Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was the start of a warm sunny day, the clouds just beginning to part as the rain from before ceased. On the highway a car could be seen driving steadily down the Floridian coast, the rhythmic sound of tires on asphalt almost soothing—if not for the suffocating silence inside.

Emporio sat stiffly in the backseat, his fingers curled into the fabric of his seatbelt. Beside him, Wes—this world’s Weather Report—had his arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon, as if expecting something. His jaw was set, tense. Ella (Ermes, but not his Ermes) kept glancing at Emporio, her brow furrowed. She opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, then sighed and looked away.

Up front, Irene adjusted the rearview mirror, her gaze lingering on Emporio. “You doing okay back there?”

Again, no answer.

Anakiss drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Kid’s been like this since we found him. Can’t blame him, considering whoever was responsible for the boy clearly ditched him.”

Ella finally spoke up, her voice rough but not unkind. “Hey. You’re safe now, alright? We’re not gonna let anything happened to you.”

Wes shifted in his seat, his deep voice quiet. “Something’s off.”

Irene frowned. “What?”

Wes didn’t answer right away. His eyes flicked upward, toward the sky.

Then—

CRACK.

The sound wasn’t deafening—it was wrong, like glass shattering in reverse. Ella jerked upright in her seat, her breath catching. “The fuck was that?!”

Anakiss’ grip on the wheel tightened. “I don’t—“

And then they all saw it.

The sky split.

A jagged tear ripped through the blue expanse, peeling apart like old wall paper. Behind it—nothing. Just white. Endless, consuming white.

Wes’ eyes widened. “Drive. Now.”

Anakiss didn’t hesitate. He slammed the gas, the engine roaring as the car lurched forward.

But the world was becoming undone.

The road ahead frayed, chunks of asphalt dissolving into the void. The car swerved violently, tires screeching as Anakiss wrenched the wheel to avoid the collapsing pavement.

Ella braced herself against the door, her knuckles white. “It’s not just the road—look at the car!”

Emporio’s stomach dropped.

The Dashboard flickered—like a dying TV screen—before chunks of it simply vanished. The steering wheel shuddered in Anakiss’ hands, its shape distorting as if melting. The seats beneath them grew thin, the fabric unraveling into threads of light.

Wes reached out, his hand passing through the car door as it disintegrated. “We’re not going to make it.”

“Like hell we’re not” Anakiss snarled, but the car was breaking apart, the engine sputtering as the frame itself began to dissolve.

The windshield cracked—not from impact, but from nothingness eating at it’s edges. The ocean beyond warped, the waves freezing mid-crash before dissolving into the void.

In the back seat Emporio could only stare in shock. ‘Why is this happening, I thought Pucci was dead!’ he thought to himself, but intrinsically he knew this was not the work of Made In Heaven, but rather something potentially far more dangerous.

He was brought out of his trance when Irene twisted in her seat and yelled out to him. “Grab my Hand!”

He reached for her—

And the world shattered.

The car tipped weightless, as the road beneath them vanished entirely. For a heart-stopping second, they were suspended in the white abyss, the car breaking apart around them.

Ella let out a sharp curse as her seat disappeared beneath her. Wes lunged, trying to catch her, but his arm already half-gone, fading into the light.

Anakiss’ voice was the last thing Emporio heard before everything vanished.

“IRENE—!”

Then—

Silence.

——

Soft fabric brushed against Emporio’s skin. His head pounded as his vision swam back into focus.

He was seated. In a theater.

Across the large room multiple rows of plush red seats stretched out beneath the glow of ornate golden sconces, the design reminiscent of Neo-classical architecture. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and dust, the kind that settled in places untouched by time.

But none of that mattered.

Because they were there.

Jolyne. Anasui. Weather. Ermes. Even Foo Fighters.

His friends.

Jolyne turned in her seat, blinking at him. “Emporio? The hell—when did you get here? Where are we?”

Her voice—which called out to him in familiarity—hit him like a punch to the chest.

Tears blurred his vision as he threw himself forward, crashing into her arms. Jolyne yelped, startled, but her hands instinctively wrapped around him.

“Whoa, hey—! What’s wrong?”

Emporio couldn’t speak. He just clung to her, shaking.

She remembered him.

She remembered him.

And as the others turned, confusion and concerned plastered on their faces, other groups across the theater found themselves stirring as well. The vast auditorium, adorned with gilded arches, and drapes, came alive with noise—voices overlapping in confusion shock, and in some cases excitement.

Jonathan Joestar blinked, his broad frame shifting in his seat as he took in his surroundings. Beside him, Erina adjusted her dress, her expression more curious than alarmed. “How strange… I don’t recall purchasing tickets for a show.”

