Welcome to my Jojo's Bizarre Adventure series! This is the first installment, featuring my OC, Alicia!
The cover of the fic is a picture I made with an avatar maker to give you all an idea what she looks like.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Alrighty, now for the story!
Hope you guys enjoy!
God Bless and Good Day!
~The Lupine Sojourner
All things considered, I find myself lacking almost nothing save a mother.
My father has been a chef for the Joestar family for...well, for as long as I can remember. He always prepares the most delicious dishes that seem divinely inspired.
My dear mother, rest her soul, perished attempting to bring my younger sibling into the world when I was two and a half years old, unfortunately taking the baby with her, so my father had no alternative but to go it alone, valiantly attempting to be both servant to the Joestars and my father and caretaker despite our grievous losses.
Fortunately, Mr. Joestar is quite a wonderful employer. He takes care of his servants, no doubt. He, upon hearing of my father's situation, insisted on paying for my schooling on top of adding a small amount to my father's salary.
There is a woman in town, Mrs. Pendleton, who teaches young women for a small fee, educating them in her house every weekday.
Thus it was that I met Erina, who quickly became my friend. She is Mrs. Pendleton's daughter, and we are only a year and a few months apart in age, with me being the elder, so it is quite fortuitous that we are taught together and became quite close, though we only see each other for educational purposes.
After the lessons, when I return home, there is the rare occasion that Mr. Joestar's son, Jonathan, is out playing in the yard and I am allowed to play as well.
Of course, I had to attend to some chores in the servant's house first, but the work isn't hard and could be done rather quickly.
I am perfectly content with my lot in life. Considering all the ways my life could be different than it is now, I have no substantial complaints.
When I was ten years old, I discovered the late Mrs. Joestar's fate by accidentally overhearing Father and another chef discussing it. Killed in a carriage accident on a stormy night nigh on a year after Jonathan was born. It was pure luck Mr. Joestar and the infant Jonathan survived.
It is a thread that connects Jonathan and I, since I too had lost my mother before I knew her. I felt for the lad, but could hardly interact with him.
After all, I was but a servant's daughter in this grand manor. I could hardly venture any real attempt at further interaction than I am allowed. Which is a shame, since I rather enjoy his company. Jonathan seems to enjoy mine, as well, though I am not bold enough to ask him outright.
We simply contented ourselves with our brief afternoons of amusement in the yard.
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"Alicia, darling, the driver is ready for you!" Father calls into the hallway connecting our bedrooms (I had received my own room upon my thirteenth birthday some six months back).
"Coming, Father!" I am quick to reply, tying my hair back with a ribbon Father had gotten for me.
"Don't you look lovely, darling!" Father cheers, kissing my cheeks.
"Oh, Father, you flatter me."
"Run along, dear. It is impolite to keep those who are assisting you waiting." He gently places a hand on my back and gives a small push.
"Yes, Father!"
The driver, a wonderful man by the name of Charles, smiles warmly at me as he offers me a hand to get into the carriage.
"My, but you're becoming a right beauty, little Alicia!" He greets.
"Thank you, sir." I reply politely. He always paid me a compliment when he saw me. I find it rather sweet.
The drive to Mrs. Pendleton's house is a mere twenty minutes, hardly worth my father accompanying me, so I am the lone passenger. Charles always remarks on the scenery and people we pass and I always enjoy the conversation.
"Here we are, missy! Mind you pay attention to the missus now!" He never fails to call out that farewell and I always wave and give a reply of 'I will. Have a safe trip back, sir!'
I stride up to the doorway, knock twice, and soon the door is opened and Mrs. Pendleton greets me warmly. "Well hello, Alicia! Ready for our lessons?"
"Of course, Mrs. Pendleton. I am honored." I reply politely, curtsying.
Today's lesson centered on piano. It is rather soothing to play, even if I am but a novice. "Have you been able to practice as I instructed?" Mrs. Pendleton asks.
"I'm afraid I do not play as much as I would like. Father requires help in the servant's house oftentimes when our lessons are through, so I can rarely play more than half an hour or so in the evening."
"I see. Given all that, you are coming along marvelously, I dare say." Mrs. Pendleton replies warmly, hand on my shoulder. "Now, shall we continue?"
