Archive of Our Own

"Move Polnareff. It's me he's after!"

Jotaro pushed Polnareff away from Anubis as he yelled. He could barely make out what Polnareff said, something along the lines of "run".

"DIE!" The barber, who was currently under the control of Anubis shouted, thrusting his katana downward to split Jotaro asunder.

Star Platinum suddenly appeared, stopping the katana between his hands. The barber was astounded by this defense mechanism, and it left him frozen for a very vulnerable second.

Star Platinum took this second to commence his counterattack. He bellowed as he gripped the katana tighter than before, curving his hands to his side to snap the katana into two.

The barber was appalled." To take that risk is…"

Jotaro did nothing but stare soullessly and brutally at the man standing in front of him.

"Now I see. The true source of Star Platinum's strength isn't its speed and precision." The barber did not admit it verbally, but he knew that this fight was already over."It's Jotaro's split-second decision-making ability and nerves of steel. Now I know…"

He was unable to finish his last sentence before he collapsed to the ground, drifting away from consciousness.

Star Platinum tossed the broken half of the katana away, then was sent back inside his user.

Jotaro was breathing heavily, each breath trying to cling to more oxygen than the last, though he was given the same limited amount.

" Is he dead?"

Jotaro thought the man was down for the
count and went to pick up the sword.

"No, he's just unconscious."

Jotaro almost grazes his fingers upon the cord wrap.

"Jotaro, don't touch that sword!" Polnareff yelled as he ran to Jotaro. He bent down by his side." You may have snapped the blade in half, but the stand's powers might still be lingering." He held the scabbard to Jotaro's face." Unsheathed, the sword controls anyone who touches it. We need to get the blade back in without touching the hilt."

Jotaro didn't mention a verbal thanks, but on the inside he was glad that Polnareff was there on time to warn him.

What would happen to everyone if I had gotten under his control?, Jotaro thought.

"Now what?" Polnareff spoke up, bringing Jotaro's attention towards him. "If someone ever draws it out again, we're done for. This thing's already learned our abilities. We won't get any second chances."

Jotaro turned his head to see the river flowing freely with a boat in its water.

"How about we toss this freaky thing into the river to live at the bottom of the Nile?" Jotaro answered.

"The bottom of the Nile, huh? Sounds good to me!" Polnareff smiled at getting to toss this stupid blade into the water.

"Hold it! Police!"

"Perfect timing." Polnareff said, unbeknownst, that the officer was trying to apprehend him and Jotaro. "This guy needs a hospital-"

"I have reports of a brawl at the barber shop! What are you doing with that sword?" The officer gripped the sword tightly to pull it away from the french man.

Though, Polnareff was not so accommodating to just give away the katana so easily. He pulled back even tighter. " Hey, stop! Don't open it!"

With each of them tugging, and Polnareff having his hand on the handle, the katana opened up.

Polnareff gasped at the sight of the dull, flat top of the katana aimed directly at the tip of his nose. The blade began to glow radiantly, a brilliant mauvish-crimson.

Polnareff twitched uncontrollably as his eyes rolled onto the back of his head.

Jotaro watched in horror, though he remained composed. He yelled out his friend's name. "Polnareff! No!" Jotaro could tell that his friend was now gone.

"His eyes...that stare…. He's under the sword's spell.

"Hey!" The officer shouted as he pointed his finger at Polnareff." You drew out the sword!"

Polnareff let out a chuckle." I drew the sword?"

Polnareff edged closer to the policeman." Officer, you should really be more careful. You call yourself a servant of the law?"

Polnareff held up the flat yet fatal katana." Hey, what are you doing?" The officer asked hesitantly, believing he made the man feel indignant. Polnareff was irritated by the man not confessing that he was the one who drew it.

"YOU'RE THE ONE WHO DREW IT!"

Polnareff held up his arm, preparing to slice off the officer's hand.

Jotaro was in shock of seeing Polnareff do such a thing, though he didn't have time to stay frozen. He quickly kicked the officer out of the way, making him crash into the metal garage door and Polnareff slice through nothing but air.

Jotaro spoke up." I don't know who you are or where you're hiding, but it's clear Polnareff is under your control."

Jotaro knew that Polnareff was no longer in control of his own body, and that Anubis was going to be under control of his actions. But not for long, Jotaro thought inside his head.

I've never fought against Polnareff, and with Chariot I can't pull my punches...I could end up killing him. Jotaro could never kill Polnareff, never. But this was Anubis, and no matter how badly he was going to be wounded, he would be sure to put an end to Anubis, and put that piece of shit in his place for putting him in this situation.

"Oh Jotaro. Did you forget that I, Anubis l, have already witnessed all of Star Platinum's moves?" Polnareff said in a cocky manner. "If I've fought you once, I'll never lose twice!"

Polnareff said swung the katana into the air then brought it back down to cut sharply against the dostum of Jotaro's nose. Like always, Jotaro thought quickly and stepped back to avoid the curved edge of the katana just by an inch. Polnareff, however, did not cease his attack and swung once more at Jotaro. Just like before, Jotaro stepped back again to avoid his skin being cut open by that dreadful katana. Polnareff was persistent and tried to cut straight through Jotaro, though he moved to the side once more. Polnareff kept repeating these actions continuously, swiping at him each chance he got, and increasing his speed with each swing.

Jotaro tensed up as he kept deflecting each and every one of Polnareff's attacks. He didn't want the fight to prolong, so he knew he would have to end this right now.

Jotaro called out Star Platinum when Polnareff was coming at him with a sharp attack. As Polnareff says about to finish his swing, Star Platinum punches the blade making it stop in its tracks.

Jotaro and his quick thinking saw that Polnareff was still looking at the blade that had stopped mid-swing and saw that this was the opportunity to knock Polnareff out once and for all.

Just as the fist Star Platinum made was about to collide with Polnareff's face, Silver Chariot's arm came in a split-second to deflect the oncoming blow.

