARE important to me Anasui, and while I'm not very-"

"Jolyne."

"GUH! DAD!"

Jotaro either had feet like a cat, or he just stopped stopped time and walked over, but either way her father had snuck up on her. Jotaro raised an eyebrow, but didn't do anything further. "With taking recent events into account...I wanted to do something for your brother and his friends. Do you have any ideas?"

"Well, for starters, let them know you're there so they don't die from a heart attack, and...well, is there anything coming up that could lift their spirits? An event?"

"There's the Cutural Festival, but the students had a really hard time deciding on what they were going to do. Although I can definitely rule Kaminari's maid cafe out, and whatever Mineta was going to say before Asui tied him up, or-"

"I don't know, I'd kind of like the maid cafe..." Anasui said.

"With several underage girls? Or were you thinking of my daughter?"

"The second one."

"Okay, Cultural Festival...listen, I'm having a bit of a moment right now, I can't think clearly." Jolyne said, massaging her head.

"That's fine...I'll just be across the hall."

Jotaro left the room, and Jolyne turned to Anasui, who was just looking at her. "You...look like you want to say it."

"I do, but I know your answer."

"Do you?"

"Yes, I do. I'm going to ask, 'Jolyne will you marry me-'"

"Yes."

"And you'll say 'no', and theeaoeaugarrrgh uh?"

Next thing Jolyne knew, she had to run across the hall to give her father the Heimlech maneuver, while Anasui fell to the floor and began twitching.


"Hey Kyoka."

"Hey JoJo, what's up?"

Johnny was standing in her doorway, with a peeved look on his face. "Pikachu is a mouse Pokemon...right?"

Kyoka blinked. "I think so, why?" She said, a smile slowly growing on her face.

"How long is the average life span of a mouse?"

"Wait, hold on." Kyoka pulled out her phone and began searching. "12 to 18 months."

Johnny nodded, hummed, and turned around. "Well Kaminari seems to be long overdue."

"Now you know how I feel...JoJo?"

Johnny walked out of her room and down the hall.

"Johnny, you can't be serious."

"Pikachu, I CHOOSE BLOOD!"

"JOHNNY!"

(He was joking).