From there, the lesson ran its course and soon Mrs. Pendleton is reminding me to read the history book she's lent me and to practice piano as often as I can as she ushers me out the door.
I wave after her and smile. "I will, Mrs. Pendleton! Farewell!"
Charles is there to help me into the carriage again and we're quiet on the way home.
Given that it is a Friday, my evening is looking to be free of obligations other than Father, potentially.
So I walk to the kitchens and, sure enough, Father is there, preparing tonight's dinner.
"How was the lesson, love?" Father asks, not looking directly at me.
"Oh, quite enjoyable, Father. Might I go play in the yard?" I believe I heard Jonathan leave with Danny as the carriage pulled in. It is a rare thing that I am free to play with him, and it is always such fun.
"Just until the sun sets, Alicia."
"Of course, Father. Thank you!" I kiss his cheek and walk out to the yard.
True enough, I hear Danny barking and follow the sound.
"Whoa there, Danny!" I hear Jonathan cry, laughing. As I round a tree, I finally see him, attempting to avoid Danny's enthusiastic licks upon the poor boy's face.
Unfortunately, it appears that I have now caught the attention of the dog, who bounds over to me before I can dodge and starts licking my face. "Oh, do stop, Danny!" I exclaim, laughing. It was a rather unusual sensation, given that I rarely interact with Danny or his master.
As I feel Danny tugged off, I realize I've fallen into a seated position on the grass. "Did he hurt you, Ms. Alicia?" Jonathan asks, extending a hand to assist me.
"Not at all, Jonathan." I reply, smiling as he helps me stand. "May I join you?" I ask after cleaning my face with my sleeve.
Jonathan smiles warmly at me. "Yes, please!"
I grin and tag his chest. "Tag!" I call over my shoulder, running off to evade my pursuer.
"H-hey! That's hardly fair!" He protests, but laughs and gives chase the next moment, and I must say he's rather fast, catching me in a good burst of speed. "Now you're it!" He cries happily, laughing as he begins to run away.
Despite my poor chances of catching him, I decide to try, running after Jonathan heartily with my skirts in my hand. However, as I suspected, it was a vain effort. Jonathan remains just out of reach, no matter how hard I try.
Finally, we have to cease running, both of us too weary to continue.
"You...you're so fast, Jonathan. I can never catch you." I complain through my heaving chest.
"I was trying not to be unfair." Jonathan replies sheepishly.
I laugh. "Well, it's no matter. Why don't we try hide and seek instead?" I suggest, grinning. I am smaller than Jonathan and have the advantage in a game of hide and seek.
"I suppose that's only fair, considering I had the advantage last game." Jonathan muses with a chuckle.
However, before we can begin the game, we both hear a sound at the same time.
The sound of a girl in distress, and of boys bullying her.
"What could that be?" I ask, turning and already walking toward the noise.
Jonathan is right beside me. "I suppose we'll find out."
When we arrive, however, I find that it is my dear friend, Erina, being bullied by a few boys who had nothing better to do than to take her doll, by the looks of things.
"She's a friend of mine, poor girl." I explain to Jojo. My instinct is to intervene and stop them, but Jonathan puts a hand on my shoulder.
"I'll handle this." He assures me. "A lady has no business in a fight."
Despite the sting of his words (I could handle it, thank you kindly!), I realize that he not only doesn't mean to insult me, he also has a point. Two boys against one girl wouldn't be a fair fight. A competent boy against two hooligans are more even odds, at least by my reckoning.
"Alright, just please be careful." I reply as he approaches the boys.
He leaps onto the roadside wall and scowls at the hooligans. "That's enough!" He calls. "Give it back to her, right now!"
He leaps down as the bullies turn to him.
"Who is this guy?" One asks.
"Some friend of Erina's?" The other presses.
I stand just behind the small wall as Jonathan starts running toward the pair. "I have never met her, but I'll fight for her all the same!" He shouts bravely.
Unfortunately, though Jonathan possesses some natural strength and deals a hefty blow with his shoulder, the poor boy ends up being beaten and mocked.
The bullies clearly know more of fighting than Jonathan, and the matter is made worse when the bullies spot Jonathan's handkerchief and the name embroidered on it as he cleans his bloody nose.
"This little pantywaist is the Joestar kid!" The apparent leader exclaims. "Now that I know you're some rich guy's son, I'm just getting started! You can't buy your way outta this!"