"Hey now!"

Jotaro was taken aback by Polnareff's way of blocking his blow.

Polnareff saw the slightly surprised look plastered on Jotaro's face and cackled. He continued to swing his katana at Jotaro, each swing now accumulating with speed and closing in on him with each strike.

Star Platinum kept on blocking with his fists, but he knew that he couldn't keep it up for long.

'His speed… it's incredible! He's getting faster. He's going to outpace soon! I have to stop his sword!

Polnareff was still laughing maniacally as he trusted his sword upward to push down on the blade with almost all his might.

'I have to catch it!'

The blade went past Star Platinum's hands.

'Oh no...no! It sped up!'

"I'll take your head!"

Star Platinum snapped his head to the left to see the blade only inches away from his forehead. He gritted his teeth then headbutted the blade away from him, though, gratefully, it did no damage to his beautiful headband.

To his demise however, the shard of metal ended up in Star Platinum's collarbone.

Though Star Platinum did not see this as a sign to cease fighting. He took both his hands that were laid flat against each other and stroked Polnareff in the neck, the force sending himself flying through the fire hydrant and Polnareff into the hard trunk of a tree.

The fire hydrant sprayed water everywhere within its range due to Jotaro's collusion with it. Jotaro's head spun irritatingly but he sat up nonetheless.

'Such speed. It's the fastest stand I've ever faced...at this rate I'll lose. I have to fight full force, or I'm dead.'

Though, Jotaro was once again hesitant to fight with more power. He can't risk losing anyone else. Kakyoin had already been blinded for fucks sake. If anything were to happen to Polnareff, Joseph, or Avdol, he wouldn't forgive himself. He cares about these people somehow. They've… grown on him. He may not show he cares, but he does, truly. It's just the way of showing he cares that has always been such a predicament for him. To him, showing that side is a way of being…

Weak.

Showing you care will just leave them dead.

Don't be scared, what're you a baby?

These were things Jotaro would say to himself quite often.

Deep down, Jotaro was scared. Scared he might kill his friend.

Scared his mother may die.

Scared of another stand takes another one of the group.

Scared if he can't beat another stand user.

Scared he will die to Dio.

Scared to be weak.

Polnareff's snicker tore through Jotaro's thoughts.

"So, you headbutted the sword away after you realized you failed to catch my blade…" Polnareff sat up slowly." I almost had you. I was so close. But…"

Jotaro tensed visibly.

"I've learned that skill now, too. Jojo. You think you can kill Polnareff and live, don't you?" Polnareff stood up, but even dazed from the blow

Jotaro breathed in shakily.

'Nononono be calm it's okay why the hell should you be afraid of this guy Polnareff won't die', Jotaro reminded himself, though he knew he was lying to himself.

Perhaps he was afraid. Though he wasn't exactly sure what he had to fear just yet.

"Such wishful thinking! How naive! Because… what I'm about to show you will end all of this! Can you…" Polnareff threw the katana into the air.

Jotaro gasped slightly as he watched the katana fall down.

"..beat this, Jotaro?" Polnareff caught the katana just as it was about to hit the floor.

"Behold, Silver Chariot and Anubis, two-sword technique!" Polnareff said as he posed with Silver Chariot hold a katana in one hand and his signature sword in the other, holding them up by making them face down to the ground at an angle.

Jotaro was nervous, though he kept his composure.

Polnareff slowly walked towards Jotaro with such tiny steps.

Jotaro walked more to his left to make steps as well, but Polnareff did the same by inching towards his left.

Jotaro summoned Star Platinum.

The stands stood there intimidatingly. Before Star Platinum could make his first move, Silver Chariot began to spin his katana, a form that made quite a large circle using but his wrists. He began to do the same with the sword that was in his other hand, the blades spinning so sharply and quickly one could possibly lose their hand if they were to ever put it through the circumference of the circle.

It did not take long until Star Platinum and Silver Chariot were going at it, each blow that they left becoming harder and sharper than the last. It became increasingly harder for Jotaro seeing as how now he would be having to face Silver Chariot with two blades rather than one. Though their movements were too quick to the regular eye, the fight between the stand's was all Jotaro was focused on.

Jotaro fixed his gaze upon Polnareff's face, seeing the ghastly look on him, that kind of glare that if looks could kill, one would've died within a millisecond of eye contact. His eyes dripped with malice, focused only on Jotaro's deep aqua eyes.

Jotaro didn't show weakness.

He stared back into his deadly eyes, face tensing up.

Star Platinum blocked as fast as he could with each and every one of Silver Chariot's strikes, but he began to slow down by just the tiniest second with him now having to deal with blocking the second sword every time it came to stab him. Silver Chariot's moves weren't the easiest to remember. Sometimes he would use one sword to move as sharply as possible then strike with the other immediately after, and sometimes he would use both at the same time.

This made Star Platinum miss the sword that came up to his cheek. Silver Chariot grazed his sword across the cheek of Star Platinum's face, making a small amount of blood squirt out from the gash.

The impact that the cut had on Star Platinum had the same effect on Jotaro.

'Fuck', Jotaro thought, knowing one cut would lead to another.

'This extra sword, his accelerating speed...Even my Star Platinum-'

"What's the matter? A bit winded, Jotaro?" Polnareff taunted, his eyes tinged with insanity. Silver Chariot suddenly appeared directly in front of Polnareff and banged Star Platinum's legs with a hard kick, making him nearly double over.

'I'll stop him before he kills me!', Jotaro quickly thought. Silver Chariot seemed to have been getting the bigger advantage with the extra sword, he couldn't risk letting Silver Chariot take that chance to defeat him.

"Star Finger!"

Star Platinum's fingers grew in length and jabbed Silver Chariot's shoulder blade harshly, causing it to spark. The impact made Polnareff take a step back.

Silver Chariot took a look at the arm that was impacted and began moving it around to see if anything was wrong with it.