Speedwagon, ever the pragmatist, rubbed his chin. “This ain’t no ordinary theater, Miss Erina. One moment I was in London, the next—poof—here!”

Will A. Zeppeli’s eyes narrowed, scanning the room. “This reeks of spiritual interference. Are we trapped in some manner of illusion?”

Nearby, Lisa Lisa froze, her cigarette nearly slipping from her fingers. Her sharp eyes locked onto the group—young, with Jonathan alive and well. Her breath hitched. Impossible.

Joseph Joestar meanwhile, was already mid argument with Caesar. “I told you we shouldn’t have taken that shortcut through Venice!”

Caesar scoffed. “Oh so now it’s my fault we somehow got transported to a movie theater?”

Suzi Q, ever the optimist, clapped her hands together. “Ooooh, look! A popcorn machine!” She skipped off towards the concession stand completely unbothered.

Strohiem, stiff-backed and alert, clenched his mechanical fist. “Is this an Allied prison?! If so, they’ve gone to great lengths for the ambiance!”

To the side of them Jotaro’s hat tilted low over his eyes as he shot up from his seat. “Stand user.”

Old Joseph nodded, Hermit Purple already coiling around his arm. “Has to be. No way this is natural.”

Polnareff gripped Silver Chariot’s hilt. “If this is another one of DIO’s tricks—“

Kakyion’s gaze swept the room. “Wait— Holly! What are you doing here?! I thought you were sick?”

Holy unbothered, and blissfully unaware of the tension, leaned forward in her seat. “Ooooh, I wonder what movie we’re seeing! Maybe a romance?”

Avdol sighed. “At least someone is enjoying this.”

Iggy, sprawled across a seat and lazily flicked a piece of gum into his mouth. ‘Yare Yare’

Elsewhere in the theater meanwhile others began taking note of their amenities.

Josuke (part 4) sank deeper into his chair, arms behind his head. “Man, these seats are nice.”

Okuyasu grinned. “Heck yeah! Free snacks, too?”

Nearby, small Stand creatures—resembling tiny ushers—delivered trays of treats to Koichi, Yukako, and Rohan. Yukako accepted hers with a polite nod, while Rohan inspected his with an artist’s scrutiny.

Hayato, however, remained rigid. “Where am I?”

A few seats to the left of him a young man in a pink tuxedo, crossed his arms as he calmly analyzed the theater. “We seem to be under the affect of a stand.” Giorno said as he finally spoke addressing the group beside him.

Bucciarati frowned. “Then who’s is it?” his gaze turned to the many people occupying the seats, too many to count with one glance.

Narancia, already sipping a soda, shrugged. “Eh, who cares? Free drinks!”

Abbacchio pinched the bridge of his nose. “Unbelievable.”

Trish eyed the room warily as she took a bottle of Sparkling water given to her courtesy of the Stands, while Fugo was harassed by Mista to change seats, so he didn’t have to sit in the fourth seat from the end of the row.

Off to the other side of the theater another figure swore as he looked around back and forth in complete befuddlement.

“Where the hell are our horses?!” Johnny yelled his grip on his chair’s armrest tightening.

Gyro, already halfway through a slice of cake, waved a hand. “Relax! Maybe this is an intermission!”

Diego’s eyes darted around. “An intermission where, exactly?”

Hot Pants remained silent, searching for any exits.

Lucy and Stephen Steel exchanged glances. “Perhaps… we should remain calm?” Lucy suggested.

A multitray of deserts rolled up to them. Gyro’s eyes lit up. “Nyo ho ho ho~”

Behind them Josuke (part 8) leaned forwards as he silently began analyzing the dimensions of the theater. To his side Mamezuku spoke aloud his own observations. “There doesn't seem to be any exits.”

Yasuho who sat beside Jouske, nodded. “But why bring us here?”

Joshu, fuming, stomped over. “Hey! Why are you sitting next to my girlfriend?!”

Josuke didn’t even glance at him. “Not now, Joshu.”

The Higashikata family’s younger members—Daiya, Hato, and Tsurugi—buzzed with excitement. “Are we watching a movie?!”

Norisuke, Kaato, Jobin, and Mistuba however remained tense, scanning for threats.

Kei Nijimura, composed, simply folded her hands. “This is unusual.”

High above the rest, in an opulent private box, seven figures sat in stunned silence.

DIO spoke up first boring his golden eyes into those beside him with fury. “Explain this.”

Kars smirked. “Why do I owe you an explanation?”

Pucci’s hand trembled. “Lord DIO…”

Tooru leaned back, sipping a drink. “We’re in a theater. Presumably, we’re here to watch something.”

