[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 50 ~ Freedom and Farewell

As Hiroshi and Josephine blinked away the bright light that enveloped them, they found Giorno bending down as he asked if they were okay. Josephine, still weary from the battle, nodded faintly, "What happened? Where is Pucci? Did you manage to kill him?"

Giorno's response was cryptic yet definitive. "Pucci will never be able to hurt anyone again," he stated, his voice carrying an air of finality. "His end is endless, and he will suffer for eternity."

Though Josephine wasn't entirely sure what to make of his words, she found herself content with the outcome. Suddenly, she heard Jotaro and Polnareff shouting after them as they approached quickly. Pushing herself up despite her battered state, Josephine ran over to Jotaro, drawn to him like a magnet. Ignoring her own weariness, she threw herself into his arms, wrapping herself around him in a tight embrace that he reciprocated without hesitation.

"Kid, are you okay, you hurt badly?" Jotaro's voice was filled with concern as he held her firmly by the shoulders, looking over her  injuries.

Breathing heavily, Josephine looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and relief. "I'm okay, Mr. Jotaro," she replied, her voice soft but determined. "We did it. Pucci won't hurt anyone ever again, it's all over."

A rare sight of tears welled up in Jotaro's eyes as he pulled her tightly against him. "I'm so proud of you, kid." he murmured into her hair.

As Jotaro's tears fell onto Josephine's cheek, she looked up at him, concern clouding her face. "Wait... what's wrong?" she asked softly.

Jotaro's response was barely more than a whisper, but Josephine caught the name that escaped his lips..."Jolyne..."

Her heart clenched at the mention of Jotaro's daughter and the reality that no matter what they did, she could not be brought back. She reached up, cupping his face in her small hands, her thumbs brushing away his tears as she tried to sooth him, "I'm so sorry, Mr, Jotaro." she whispered, her own eyes welling up with tears.

Before she could say more, a voice interrupted from behind them, strong and familiar. "Don't cry, dad," it said, with a hint of teasing. "It's really not a good look on you."

Jotaro's eyes widened in disbelief, his breathing hitching in his throat. Slowly, he turned around, scarcely daring to hope. And there she was, standing before him in a glowing spiritual form, was his daughter, his beautiful, firece daughter. "Jolyne?" he breathed, his eyes glowing with her reflection.

Jolyne's spectral form chuckled, her presence radiating warmth and love. "Yeah, it's me old man." she said, throwing her arms wide and looking down at herself with a grin. 

As Jolyne stepped towards them, Josephine and Jotaro felt a mix of emotions swirling inside them; disbelief, and overwhelming joy all rolled into one. They listened intently as Jolyne spoke, her soul swelling with warmth at the sight of her father's astonished expression.

"Pucci is gone, my soul is finally free," Jolyne began, her voice carrying a sense of liberation. She turned to Josephine, gratitude shining in her eyes, "Thanks kid, for keeping your promise." Her gaze then drifted to Polnareff, Giorno, and Hiroshi, standing a short distance away, before returning to Josephine and Jotaro.

"I thank all of you," she continued, her tone filled with genuine appreciation. "I've seen all your efforts, and damn, you guys make a truly badass team."

Jotaro's words came out fast and pressing as he struggled to process what was happening "J-Jolyne I-I don't understand, how-" Jolyne gently placed a finger against his lips, shushing him with a warm smile. 

"It's okay, you don't need to understand, dad." she said softly, her laughter echoing in the air.

Turning back to Josephine, Jolyne's expression softened, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Take care of my old man for me, will you?" she asked, her voice tinged with affection.

Josephine nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks as she fought to compose herself. "Of course." she replied, her emotion forming a tight lump in her throat.

Just then, some distant shouts drew Jolyne's attention to the large park gates, glowing in the light of the sunrise. The spirits of her friends; Anasui, F.F. , Ermes, Weather Report, and Emporio stood waiting for her, energetically waving her over, their forms radiant with ethereal energy.

"Jolyne, hey! Get over here girl!" Ermes voice shouted over the distance.

"They're all waiting for me," Jolyne breathed, her eyes glistening from the golden light of the sun. "They have been for a long time."

Jolyne looked back up at her father, her warm spirit hands gently cradled his face, pulling him down slightly as she whispered in his ear, "...I will always be with you."

Jotaro closed his eyes tightly, soaking in the warmth of her touch and her words, nodding reverently. A soft chuckle escaped Jolyne's lips as she pressed a tender kiss to her dad's cheek. Slowly, she pulled away, her hand reaching out to grasp Josephine's, her other hand grasping her father's. A warm smile graced her face as she connected the two, symbolizing the bond they shared and the blessing she gave them. With a final glance, Jolyne turned and began to walk towards the gates, her steps steady and purposeful.

Jotaro and Josephine watched her go, their hearts heavy with emotion. Even Giorno, Polnareff, and Hiroshi, standing at a respectful distance, couldn't help but be moved by the scene unfolding before them, tears glistening in their eyes. As Jolyne reached the gate, she turned back once more, raising her hand in a strong wave. Josephine returned the gesture, prompting a smile to spread across Jotaro's face as he looked down at her. With a gentle pull, he brought her into his side.

Together, they watched as Jolyne and her friends disappeared into the light, their spirits lifted by the sense of peace and closure that filled the air. As the last remnants of her presence faded away, Jotaro and Josephine stood side by side, united in their grief and their gratitude for the time they had shared with her. As the sun continued to rise, casting its warm glow over the park, Jotaro and Josephine's eyes locked in a moment of silent understanding. Jotaro's arm remained draped around her shoulders and with a heavy sigh, hespoke softly, his voice carrying a sense of calm resolve, "Let's go home."

Josephine nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She leaned into Jotaro's side, feeling at peace. Together, they turned away from the fading light of dawn and began to walk side by side, their steps light with the weight of newfound peace and the promise of a brighter future ahead.