Standstill Bonds

Chapter 3 ~ The Reluctant Mentor

The next day, as instructed; Josephine sat waiting for Jotaro Kujo's arrival in his biology lab. Anticipation crackled in the air around her, mingling with a thread of uncertainty. Would he show up today? Despite her doubts, she clung to the belief that he would. He was knew what her spirit was, her stand, surely he had to understand her struggles?

The room itself was a testament to Jotaro's silent fascination with the ocean. Shelves were lined with a variety of preserved marine specimens; taxidermied starfish frozen in vibrant hues, jars filled with preserved fish, octopus, and amphibians. Skeletons of aquatic life were mounted on the walls, their glass frames capturing the room's dim light. The setting seemed out of place, almost extravegant for a high school.

Josephine's gaze found and lingered on a framed degree in marine biology hanging prominently on the wall. How had someone with such specialized knowledge ended up as something as simple a high school biology teacher? With credentials like his, surely Jotaro belonged in a research lab, observing and conserving endangered species, or lecturing at prestigious universities. Why was he somewhere as simple as this?

Just as her thoughts wandered to the enigma of Jotaro's past, the door creaked open. Her attention snapped back as he entered the room, his presence as commanding as ever. She quickly turned away from the degree and faced him, a mixture of anticipation and curiosity stirring within her.

"Kid," he greeted, his voice as gruff as it was unmistakable.

Josephine greeted him with a small, polite bow and offered a soft smile. "Mr. Jotaro."

Jotaro's expression remained unreadable as his eyes met hers. He motioned toward a table at the front of the classroom. "Sit," he ordered, his tone brisk but not unkind.

She obeyed, sliding into the seat while he took his place across from her.

"What's your name?" Jotaro asked, since he had yet to do so.

"Josephine, Josephine Adams. I just transferred here from England."

He nodded, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. "What do you want to know?"

Jotaro was straight to the point, no dilly dally. Josephine's mind swirled with the questions she had been thinking about. "I want to understand more about my Stand," she began, her voice edged with eagerness. "You called it that, what exactly is a Stand?"

Jotaro studied her, his gaze steady yet guarded. "A Stand is a manifestation of the soul," he explained, "It's a physical representation of your mental and emotional strength. Each Stand is unique, shaped by the person who wields it. Some may share traits, but no two are ever the same."

Josephine absorbed his words, finding resonance in them. Her Stand had always seemed tied to her emotions; chaotic, violent when she felt fear or anger. "Why is mine so... unstable?" she asked, frustration creeping into her voice. "It lashes out when I'm scared or angry. I can't control it."

For the briefest moment, Jotaro's expression softened, but just as quickly, it hardened again. "Controlling a Stand isn't always easy," he admitted. "It requires discipline, focus, and self-awareness. You need to channel your emotions, learn to manage your fears. Without that control, your Stand will act on its own, as it has before."

His words struck a chord with Josephine. She had felt this lack of control all her life, her Stand reacting to her emotion rather than her will. "I want to learn," she declared firmly, "I need to control it. I don't want to hurt anyone."

Silence stretched between them, thick with possibility. Jotaro regarded her for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "It won't be easy," he said after a pause. "But I'll teach you what I can."

Instant relief washed over her as did immense gratitude. She had found a mentor, albeit a reluctant one. But Jotaro understood the burden she carried, and for that, she was deeply thankful.

"Thank you," she murmured, bowing her head.

Jotaro gave a slight nod, his expression still guarded but carrying a subtle hint of commitment. "Tomorrow," he said, rising from his chair. "We'll start tomorrow."

As he made his way to the door, Josephine couldn't help but wonder about the man beneath the stoic exterior. There was more to him than the gruff teacher in front of her; she just knew it.

Before she could dwell too long on her thoughts, Jotaro paused at the door. He glanced back at her, his voice carrying its usual hint of authority. "Don't be late."

A smile tugged at the corners of Josephine's lips as she nodded. She was ready. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter, a chance to learn from someone who understood the mysteries of her Stand. She had found someone who could help her, and with his guidance, she hoped she would finally gain control over the power that had haunted her for so long.