"My right arm is as light as a feather now." Polnareff spoke." Interesting… I guess that was one option…"

Jotaro felt the unsettling feeling of fear creep under his skin. Polnareff must've noticed this due to his remark.

"You look surprised!"

Jotaro felt his breath begin to quicken. He can't show that he's weak.

He can't.

No. Not ever.

Jotaro noticed that his eyes were widened.

Though he couldn't help it.

He feels as though he's been backed into a corner with now way out. He had been giving his all with Polnareff and was grasping at every advantage that came to him. He had to get his head in the game.

After all, what worse could happen?

Silver Chariot held his two blades up together and formed an 'x' with them both." Round Two! Armor release!"

Star Platinum took Silver Chariot's remote pause as a chance to slip in a few blows. Silver Chariot, however, was persistent and did not let Star's speed outmatched his. He quickly countered by throwing fists of his own. The stands fought to see who would have the upper hand this round, may this be the last time they go against each other.

"You fool! Your "ora ora" is no match for two swords wielded by two master swordsmen!"

Jotaro internally fought to keep that voice ignored. He had to focus on his own stand to defeat Silver Chariot.

Silver Chariot leaped towards Star Platinum and swung his sword across his upper chest. Star Platinum defended himself by leaping backwards and blocking the sword with his hands crossed over his pectorals. Silver Chariot took the katana that was in his other hand and raised it up into the air about to strike down on Star Platinum.

Star Platinum noticed this and clasped his hands together, raising them up into the air so he could catch the katana as it was coming down. Silver Chariot however did not bring the katana down on him, but instead jumped up into the air and twirled gracefully, similar to a gymnast.

'This is it, I can make my move!', Jotaro thought, relieved he may now be having an advantage in this battle.

Star Platinum jumped towards Silver Chariot, even faster by the boost he got from the ground.

Silver Chariot suddenly whooshed right back down to the ground, eyes glaring with evil intent even through his mask. He cut a tree that was directly in front of him, making it tip and fall on Star Platinum. This did not stop Star Platinum however, seeing as how he easily punched his way through the tree, leaving behind only bark, leaves, and branches.

'What the hell? Was that supposed to stop me?' Jotaro questioned. What could Silver Chariot have in plan for him? Silver Chariot must be smarter than that to think that his stand couldn't go through something so easily breakable.

Silver Chariot must've known the tree wouldn't be a problem for Star Platinum, seeing as how he was already in a stance when Star Platinum was done with his massacre with the tree.

Silver Chariot held up the katana ready to thrust it down on Star Platinum. However, Star Platinum knew this move too well already and brought his hands up into the air ready to catch the katana once it sliced down.

'He's doing this move again?', Jotaro scoffed.' He must be up to something, he knows I know this move by now...'

Yes, Silver Chariot was up to something. He took his sword that was in his right hand and slashed it through the hands of Star's.

Jotaro didn't have any time to react to the agonizing pain in his hands before Polnareff would let him.

"Your stomach is wide open!"

Jotaro was once again left with no time to react with Silver Chariot's seemingly unbeatable speed. He quickly pulled Star Platinum close to his body.

The sound of flesh being penetrated was the noise Jotaro could hear. That, and the ringing was starting to spike in his ears. All Jotaro could feel in that moment was white hot pain spreading throughout his entire torso. A hushed, gut wrenching noise escaped from Jotaro's lips. It sounded quite similar to a forced grunt. The ringing in Jotaro's ears was too loud to make out what Polnareff said.

"I've got you now!", is what Polnareff said, though it came through too muffled in Jotaro's ears.

Jotaro could only stiffen and stand there frozen in place as his gaze was fixed on the devilish grin plastered upon Polnareff's face. He felt something crawling up his throat, scratching, crying, begging to be let out. The warm, intolerable liquid soon became too much for Jotaro to keep inside, and he spat and sputtered out the warm, thick, blood. His lips and, somehow, a part of his hat was now sprinkled of that crimson fluid.

Jotaro felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He brought back Star Platinum to his body. Jotaro felt something wet and sticky in his lower abdomen, horrified at what the cause of the pain was.

"I did it! I won!" Polnareff celebrated, though Jotaro was having problems understanding what he just said.

He looked up to see a figure emerge from the katana. Its magenta aura was almost blinding, but Jotaro kept trying to focus through his eyes that were beginning to blur.

"Master Dio! I've exterminated Jotaro! I, the God Anubis, have killed him! Victory is mine!" Anubis yelled. The god had a human-like body, and was quite muscular too. His head was quite similar to what a dog's head looks like, his ears definitely stuck up straight like some.

Jotaro's breathing began to quicken, his heart beating faster than ever before. He kept his fear under control with equanimity. He had to do something about the blade that was lodged inside his abdomen. Though, he had to figure out what to do quickly.

'Can't take this thing out...I'd prob'ly bleed to death…'

Jotaro and his quick thinking skills came to the rescue and he came up with a plan on how to defeat Anubis at this very moment.

Jotaro called out Star Platinum one more time and put his hand upon the edge of the blade, gripping it tightly.

Anubis chuckled teasingly. "Don't think you'll be able to stop the blade or pull it out. I've already surpassed Star Platinum! Now for the final thrust."

Anubis began to shove the katana further into Jotaro's abdomen to assure his victory.

"The final thrust?"Jotaro spoke. Anubis was going to kill him right there on the spot if he didn't do anything at that moment. Luckily, Jotaro has his quick thinking skills.

"Precisely! I'll slice your bowels open. Master Dio will rejoice!", Anubis said joyously, believing victory would claim him.

"Stop. Don't drive the blade in any further...it'll be murder." Jotaro pleaded. Though this was part of his plan, Jotaro truly did not want the katana to be lodged any further. It was hard enough to come up with a plan with the agony that was spread through his entire torso, not even a fraction of the pain diminishing.

