[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 34 ~ Sunday Sermon

The Sunday morning sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of the church, casting stunning multicolored beams of light across the floor. Hiroshi Takamura sat waiting quietly beside his parents, when Enrico Pucci, the recently appointed priest, ascended the pulpit to address the assembled congregation.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Pucci began smoothly and politely, "today, we reflect on the mysteries bestowed upon us by the Almighty. God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us extraordinary minds capable of free will. Through this divine gift, we are not merely observers of our fates, but active participants even unknowingly. But imagine if we did know, if we could. Imagine a world, a utopia, where nothing is hidden from us; where the secrets of our destinies are laid bare. You might think such a thing impossible, but think on Isaiah 46:10 'I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.' '

It may very well be that we too shall someday be able to find, aknowledge and accept our futures before us."

Hiroshi listened attentively to Pucci's words, the priest spoke with eloquence, weaving a tapestry of thought-provoking ideas. Yet, something about the message didn't sit entirely right with him. Pucci's suggestion of a perfect world, one where fate was no longer a mystery struck him as too idealized. Hiroshi raised his hand slightly, signaling his intent to speak. Upon noticing, Pucci looked at him curiously but gave him a nod of permission.

"You have a question boy?"

"Father Pucci, how would somehow unveiling the mysteries of our fate be an entirely good thing? What if someone's destiny holds something terrible? Wouldn't knowing that only make them scared in life?"

"Young man, the understanding of one's fate would not breed only fear, but also clarity. In embracing destiny, we rid ourselves of uncertainty and the anxieties that come with it. Living without doubt; knowing precisely what is to come, that has to be true peace."

Hiroshi nodded slightly, but the unease in his chest refused to dissipate. Something about Pucci's sermon, his confidence, and the talk of a world free from doubt felt... weird. Was such a thing even possible? Soon enough, the sermon concluded and the congregation rose to take their leave. As Hiroshi exited the church with his parents, his thoughts drifted to another subject on his mind; Jotaro Kujo and Josephine's sudden absence from school. Determined to uncover the truth, Hiroshi resolved to find them both. He had to know what was up.

-

Jotaro and Giorno walked side by side through the busy city streets, scanning their surroundings for any sign of Pucci's influence.

As they walked, Giorno glanced at Jotaro, "How are you holding up?" he asked.

Jotaro's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure, I've been through tough situations before but this time feels different. Pucci's playing the long game, we need to find him before he gains too much power."

Giorno nodded thoughtfully. "Josephine means a lot to you, doesn't she?"

Jotaro sighed with heavy shoulders, "Yeah. More than I expected. She's like a mix of old and new troubles... I won't let Pucci take her from me too..."

Giorno placed a firm hand on Jotaro's shoulder, "We'll find him and we'll make sure Josephine gets her Stand back. No one should have their fate manipulated like this."

Before Jotaro could respond, they heard a voice calling from behind. "Mr. Jotaro!"

Both men turned, spotting Hiroshi running up to them. Jotaro's expression hardened slightly, he was never pleased to see the boy; he'd been a troublemaker at the school long before Josephine's arrival, and his bullying behavior toward her had left a sour taste in his mouth. Even though the two had called a truce recently, Jotaro remained cautious of him.