Kira adjusted his tie, his mind racing. ‘How do I escape unnoticed?’

Diavolo’s fingers twitched. “This… cannot be real.”

Funny Valentine put an arm to his face. “A mass kidnapping to be forced to watch a play… intriguing.”

Back down below Emporio still clung to Jolyne, his tears drying but his grip firm. The Part 6 crew exchanged glances.

Anasui crossed his arms. “So we’re all here? Wherever here is?”

Weather Report nodded. “And being provided for. Look.”

Foo Fighters happily sipped from a water bottle. “Hydration is optimal.”

Ermes smirked. “Free snacks? I ain’t complaining.”

And then—

The screen flickered to life.

A deep, resonant voice echoed thought the theater.

“Welcome… to Heaven’s Theater.”

——

The screen showed a countdown, its glow casting long shadows across the hushed theater. The voice from before had vanished, leaving only the hum of anticipation as the first images played—

Sometime between the 12 ^th and 16 ^th century, an ancient Aztec ritual unfolded in Mexico. A man adorned with a stone mask stood above a trembling woman tied to an altar.

Jonathan’s eyes widened in recognition at the artifact “That’s—! That’s Fathers Stone mask!”

Erina right beside him was more focused on the predicament that was at display. “What is that man going to do with that Woman?”

With a brutal thrust the man drove an obsidian dagger through the Woman’s chest. Blood splattered onto the mask—and then, it moved. Bone-like prongs erupted from it’s surface, stabbing into the man’s skull. Yet, he did not die.

“I’ve finally obtained… Enternal Life!!!” he screamed, arms outstretched to his cheering tribe.

In the audience, Kaato swiftly covered Daiya’s eyes, while Mitsuba shielded Tsurugi.

“Moooom, I can handle it!” Daiya whined, peaking through her mother’s fingers.

Josuke (Part 4) and Okuyasu, meanwhile, leaned forward with matching grins.

“Hell yeah!” Okuyasu cheered. “This is like one of those gnarly horror flicks!”

Above them, Kars scoffed, crossing his arms. “Pathetic. Those humans barely understood the mask’s true power.”

The screen continued it’s showing—

The newly transformed vampire began to drain the life from one of his own tribesmen, fingers piercing the man’s neck like needles. The narration spoke of the tribe’s sudden disappearance—and the masks dark legacy.

Ermes gagged. “Okay, I might puke.”

In 1880. A dying Dario Brando wheezed In his bed, recounting a “debt” owed to him to Dio.

Josuke (part 4) spoke up again remarking on the sudden change in scenes. “Ehh.. Who’s this old geezer.”

The scene shifted to 1868—a carriage accident. Dario and a women beside him can be seen heading to loot the carriage, but the women notices that the an infant was till alive inside as he was protected by his mother.

Jonathan looking at the scene felt something stir within him “This is…”

Dario ignored the woman as he began to loot the bodies of their riches— only to find a brief case with a stone mask which he discards in disgust. Next he went to steal the teeth of George Joestar which he believed to be dead, however he awoke gabbing onto the man’s hand.

Thinking Dario had come to save him and his family, George offered him a reward for his kindness which Dario accepted graciously.

Jonathan’s fists clenched in righteous rage. “That hoodlum… taking advantage of my Father’s kindness.”

Erina placed a gentle hand on his arm. “But your father’s generosity saved you both In the end.”

Speedwagon nodded fiercely. “A true gentleman, that George Joestar!”

Upstairs, DIO’s lips curled in revulsion at the sight of his father. “Worthless to the last breath.”

The scene shifted showing a young Dio standing over Dario’s grave—spitting on it. Vowing to take advantage of his inheritance not for him but for his own self.

Surprisingly, sympathy echoed through the crowd.

Diego muttered to himself, “Hmph. Can’t blame the kid for hating that drunk.”

Giorno looked on in concern for the young man, finding similarities in their pasts. As he though more of it he found the boy to be eerily familiar to him for so reason.

But Jotaro on the other hand took notice of Dio’s pompous attitude as he narrowed his eyes at the screen. “So this is where it all began.”

The narration began speaking about the advancements of the late 1800s as the view shifted onto a grassy plain where two boys could be seen stealing a young Erina’s doll, toying with her as they held it out of her reach.

Yukako spoke in pity “Oh that poor girl.”

A determined Jonathan Joestar jumped into the fray, demanding that the boys return the doll—only to be beat down. With his nose beading crimson he pulls out a handkerchief with his name on it causing the boys to beat him further in recognition of him being a noble before running off.

