Chapter 19

Vander tightened his fist as his rage increased but he took a deep breath and calmed himself down. The 32nd steward of the dragon felt he should admit he misjudged Joseph but the idea made him sick to his stomach and he chose not to directly admit to it. Vander walked over to the group. "Very well, what's the second lesson?" Vander said in a very humbled tone.

Joseph looked to Vander half expecting him to apologize but when Vander's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, the old Joestar chuckled a little which annoyed Vander even more. Joseph wanted to give Vander a hard time for fun but decided against it due to their previous interactions. "Well for now, give me an hour or so, I need to rest. Though I think it's best for both Broida and Firene to gather able bodies. They don't need to only be soldiers. Like I said, only about 1 in every 10,000 people can use hamon. The more Hamon users we have the better." said the joestar before he looked over to Diamant but the red-haired prince spoke before Joseph could open his mouth.

"Very well, since I was about to leave for Brodia anyway. I'll gather up a batch of prospects." The Brodian prince said before he ran off with the stone he borrowed from Celine earlier.

"We'll gather up some prospects here too! We'll check both soldiers and civilians! The potential to be a hero will be sure to rouse up the men and women of our kingdom! Especially with the amazing muscles they can potentially develop while learning this martial art!" shouted Alfred firing himself up even more.

Celine suddenly realized something. "I don't think we'll get even half as many potential recruits as Brodia." she said which got the attention of everyone.

"What do you mean sister?" Alfred asked as he adopted a concerned face. "How can anyone deny this kind of opportunity!? We'll have recruits lining up at the chance to learn something like this."

Celine looked at Alfred with a serious face "I'm sorry, Brother, but the people of Firene aren't like you. They are peace loving people. I have no doubt that some will step up to defend our country but most of our people prefer work as medics and doctors. Most of Firene avoid violence unlike Brodia who get excited by it." As Celine spoke Alfred grew more depressed because he knew she was right.

Joseph scratched his chin and suddenly another light bulb went off in his head. "There's 1 more thing I forgot to mention about hamon." said the Joestar which got the attention of everyone present.

Vander became irritated about this declaration. "What about it? Is this technique dangerous? You'd better not be trying to teach our forces some kind of unstable technique half assed!" the old steward said, accusing the Joestar.

"Sheesh, don't get your chainmail in a bunch, you geezer. I was just going to say that Hamon has other uses outside of combat such as healing applications. It was initially invented for that purpose. I just never used it much for that purpose so it slipped my mind." the Joestar explained which caused Celine's and Alfred's faces to light up.

"Oh, I see. Well that is useful" said Vander in a humbled voice before his eyes flared up in rage. " However, don't call me a geezer! I'm only 45!"

Polnareff and Joseph were shocked by this "OH MY GOD!" Joseph said in a genuinely shocked voice.

Polnareff pointed at him accusingly "No way! You look like you're at least 10 years older than that!"

Vander grew irritated by their reaction "What!? How dare you! I look great for my age!" the steward shot back.

"Look great for your age?" the joestar repeated in an almost mocking tone before pointing at him along with Polnareff "You age like milk!"

"Oh yeah!? How old are you then!? You don't look too far different from me in age!"

"67! And I still look better than you!" the Joestar screamed which shocked everyone but Polnareff.

Vander took a step back, not sure what he can say to this. Vander expected them to be around the same age or perhaps the Joestar would be just a little bit older, but he's older than Vander's own father would be if he was still alive. "Wh- how? How is that even possible!?"

Joseph yelped as he suddenly felt someone feel his bare chest. The Joestar looked down and saw it was Alfred. The 67 year old man quickly pushed the blond prince off of him. "What are you doing !?"

Alfred looked slightly guilty "I'm sorry about that but the fact you're so old and have muscles like these…" Alfred said as he reached to touch Joseph again but the joestar slapped his hand away. Alfred nervously laughed before continuing "...were just too good to be true I had to actually 'feel' them. You don't disappoint."

Joseph cleared his throat "Thank you… Alfred. However, pleeeease keep your hands to yourself in the future." As Joseph finished speaking Celine apologized on her brother's behalf.

