Chapter 33: [Invisible Black Monster: Oni]
For Jonas, the process was always more important than the destination. If pursuing Enya the Hag meant risking J. Geil's escape, allowing that scum to live even a moment longer... he would choose extermination every time.
As for finding Enya? Jonas wasn't worried. He had just executed her precious son. She would not let that stand. She would come for him. Or rather, she would send more assassins. All he had to do was wait. The cowboy, Hol Horse, was proof enough of that.
Speaking of Hol Horse... Jonas had to admit, the man was impressive in his own way. To escape him three times... perhaps his Stand ability wasn't [The Emperor], but [The Secret Joestar Technique: Run Away]?
With J. Geil's final breath, the black ninja Stand returned to Jonas's side like a loyal retainer. The dozens of daggers pinning the corpse dissolved into black particles, flowing back into the Stand's form.
So, Jonas mused, this new form can create weapons from the [Invisible Black Matter]... If it can make weapons, what else can it create?
As he watched, J. Geil's shadow began to contort. It pulsed, shrinking and expanding, before coalescing into a stream of pure darkness that flowed directly into the black Stand. Jonas felt a distinct wave of... satisfaction emanate from the Stand, like the feeling of downing an ice-cold cola after a long session in a sauna.
He stroked his chin. The Stand was stronger now. He could feel it. By consuming J. Geil's entire shadow, its speed and power had increased.
So, this new form also grows by consuming shadows, Jonas analyzed. But unlike [Maw], it doesn't seem to increase in size.
More questions flooded his mind. Did the type of shadow matter? Was there a difference between the shadow of a Stand user and that of a normal person? He had no answers... yet.
Next, he tried to command the new Stand as he did [Maw], willing it to split. Instantly, an identical black ninja Stand peeled away from the first. No, not peeled away... it was duplicated. But as the second Stand appeared, Jonas felt the power of the first one diminish noticeably.
Just like [Maw], he confirmed. It can divide its power to create multiple bodies.
He pushed further, summoning a third. But when he tried for a fourth, he felt the familiar sensation of depletion. He was out of particles.
"Three... is the current limit," Jonas murmured.
He examined the new Stand form. Its appearance, its ability to move through shadows... it strongly resembled the Ninja Khan from his past life's memories of Jackie Chan Adventures. The most human-like of the Shadowkhan, capable not just of combat, but stealth, espionage... even mundane tasks. A versatile, balanced power.
"Since you look like ninjas," Jonas declared, "I'll call you [Invisible Black Monster: Oni]."
Three personal bodyguards. Or perhaps... personal maids? The potential convenience was leagues beyond what the diminutive [Maw] could offer.
Speaking of [Maw]... Jonas wanted to see if it had changed as well. He focused his will, commanding it to appear.
Nothing happened. It was as if [Maw] didn't exist.
Jonas frowned. "?"
He looked at the three [Oni] standing silently before him, and then it clicked. His Stand forms were all constructed from the same finite pool of [Invisible Black Matter]. The three [Oni] were currently using all of it. That must be why [Maw] couldn't manifest.
He dismissed the [Oni], their forms dissolving back into particles within him. Then, he tried again. "[Maw]!"
Instantly, the creature appeared. And it was huge.
What had been the size of a rat was now easily the size of a large house cat. Its fangs seemed longer, sharper. It let out its signature, disturbing giggle – "Kishishishi..." – and began to excitedly wiggle and bounce around Jonas's feet, like a puppy proudly presenting a fetched frisbee, showing off its new, larger body.
Unfortunately, with its larger size came... more drool. As it tried to affectionately rub its slobbering maw against his leg, Jonas reflexively kicked out in disgust.
His foot passed straight through it.
"..." Jonas sighed. Right. Non-users couldn't touch Stands, but users normally couldn't either, unless they specifically willed it or the Stand initiated contact.
"Alright, alright," Jonas grumbled. "Stand still. And don't phase."
[Maw], though possessing only rudimentary intelligence, understood the command. It stood solid, quivering with anticipation.
Jonas kicked again. This time, his foot connected with a thud. It felt like kicking an incredibly dense, rubbery medicine ball. A jarring force shot up his leg. [Maw] went flying, tumbling end over end before landing silently on its shadowy feet. It then immediately scampered back, rubbing against his legs even more enthusiastically, as if begging him to do it again.
Jonas kicked it again, just for good measure. Thankfully, [Maw] was an automatic-type Stand; damage to it didn't reflect back onto him. Otherwise, this would be a very painful game.
Once [Maw] settled down, Jonas tested its other new ability. He commanded it to split.
Instantly, nine smaller Maws popped into existence, surrounding his feet.
"Kishishishi... Kishishishi... Kishishishi..."
Being surrounded by nine giggling, drooling shadow-monsters was... annoying. Jonas dismissed eight of them, leaving only one small [Maw].
Then, he tried to summon his other form. "[Oni]!"
Nothing happened. He tried again. Still nothing. It was as if [Oni] was a shy maiden, refusing to appear while another woman was present.
Jonas stared, bewildered, at the single [Maw] happily hopping around his feet. He dismissed it.
"[Oni]!"
Instantly, the ninja Stand appeared.
Jonas finally understood. His Stand forms... they were like jealous lovers. They refused to share him. To have both [Maw] and [Oni] active simultaneously... theoretically, it might be possible, if he possessed the kind of overwhelming charisma needed to manage such a volatile relationship.
Right now, he didn't.
But he had a feeling. A premonition. That one day, he would master this power. He would make [Maw], [Oni], and any future forms coexist. After all, Jonas Jourdan had always been confident in his charms.
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Stand User: Jonas Jourdan
Stand Name: [Invisible Black Monster: Oni]
Destructive Power: C
Speed: C
Range: A
Stamina: A
Precision: C
Developmental Potential: A