At the sight of the name on the handkerchief many eye lit up in recognition.

Okuyasu spouted out his thoughts “Hey isn’t that’s the same last name as Mr. Joestar.”

Joseph meanwhile was flabbergasted. “Jonathan Joestar! Ehhh?! Isn’t that my Grandpops name?”

Suzi Q sat beside him holding a bucket of popcorn. “Ohh! we get to watch your family’s past That’s so cool.”

Stroheim upon hearing the revelation that the screen supposedly was showing the past found himself stupefied by the though. “What manner of mad science is this!”

A grateful Erina goes to help Jonathan up but her hand is smacked away, as he states he didn’t fight for her attention but to become a true gentleman, running of as he left his handkerchief behind.

In the theater, Jonathan winced. “Erina, I—I’m sorry I struck your hand away that day.

Erina smiled softly. “You were a proud boy. But you did save my doll.

Behind them, Lisa Lisa’s lips curled into a rare smile.

Across the aisle, Hato swooned In her seat. “So dashing…”

Joshu gagged. “Ugh, really? He got his ass kicked!”

Yasuho elbowed him. “Shut up, Joshu.”

Jonathan returned home, only for Dio’s carriage to arrive.

Dio jumped out, throwing his suitcase to the ground. Jonathan introducing himself as Danny cheerfully approached… And Then—

CRACK.

Dio’s knee smashed into the dogs jaw.

The theater erupted.

“YOU LITTLE SHIT!” Joseph roared, standing so fast his popcorn went flying

“Bro—what the hell!” Ermes added to the fray.

Iggy barked furiously at the screen, teeth bared. ‘Let me at him! just once!’

The younger kids—Daiya, Tsurugi, even Hayato—gasped in horror.

“That’s awful!” Koichi cried.

Johnny, meanwhile, had gone eerily still. Upon hearing Jonathan call out Danny’s name he had remained silent nervousness plating his face.

And upstairs—

DIO laughed. A deep, rolling sound that filled the balcony.

“Ah, youth.” he smirked, lacing his fingers together. “How nostalgic.”

Pucci stared at him transfixed.

Kars scoffed at him.

And Tooru, he sighed. “And here I thought I was cold-hearted.”

As the outrage slowly died down the screen continued with it’s display.

Chapter Text

The theater buzzed with restless energy, the audience still simmering from the last scene. Some muttered under their breath, others clenched their fists—but all eyes remained locked on the screen as the story of Jonathan and Dio’s twisted rivalry continued.

George Joestar warmly ushered Dio into the mansion, introducing him to the servants as though he was his own son. Dio in turn bows stating he cannot find the words to express his thanks.

Old Joseph scowled. “Yeah, go kiss up to others all you want brat. You’re not getting away with that attitude of yours.”

George continued speaking on the screen.

“JoJo also lost his mother, and you are both of the same age. I hope you can be friends.”

Next the younger Joseph spoke out. “Yeah right, no way Gramps, or anyone is going to get along with that little shithead.

But was said next caused the both of them to yell out in unison.

“JoJo, It’s time to get over Danny, okay?”

“WHAT!” a collective shout could be heard ringing through the theater.

Jonathan, ever the forgiving soul that he was, had already dismissed the incident with Danny—rationalizing that he might’ve reacted the same if a strange dog rushed him.

The theater erupted in outrage once again.

“Oh, Come on!” Young Joseph roared, slamming his hands on the armrests. “Gramps, you cannot be this naive.”

Josuke (part 4) groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Dude, please tell me you at least punched him later."

Even Joshuu, of all people, was on his feet, shaking a hand at the screen. “Kick his ass already! What’s wrong with you?!”

Yasuho blinked. “...did Joshuu just say something reasonable?”

Josuke (Part 8) smirked. “Broken clock’s right twice a day.”

The moment George left, Dio’s mask slipped.

Jonathan reached for Dio’s luggage—only for the blonde to twist his arm, his voice dripping with venom.

“What do you think you’re doing? Don’t touch my bag.”

“Huh?”

“I said get your dirty hands of my bag, you imbecile.”

Even as Jonathan insisted he was just trying to help carry up his bag for him, Dio’s elbow slammed into his gut, the blonde boy stating that he rather have the servants carrying his things and not his dog slobber covered hands.

Narancia couldn’t help but let out his internal feelings. “Man, what an asshole!”

Koichi couldn’t help but ask, “Why is he being so mean. That boy is only trying to help him, even after what he did.”

On screen Dio pulled on Jonthan’s ear leaning into his ear to rant at him.

“Let’s get this straight, JoJo. Don’t you dare look down on me just because I’ll be staying at your house. I am the greatest. Number one. No one ever looks down on me!”