I manage to grab the doll and ensure Erina is far enough away from the villains, but I hate seeing my friend beaten like a criminal. Especially when I know it wouldn't end well if I tried to intervene.
Mercifully, the boys tire of beating Jonathan soon, kicking him down one last time before spitting at his feet. "Crawl on back to your damn manor, little lord." The leader snarls nastily then leaves, his companion following after him.
"Jonathan, are you badly hurt?" I ask, crouching beside him.
He refuses my offer of help, grimacing in pain as he sits up.
"Are you ok?" Erina asks, but Jonathan swats her hand away.
"Just leave me alone!" He snaps, humiliated and angry. "I'll be fine! I didn't take a beating just now for your sake, so whatever you're thinking, stop it!"
I frown. "That's quite enough. I'll see to Erina. My father can help patch you up, if you'd like. Your father need not know."
"One moment." Jonathan replies without much patience. He turns to Erina. "All I want is to conduct myself like a gentleman. I spotted a damsel in distress. A true gentleman has no fear. He'll fight for those who can't. Even if he knows there's no chance of winning, he enters the fray."
I sigh. It's likely pointless to try to talk to him in this state. "See my father, and if you would, tell him I'm not far behind you."
Jonathan nods and walks away, wiping his split lip. "Someday, I'll have the strength to win." He vows. It was probably not meant to be overheard, so I turn to Erina and offer her the doll.
"Here's your doll. It's not damaged or dirty."
She takes it, then looks toward the figure of Jonathan. "He's rather brave, isn't he?" She asks, a look of admiration in her eye.
I smile. "He is. Though I wish he'd spoken kinder to you."
"That's alright. I understand why he spoke that way. I've forgiven him."
I look her over for any injuries. "They didn't hurt you, did they?"
She shakes her head. "No. They caught me by surprise and stole my doll before I realized they were there."
I sigh. "Well, I suppose it's all over now. I'll be heading back myself. Good evening, Erina."
"Good evening, and thank you." Erina replies and we wave as we depart our separate ways.
It doesn't take long for me to catch up to Jonathan, but I stay a respectful distance from him. He clearly doesn't desire company at the moment.
We soon arrive at the manor, and at the moment I try to think of some comfort to offer Jonathan, I see a carriage arriving and find myself distracted, as does Jonathan.
It stops and the door is burst open, a simple piece of luggage is tossed out, and a strange blonde boy leaps out, landing as gracefully as a cat. He's dressed in a simple suit, but he exudes confidence and charisma.
Upon seeing his face, however, whatever charm I found in him vanishes. The hardened look in his eye sends chills down my spine.
It seems Jonathan doesn't notice the look in his eyes, however, smiling politely at the young man. "You must be Dio Brando, right?"
Oh! I'd heard some of the servants talking about him! Mr. Joestar received word a little while back regarding the man who had saved his life on that fateful night of the crash.
The man had fallen ill and wanted to ask Mr. Joestar to treat his son like Mr. Joestar's own. Apparently, Mr. Joestar instantly agreed.
I retreat a little toward the manor, wondering how that young man could already look so shrewd and devilish. What misfortune had he been through to harden him so?
Dio, for his part, at least has manners, smiling a little at Jonathan. "And you're Jonathan, heir to the Joestars." He muses.
"Yes. Please, call me Jojo. It's a pleasure to meet you." Jonathan replies, offering a handshake. But before Dio takes him up on it, Danny makes his approach, barking. Jonathan crouches, opening his arms to receive the dog. "That's Danny. He's my dog as well as my steadfast companion. Don't worry; he knows better than to nip at strangers."
Danny comes toward Jonathan to be pet when Dio kicks out viciously, knocking the poor animal down!
Instinctively, I rush over as Jonathan looks at Dio, shock and anger on his face. "What was that for?! How dare you!" Jonathan looks ready to fight!
"Danny doesn't appear badly hurt, thank heaven." I say, looking over the dog. Based on how poor Danny trembles in pain, I'd say Dio kicked with far more aggression than needed.
Dio, who'd looked ready to fight Jonathan, seems surprised at my presence. "And who might you be?" He asks, as if he had not just injured an animal for no reason.
