[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 37 ~ Holy Espionage

The peaceful ambiance of the church couldn't be more different to the tension brewing within Hiroshi. The congregation slowly filed out after the sermon of that morning, leaving behind a soft murmur of casual conversations from those that lingered and stood around. Hiroshi remained seated with his Bible open on his lap, feigning interest in its pages as his parents chatted with another couple nearby. His real focus was of course elsewhere.

With a silent exhale, Hiroshi activated his Stand, Electric Light Orchesta. The Stand merged with the ceiling lights, its form dissolving into the electrical current, allowing him to tap into the church's wiring. The lighting fixtures became his ears and Hiroshi followed the path of the faint footfalls of Father Pucci as he walked where he couldn't see, as long as there was a path he could follow or lights he could jump between, his stand would follow the sound it sought. Hiroshi was fully aware how risky this was, that he was going against a direct order, but his need to find out something, anything that might help them far outweighed his fear. Eventually, Pucci came to a stop and a new voice appeared.

"Is it time, Father Pucci?" the voice asked, male, quiet and eerie.

"Yes, proceed..." Pucci answered.

A strange whirring and whooshing sound followed, and then the unmistakable sound of muffled cries, it sounded so distant, yet also so close... and so painful, it made Hiroshi's stomach twist. What was happening? Was someone being tortured? His heart pounded as he strained to hear every detail. Though the unsettling noises lasted only for a moment, it felt like a lot longer.

"Morbid Angel," the unknown voice spoke again, "it has the power to torment on every level; physically, mentally and spiritually. Jotaro will suffer as he watches his little friend in agony. It is incredible though, how her bond with her Stand is so strong that even parted from it, her body reacts so strongly. We must ensure she does not get it back."

The words hit Hiroshi like a sledgehammer, he could only imagine what Jotaro was seeing while being probably unaware of the cause. He needed to get this information to him immediately.

"I am grateful for your assistance my friend, and your caution," Pucci continued, "This will indeed cripple Jotaro mentally, long before he even attempts to confront me. He knows not yet where we are that we know of, so for now we can assume the location of the discs isn't compromised."

Hiroshi could hear the satisfaction in Pucci's voice. The priest's plan was sadistic, cruel and disturbingly methodical. Hiroshi brought his eavesdropping to an abrupt end, he'd heard more than enough.

With a flick of his fingers, E.L.O retracted back toward Hiroshi at light speed. The Stand's form reappeared near his seat, invisible to the others in the church. He snapped his Bible shut and rushed out, leaving his bewildered parents behind. Unbeknownst to him, Pucci quickly appeared near the pulpit, his heightened awareness signaling that someone had been spying on him. Pucci scanned the faces in the small clusters of people but he couldn't pinpoint any suspicious behavior among those who lingered. The man who had accompanied him stepped forward, standing at Pucci's side.

"Perhaps I spoke too soon... remain vigilant, we were being watched and it likely won't be the last time."

-

Back at the Kujo household, the group were still recovering from the shock of Josephine's recent seizure that morning. Jotaro remained steadfast by her bedside while the others remained in the lounge.

When a firm and fast knock sounded on the door, Giorno was quick to stand from the couch as he opened it to reveal Hiroshi, breathless and wide-eyed. "Is Mr. Jotaro here?" he blurted, not bothering with pleasantries. "Something's happened. You all need to know!"

Giorno ushered him inside, noting the anxiety radiating off the boy in waves. He quickly excused himself to knock on Josephine's room. "Signore Jotaro, it's Hiroshi. He says he has urgent news." Jotaro didn't hesitate, striding out to join them all.

The boy stood before them, fidgeting nervously, "Look Mr. Jotaro, Giorno, please dont be mad..."

Jotaro and Giorno eyed each other for a brief moment.

"Hiroshi," Jotaro's voice was followed by a brief pause, with a controlled exhale from his nose, "What did you do?"

Hiroshi gulped, his voice faltering. "I used my Stand, Electric Light Orchestra. I-I know you said not to take risks, but I needed to know what Pucci was up to. I followed him after the sermon, using the light sources and wires to trace his movements and listen in."

Jotaro's stern expression deepened, "Orders are orders. We told you not to take unnecessary risks, what part of Pucci being dangerous did you not understand?"

Giorno raised a hand to settle Jotaro before turning his attention back to Hiroshi. "We appreciate the information, but your safety is also a priority. If Pucci caught wind of you or your stand's ability, it could jeopardize your safety and our entire plan."

"But I found out something crucial!"

"Go on?" Jotaro urged gruffly.

Hiroshi continued, stumbling a little over his words. "I heard him talking with someone about their Stand... it's called Morbid Angel. It's capable of tormenting people physically, mentally, and spiritually. They-uh-They said the Stand will make you suffer as you watch Josephine in pain. It's part of their plan to weaken you, Pucci said you wouldn't be able to face him..."

Jotaro realised his hunch was true, "Josephine's stand was being manipulated by Pucci after all, and this friend of his, that's why she had that seizure. We're running out of time, that attack may have even cut short how long her body has!"

Giorno nodded in agreement. "Yes. We need to figure something out soon!"

Polnareff also chimed in, "We also need to prepare for this Morbid Angel and its user, it's gonna be a pain if it stays around, both figuratively and literally speaking."

Jotaro locked eyes with Hiroshi. "Hiroshi, from now on no more solo missions. Understood? Stick close to us now because Pucci will be on high alert."

Hiroshi nodded fervently. "Yes, sir."

With the information Hiroshi had gathered, the group knew time was running out and they had to come up with a plan to save Josephine before it was too late.

~

Previously Hiroshi's Stand was called Steel Light, which was very literal in that it was a description of its appearance and ability but I decided to give it a new band based name; Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O)
Same for Pucci's new ally, Stand name Cruciare (Harry Potter reference), now called Morbid Angel. :)