"I show no mercy! I'll spill your guts onto the pavement!" Anubis said, looking at Jotaro coldly yet manically in the eye as he was preparing to lodge the katana in further.

Star Platinum loosened his grip on the edge of the blade, his hand hovering over the blade until he disappeared.

Anubis looked about ready to drive the katana through Jotaro, when the sound of a battle cry tore through the air, a noise that Anubis could not simply ignore. Star Platinum appeared suddenly and collided his fist with the blade, breaking the edge off and leaving a tiny part still visible in Jotaro.

Star Platinum threw fist after fist, endlessly punching like he did before at the katana.

'That's it...my plan… it's working.' Jotaro's thoughts were slow, but he had to think of that later. Victory was almost his to achieve!

Anubis started to panic by the destruction of his katana. He kept yelling that he needed to break free to get away from Jotaro and back to safety.

Star Platinum ended up punching the whole blade off until there was only the handle and guard left. Anubis was left flabbergasted that this had happened to him. To think, being so close to victory then at the last moment getting it stolen from you, robbed of you, and it seems as though you can't do a single thing about it. Yes, that is an easier way of explaining what Anubis feels at this moment.

"Weren't you saying something about slicing me open?" Jotaro teased, knowing full well that he had won this battle. That small sense of victory was enough to ease a bit of the pain, though the pain still lingered.

Star Platinum took the handle of the katana and lifted it into the air by just a bit. For extra measure, he crushed the the handle with the front of his wrists, making it shatter completely.

The form of Anubis started to crack oddly. The cracks accumulated and spread until every inch of Anubis's body was covered with cracks.

Jotaro felt just a little bit more relieved with the assured defeat of Anubis. Now, maybe he could focus more on the deep laceration under his navel. He took a look at the handle from the katana at his feet.

"I told you that it'd be murder if you drove that blade in any further...your murder that is. You're an easy target when the sword is still." Jotaro felt that sense of victory for a small second before his head throbbed unusually. A wave of dizziness washed over Jotaro and made his vision sway.

Jotaro collapsed to his knees, groaning from the severe migraine.

'What a pain...this last attack took everything I had. Luckily I had time to defeat him before he could learn it like all the rest. I've never been so exhausted. I have to find Avdol and the old man, fast.'

Jotaro was thinking of just getting the blade out from his abdomen, putting some gauze over it, some bandages too, and calling it a day. He didn't really know how to fix himself up, usually Joseph or Avdol would help him get better after getting injured, but he was sure he could manage it this one time.

After all, it was just a stab wound right? He was probably just overthinking the pain, he can fix himself on his own. He's not weak.

Polnareff stirred for a few seconds before regaining consciousness. Jotaro noticed he was waking up and put his head down, eyes screwed shut.

"What just happened?" Polnareff questioned. Jotaro did not provide an answer. He kept his head down and stayed silent until Polnareff would speak up again.

Polnareff noticed Jotaro avoiding his gaze and took a look at his condition. Jotaro's shoulders were shifting up and down quite quickly, showing that his breath was hitched and quick. He noticed specks of blood on the floor and presumed the blood was derived from a gash Jotaro must have on his face, assuming that is the reason why he was putting his head down.

"The sword didn't possess me, did it?" Polnareff asked, hoping the answer would be no.

Jotaro was hesitant to respond, he didn't want Polnareff to think he injured him profoundly, but he decided to tell the truth anyway. " Yeah… but it's over." Jotaro added the last part at the end to reassure Polnareff of his well-being. Though, he could still hear the ringi bff in his ears. It was faint, but he could tell that something was just a little wrong.

Nothing he can't fix on his own.

Polnareff apologized, saying he was sorry for getting Jotaro into so much trouble, and Jotaro responded with an "It's fine".

If he were honest, Jotaro could barely pay any attention to what Polnareff was saying. The pain did not seem to subside, and to his demise, grew stronger. The wound would sting every time a movement, even if it were just the slightest gesture. His head throbbed continuously making him quite unaware of his surroundings.

Jotaro had to get himself back to the hotel, but he also needed to meet up with the old man and Avdol. He had to ask Polnareff to do it for him, though he didn't like having to resort to this.

"Polnareff. Get the old man and Avdol." Jotaro pleaded, though he tried to make his voice not sound raspy as much as possible. He could still feel that warm fluid in the back of his throat, though he couldn't seem to make it go away, even by hacking it out.

"Oh man, I can't walk. I'm tired and my legs hurt." Polnareff responded.

'Oh great', Jotaro thought.' He's tired. Now how'm I supposed to get to Avdol and the old man?'

"Oh wait! I got an idea!" Polnareff said, beaming with proudness." Iggy! Where are you, you dirty mutt…"

Jotaro was relieved that Polnareff found a way to get help. Though, he was suspicious whether or not Iggy would obey Polnareff's orders.

The sound of a katana slicing tore through the air, which left Jotaro on edge. Sadly, he didn't have the energy to look around. That didn't stop him from feeling concerned as to where the sound originated. His worryful thoughts were put to an end as Iggy ran towards him, barking constantly as he ran.

"There you are Iggy! Hey, can you go fetch us Mr. Joestar and Avdol for us?" Polnareff asked in his most pleasing tone. Iggy just barked at Polnareff and sat down in a sleeping position.

"Oh c'mon, Iggy! Jotaro and I are both really tired and we can't get up, so you gotta go get the others!"

Iggy still refused to cooperate, making Jotaro pissed off. Jotaro gathered up enough energy to push Iggy as a way of telling him to get up. Iggy did so, but wasn't so joyous as to be shoved. Polnareff looked around for something to give to Iggy so he could take it to Avdol and Joseph. He spent about a minute searching for something until he gave up and asked Jotaro if he could borrow his hat.

Jotaro opened his mouth with just a crack and let out a mumble, which sounded like a clogged 'sure'. To Polnareff, he must've either been exhausted or just didn't care at that moment. In reality, the bile in the back of Jotaro's throat was building up, ready to bust out of his mouth with any opening.