Polnareff suddenly spoke up "I'll go visit Jotaro, since I think Diamant will be a while. Then after that I'll see… Avdol." Polnareff stated as he looked down thinking of the last time he saw Avdol. The Frenchman wondered if he didn't on the spur of the moment go to Brodia would Avdol still be alive.

Joseph wanted to take him to the clinic but he didn't want to travel anywhere since they still needed to discuss how best to go about recruitment plus he was exhausted. Joseph looked to Alfred. "Hey, Alfred, can you take him to the clinic we left Jotaro at?"

Alfred looked saddened by what Joseph was asking but he'd still do it since he didn't have a reason to decline but before he could say anything "I'm sorry Mr. Joestar, but my brother being the prince cannot sit out of these kinds of meetings for these types of situations, but Louis would be happy to guide Sir Polnareff to the clinic? The princess said before looking over to Louis who was just smiling with his eyes closed.

"A-actually, maybe I should guide him. I do need to check up on Framme anyway" said a timid voice. Everyone looked to the owner of the voice and saw Clanne giving a nervous smile.

Celine nodded. "Very well. The both of you don't need an escort. Now…" said the princess as she looked over to Vander who looked conflicted on whether or not he should go. Celine noticed that everyone was now looking over at her because she started talking before going silent. The young princess blushed in embarrassment before speaking "Actually, we all know what needs to be done. My brother and I will talk with our mother and discuss how to get new recruits. In the meantime… everyone just relax and take care of your personal matters." said the princess before looking over to Vander who looked relieved that he now didnt have to decide between staying and going.

Ivy cleared her throat "If it is acceptable I wish to accompany you and your brother to see the queen…" the Elusian princess said as Celine looked towards her. "As the last of my line or the Elusian royal family, I believe it's best to at least properly introduce myself to her." the purple-haired princess concluded and Celine replied with a nod in the affirmative. "Thank you, your Grace." Ivy said with a small bow to Celine.

"Hey polnareff! Can I borrow your shoulder? Guess I'm coming with you after all." said the Joestar as the Frenchman sighed and without a word put Joseph's arm over his shoulder and proceeded to follow Clanne. Vander silently started walking next to Joseph and Polnareff. "Eyyyy, you're coming too?" said the Joestar who got nothing but silence from the old knight.

Clanne was a bit aggravated that Vander was coming, knowing that his sister would react even worse than he did once she found out what happened to Queen Lumera, especially if Vander is present when she finds out. "Can I come too?" said an innocent feminine voice. Clanne looked behind him and saw Veyle running past the men behind him and coming up to his side. Veyle stopped, put her hands on her knees and breathed heavily for a little while to catch her breath before standing upright "I wanted to meet your sister…" Veyle said with a smile before her smile slowly disappeared "... that is if it's okay if someone like me meets her… someone who's…" Veyle said, wanting to say how she took delight in killing humans like Griss said she did but couldn't say the words.

Clanne smiled at her and forgot about Vander's presence for a little while "I'd be happy if you were to tag along, Veyle." said the 33rd steward of the dragon which got a small cheer from the young girl.

The Clinic

The group walked into the clinic and a nurse immediately rushed over to them "Oh my goodness there's an empty bed right over there. Can you place the patient there" the nurse said when she caught sight of Joseph being supported by Polnareff.

"I appreciate the concern, miss, but I'm not here to be checked in. I'm here to see my grandson, Jotaro Kujo." Joseph said which didn't convince the nurse that the old man was uninjured. Afterall Joseph couldn't stand up on his own and needed support from the strange silver haired man with heart shaped earrings.

Polnareff spoke up "he's fine. He just exhausted himself earlier with some exercise. Can you show us to Jotaro?"

"And Framme too." Vander added in.

The nurse chose to accept the answer and guided them to Jotaro and Framme who conveniently were neighbors with beds next to each other. Framme was being served food by Jean while Jotaro was laying down with his eyes closed, the bottom half of Jotaro's body was completely covered by a hospital blanket. "Thank you Jean." Framme said before she caught sight of Clanne and Vander with a group of people she didn't recognize. Framme picked up a piece of bread and bit into it. While chewing she said "hey guys, *chewing noises* about time you *smack* visited me. *gulp*" After she gulped down her food Veyle opened her mouth to introduce herself but Vander began speaking.