Mista couldn’t help but shudder. “Man this kid’s got quite the complex.”

Across the aisle, Diego smirked, arms crossed. “Now that’s how you establish dominance.”

Hot Pants, Johnny, and Gyro all turned to stare at him.

“The hell is wrong with you” Johnny snapped.

Diego just shrugged. “Survival of the fittest.”

Upstairs DIO chuckled, swirling a glass of wine that somehow appeared in his hand. The others in the room staring at him with a mix of disdain, and apathy, with the exception of Pucci who looked to him with reverence.

“I just... wanted to be friends!” On the screen Jonathan pleaded with Dio, but the blond just ignored him as he continued.

“One more Thing! I hate dogs! I’m not afraid of them, but it makes my skin crawl seeing them groveling around us Humans! Don’t do you dare let that mongrel Danny near me again.”

Okuyasu was seething in his seat as he tapped his foot. “Of course that kid kicked the dog on purpose.”

Iggy meanwhile continued plotting in his head. ‘When I get my paws on you, we’ll see who’s groveling around who!’

George called for the two boys to hurry along as the two of them headed upstairs.

The screen shifted—George, stern faced, lectured Jonathan as he made his sixth mistake on his test hitting his hand with a paddle while exclaiming Dio’ got twenty out of twenty questions correct.

Josuke (part 4) winced. “Yeesh. Isn’t that a little harsh, just for flunking a little on a test.”

Giorno flinched, his fingers tightening on his seat. ‘This.. hits to close.”

Meanwhile Norisuke was appalled. “A father should never raise their hand against their child in such a manner!”

Again the scene changed, at the dinner table Jonathan could be seen eating messily. Upon seeing his son conducting himself this way George berates him, and tells the butler to clear his plate.

“That’s enough dinner for you tonight! You will go to bed without supper! Head to your room immediately. Since Dio arrived, I realized that I have been too lenient on you all these years! It is an embarrassment to me as your Father! Learn from Dio! Dio’s manners are perfect.”

Jonathan quickly ran off to his room, while Dio called him an imbecile.

Old Joseph seethed at the blonde boy acting all perfect. “Oh if I could just get my hands on you!!”

Jonathan in the audience meanwhile, just sighed. “Father was right. I should’ve been more disciplined—“

Erina whacked his arm. “Stop that. You were perfect as you were.”

Speedwagon nodded furiously. “Damn right!”

Johnny, meanwhile, had gone pale, his breath shallow. ‘This is… to much like my old man.’

Lucy noticing his nervous expression called out to him. “Hey? Are you—?”

He snapped out of it as he turned away, muttering out a tense “I’m fine.”

The scene shifted again—Jonathan, alone in his room, wept quietly before a portrait of his mother. Then, like a small mercy, he spotted a half-eaten chocolate bar.

The theater’s tension broke as Jonathan devoured it like a starving man.

Many burst out laughing.

“PFFT—! That’s so me!” Narancia cackled.

Ermes wiped her eyes. “Okay, that was kind cute.”

Daiya meanwhile clutched her stomach as she yelled out “That’s so silly!” while to her side Hato put a hand to her mouth as she snorted.

The the mood would soon turn sour as the showing continued.

Outdoors Jonathan found himself participating in the local boxing arena set up by the local kids, he stepped in ready to face of against the champion but a change is suddenly made when Dio shows up to fight. The both of them wager a month of their allowance earnings.

Narancia let out a long sigh. “Man—! Of course he had to show up to ruin the fun.”

“Oh, here we go.” Polnareff muttered

Daiya stuck her thumb out as she booed Dio.

The fight was brutal. Jonathan’s punches whiffed as Dio dogged with effortless grace—before driving a thumb into Jonathan’s eye as he punched him out.

“AGH—! Jonathan reeled, blood streaming down his face.

Multiple viewers winced, looking away.

Johnny’s head snapped toward Diego—who was smirking, clearly enjoying the show.

Stephen Steel frowned. “That’s hardly sportsmanlike.”

Upstairs, Dio sipped his wine, amused.

Valentine arched a brow. “Was tormenting him truly necessary?”

DIO’s grin widened. “Every second of it.”

Dio’s victory was absolute. The other boys cheered for him as he lit a fire cracker with a flourish, laughing while Jonathan struggled to rise, blood in his eye.

“Why…?” Jonathan whispered. “Why is he doing this?”

In the theater, Jotaro’s voice was ice.

“He’s cutting of your support. Isolating you.”

Old Joseph cracked his knuckles. “Just you wait, you blond bastard. Grandpa’s going to wreck you.”