Jotaro hoped the old man and Avdol would get there quick, because the fluid is getting harder and harder by second to keep down, and it feels more intoxicating by keeping the bike inside.

Iggy walked towards Jotaro to nudge him on the lap. Ignoring his shoulder blades pleas to not move, Jotaro quickly took his hat off his head and shoved it into Iggy's paws in a belligerent way, ignoring the pain from his shoulder blade. Iggy was right below Jotaro, so he looked up to see what was the matter with him, why he was acting hostile.

The delirium all over Jotaro's face could make it click easily in Iggy's mind that he was not fine and needed help immediately. Iggy bit down on the hat and ran off to find Joseph and Avdol. A shaky breath escaped Jotaro's mouth, perhaps it was supposed to be a relieved sigh.

Jotaro could finally have some time to focus on himself. Though it would be little time, he was sure that the old man and Avdol were near.

_____________________

"Is that...Iggy?" Avdol asked Joseph, seeing the black and white spotted dog racing towards them.

"Yeah, I think so. Is he holding something?" Joseph answered." Is he holding something?" He questioned himself.

Iggy eventually caught up with the two men and dropped the hat on the floor. He barked loudly to get their attention.

Joseph looked confused at the hat and went to pick it up.

"Hey, that hat looks pretty familiar, Mr. Joestar." Avdol spoke, though he already had a fair idea of who it belonged to. Joseph took a longer look and it immediately clicked in his head who it belonged to.

"This… this is Jotaro's hat."

'But why does Iggy have it? Did something happen?'

"Iggy, why did you give us this? Did something happen to Jotaro?" Joseph asked in a demanding tone.

Iggy barked loudly at them and growled, upset they didn't comprehend the sign he was attempting to give them.

"Mr. Joestar...look closer." Avdol spoke, grimly.

Joseph squinted at the hat to get a better look at it and was horrified by what he saw.

Blood.

Thick, sticky blood that was somehow congealed with the fabric of the hat.

Joseph glanced at Avdol, who was staring right back at him. They exchanged a knowing look and ran off into the distance, Iggy leading the way. They went as fast as they could.

'Jotaro's in trouble…' They thought simultaneously.

They ran off into the distance, not wasting any time until they found out what was wrong.
_____________________

Oh god.

His head hurt.

So fucking bad…

The pain coming from Jotaro's stab wound and the gash on his shoulder was unimaginable. The pure agony derived from these words...Jotaro doesn't know if it's possible to put it into words. He's never felt anything like this before. He tries to take in a deep breath, but is stopped when he feels a sharp pain in his chest. He hisses at the pain, breathing again, this time going at a slow pace so he won't hurt himself again.

Polnareff noticed when Jotaro hissed." You okay, Jotaro?"

Jotaro struggled to get the words out of his mouth." Yeah, m'okay."

Polnareff wasn't so sure he was telling the truth, but didn't press any further.

Jotaro was grateful for Polnareff not saying anything after. He didn't need his help, nor did he want it. He can do just fine on his own.

'You're just overthinking the pain, Jotaro. That's it.' He kept telling himself.

But how long until he realizes that he should stop lying to himself?

A few minutes of agonizing eternity passed by, and Joseph and Avdol weren't anywhere in sight. Jotaro could feel his eyes slipping shut. He fought to stay awake, but his strength was growing weaker. He hoped the old man and avdol would be coming soon.

'Can't sleep right now...gotta preoccupy myself.' Jotaro thought. Right now would be a good time to scrutinize his injuries. Jotaro tried to sense where the pain was originating from, but it was difficult since his entire body ached. He had sore muscles from all the fists he threw when he was fighting Silver Chariot. He knew he had a deep cut on his shoulder blade. Though this injury was minor, he had a cut on his cheek when Silver Chariot's sword grazed him.

And of course, the injury he could not forget, the stab wound. The small shard of the katana was still in there, and blood was gently gushing out from the wound. He was afraid if he pulled the shard from his stomach, he would've bleed out more, possibly bleeding out.

'Good grief, that's a lot...how am I supposed to fix this… think Jotaro! God dammit-'

"Hey, look. That cow is going berserk!" Polnareff yelled to Jotaro, putting an end to his thoughts.

Jotaro didn't really care or was at all concerned about some cow, and was sure to tell Polnareff about his thoughts.

"Yare yare daze. Who cares about a damn cow?" Jotaro questioned rhetorically." Just go get the old man and Avdol."

"Relax, I'm sure Iggy and the others will be here soon." Polnareff assured.

'They better.'

Jotaro found himself slowly drifting off, this time not even having the energy to whip his head up or anything to stop himself.

That is, until he heard the footsteps that were coming towards him getting louder and louder. He was on the brink of losing consciousness when he heard his name being called.

"Jotaro! Polnareff!" Avdol and Joseph called out.

Barks and footsteps grew louder.

Jotaro lifted his head up sluggishly to see Avdol and Joseph finally here.

Their yells heard throughout the street came to an end once they were all united.

"Jotaro! Polnareff! Are you two alright?" Avdol queried.

"Yeah, we're alright." Polnareff replied. "But Jotaro over here might be a little hurt."

Joseph was concerned about this response and went to check on Jotaro when he was stopped.

"Lay off'a me jiji, m'okay." Jotaro slurred.

The other exchanged a look of doubt, but did not push further. They knew how stubborn Jotaro was.

"We should head back then. C'mon guys." Joseph said, eyes still peering at Jotaro to see if he actually had the energy to move.

Jotaro didn't budge.

His ears rung louder, and for some reason, he seemed to feel numb at his lower abdomen. A dull panic ran through his mind, and he could barely hear the voices around him.

"Jotaro, are you sure you're alright?" Joseph asked attentively.

Jotaro opened his mouth to speak by just the smallest segment, but he was only able to produce a hushed groan.