I grit my teeth and stand. Father told me to always behave as a lady, so I give a small curtsy. "I am Alicia Hughes. My father is the cook on staff." I introduce.
"I see." Dio smirks a little.
But in the next moment, I see a few servants and Mr. Joestar himself arrive. "Fighting already?" Mr. Joestar asks, walking sternly toward the two boys. "I would know what this is about."
I move aside and curtsy. "Beg pardon, Mr. Joestar, but-"
Before I can finish my statement, Dio bows at the waist. "Sorry. The dog jumped at me, and in my haste, I struck it."
I frown. Danny had never jumped. I was standing in plain view of the entire interaction! But I have learned over the years that the daughter of the cook does not receive opportunity to clarify situations, expected to be neither seen nor heard from the staff and family of the manor, so I have to hold my tongue, taking my place alongside my father, who has come out to see what was happening. He alone truly listens to me.
Mr. Joestar looks between the young men and orders everyone inside, where he smiles at Dio. "Welcome to the manor. Consider yourself part of the family." He says, and turns to address the staff gathered nearby. "Everyone, I would have died in the crash that claimed my wife were it not for Dio's father. You will treat him as you would my own son."
The staff and I both bow.
"Yes, your lordship." One of the butlers replies.
Mr. Joestar turns back to Dio. "This is your home now, Dio. Please avail yourself of all its comforts."
Dio bows a little in a show of humility and gratitude. "Thank you, sir, for taking in this poor unfortunate."
Does no one else see through his act? He's only playing the grateful young gentleman, but what he intends to achieve hrough it all is a mystery.
Mr. Joestar puts a hand on Jonathan's shoulder. "Jojo has lost his mother, as well, and you're the same age. You'll be thick as thieves soon." Mr. Joestar then looks down at Jonathan. "Jojo, Dio didn't mean to hurt Danny."
"Right." Jonathan says, and I can tell he's still upset about the entire matter, on top of his beating just ten or so minutes ago. Poor lad…he'll have to find a way to forgive Dio, since they are now supposed to consider each other brothers. "It stands to reason, Father, that if a strange dog jumped at me, I'd be surprised, too."
I stay quietly in the room as the staff filter out of the main entrance area to return to their duties, and Mr. Joestar ascends the stairs so he can show Dio to his room.
"This way, Dio. I'll show you your chamber."
"Yes sir." Dio replies, and strangely takes note of the stone mask Mrs. Joestar had once owned (according to the servants, at least) hanging on the wall.
However, he is then distracted by Jonathan, who is reaching for Dio's luggage, presumably trying to bury the hatchet, as it were, and start fresh with Dio.
Dio, however, takes it as an affront and grabs Jonathan's hand, twisting it till Jonathan winces and groans in pain. "You're hurting me!" Jonathan protests. "Please let go."
"Watch your hands. No one is allowed to touch my things without my permission! Next time you reach for what's mine with this paw, I'll break it!"
"I was only trying to help!" Jonathan cries, but Dio executes a sharp turn, still holding Jonathan's hand to draw him in close, dealing a heavy blow to Jonathan's ribcage with his elbow.
Jonathan, winded, falls to his knees.
Dio then crouches to grab Jojo's ear, pulling hard on it. "Listen, I may be a guest within your house, but I am not to be trifled with." He warns severely. In all things that I do, I am number one! Look down your nose at me, and you'll regret it."
"But, Dio, I want for us to be friends!" Jonathan retorts, a baffled and hurt expression on his face.
As if not hearing Jonathan, Dio continues. "And another thing; I hate all mongrels. They don't scare me, I just despise how they fawn over the unworthy! So keep that mangy mutt of yours well away from me, Joestar." Having said what he wanted, Dio stands and eyes his luggage. "I will have a servant carry that up for me." Dio happens to spot me and beckons. "You'll do."
I hesitate. "I am not employed here." I feel a little insulted, if I'm honest. He'd just said no one is to touch his things without his permission, but then immediately asks me to bring it up.
Do I not count as a person?
Thankfully, however, before Dio can respond to me, Mr. Joestar, noticing that Dio is not behind him, calls down. "Dio? What's keeping you? Hurry along!"
"Yes sir!" Dio replies, and in the end, I did carry his things to his room, and hurried away.
