[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 47 ~ Prepare to Fight

As the group gathered close together, Polnareff's keen eye caught sight of two new signals bleeping on his radar, "Well well, we've got company," he said, his gaze fixed on the screen. "Probably those friends of Pucci's."

Giorno nodded in agreement but added some words of caution, "After our last fight I'm sure they remember my ability, if they're approaching for another, they'll be careful."

"We can't risk leading them here, it's too dangerous with so many innocent bystanders." Josephine said, looking around anxiously when suddenly, her eyes lit up as if in a lightbulb moment. She gave Jotaro a knowing look as she stepped closer to him. "We both know a place with plenty of both open and hidden spaces, far enough away from here."

"Give us a second guys." Jotaro suddenly requested as he pulled Josephine aside from the group, his expression troubled. 

"Are you serious about going back there?" he asked quietly, referring to the park where Pucci had taken her stand away. "After what happened last time?"

"It's the best place for a battle, we know it well and it's away from the main city. What other choice do we have?"

Jotaro fell silent as the memories of Josephine's near demise flashed through him. His eyes sealed firmly shut and he shook his head, as though the very action could shake the image from his mind. Josephine reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "We outnumber Pucci and his allies, we've got this."

Josephine noticed his turmoil didn't fade, "Hey, what's wrong?"

Jotaro's voice was a whisper, haunted by the past, "Back then, we outnumbered Pucci too..."

"But this time will be different I'm sure of it." she insisted, "We'll take him down once and for all, and we won't lose anyone else...you won't lose anyone else."

Polnareff approached them first, his presence marked by a firm grip on Jotaro's arm. "I've got your back, mon ami. I always will." 

Giorno and Hiroshi followed suit, stepping forward to stand beside them. "As have we, we're all in this together." Giorno declared.

Jotaro looked upon the four people gathered around him, their solidarity a beacon of strength amidst the uncertainty. With a shared nod, they set off towards the park, toward what was hopefully their last fight.

As they arrived, anxiety tightened around them like a vice; Polnareff, Hiroshi, and Giorno stood tall as they prepared to defend their friends with every fiber of their being.

For Polnareff, it was a chance to once again stand by his best friend's side and that of Josephine's to fight for the greater good once more. Hiroshi's determination burned bright, his newfound loyalty to his friends felt like his new purpose. He wanted to right the wrongs of his past and do something worthy enough to make up for the trouble he once caused Josephine. Then there was Giorno who stood ready to protect the world and innocent people he cherished as he had done since he was just a child.

But amidst the steadfast support of their comrades, Jotaro and Josephine felt a different kind of weight pressing down upon them. For Josephine, it was a solemn vow she made in the depths of her coma, a promise to Jolyne to stand by Jotaro's side and help him shoulder the burden he carried, to free her soul from the prison that Pucci's power held her in. With each step closer to the heart of the battle, she felt the weight of that promise even stronger, driving her forward.

And for Jotaro, there was the immense longing to finally bring an end to this long-standing battle. It was not just about avenging his daughter's death anymore, although that remained a driving force. It was also about the kid standing beside him, the one who had taught him so much in their time together. Even stronger then, he felt that burning desire to finally finish what started all those years ago.

Polnareff continued to observe the signals on his computer screen. The blips seemed to pause and linger ominously in opposite corners of the park. His eye darted between them, trying to see what they would do, but they remained still.

"Why aren't they closing in on us?" Polnareff mused aloud.

"Pucci wants us to split up," Jotaro asserted. "It makes us easier targets to pick off."

"How did Pucci or his allies know we'd come to the park?" Giorno then asked.

"They were likely spying on us," Jotaro surmised, "And with the way Pucci's signal was moving so quickly before, he must have reached C-Moon's stage, maybe even Made in Heaven and using its speed. He could have been flying or floating from one spot to another."

Jotaro paced on the grass, his frustration clear as he wrestled with deciding their next move. Josephine watched him quietly for a moment before speaking up, her voice steady and decisive. "I'll go after the signal in the woods on the east side."

Polnareff wasted no time in offering his support. "I'll go with you."

Hiroshi stepped forward, "Then, I'll go after the signal near the river." he stated firmly.

Jotaro paused to look at them, "Giorno, you go with Hiroshi," he instructed, "I'll go after the signal on the north side."

Josephine's worry was immediate, "Mr. Jotaro wait, if that signal belongs to Pucci and you go after him alone, it could be dangerous, even if he hasn't acquired Made in Heaven yet."

"I have to do this, I can't risk letting him slip away again. Not this time."

"But..."

Before she could continue, Jotaro raised a hand, cutting off her protest. "I'll be fine." he assured her.

Polnareff took her hand briefly, offering a reassuring squeeze before letting go and making his way over to Jotaro. As they locked eyes, without a word, Polnareff extended his hand towards him. Jotaro hesitated for just a moment before he reached out, clasping Polnareff's hand in a firm handshake before letting go slowly. And so, as Giorno and Hiroshi set off to the west, and Polnareff and Josephine headed east, something tugged at her heart, prompting her to reach out and grab Jotaro's attention before he got too far to hear.

"Mr. Jotaro!" she called out, her voice carrying through the air. He slowed his pace, turning to face her with a raised eyebrow, silently prompting her to continue.

"You better be careful! Or you'll have your mom to answer to!"

Jotaro's lips quirked in a small, wry smile at her words, and he gave her a quick nod before resuming his path. Josephine watched him go for a moment before turning to join Polnareff's side.

"Don't worry, mon enfant, Jotaro is more than capable of holding his own."

"I hope you're right, Polnareff, but I am scared..."

"I understand, but we can't let fear control us. We have to trust in ourselves and in each other. We'll get through this, together."

"Thank you, Polnareff," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."