Avdol nodded. “The Joestar spirit is not so easily broken.”

——

The screen continue on with it’s showing, the theater’s tension thickening like storm clouds.

Jonathan could be seen in his room rifling through his desk, searching for his watch—only to catch a glimpse of Dio slipping it into his pocket with a smirk.

‘N-No Way! He… He’s been going through my desk?!’ Jonathan thinks to himself, the screen voicing the inner thoughts of the boy as it continued. ‘And I have a feeling I won’t be seeing that watch again… until it breaks’.

“Yeah, no shit” Ermes muttered crossing her arm as she scowled at the blond youth.

The rest of the audience groaned in exasperation as well.

“How is no one noticing this little bastard’s behavior!?” Narancia threw his hands up.

Speedwagon simply remarked “someone ought to put him in his place soon!”

On Screen, as he made his way out of Jonathan’s room and down the corridor, Dio’s attention was drawn to the stone mask hanging on the wall. He reached out tracing its jagged edges with old curiosity.

Sitting in their seats Will A. Zeppeli and Lisa Lisa knowing what the mask truly was could only tense as the boy coldly regarded the artifact.

George notices Dio holding the mask, the young boy apologizing for touching the artifact without permission as he remarks how creepy it is, but the older man tells him he does not mind, as he explains it’s Aztec origins, and how he bought it a vendor in London the same day the carriage accident occurred where he lost his wife.

Old Joseph frowns thinking how his family tragic legacy could have been prevented has the stone mask simply not existed.

Dio asks if the mask is of any value, to which George says not much, when the young boy notices writing on the back which George states he surmises it’s written in aztec.

Kars smirks knowing the true language and words written on the mask, amused by the man’s assumptions.

George asks him if the stone mask interests him, to which he states not at all.

At that Kars can't help but let a laugh escape him as he remarks “Foolish boy. He holds eternity in his hands and calls it ugly.”

Not but a few meters to his side DIO scowls as he holds his wine muttering to himself. “Just you wait and see.”

The Scene shifts to the country side—Jonathan perched in a tree, pipe in mouth with Danny at his side.

Josuke (part 4) and Okuyasu remark about how cool he is.

Meanwhile Daiya pouts “Smoking is bad for you.”

Norisuke chuckles as he ruffles his daughter’s head “That’s right.”

Jonathan sees a group of boys walking below and invites them to have a smoke while the adults aren’t looking, but they claim Jonathan would just rat them out, causing Jonathan to fight them and get beat up as they run off. Jonathan surmises that Dio is spreading lies bout him.

Narancia just scoffed. “Man I hate that guy.”

Joseph furiously stuffed popcorn in his mouth. “That blond freak—thinks he can just—bad mouth Gramps—well we’ll see about that!”

Jonathan rolls about the river bank frustrated as he pats Danny, glad that he still has one companion by his side.

Joshuu scoffs as he remarks on Jonathan’s social situation. “Yeah right, that yellow headed numbskull is making you look like a loser.”

Yasuho just rolls her eyes as she looks to her side at Josuke (part 8) who’s attention seems to be grabbed by the projector at the moment.

Suddenly a woman appears from behind a tree a basket of grapes in hand. It was Erina Pendelton, she left the basket with Jonathan’s Handkerchief on top before darting away.

In the theater just as his on screen counterpart thanked Erina for the grapes, Jonathan did much the same as he turned to the woman beside him, eyes soft. “Thank you… for returning it.”

Erina simply smiled, “You did save my doll after all.”

On Screen a montage is shown as Jonathan and Erina relationship progresses as they go together to an amusement park, in another scene they sneak off to swim in the river.

The two in the theater are happy to revisit the fond memories, with a rest of the majority of the cast having smirks of their own.

Hato sighed as she dramatically put a hand to her head.

“Ah… amor juene.” Polnareff let out a soft sigh.

Anasui meanwhile watched Jolyne—who was still holding on to a tired out Emporio—from the corner of his eye, clenching his fists as he though to himself ‘I’ll have moments like that with her to…’

The Screen continued on showing Erina relaxing by the river as she could be seen feeding Danny grapes, while Jonathan in secret carved something onto a tree grabbing Erina’s attention As she asks what he’s carving. Jonathan attempts to hide what he carved trying to play it off as nothing significant but relents as she nags him.

Pulling away his hand Erina was shocked, beneath his palm carved into the bark was both their names encircled in a heart, which caused Erina’s face to flush bright red.

“Oh, Jojo you scoundrel.”

Multiple laughs rang out in the theater from most of the younger members of the audience, as Jonathan's face turned red with embarrassment. Erina sharing his feelings as well.

