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 quietly beside his parents, his eyes wandering to the intricate patterns forming on the stone tiles. Soon enough, Enrico Pucci, the recently appointed priest, ascended the pulpit. His tall, composed figure exuded a quiet authority that always captivated his 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."

Hiroshi listened attentively to Pucci's words. The priest spoke with eloquence, his voice weaving a tapestry of thought-provoking ideas. Yet, something about the message didn't sit right with Hiroshi. 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 a curt nod of permission. 

"Father Pucci, your words are intriguing, but how would unveiling the mysteries of fate lead to the utopia you describe? What if someone's destiny holds something terrible? Wouldn't knowing that only make them scared?"

"Young man," Pucci responded, "the understanding of one's fate does not breed fear, but 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 is 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? As the rest of the sermon concluded and the congregation began to rise, Hiroshi exchanged a quick glance with the priest. For the briefest moment, their eyes locked. A shiver ran down Hiroshi's spine, a chill he couldn't shake.

As he 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.

-

The city streets buzzed with activity as Jotaro and Giorno walked side by side, their eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of Pucci's influence.

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

Jotaro's brow furrowed. "I've been through tough situations before. But this time feels different. Pucci's playing the long game, and we can't afford to underestimate him. 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..."

Placing a hand on Jotaro's shoulder, Giorno gave him a firm nod. "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.