Chapter 3 - Number Number's Dogtooth
Joel falls to the ground off his hallway. He picks himself up and attempts to navigate his way to the kitchen, still shaken up by the unexpected trip.
"This strength I've achieved, I shall use it as I wish against the foe hiding behind that door."
He walks into the kitchen and starts searching every corner. He sees a figure trying to slip out but Joel grabs him by the shoe before he falls out of his field of vision.
"Who are you, damn trespasser! You already messed up my pants!"
Joel says to the trespasser, clearly angered by his need to hide from him.
The figure kicks Joel's hand with surprising force, breaking free from his grip and stumbling toward the shadows.
Joel grits his teeth and lunges forward, catching a glimpse of the intruder's strange attire—a sharp suit, a hat with numbers 1-8 along the brim, and a glint of silver from a belt buckle shaped like a pound sign.
The man stands tall now, brushing off his coat as if Joel's touch had sullied it. A sinister smirk spreads across his face, and he adjusts the rose on his collar.
"You've got quite the nerve, Joestar," the man says, his voice calm but brimming with menace. "Acting as if you're the king of the world, how you're talkin' about the queen."
Joel's fists tighten, the orange energy flickering faintly along his knuckles. "I don't need to be king to kick you out. Answer me—who are you, and what do you want?"
The man takes a deliberate step forward, the floorboards creaking under his polished shoes. "Call me Number Number. And as for what I want... Let's just say I'm here to see how you, a simple commoner, will get through the royal family."
Before Joel can respond, the air grows heavy, and a low growl rumbles through the kitchen. Joel's eyes dart around, searching for the source of the noise, when suddenly a sleek, spectral Dobermann emerges from the shadows. Its translucent blue body seems to ripple like water, its sharp fangs glinting as it bares them at Joel.
"This is my Stand—Dogtooth," Number Number says, his smirk widening. "It's fast, precise, and... well, let's just say it's got a nose for sniffing out weakness."
The Dobermann moves without warning, its body a blur as it lunges for Joel. He barely manages to sidestep, the Stand's claws grazing his shoulder. Joel winces, feeling a strange numbness spread from the scratch.
"You'll find it's not just speed that makes Dogtooth dangerous," Number Number says, watching Joel struggle. "Its venom paralyzes the body, piece by piece. You won't last long if you don't start taking this seriously."
Joel grits his teeth, the orange energy surging stronger now. "Fine, then. Let's see if your mutt can keep up with me."
He charges forward, fists glowing with power, ready to take on both the intruder and his deadly Stand.
Evolution Orange dodges Dogtooth as it tries to bite him. From behind, he hits Dogtooth with immense strength.
"Hmm. Strategic i see? One blink and you'll miss it!" Number Number says as Dogtooth kicks Evolution Orange with its hind legs.
Evolution Orange does something unscripted. He turns on the switch and Dogtooth and Number Number both get extremely hot. Number Number makes a screech nobody could make, not even at gunpoint.
"MAKE IT STOP! STOP IT! STOPPPP! NO! PLEASE STOP! I CAN'T WITHSTAND THIS!" His skin grows madly pink as he feels the burning sensation both on the outside, but on the inside.
Joel watches with curiosity. Then, with a determined tone, he says this.
"Tell me where you came from and what your goal is. Is it for torment? Or something else?"
Number Number collapses to one knee, clawing at his chest as if trying to peel away the heat burning inside him. His composure, so smug moments ago, shatters like fragile glass. Dogtooth stumbles beside him, its sleek form trembling under the scorching intensity.
"You think this... this heat will break me?" Number Number growls through gritted teeth, his voice strained but defiant. "You've underestimated me, Joestar. You don't even know who you're dealing with!"
Joel's eyes remain fixed, unyielding. Evolution Orange hovers behind him, its glowing aura crackling like a slow-burning firestorm.
"Answer the question," Joel demands, his tone as sharp as the energy surging through him. "Where did you come from, and what's your purpose? Is this just a game to you? Or is there more to your interference?"
Number Number lets out a bitter laugh, choking on his own breath as the heat forces him to hunch further. "A game? This is survival, Joestar. Your vendetta against the queen—it's nothing but the ramblings of a fool. You don't see the big picture, do you? You're just a pawn on a board too grand for you to comprehend."
Dogtooth stirs, its hind legs twitching. With a burst of effort, the Stand lurches forward, its speed barely faltering despite the heat. Joel reacts instinctively—Evolution Orange pivots, slamming its fist into Dogtooth mid-charge, sending it hurtling across the kitchen.
"You're persistent," Joel mutters, glancing down at Number Number. "But persistence won't save you. If you're here to stop me, you'll need more than half-truths and cheap tricks."
The heat intensifies. Number Number's skin is now an angry red, his breaths shallow. Yet, his defiance remains.
"You'll regret this," he hisses, sweat pouring down his face. "You think this power of yours makes you a savior? You'll destroy everything before you even get close to her."
Joel's expression darkens. "Maybe. But at least I'll destroy what's broken."
Evolution Orange looms closer, its energy radiating an even more dangerous glow. Joel crouches to meet Number Number's eye.
"This is your last chance. Talk, or the heat doesn't stop."
Number Number glares back, the flicker of arrogance giving way to something more primal—fear. Yet even in his desperation, his lips curl into a faint smirk.
"Fine. I'll talk. But you're not going to like what comes with it."
I come as one of the many goons you'll eventually face if you want to go against the queen, not to mention the king and the royal guard. Your little roundup or whatever won't even stand a chance. Give up while you still can, Joestar."
Number Number informs Joel with a smug expression, being relieved from the eternal burn.
"You're wrong. I can and will end their reign. we will take matters into our own hands if it means saving this country. You just sit and watch us."
Joel assures him.
"Give me a break! You won't even touch them, so get all that shit outta your head while you still have it."
Number Number replies, harshly. Still mocking his claim.
"You may mock me, fine. But you'll see. Say a word to those metal puppets up there, and you'll get a preview of hell, right where you stand. Now, get out of my house."
"ORAAA" Evolution Orange delivers the final blow with all his might. His fists pressed against Number Number's cheek, he gets a taste of what's about to come.
Number Number soars out of the kitchen window, making a metallic "clang!" landing in the trash can just across the street.
"This'll be something that nobody will forget. It'll go down in history."