“Awwww!” Hato clapped her hands.

Trish sipped her sparkling water, amused. “Young love”

Even Jotaro’s usual scowl softened a fraction “Tch. Not bad, old man.”

Even above, Valentine, leaning back in his plush seat, smirked “How… quaint.”

Young Joseph pumped his fist “GO GRANDPA!”

Jonathan put his hand to Erina’s shoulder, only to be smacked away as the two began to chase each other around the tree.

The feeling in the theater was lively, but it did not last.

The Sun began to set as Erina waved Jonathan goodbye, behind a tree Dio can be seen looking at Jonathan’s carving.

“Aw crap.” Okuyasu couldn’t help but remark, as the joy from the previous seen vanished in an instant.

Iggy who had been lazily sitting in his seat, growled as Dio made his reappearance.

The Blond haired youth cornered Erina asking for her name as remarks that he thought Jonathan seemed too happy lately.

Joseph grit his teeth tightly. “I swear if that bastard tires anything against granny Erina—!”

Erina recoiled and tried to escape—but Dio grabbed her, forcing a kiss as his lackeys gasped.

The theater erupted.

“YOU SON OF A—!” Joseph roared, lunging halfway out of his seat.

Yasuho gasped “Oh my god.”

Jotaro’s hat shadowed his eyes “...Bastard.”

Even Bucciarati, usually composed, looked ready to strangle someone.

But chief among them, definitely was Jonathan.

“DIOOOOOOOO—!”

And up above in the opulent viewing box DIO only let out a ‘heh’ as he watched the chaos unfold.

Pucci stared at him shocked.

——

On screen Dio throws Erina into the mud as his lackeys cheer him on, the poor girl trembling. The blond boy has a satisfied look upon his face as he begins to speak.

“Have you… kissed JoJo yet? You haven’t, have you? The first person you kissed wasn’t JoJo!”

“IT WAS ME, DIO!”

The Theater already enraged past the boiling point exploded once again as multiple people threw their hostilities at the screen.

“I’LL KILL YOU, YOU BLOND RAT—!” Joseph began to fight his way out of the stand ushers which were beginning to restrain him, only for a fresh wave jump onto him as they waited for him to calm down. His older counterpart meanwhile gripped the armrests of his seat until they splintered under his grasp.

“That damn bastard!”

Anasui’s face darkened, his fingers twitching. (If anyone tired that with Jolyne…)

Erina hid her face in her hands, trembling. Lisa Lisa and Suzy Q gave her looks of sympathy as they watched from afar, while Caesar attempted to calm Joseph down as well as get him out of the huge pile of stand ushers he now found himself buried beneath.

Dio exclaims in his mind that it didn’t matter that he forced it as the fact he kissed her first meant that their relationship was ruined. He continued on to claim he’ll never let Jonathan have love or friendship, and leave him an invalid.

Mista was exasperated at the blond boy’s thoughts “Man what did he ever even do to you!”

On Screen Dio’s lackeys suddenly point to Erina who began to wipe her mouth with the muddy water on the ground, tears streaming down her face. Dio enraged by the act smacks her across the face leaving her sprawled in the mud as he takes his leave snapping a branch off a tree.

Joseph howled, thrashing about in the stand ushers which now covered nearly his entire body, Caesar attempted to call for him to snap out of it to no avail.

Foo Fighters meanwhile tilted her head in confusion. “Why is he mad? Muddy water is still water, doesn't matter where it comes from.”

Jolyne pinched the bridge of her nose is exasperation. “FF, that’s not the point.”

Jonathan’s expression was unreadable—but his knuckles were white.

The scene changed, Jonathan was playing with Danny in front of the Joestar mansion, while Dio and George could be seen conversating on a balcony above.

Dio speaks on how Danny seems to be a well trained mutt, to which George explains on how JoJo trained Danny solely and how they were friends, to Dio’s bewilderment.

George began to explain the story of how Danny and Jojo first met, telling him how Jonathan got bit when he first tried to pet him, causing him to harass the dog with a broom and by throwing rocks, yet regardless one day when Jonathan was drowning in the river Danny went to save him, and ever since they’ve been best friends.

The theater softened if only lightly, with Dio still being on screen.

“Man, dogs are the best,” Okuyasu grinned, scratching Iggy’s ears, who was sat on the first seat of the next row.

Iggy huffed ‘damn right’ but he didn’t pull away.

The dour mood continued however as the showing played a new scene.

In the streets of urban England, Erina can be seen fleeing from Jonathan with tears streaming down her face, to ashamed to even face him.

In the theater, Jonathan finally turned to Erina, voice thick. “I’m sorry. I never meant for you to be hurt because of me.”

