[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 kneeling down in front of them. "What happened? Where is Pucci? Did you manage to kill him?" Josephine asked.

Giorno's response was cryptic yet definitive. "Pucci will never be able to hurt anyone again. 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 weak muscles, she threw herself into his arms, wrapping herself around him in a tight hug that he reciprocated without hesitation.

"Kid, are you okay, did he hurt badly?" Jotaro said, pulling back as he held her firmly by the shoulders, looking over her injuries.

"I'm okay, Mr. Jotaro really, 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 before she could see them. "I'm so proud of you, kid." he murmured into her hair.

As those tears that he failed to hold back fell onto Josephine's cheek, she looked up at him with concern clouding her face. "Wait... what's wrong Mr. Jotaro, why are you crying?" she asked softly.

"Jolyne..."

Her heart clenched at his daughter's name, along with the bittersweet reality that no matter what they did, she could not be brought back. Josephine 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."

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

Jotaro's eyes flashed wide, 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, "Yeah, it's me old man." she said, throwing her arms wide and looking down at herself with a grin before she slowly stepped forward.

"Pucci is gone, my soul is finally free," Jolyne said with relief and liberation. She turned to Josephine, "Thanks kid, for keeping your promise." Her gaze then turned to Polnareff, Giorno, and Hiroshi, standing a short distance away, before returning to Josephine and Jotaro again.

"I thank all of you, 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.

"Take care of my old man for me, will you?" she asked as she turned back to Josephine.

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

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

"They're all waiting for me, they have been for a long time." Jolyne looked back up at her father, her warm hands reaching up and gently cradling 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. She connected the two, symbolizing the bond they shared and the blessing she gave them. With that, Jolyne turned and began to walk towards the gates. Jotaro and Josephine watched her go, their hearts heavy but full. Even Giorno, Polnareff, and Hiroshi, standing at a respectful distance, couldn't help but be moved by the scene unfolding before them. As Jolyne reached the gate, she turned back once more, raising her hand in a strong wave. Josephine returned the gesture, prompting a smile from Jotaro as he looked down at her. With a gentle pull of his arm, he brought her into his side.

Together, they watched as Jolyne and her friends disappeared into the light and 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 daylight glow, 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, he spoke. Happy, sad, grieved, yet relieved...

"Let's go home."