The group set out for Windknights Lot under the pale light of the morning sun, its rays casting long shadows across the rolling hills. Speedwagon led the way, his signature hat tilted at its usual jaunty angle, while Jonathan and Zeppeli walked side by side, discussing the finer points of the Ripple. Ethan trailed slightly behind, his crimson eyes scanning the horizon with a mix of vigilance and curiosity. The tension from the previous day had eased, but the weight of their mission still hung heavy in the air.
Speedwagon, ever the talker, kept the mood light with his stories. "You should've seen the look on that bloke's face when I knocked him out cold with me hat! Thought he was seeing stars, he did!"
Ethan chuckled, his smirk faint but genuine. "You knocked someone out with your hat?"
Speedwagon winked, tapping the brim of his hat with pride. "Aye, and it's not just for show, either. This hat's saved my life more times than I can count. It's me lucky charm, it is."
Jonathan smiled warmly, his voice carrying a note of gratitude. "Speedwagon's loyalty and courage have been invaluable to us. I'm glad he's here."
Speedwagon's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Jonathan's shoulder, his tone earnest. "And I'll always be here for you, my friend. No matter what."
Ethan watched the exchange, a pang of something he couldn't quite name stirring in his chest. He had spent so much time alone—both in his past life and in the Marvel Universe—that he had almost forgotten what it felt like to have friends. The camaraderie between Jonathan, Zeppeli, and Speedwagon was something he hadn't experienced in a long time. It left him feeling both envious and, for the first time in a while, hopeful.
As they neared the outskirts of Windknights Lot, the atmosphere grew tense. The village loomed in the distance, its dark silhouette framed by the setting sun. The air was unnaturally still, and the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the trees, sending a chill down Ethan's spine.
"Something's not right," Ethan muttered, his blood sense tingling. "We're not alone."
Before anyone could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows—Jack the Ripper, his once-human form now twisted and grotesque. His pale skin stretched taut over his muscular frame, and his eyes glowed with a malevolent light. His movements were jerky and unnatural, like a puppet controlled by an unseen force. In his hand, he held a scalpel, its blade glinting in the dim light like a sliver of ice.
"Well, well, well," Jack sneered, his voice a guttural rasp that grated against the ears. "What do we have here? A group of fools, wandering into my domain? How delightful."
Ethan's eyes narrowed, his crimson gaze locking onto Jack. "Jack the Ripper. I've heard of you. You're even uglier in person."
Jack chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Speedwagon's spine. "And you must be the new blood. How quaint. Tell me, do you scream as beautifully as my other victims?"
Jonathan stepped forward, his expression resolute, his voice steady. "You won't harm anyone else, Jack. Your reign of terror ends here."
Jack's grin widened, revealing jagged teeth that seemed too large for his mouth. "Oh, how noble. But you see, it's not just about the killing anymore. It's about the fear, the despair—the way their eyes widen as they realize there's no escape. That's what I live for now."
Zeppeli's hand glowed with Ripple energy as he stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding. "You're a monster, Jack. And monsters have no place in this world."
Jack tilted his head, his grin never faltering. "A monster, am I? Perhaps. But even monsters have their uses. Dio has given me a new purpose, and I intend to fulfill it."
Jack lunged at Jonathan, his movements fast and erratic. Jonathan dodged, his focus split between the zombie and the glass of wine in his hand. The first few exchanges were tense, with Jonathan narrowly avoiding Jack's attacks while keeping the wine steady.
Ethan watched from the sidelines, his crimson eyes tracking the fight. "He's holding back," he muttered to Speedwagon. "Why isn't he using the Ripple?"
Speedwagon shook his head, his expression tense. "He's waiting for the right moment. Jonathan's not one to rush into things."
As the battle continued, Jack's cruelty became more apparent. He slashed at Jonathan with his scalpel, but when Jonathan dodged, Jack turned the blade on himself, slicing open his own arm. Blood dripped from the wound, but Jack only laughed, his voice dripping with malice.
"Do you see this?" he taunted, holding up his bleeding arm. "This is nothing to me. Pain, fear, despair—they're all just tools to break you. And break you, I will."
Ethan's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "This guy's even more messed up than I thought."
Jonathan, however, remained focused. He began to notice something strange—the wine in the glass rippled slightly whenever Jack moved, as if reacting to his presence. Realizing this, Jonathan held the glass out in front of him, using it to detect Jack's movements even when the zombie was out of sight.
"Clever," Ethan said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Using the wine as a sensor. I'll have to remember that trick."
Finally, Jonathan saw his opening. He stepped forward, his movements fluid and precise, and slammed his palm against the wall. The Ripple energy surged through the stone, striking Jack with a burst of golden light. The zombie let out a final, guttural scream before crumbling to dust.
Jonathan stood there, breathing heavily, the glass of wine still perfectly intact in his hand.
Zeppeli stepped forward, a proud smile on his face. "Well done, Jonathan. You've proven yourself worthy of the Ripple."
Jonathan nodded, his expression serious. "Thank you, Zeppeli. But this is only the beginning. Dio is still out there."
Ethan clapped slowly, a smile on his face. "Not bad, JoJo. I'll admit, I wasn't sure you could pull it off. But you've got some serious skills."
Jonathan turned to Ethan, his smile returning. "Thanks, Ethan. Coming from you, that means a lot."
Speedwagon grinned, slapping Jonathan on the back. "I knew you had it in you, mate! That was some fancy footwork out there."
Ethan crossed his arms, his smirk widening. "Yeah, but let's not get too cocky. Dio's not going to go down that easily. And next time, I want in on the action."
As the group continued toward Windknights Lot, Ethan felt a renewed sense of determination. He had seen Jonathan's strength and Zeppeli's wisdom firsthand, and he knew that together, they stood a chance against Dio. But he also knew that his own path would be different—a path forged by blood, ambition, and the Crimson Code.
The night was dark, but the stars above offered a faint glimmer of hope. And for the first time in a long time, Ethan felt like he wasn't alone.
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Hello everyone! If you are enjoying the story, please leave a comment (I read and consider all of them), review, and a power stone! Thank you!
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I have an urgent trip to make tomorrow, so I probably won't be able to post a chapter that day.