"Framme! it is not proper for a young lady to speak with her mouth full" Vander said which got a guilty chuckle from Framme and a flare of annoyance from Clanne. Framme was a bit curious about Clanne's reaction and when Vander noticed Framme's reaction to Clanne's reaction he cleared his throat "It's… good to see you. Glad to know you're alright. That is all that is important now. How are your injuries?" Vander said with a saddened tone with a bit of relief in it.

Framme started to lift up her shirt and Vander was about to protest but she stopped slightly above her midriff to reveal a scar "I'd say I'm healed up nicely. Plus, I got this cool new battle scar. I wanted to go back to the Somniel, but these doctors and nurses won't let me leave. It's not so bad though I made a new friend." the Young girl said as she looked over to Jean. As Framme turned back she winced in pain. Veyle prepared to attempt to introduce herself again to Framme but suddenly Jean began to speak.

"Don't make too many sudden movements, you're still recovering." Jean said to Framme like he's repeating it for the 100th time.

Vander gave a sigh of relief "Listen Framme… there's something I have to tell you… so listen until the end." said the 32nd steward who began relaying his experience from last night to Framme. Veyle pouted at the fact she'd have to wait until after Vander tells the story to introduce herself.

While Vander began his tale Polnareff and Joseph looked at Jotaro who looked peaceful, well peaceful for Jotaro at least. "Geez, he looks pissed even when he's sleeping." Polnareff said with a chuckle after seeing he still had his trademark scowl and furrowed eyebrows. Polnareff looked over to Jean who was entranced by Vander's story time. "Hey you work here right? When's Jotaro's surgery coming up?"

Jean jumped a little when he was suddenly called on "Oh yes, well that surgery was completed about an hour ago. His leg is already amputated."

Polnareff was surprised by that, but Joseph wasn't. "They did stress it was important to get it removed so not surprising they took care of that ASAP" Joseph said before looking down. "I guess he's under anesthesia now. I'll try to at least be here when he wakes up. Best to have family break this kind of news to him after all."

"Umm actually…" Jean started but he was interrupted by a sudden shout.

"WHAATTT!?" Framme suddenly screamed out as she leapt out of bed to punch Vander in the face but she winced from the pain in her side and fell on the floor. Vander moved to help her up but Framme slapped his hand away. "DON'T TOUCH ME!" Clanne quickly moved to help his sister back to the bed and Jean moved to grab his healing staff.

"Because of you… Lumera is…" Framme had tears in her eyes and could not say the final word. "You're the one that was telling us all the time to be perfect and be thorough. That we cannot afford to make mistakes! You damned hypocrite!" Framme screamed as Jean came back with his staff and moved to heal the angry girl; however Framme snatched the staff from the boy and swung it at Vander's head.

"STAR PLATINUM!" came a masculine voice before a purple stand suddenly appeared and caught the staff before it hit Vander in the head. "Good freaking grief I can't even take a nap in peace."

"Jotaro!?" came the surprised voices of Polnareff and Joseph.

"Wha-" Polnareff said.

"How" continued Joseph, both of them were sure he wouldn't wake up any time soon due to the anesthesia.

Jean spoke up "I was trying to tell you earlier. Jotaro woke up just before the amputation and refused anesthesia. My father tried to insist that it was necessary to be sure he wouldn't move due to the pain but Jotaro said he 'simply wouldn't move'. We tried applying the anesthesia anyway but that 'star platinum' creature wouldn't let us."

"Why would you deny Anesthesia!? Are you some kind of masochist!?" Joseph screamed at his grandson "I do apologize for all the trouble my grandson has caused"

Star Platinum yanked the staff from Framme's grip and rolled it into a ball as if the staff was made out of tin foil. Star Platinum dropped the ball on the ground much to Jean's dismay. Framme doubled over in pain immediately afterwards. "Oh no, did her wound reopen? Hold on Framme. I'll get another medic since…" Jean said before looking at the ball of metal that used to be his staff.

"Hey Joseph, what are you doing?" Polnareff asked as Joseph removed himself from Polnareff's shoulder and stood up on his own.

Joseph put his hand on his shoulder and stretched out his neck "Relax, I'm getting my second wind."