I spot poor Jonathan still where Dio had left him. I help him up and we went to the kitchen, where I told my father what all happened.
Sadly, Father thinks I'm merely being too hard on Dio, but he does give Jonathan a sweetroll. "Nevermind the bullies from earlier, young master Jonathan." He says, chuckling. "I can give you a few boxing lessons to help you out if you like, even the odds in case it happens again."
Jonathan munches on the roll and looks at Father with wide eyes. "Truly, sir? You'd do that?"
Father laughs. "Of course, lad. Can't have you coming home beaten all the time, can we? I used to box with my friends before I met my wife, you know. It can be our little secret, too."
From then on, when possible, my father made good on his word, teaching Jonathan to box. I hear Jonathan is doing rather well in his lessons, as well.
Over the next number of months, it became clear that Dio is a very smart young man, able to learn alongside Jonathan, and sadly surpass Jonathan at times, resulting in Jonathan being scolded.
Jonathan tells me his troubles when we find ourselves in the yard together. One of the maids is teaching me embroidery and repair stitches, so often Jonathan will give vent to his feelings while I complete some smaller repairs needed on some of the servants' clothes.
The poor lad is occasionally left hungry after dinner when he showed poor manners, or isn't allowed to play as often in the afternoon as punishment for poor results in schoolwork.
It seems Dio is supplanting Jonathan in Mr. Joestar's mind, however unintentionally on Mr. Joestar's part.
Jonathan came home once with blood seeping from his eye and a bruise on his cheek. As I got a bowl of cold water and a rag, Jonathan explains to me that he has been boxing in a small boxing ring Father told him he used to box in. He says Dio fought him and utterly beat him, going so far as to stick a finger in his eye.
I find that a rather low blow, but there's nothing I can do about it. So I listen and clean Jonathan up as best I can, taking a look at his eye to see no irreparable damage had been done.
Over the next week, however, I see Jonathan looking rather happy and Erina seems to be glowing, as well, at our lessons.
I ask Erina about the matter and she says she's made friends with Jonathan and quite fancies him.
I congratulate her and encourage her to pursue Jonathan. He needs a good friend.
I then ask Jonathan what he's happy about and he says the same thing, that he has met a young woman and fancies her. I explain who Erina is and encourage him in turn to pursue Erina.
The next weeks pass quickly and I notice Jonathan seeming the happiest I've seen in a long time.
I didn't see as much of Jonathan, but I can hardly blame him. The lad is head over heels for Erina and I couldn't be happier for him.
One evening about a year and six months after Dio's arrival, as I'm walking home to give Charles an evening to himself, I see Erina crying on the side of the road.
I hurry over. It's nearly sunset! What's she still doing out?
"Erina, dear, are you alright?" I ask.
She's covered in mud and inconsolable!
Eventually, I calm her down enough for her to tell me a horrifying tale.
Dio, it seems, caught on to Jonathan and Erina's budding romance and decided to force a kiss on Erina in an attempt to come between them.
The poor girl had even been slapped when she tried to wash off Dio's kiss in a puddle.
Such rage fills me then, I nearly march back to the manor and tell Jonathan so we can confront Dio, but Erina begs me not to tell Jonathan. She's deeply ashamed about the whole affair, and even though I assure her she was not at fault in the slightest, she insists I keep it to myself.
So, after making certain she got home safe and returning to the servant's house, I have to refrain from confronting Dio and lay fuming in my bed for hours before I get any sleep.
To his credit, it seems Jonathan is quick to notice the difference in Erina's behavior and learns what happened.
He comes to me as I help out in the garden, fuming.
"Is it true?" He asks.
"Is what true, Jonathan?" I reply, knowing what this is about.
"That damned Dio! He's kissed Erina, hasn't he?"
I take a step back, eyes wide, and it seems that is all the confirmation Jonathan needs to blindly run into the house, screaming Dio's name in righteous fury.
I dust off my hands and race after him. "Please, Jonathan, don't do anything rash!"
But I may as well have been talking to the wall.
He's blind and deaf to any reason as he bursts the door open, screaming Dio's name again.
Dio shuts the book he's reading in the first-floor library and stands. "Hush, boy! You won't use my name in vain again if you know what's good for you!" He snaps viciously.