Erina finally unshielded her face as she shook her head. “It’s not your fault. I—I should’ve run faster—“

“No.” Jonathan’s voice was firm. “A gentleman protects those he cares for. I failed you.”

Bullies could be seen pelting Jonathan taunting him over what Dio had done with Erina, causing him to fly into a flippant rage as he dashed back towards the mansion.

With a sprint he burst through the main doors, and with a roar he yelled

“DIIOOO!”

The theater began to cheer.

“Finally!” Narancia whooped.

“KICK HIS ASS, GRANDPA!” Young Joseph bellowed as he brushed an usher from his face.

Rohan began furiously scribbling in his notebook as the conflict reached it’s head.

Dio shot up out of his chair as the boy began to rush him. “What are you doing…? Yelling my name with those clenched fists of yours… what are you going to do?

Jonathan raised his fist. “I’ll never forgive you! This isn’t about your hatred towards me— I don’t give a crap about myself!

Dio exclaims that his jealousy is unbecoming of him, mocking him, while Jonathan states he won’t let his treatment of Erina go unpunished as the fight commences.

“JoJo..” softly Erina watches along with the rest of the theater in anticipation as the first blows are thrown.

Jonathan swung first, but Dio blocked returning with an elbow to his nose.

“Itching for a repeat for our boxing match? You’re nothing but a fool.”

Jonathan began to falter as he staggered back, but this time he would not fall, for too much was on the line, and so was Erina’s honor.

Dio brought a knee to Jonathan’s head but he took it head on, and returned with a headbutt—Dio’s nose crunching under the force of the blow.

The theater roared.

“HELL YES!” Josuke (part 4) punched the air.

“BEAT HIS ASS.” Ermes yelled.

Jonathan’s fists rained down like a torrent, his voice raw with fury.

“I Won’t… stop hitting you… until you cry.”

Dio for the first time looked afraid.

The audience was unhinged.

“THAT’S RIGHT!” Old Joseph cackled. “MAKE HIM BEG!”

Upstairs, Kars smirked at DIO. “How pathetic. Your younger self, brought low by a human.”

DIO’s glass shattered in his grip. “Silence.”

Kira adjusted his tie. “Overestimating oneself leads to carelessness.”

Valentine nodded. “This Jonathan’s will is… admirable.”

Tooru chuckled. “Love really is a powerful thing, huh?”

As he was punched and beaten to a pulp Dio’s blood splattered against the stone mask hanging on the wall causing it to activate it’s sharp point releasing, causing it to bounce off the wall, garnering Jonathan’s attention.

The theater now well aware of the masks power from the viewing recoiled slightly as the stone artifact toppled to the ground.

Erina’s attention was elsewhere however, as she looked at Jonathan—her Jonathan—with awe.

“You… you didn’t have to do that for me.”

Jonathan meet her gaze, unwavering.

“Yes. I did.”

Dio lay bloodied and beaten on the carpet as he began sniffling.

“How… How… How dare you do that to me! You dirty imbecile.

Dio stumbled as he got off the ground approaching Jonathan with a hand behind his back which can be seen carrying a knife.

Many in the theater gasped as the Dio on screen held the weapon close behind him as he approached Jonathan.

Jotaro clicked his tongue, “Tch.” giving the pathetic boy a glare.

Abbacchio meanwhile finally spoke as he scrutinized his behavior. “This kid just doesn't know when to give up.”

Suddenly from the Banister above George Joestar’s voice rang out.

“What do you two think your doing!?”

Dio quickly hid his knife as the stone mask retracted it’s needles, the two previously fighting boys looking up toward the figure atop the stairs.

“Boys Fight— I understand that! But Jojo, it looked as if you were attacking Dio as he lay there defenseless! That is not gentlemanly.”

Jonathan despreatley tried to plead his innocence. “No! I—I…”

However the figure head of the household would hear none of it.

“No excuses! Head to your room! Both of you! I will punish you both later.

With that the two boys stormed off separately into the Mansion.

Meanwhile in the theater the occupants could only groan once more.

Narancia yelled. “Man, I can’t believe that asshole mostly got away with that.”

Joshuu also voiced his displeasure. “Come on you’re telling me he’s not going to to finish him off! Tch. What a rip off.”

Joseph meanwhile finally having calmed down enough that the ushers released him scoffed at the viewing showing Dio standing by the open entrance with the wind still blowing in from outside.

Okuyasu meanwhile just sighed in relief at the inactive stone mask. “Hey at least no one is going to become some freaky vampire.”

And so the viewing continued as the occupants settled in for the next scene.