"Jotaro?" Avdol said hesitantly.

Jotaro wanted to respond with an I'm fine dammit or a yare yare, I'm okay, but when he opened his mouth just a sliver, blood started to trickle down his mouth, dripping off his chin to congeal with the sanded rocks on the ground.

He shifted his head up groggily, opened his mouth to try and provide an explanation, when a bit of coagulated blood spewed out of his mouth, the blood slowly forming a puddle as it amalgamated.

Jotaro attempted once more to clarify himself to the other, opening his jaw wider than before.

Well, that was a mistake, because the second he opened his mouth he started coughing and hacking nonstop, barely being able to intake any oxygen.

After a few seconds, he saw dotted blood on the ground. He was left disoriented in that moment until a sickening feeling came to remind him what it was.

A warm, thick, excruciating feeling.

The blood started to spew out from him until the blood that was emitted ceased for a moment, letting him savor this moment to take in a deep breath.

Another mistake.

That deep breath made him choke on his own oncoming blood that was spurting and erupting from his lips.

The sound metal clinking to the ground was the only thing that silenced the muffled ringing in his ears.

That, and the sound of someone calling out his name.

Dark spots began to grow around his line of vision. The pain he once felt began to go numb, letting him believe he was okay. He felt warm hands on his shoulders. The dancing spots began to enclose Jotaro in darkness, letting him have this bliss of falling into unconsciousness.

_________________

"Jotaro, are you sure you're alright?" Joseph asked attentively.

It was so silent you could hear a pin drop, though you could tell how tiny and forced the groan Jotaro made was.

Everyone exchanged a concerned look, worrying about Jotaro's condition.

"Jotaro?" Avdol said hesitantly.

Jotaro's mouth opened with just a sliver, and you could see the blood slowly trickle it's way down Jotaro's mouth, to his chin, dripping down to the rocky floor.

Joseph was about to bend down to see if he had sustained any injuries during his brawl with Polnareff, when Jotaro's head slowly inched its way up to look at him, his mouth opening by just a crack.

He seemed like he was going to say something, but was stopped because of the blood that spewed from his mouth.

"Jotaro!"

All eyes were on Jotaro as they came closer towards him.

They paused in their stride when they saw him lift his head up once more, moving illeven groggier than before.

Jotaro emitted wet coughs ceaselessly, you could easily tell how labored his breathing was.

He paused for a second.

"Hey, Jot-" Polnareff was cut off by a loud, painful sounding spurt.

Everyone eyes the ground to see the dangerously large amount of blood on the ground, now congealed and amalgamated with each other from spit and sand.

Once more, they were going to rush to Jotaro's side, whether he'd like it or not.

And once more, they were stopped.

Jotaro let out the wettest cough yet, accompanied by thick ruby blood.

"Jotaro!"

Clink.

Everyone looked at the ground under Jotaro's stomach and saw a 3-inch long fragment of a sword, bloody beyond belief.

No, not a sword.

A katana.

"Polnareff. W-What is that?" Joseph demanded.

Polnareff was a master swordsman, of course.

But he knew just like anyone else that the katana was bloody, and the condition of Jotaro and the blood that disgorged from his lips all led to the conclusion that Jotaro had been stabbed.

"That-it's bloody. Jotaro's been stabbed…" Polnareff responded, petrified.

Joseph bent down to Jotaro's side. He gently put his hands on his shoulders, careful to not touch a visible wound on one of his shoulder blades. He shook the shoulder that wasn't wounded.

"Jotaro, can you look at me?"

"Jotaro's lost consciousness, Mr. Joestar." Avdol notified Joseph to grip him tighter.

Jotaro slumped into his grandfather's arms, unconscious. Joseph cradled Jotaro like he was just a child, careful not to jostle his wound. He put pressure onto Jotaro's wound, making his brows furrow in discomfort.

"Avdol! Polnareff! Get over here, we're not gonna lose my grandson!" Joseph yelled frantically.

A pause.

"I know what we have to do." Avdol felt he should warn the other about the consequences of doing this operation." But it won't be pretty, it will be painful…"

"Just do it. We can't wait any longer, Jotaro could die if we don't act right now." Polnareff said.

"Polnareff's right. I'm not losing Jotaro, and he's a strong kid. He can take the pain.

Avdol made a sound of agreement." We're going to have have to cauterize him." He continued further.

All the men could feel their heart sink in sympathy for what they were about to put Jotaro through, but they knew it must be done.

Avdol explained his plan." Alright, you two will need to put your fingers parallel to each others to hold the wound open."

Polnareff and Joseph sat at the opposite sides of Jotaro, pressing two of their fingers on the side of Jotaro's wound, their fingers parallel to each other.

They put pressure on his wound, making Jotaro groan in discomfort.

"Red Magician's going to put his fingers through Jotaro's wound, cauterizing it. On '3', you two spread the wound open."

Jotaro's fingers twitched unconsciously. Joseph held his hand and gave it a fairly tight squeeze, Jotaro's fingers curling to his weakly.

Joseph had to retrieve his hand, and it hurt deeply when he could feel Jotaro trying to grasp on his hand as it went away.

Joseph nodded at Avdol, signaling to start the countdown.

One.

Two.

Three.

"Now! Open it!"

Joseph and Polnareff spread the wound open, each of them opening it to their direction. Jotaro groaned in agony at the harsh movement with his wound.

Avdol summoned Red Magician and slipped his fingers through the gory laceration, preparing for the screams he may here.

And he was correct.

Jotaro screamed.

With all the might he could conjure up, he screamed in agony, coming out as a raspy and shaky yell.

Without hesitation, Joseph rushed to Jotaro's side to keep him down, cradling his head and keeping his chest compacted with the ground to keep his breath

Polnareff was in a slight shock by this, but quickly snapped back out of it and took Joseph's place.