I stay well away in the doorway as Jonathan charges Dio. "We end this now! I won't let you sully an innocent maiden's honor! Your fight is with me, damnit!"
Dio doesn't bother denying it, smirking devilishly at him, even. "Upset about Erina, that she shared her favors with me? And now you intend to give me a proper thrashing for my impudence."
Jonathan readies his fists. "This time, Dio, you have gone too far!" He tries for a punch to the head, but Dio blocks it.
"You may be right, but you're the one who will pay!" Dio's elbow grinds cruelly into Jonathan's nose, bloodying it. Dio's cold smirk sends chills down my spine, freezing me where I stand. He continues to grind poor Jonathan's nose.
I know I should not intervene, but part of me wants to run over there anyway.
But Dio would only hurt me and then Jonathan would have one more thing to fight Dio about. I don't want to add to Jonathan's troubles, but I can get help!
Father will know what to do!
I run into the kitchen. "Father, please come quickly!" I shout and Father hurries into the room.
"Alicia?"
"Please, Father! Dio tried to break up Jonathan and Erina and Jonathan started a fight!"
Father sits me down. "Stay here."
In my concern for Jonathan, I follow Father and find Mr. Joestar already addressing the situation.
Dio has been bloodied, too, so at least Jonathan got some hits in. Still, what a frightening thing to witness!
Wait a moment! Is that-Dio has a knife!
"Such is the mark of a coward!" Mr. Joestar is saying.
"But Father, I-" Jonathan tries to explain, but Mr. Joestar puts a hand up.
"No excuses! To your chambers, both of you! I will decide your punishment anon!" Is the verdict Mr. Joestar decides on.
I wish I could explain, but I know I wouldn't be taken seriously, and as I have no proof of the truth, I'm helpless.
As I turn away, tears at the injustice stinging my eyes, I notice that the strange stone mask has fallen off the wall, spikes I had never seen before sticking out of it for a moment before withdrawing.
I reel backward and accidentally bump into Father.
"I know that must have upset you to witness, darling." He says, taking me to the kitchen and sitting me down with a bit of cheese and a roll, as well as a cool glass of water. "Boys their age fight sometimes, and it does usually involve a woman."
"But Father! Dio forced a kiss from Erina!" I protest.
"Have you any proof?"
"I found Erina right after it happened! The evening I didn't take the carriage home, I saw her on the road, crying. She told me everything!"
"I believe you, and I believe Erina. I'll tell Master Joestar, but I doubt he'll be in a lenient mood. He does not take kindly to fighting."
"But-"
"Dear, life isn't always the way we want it to be, I'm afraid. I will do what I can just the same." He kisses my forehead and goes to speak to Mr. Joestar.
I'm not sure what all was said, and I don't recall the punishment dealt, but things more or less calm the next few days.
That is, until I am tasked with adding a last-minute bag of waste to the incinerator by a maid and the butler operating it kindly lets me add it, though he'd been preparing to light a match.
"Here, that seems strange. Wonder what's in there?" He says, noticing a large wooden box.
I frown and look at it. "I'm not sure, sir." I admit.
He smiles at me. "Ah, well. Must be something the maids threw out."
I nod in agreement as a match is lit and the door is closed.
But, as we turn away, something starts banging the door from the inside of the incinerator!
We both pale, knowing what had happened.
"What's that? Oh, mercy! Something got into the incinerator! Wh-what if a person's in there?! They're burning alive! And it's all my fault for lighting it!" The butler cries in shock as the bangs grow more insistent, then he turns to me. "Quick, lass, fetch help! We've got to put the flames out!"
I run as fast as I can into the servant's house and find some landscapers and other servants. "Please help! There's something alive in the incinerator!" I scream and soon my father appears.
He sits with me in the kitchen, rubbing my back as I cry. "Oh, my dear girl. Don't cry. It is no fault of yours. It was perhaps some unfortunate wild animal. Nothing to cry over." He assures me, but I'm told later it was poor Danny that had somehow gotten into the incinerator and, before he could be rescued, succumbed to the flames. We call a constable, but there's nothing much he can determine.
I dread when Jonathan returned home, but he returns in the evening, already looking sad, and Mr. Joestar had to take Jonathan aside for a private conversation before taking him to see the grave, a wooden cross over a mound of earth. I come out, as well, trying to comfort Jonathan, but there is little I can do.
