Standstill Bonds

Chapter 38 ~ We have a Plan

Another week had passed to the following Sunday, everyone had toiled tirelessly mentally to figure out some sort of plan that wouldn't land them all in Pucci's hands or indeed, with him fleeing somewhere unknown. Jotaro, Giorno, Polnareff, and Holly gathered in the living room, discussions neverending. The recent revelation about Pucci's new friend's actions and Josephine's vulnerable state had fuelled their determination to act faster. As the group tried to think of an option, a knock interrupted them. Jotaro answered and once again, Hiroshi stood at the door. No greeting was necessary, he stepped aside to allow him in before sliding the door shut. Everyone eagerly gathered, anticipating what he was going to say. 

"I've had time to think things through on my end," he began, "there's a chance Josephine's stand might be hidden in one of the rooms at the back of the church. I've got an idea, but I won't go through with it without your permission."

Hiroshi looked upon everyone's focussed eyes, taking deep breath before explaining his plan, "Alright, here's what I'm thinking. During the hour before Pucci starts his sermon, I'll sneak around to the back of the church. I'll search the rooms there for Josephine's stand. If I don't find anything within fifty minutes, I'll leave to make sure I have enough time to get out safely."

Jotaro, his mind whirring with calculations and potential outcomes, paced back and forth across the lounge. The importance of the decision he would need to make pressed upon him as he considered the risks, the delicate balance between seizing an opportunity and safeguarding Hiroshi's well-being.

"This is a risky plan and I won't put your life on the line without careful consideration. If we decide to proceed, it'll be with extreme caution."

Then, as if in a lightbulb moment, Jotaro abruptly stopped his stress filled movements, his decision forming in his mind. "Hiroshi, you can't go about this alone. Giorno, you will go with him. Since you're not known to Pucci, it might help in case he spots you. Hiroshi, you can act as if you're showing Giorno around or something. Be careful though, we need to avoid confrontations."

Giorno agreed and answered, "I'll do my best to keep things discreet should it come to it."

Jotaro turned to Polnareff, "Polnareff, are you okay with staying here with my mom and Josephine?"

"I'll keep an eye on things here mon ami, don't worry."

Jotaro nodded affirmatively, "Good, then I will keep myself hidden somewhere outside the church, too close and Pucci will sense me straight away. If I'm needed, we can communicate through ear pieces, the Speedwagon foundation can get us some and a ride there within half an hour."

With roles assigned, the group began to prepare for the upcoming operation. An operation that could very well decide the fate of Josephine, whos life remained hanging in the balance.

-

Jotaro quietly stepped into Josephine's room, he was sure the sound of mechanical beeping would be stuck in his mind for some time. He approached her, his gaze lingering on the monitors displaying her vital signs. The room seemed to close in on him as he observed the changes in her condition, her skin was the most striking difference; her once clear complexion now appeared ashen and clammy. As he stood there, a nurse from the Speedwagon Foundation gently adjusted the tubes connected to the helpless girl, checking her vitals once again.

"Tell me straight," Jotaro said, his usual sternness faltering slightly. "What's her condition?"

The nurse hesitated, her expression grave as she took a deep breath. "Her heart's rhythm is becoming increasingly unstable, Mr. Jotaro. She's experiencing frequent palpitations, and her circulation is very weak."

Jotaro's jaw clenched. He looked down at Josephine's face, calm in the grip of unconsciousness. He stayed silent for a moment, building the strength to ask his next question, "How long... until it's too late?"

"At this rate..." She paused, gathering the courage to continue. "A week would be optimistic before irreversible damage sets in and her body starts to... break down. Her heart is struggling, Mr. Jotaro."

Jotaro clenched his fists, he couldn't allow her to endure this any longer.

Jotaro's heart felt like it was being twisted in a vise. He gave a brief nod, unable to voice the storm of emotions churning inside him. After a long, tense pause, he spoke again, "Thank you... can I have a moment?" The nurse stood from beside the futon, bowing to him respectfully before excusing herself.

Once the door clicked shut, he kneeled down beside her, taking a moment to collect himself before speaking to her. "Josephine, I hope this is the last time I see you like this. We're running out of time, but today... today might be the day we get you back."

He reached out to gently cup her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek, "Hang in there, kid. We're going to fix this. I promise."

A faint, wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Most people don't appreciate teenagers taking such long naps. I'll be back soon. You better be ready for a lecture about responsibility when you wake up."

-

The Speedwagon driver brought the trio to a halt near the large church on the outskirts of the city. Jotaro, Hiroshi, and Giorno geared up for the high-stakes mission that awaited them within the sacred walls. Hiroshi's parents, understanding their son's request for a day off, believed he was visiting a sick friend. It wasn't entirely untrue, but the reality of his mission involved stands, a deadly priest and a disc holding the key to saving a life, something he didn't keenly want them involved with. As the car door opened, the trio stepped onto the pavement, securing earpieces for seamless communication during their covert operation.

Jotaro, as per their discussion, positioned himself just outside the church gate. He was a silent guardian, ready to act if the situation demanded. Hiroshi, though determined, couldn't completely conceal the nerves that gripped him as his hands smoothed his shirt repeatedly and fingers fiddled with his earpiece. This was no ordinary visit to his local church.

"Alright, guys. Let's stick to the plan," Hiroshi said, attempting to infuse confidence into his voice. "Giorno, stay close to me and remember, we need to find Josephine's stand before the sermon ends."

"Don't worry. We'll get this done. Just keep your wits about you too kid," Giorno answered reassuringly.

Jotaro watched as Hiroshi and Giorno moved toward the entrance, then turning secretively to the side passage that led to the back entrances. The plan was set, but the unpredictability of missions always kept him on edge.

"Stay sharp, you two. If anything feels off, get out immediately." Jotaro's voice crackled through their earpieces.

"Got it, Mr. Kujo," Hiroshi replied, trying to match Jotaro's seriousness. Giorno remained silent but attentive, his emerald green eyes reflecting the determination shared by the entire group. Hiroshi led Giorno to the back entrance and the plan was reiterated; enter during the sermon, locate Josephine's stand, and retrieve it before time ran out.

Two minutes before the designated time and with a tap on his earpiece, Hiroshi signalled Jotaro that they were about to step into the lion's den.

-

As they observed the unfolding events in the living world, Jolyne, who stood strong at Josephine's side, spoke to her with a mixture of encouragement and confidence, her hand resting on Josephine's shoulder.

"Hey, kid, this is it, they're gonna get you back home, I can feel it."

Josephine, unable to speak in the same way, expressed her gratitude and solidarity by raising her hand to cover Jolyne's, gripping the warmth that resonated from her soul. In that space, that endless ocean prison that entrapped them, their connection echoed the strength of the group working to save Josephine's life. Josephine felt such a strong bond with Jolyne in the two weeks she had been stuck there, though such a short amount of time in the grand scheme of things, it felt like forever for her. She couldn't begin to imagine how long 5 years must have felt for Jolyne...