Jotaro's eyes shot open, darting everywhere he could see in his little line of vision. He tried hard to shake himself from Joseph's arms, but the pain from doing so was too much for him.

"Hold him still, I have to get this blade out carefully or else he'll be in much more pain." Avdol cautioned.

Joseph kept mumbling words of reassurance to Jotaro, but he couldn't hear him over the clogged and stuffy sound in his ears.

"Oh god, if that was his reaction just by opening the wound and providing the heat that little… we need something for him to bite down on." Avdol said.

Polnareff looked around for something for him to bite down on, when he noticed the hat Iggy was still holding, sparking an idea.

"What if we use his hat? But you know, not the part Iggy got his drool on? Would that work?" Polnareff said.

"Yeah, that would work for now. Give me the hat, Polnareff." Joseph said in a demanding tone.

Polnareff nearly shoved the hat into Joseph's hands with how worried he was. Joseph held the hat near Jotaro's lips, gently pecking them with the bill.

"Jojo, you're gonna want to bite down on this, okay?"

Jotaro mustered up all the strength he could and shifted his head up to resemble an understanding nod. He opened his mouth and Joseph slipped the bill of the hat into his mouth, making Jotaro instinctively bite down on it. As he gritted his teeth harder against the bill, tears began to form in his eyes, left unshed.

"Okay Jotaro, I'm going to get the katana piece out of you right now." Avdol elaborated.

Jotaro groaned, a way to show that he was ready for the pain he was going to endure.

Red Magician took his thumb and index finger and held them near the bloody laceration. Avdol closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again he pushed his fingers into the wound and gave it his all to grasp the piece of metal, making it jostle inside of him.

True torture to him.

Jotaro screamed in anguish at the perilous movement inside of him, his fists clenched and his teeth biting down a bit too hard on his hat. The tears in his eyes grew by the second, though Jotaro would not let them flow down his face. The crackles and pops derived from flames of Red Magician were overshadowed by Jotaro's wails and cries. Jotaro struggled more and more and now faced this tremendous pain, it was difficult for Avdol to retrieve the katana piece.

Joseph noticed that Jotaro was not going to stop fighting him, and that would just make the pain worse. He held down both of his flailing arms with his prosthetic one and cradled his cheek with his real one, tangling his fingers with black locks. Jotaro's scream ran short when all he could conjure up was blocked sobs. Joseph tightened his grip, though was careful not to hurt Jotaro in his state. He locked his metal arm diagonally onto the sides, making them both pressed down to the ground and his own body. He gave a quick nod to Avdol, signaling that he had to take the katana out immediately.

Avdol could feel that the katana was sharp on the edges. He knew he had to pry it out as fast as he could.

Red Magician grasped the price of metal and held onto it tightly. He started to retrieve the katana from his body, his stomach producing a horrible squelching noise due to the painful movement.

Jotaro shrieked immediately, you could tell he was sobbing before by the wet scream. He fought Joseph with even more force, the pain now at its peak.

Polnareff tried to hold Jotaro in place as he kept moving around, it seemed like Jotaro didn't know that his jerks were causing more pain. Polnareff gripped his skin tightly, making Jotaro wail even louder at the uncomfortable pressure.

Avdol pulled the metal out halfway, the shard sticking out by 5 inches.

Jotaro could feel the metal still lingering in his body, the mark it left behind too much for him. He wanted to yell something, yell at them to stop, yell at them that he wants them to just stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it!

Stop it!

STOP IT.

STOP IT.

STOP IT!

STOP IT!!

"STOP IT!"

Everyone froze upon hearing words come from Jotaro's lips.

Jotaro already started speaking, so he continued further." No! No, stop! Please…" Jotaro trailed off, the shameful water in his eyes blurring his vision. Cries were choking him inside his throat as he spoke" I c'n do it… let me try."

Joseph, Avdol, and Polnareff all looked at each other with hesitant looks painted on their faces. Jotaro was definitely a strong kid who could take it out himself, but as of now his energy was debilitated, and he most likely doesn't have the energy for star Platinum to do it.

"If he wants to do it, let him try." Polnareff suggested." Jotaro has pride, and we know he doesn't like people seeing him like this. It'd be better for him to do it."

Joseph knows this quite well and, without hesitation, moves Jotaro's hands to the metal, allowing him to take it out easier.

Jotaro inhales sharply at the movement, but gathers up his strength for what he is going to do. Jotaro places his fingers around the edge of the katana, grasping it tightly. He takes a sharp breath, internally terrified of the pain he could endure. Though, in his state, the pain felt as though it couldn't get any worse.

Iggy licked Jotaro's shoulder blade, careful not to lick the wound. Joseph noticed Jotaro looked nervous and clutched his arm tightly with his non prosthetic hand.

The teen grasped the katana piece tighter, ignoring his muscles objects to not.

He pulled.

The squelching sound of his blood and tissue being damaged was enough to make him nauseous. It was the pure pain from the katana being retracted from his body that was just enough to not make him roll on his side and vomit onto the rocks.

Another shriek escaped Jotaro's mouth, having a dangerous wet sound from behind it.

The faint tears that were forming in his eyes were big as could be in that moment, though still left unshed. He started pulling it out with more force.

Bad idea.

The agony from lulling made him scream louder, his chest pounding from the insufferable anguish. The pain made him nearly go limp. Joseph noticed how he was struggling to get it out, but did not want to meddle between him and his pride. He instead ran his fingers through his hair, leading his hand to the side of his cheek and holding it with as much compassion as he could offer.

Jotaro didn't have the energy to shrug off Joseph, though he wouldn't have done that if he had the energy. The feeling of a hand running through his hair reminds him that he's not unconscious just yet. It means he still has a bit of juice left in him.

Jotaro grunted and groaned as he tried to take the katana out, though proving no good. It was like the metal was lodged in place.

Polnareff was just about to rip out the blade himself, when a scream tore through the air like a knife.