Joseph stepped forward and laid Framme on the medical bed "Hold on I got this. Since it's not a major injury I should be able to patch her up a little." said the Joestar as his hands lit up with sparks. Jean watched in wonder as the pain on Framme's face subsided.

"What was that!? How did you do that without a staff? This has to be some kind of breakthrough." Jean asked excitedly.

Framme checked her wound and noticed that while not a t 100% it was healed further than it was than it was with the medics. "That… was… amazing! Take me as your pupil. I've got to learn how to do that!" Framme also got excited by the technique that Joseph just displayed, temporarily forgetting about Vander.

Vander looked at this sight with a frustrated expression before Clanne whispered to him "I think it's best you leave before Framme remembers why she was angry. I'm not sure why you even came. You should have known Framme would react like that. You should have at least waited for her to heal."

Vander moved to leave but bumped into Sean. "I'm afraid I'll have to ask all of you to leave. You are all too loud and you're disturbing the other patients."

Everyone apologized to Sean and moved to head out of the clinic. Veyle put her head down in disappointment that she never got to properly introduce herself to Framme.

"Hey! Wait a minute. I'm not done with you, Vander" Framme screamed as she leapt out of bed. Framme was slightly surprised when she felt very little pain in her side and took the opportunity to leap into the air to deliver a kick at her older relative.

"STAR PLATINUM" came the shout of Jotaro as once again the stand appeared and grabbed Framme in mid-air. "OI, take the brat too, she's too noisy. Besides, she looks healed enough now." the teenaged Joestar said.

"Absolutely not! We are not releasing her until I analyze her myself." Sean replied.

Jotaro let out an agonizing groan "Fine, I'll just leave then. I can't take a nap here with that noisy brat around." Jotaro said simply before tossing his covers aside, revealing he had a peg leg now. Jotaro simply stood up and walked over to his grandfather and said "alright old man, let's go."

"Hey, wait a minute! You can't just leave without being discharged also how are you feeling no pain? We amputated your leg and fit it with a peg leg like an hour ago and with no anesthetics. We need to properly check you."

Jotaro looked back at Sean "no pain? This hurts like hell. But I'll be fine. I'll just spit on it later." said the rebellious teen before he put his hand in his pocket and walked out of the clinic with Vander quickly following.

Everyone was shocked at how nonchalant Jotaro was about losing his leg and how quickly he could walk normally. "Hey! If he can leave so quickly, why can't I? You all saw my kick! I'm good as new."

"Hey kid, I'll tell you what. You stay here for now and get checked out by the staff. Don't give them any trouble and I'll take you on as my pupil." Joseph said to calm the girl down which worked. Sean quickly bowed his head and thanked the older Joestar. "It's no problem, I'm sorry about my grandson! He's… been through a lot." The old man said before Jean asked him if he could become another one of his pupils. "Yeah, sure I was looking for pupils anyway."

Veyle looked at Framme. Okay, she's calm now. Now's my chance! The young girl thought to herself. "Hello Framme, my name is Veyle, I'm a… friend of Clanne's" Veyle finally managed to get out, satisfied that she completed her goal for the day.

Framme looked at her. "A friend of Clanne's? I didn't know my brother knew such cute girls." Framme stated, which got a smile from Veyle. Framme looked over to her brother. "Is she your girlfriend? Where have you been hiding her?"

"Girlfriend? I just met her this morning! She's just a friend!" Clanne quickly explained.

"Girlfriend? Well I am a girl and his friend so i guess i am." Veyle said innocently which gave Framme a mischevious smirk on her face.

"Wow, you move fast, brother. Come to think of it, she sort of looks like the Divine Dragon with her multi-colored hair, I approve. The two of you have my blessing. You can have her and I get the Divine Dragon all to myself." Framme said just to tease her brother.

"I swear she's just a friend! *sigh* Well, I'm glad that you're healthy." said Clanne was just done with this exchange. Clanne glanced out the window and noticed that it was getting close to sunset. Will we really be okay tonight? The boy thought to himself.

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A/N: kind of a slow chapter that was mostly character interactions and not driving the plot forward much... The cons of using so many different characters and try to make them all fit without a defined main character, I suppose. I'll try to get the next chapter out faster but... can't guarantee it due to circumstance in my life.