"We buried him while you were gone, son. It was nothing you should have to witness. The constable said it was likely the work of a burglar who caught sight of Danny and panicked." Mr. Joestar explains as gently as he can.
Jonathan is understandably distraught, but would only say one word. "Dio."
It is not a question.
"He's not here. He hasn't yet returned home from school today, sir." One of the butlers with us says, misinterpreting it as a question, and Jonathan starts to cry, running to his room for the rest of the evening and into the night.
I can't get that idea out of my head. Had Dio put Danny in the incinerator? Was Danny in the box the butler remarked on?
But why?! Jonathan merely defended Erina's honor! He fought for her as a man should!
How could Dio be so cruel, so heartless?! Jonathan and I have no proof, but we both feel the same way. We both know Dio did it.
However, Dio soon became less and less condescending and more amiable, claiming his actions were born from his harsh upbringing in the slums of London, and he and Jonathan seemed to slowly find a sort of friendship as the years go by.
I interact with Dio as little as possible, which seemed to suit him, as well. He still finds me beneath him, which is probably why he does not treat me as he does Jonathan, though we are all roughly the same age.
I find myself grateful to have been spared his ire, and let time continue its steady pace.
When I turn sixteen, I am summoned to Mr. Joestar's office to speak with him one afternoon.
I enter the office, surprised to find Father there, as well as Mrs. Pendleton.
I curtsy to them. "Good evening, Mr. Joestar, Mrs. Pendleton, Father."
"Ah, Alicia." Father returns my greeting, standing and ushering me to a seat next to him and Mrs. Pendleton, facing Mr. Joestar. "Mr. Joestar has a proposition for you."
I blink, eying Mr. Joestar. "Indeed, sir?"
Mr. Joestar smiles at me. "I do. I understand you have learned to care for the smaller matter of this manor from the servants, yes?"
I nod. "Yes, sir. A lady must earn her keep, sir."
"And you've learned quite a lot from Mrs. Pendleton, as well, over the years, haven't you?"
I nod again. "Yes, sir. I'm blessed to have her as a tutor." I smile at Mrs. Pendleton and she smiles back.
"I'm blessed to have such a quick-learning, well-mannered pupil, dear." She assures me.
Mr. Joestar then slides a sheet of paper toward me. "Now, onto the proposal; I was speaking to your father and Mrs. Pendleton about this proposition, and with the Pendletons moving to India in a month, Mrs. Pendleton will no longer be able to provide you tutelage." He explains, then taps the sheet of paper. "Now, that leaves you this offer. One of the maids is nearing retirement age and will need a replacement. I believe you will be most fitting, Alicia." I pick up the paper and see a contract for employment written on it. The wages seem fair, as well, from what I gather of maid's wages. "There's no need to make a decision tonight, but I wished to extend the offer now."
I return the paper to his desk. "I would be honored to work for you, sir." I curtsy and sit back down.
Mr. Joestar smiles at me. "Excellent. I will need your signature and your father's, then the next month will be spent training with the retiring maid, to take over her duties."
I nod, taking an offered pen. "Thank you, sir."
My father and I sign the document and discuss a few matters before we're dismissed. Mrs. Pendleton then sighs.
"I had intended to tell you tomorrow, dear, but…I suppose we can't have everything in life, can we?"
I shake my head. "Sadly not, but I hope all goes well for you and your family in India." I curtsy.
She curtsies back. "I hope so, too, Alicia. May this employment serve you well."
On impulse, I follow Mrs. Pendleton out to the entrance. "If I may impose, ma'am, one small favor?"
She turns to me. "Certainly."
"If you would, encourage Erina to speak to Jonathan before you depart. I do not wish to overstep, but they both have been so sad lately. Perhaps they can clear the air between them before you go."
She nods, smiling kindly at me. "You have such a kind soul, child. I will."
I never got confirmation if Mrs. Pendleton spoke to Erina, but judging by Jonathan's continued decline in his demeanor, if Mrs. Pendleton did speak to Erina, Erina never worked up the courage to speak to Jonathan and he is left broken-hearted.
Time waits for no man, sadly, continuing it's march, and over the next 5 years, I serve as a maid in the Joestar manor, until everything came to a head one fateful night.
A night that would change all our lives irreversibly.