He looked down to see Jotaro ripping the blade out mercilessly from his agile body, ignoring the amount of blood he was spilling all over the floor.

The screams that emerged from Jotaro were blood-curdling, sending shivers up the spine of the Crusaders. The tears that were once submerged in Jotaro's eyes flowed freely in that moment, quite too freely to Jotaro's liking. He was being as strong as he could in that moment, but on the inside?

Weak.

The piece of metal was resisting being pulled from Jotaro's body. But he was strong spirited, he didn't care how heavy the pain was, he would bear it no matter the cost.

Though this pain that seared through him-would it cost him his life?

He couldn't tell very much, but it sure as hell felt like he was going to die.

Polnareff immediately closed his wound, pushing both sides together. You could tell that the wound was starting to heal from the heat that sealed them.

The end of Jotaro's scream was all but bloody gasps and pained moans. Avdol retrieved Red Magician, Polnareff stood up as quick as he could, Iggy scampered to Jotaro's crimson-stained hand. It was impracticable to not notice the fuzzy gloom filling his irises. A muffled groan escaped him, his voice squeaky and strained.

His eyes were unfocused, clouded. They seemed to be locked in a gaze directed at the oddly-shaped and grayish clouds. His eyes were red-rimmed from the strain and tears that spilled from him.

Joseph noticed this and grimaced. He ran his fingers through his blood matted and curly locks. Jotaro wanted to resist, but couldn't muster up the energy to shrug him off, making him lean into the touch.

"Jotaro?"

Jotaro's lips twitched as he tried to get a few words out, a strange groan escaping his lips.

" 'M okay…'ma… wake." Jotaro slurred once more.

Joseph hated the way his grandson spoke, but he knew that they had to get back to the hotel as soon as possible, so he had to get Jotaro on his feet. He pulled the boy into a sitting position and shifted his weight onto him.

Polnareff darted to his side and put the boy's arm around his shoulder, lifting his weight up so he could move to walk.

Jotaro took little steps, but mostly relied on his grandpa and Polnareff to move from one place to another.

Joseph held on tightly to his grandson, wobbling a bit since he was taking on the weight of two people. Thankfully, Polnareff was there to keep them both steady. They had to keep moving.
__________________

Coming back into consciousness was quite tough for Jotaro. He felt as if he could easily drift on back to sleep by the soft cushion underneath him.

Wait-cushion?

Jotaro was confused, he thought he was still in street, aching from the wound.

Jotaro realizes that the wound feels partially better in that moment. He tries his best to open his eyes, quickly shutting them when he sees the brilliant color of apricot invade his once black vision. The color soon abates when he hears voices around him.

"-e gonna be okay?"

"Yeah...be okay."

Jotaro open his eyes weakly, blinking multiple times to get his eyes to focus on the blurry figures beside him. His eyes soon came into focus, and he could see the old man and Polnareff sitting right next to him. He turned his head sharply to his left, which was a mistake because he felt a twinge of pain in his neck for doing so. He was alarmed by no sight of the sun to be seen.

He felt his breathing quicken, until he felt a gentle hand upon his own. He looked back to his lower right to see Polnareff staring concernedly and distressed towards him and Joseph changing the bandages on his knuckles. He felt a brief moment of embarrassment until it was washed over by the feeling of relief.

But then that feeling was overshadowed by his usual feelings.

Blocking out other people's help.

Jotaro mustered up all his strength to raise himself up into a sitting position on the bed, catching the eye of Joseph and Polnareff as he lifts himself up.

"Jotaro! Wow, you woke up quick. Are you okay?" Polnareff asked, getting closer to Jotaro to inspect his face. Jotaro just nodded and went to touch his cheek, and felt what could've been a bandage. This at least could tell him that his wounds were treated.

"Yeah 'm okay." Jotaro said whilst getting off the bed, though was stopped by a prosthetic arm on his shoulder.

"Slow down, Jotaro. You don't want your stomach to bleed anymore, do you?" Joseph said while securing the bandage on his knuckles. Jotaro was confused for a short moment, then the memories of how he got there came flooding back. He looked down hesitantly, and was horrified by the sight of a slightly bloody bandage wrapped around his abs, secured tightly around his belly button.

"Tch. This ain't that bad, old man. Could've been worse." Jotaro retaliate, tugging at his shirt to try and cover up the plaster.

Jotaro winced at the slight pain in his shoulder, and saw that he had another cut there as well. He rolled his eyes, of course had another cut. He shrugged of Joseph's hand and went to get up once more, when he was stopped once more, this time by Polnareff.

"Jojo, you screamed so much. It was so hard to hear." Polnareff said sadly, he hated the way Jotaro screamed in anguish when they were taking the katana out of him.

"Oh yeah? Well it's over now." Jotaro spoke, now seeing that he was struggling to keep his composure. He could feel a wave of tremors throughout his body and fought to keep them unoticed.

It seemed to prove no good however, at least against his grandpa.

"Is it? Is it over, Jotaro?" Joseph stared sympathetically into his eyes, showing deep amounts of worry for his grandson.

That line alone was enough to shatter the glass around Jotaro. He wanted to say something back, something back to him. Tell him to lay off, or tell him to not bother with it anymore.

He was okay.

What just happened was one bad thing.

It didn't matter, it doesn't matter.

Everything's going to be alright.

Everyone's going to be alright.

Jotaro opened his mouth to tell him that he's fine, that it was over, but all that escaped frromhim was a heart-breaking sob. Jospeh and Polnareff looked in shock upon what they saw2, and Polnareff immediatley ran to him to give him a hug Jotaro crumbled in Polnareffs arms as he sobbed. Joseph winced at the sound of his grandsons cries. Doing the same as he did before, Joseph ran a hand through Jotaros hair. Jotaro fell asleep in the arms of the two, then they put him back down in the bed. The two looked at yim softly, then put him down to rest. Letting him know that when he wakes up that everyone, including him, is safe.