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Chapter 7

As Hearne was on his way to the town, he started to notice a gradual rise in temperature. Initially, he didn't pay much attention to it as it was normal for the temperature to increase as the day progressed. However, as time went by, the heat became more and more intense, making it almost unbearable for him. The hot and dry air made it difficult for him to breathe, and he started to feel a sense of unease. Even though Hearne had never been to a desert before, he had heard stories about the harsh conditions and extreme temperatures that characterize these regions. As he looked around, he noticed that the landscape was barren and devoid of any vegetation. The ground was covered with sand, and the sun was shining brightly overhead. If he didn't know better, he would have thought that he was in the middle of a desert.

Aífe really should have told him that scorching temperatures also caused hallucinations, but that was a lesson that he learned now. The blazing sun was beating down on him with an intensity that made his skin prickle and his throat parched and he was lucky that this was all he suffered as he was certain that most mortals would have died by now.

He knew that he had to find a way to cool off, and that's when he decided to unleash his companion, Órlaith, a magnificent golden-winged creature. With a swift motion, he released her from his side, and she took to the sky, soaring above them with effortless grace.

As Órlaith continued to fly above them, Hearne felt the relief that he had been longing for. The scorching heat was no longer oppressive, and he could almost imagine a cool breeze on his skin. He continued his journey on foot, his eyes fixed on the horizon, and his heart full of hope. The two continued their journey on earth while Órlaith soared above them, providing much-needed relief from the relentless sun.

As Hearne trudged along the deserted road, boredom began to set in. Seeking a brief respite, he decided to skinchange into Órlaith. But, as he did so, a sudden commotion broke out. Out of nowhere, a towering man with azure hair emerged, his fists clenched tightly in rage. The sun beat down mercilessly, making the already arduous situation even more challenging. To Hearne's surprise, his body had defended itself against the skinchange, leaving him powerless. He could only watch in helpless horror as Setanta, the entity that had taken control of his being, prepared to defend himself against the blue-haired stranger. In a flash, a heavily pregnant woman appeared out of hiding and bravely held back the belligerent man with all her might. The scene was chaotic and terrifying, but the woman's bravery and determination were admirable.

“Jonathan, stop this madness, can’t you see? He’s not one of them.” The young woman, her blond hair and blue eyes shining, struggled to restrain the enormous man Hearne presumed was her husband, all while the intensity of the scorching sun seemed to wane.

“Please forgive me, good sir,” He pleaded with an apologetic tone. “Monsters have been ceaselessly plaguing us, and I had mistaken you for one of them.” Jonathan bowed and then offered his hand. Setanta took a deep breath and relinquished control of his son’s body, which Hearne gladly accepted.

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“Forgive me for the pause. I had to regain control of my emotions.” Hearne lied as easily as he breathed, for he did not know these people and while they seemed like nice people, one of them had just attacked him, but that did not mean that he could be rude, so he shook Jonathan’s hand.

“Excuse me, could you please tell us the location of the nearest town? If you cannot do so, then please point us in a general direction. I understand that we may be asking too much, especially after I just attacked you. You have every right to refuse.” Jonathan asked politely, patiently waiting for a response and the young blonde repeatedly rubbed her pregnant belly in an attempt to calm down her growing child, which worked for the most part.

“Of course, just keep going east until you find the town, but I will warn you though that it is completely vacant, so I don’t recommend going there unless you’re really… desperate.” Hearne said as he looked at the pregnant woman and noticed how close to her pregnancy she was, which meant they would most likely go to the safe but vacant town rather than stay in the lively and dangerous wilderness.

“Thank you for the information, kind stranger. We will be on our way now” Jonathan said as he carried his pregnant wife on his shoulders and prepared to continue their journey, but Hearne stopped them.

“We have the same destination, and to be brutally honest with you two, you both aren’t exactly fit for life in the wilderness, so I will be your guide out of the wilderness." Hearne said as he looked at their clothes for the first time. He didn’t realize what he had said until Jonathan responded.

“That’s very nice. You look like a man familiar with the wilderness, so we will very much appreciate your guidance.”

Jonathan asked, “If it is alright with you, can my wonderful wife please ride on your fine specimen of a horse?” Through a connection to Ahearn's mind that Hearne had forged during his creation. Hearne asked Ahearn if he would be fine with a stranger riding atop him, Ahearn wasn’t okay with the arrangement, but it was the nice thing to do as letting a pregnant woman suffer was a good way to be hated by both the mother and child and it was also because he felt a kind, motherly aura from her and Hearne agreed but he wouldn't say that to them at least until he knew them better.

"Yes, of course, although it is Ahearn's first time being ridden by a stranger, but my presence will pacify him." Hearn said to the strangers, as they did not need to know his divine powers and status.

"That's a rather strange name." The female stranger said as she had a curious look on her face as Jonathan put her on Ahearn.

"In my people's language, Ahearn means Lord of Horses, and as you can see it's true to life." Hearne said complimenting Ahearn, who liked the compliment.

Erina stayed silent as she managed to get more comfortable. "I know that you have been very forgiving of us and I swear on the Joestar name to you pay you double for what you have done for us." Jonathan said

"Well, if you want to pay me double for what I have done for you would need to know my name." Hearne said aggressively hinting to the Joestar that he still has not asked for his name.

"Of course. I would like to know your name. It is just that current circumstances have made me forget my manners, so I shall introduce my wife first. Her name is Erina Joestar, formerly known as Erina Pendleton and my name is Jonathan Joestar, but my friends call me JoJo"

"Well met JoJo, my name is Hearne. Now we must go while there is still daylight." Hearne said as he grabbed Ahearn's reins and led the Joestar family out of the wilderness.