??? POV

Someone has leapt out onto the sands. They were either foolish, or they were planning something. Wait, this was Joestar's friend, the elderly monk. I could tell from the particular way he hit the sand, he landed with more elegance than the others would.

I scowled to myself, continuing to read his footsteps. However there were none, he'd leapt from the jeep and then stopped. So had the dog, but I'd worry about that later. The old man was up to something. What that is, there was only one way to find out.

"If you wish to play games, then I, N'Doul shall be more than willing to play."

Image of N'Doul:

Gyalzen POV

"Say hello to Page of Cups..."

My Stand relaxed its stance and now hovered by my side. Judging from what I'd seen so far, I could deduce that's what this was. From the overturned jeep, I heard Joseph saying "So, you do have a Stand."

I heard Avdol add "It makes sense, he seemed to notice Polnareff and Iggy's Stands earlier. Wait, is that steam? WHOA!" Their words were cut short as the jeep jolted in the water, causing them to have to cling on further.

I spoke calmly "Yes, my 'Stand' produces a constant aura of steam. As long as my Stand is present steam will keep being generated without the need for friction. However that's not the only reason I'm doing this."

Joseph asked "What are you planning?" However I didn't answer, instead I remained completely motionless. I knew that this water Stand already knew my position, whether it would come to me, only time would tell.

Even if I didn't know what Stands were, I'd had this ability for a few months. I'd learned what it could do in that time. And it was convenient that my first adversary would be a water-based Stand. Tracking them down wouldn't be difficult.

In about a minute the area surrounding me was shrouded in steam. And it was here I made my move. Reaching out, both me and my Stand pressed our right hand against the desert sands. A hiss was heard as stream rose from under my Stand's hand.

Polnareff asked "What does he think he's doing?! That thing's still out there!" However Joseph consoled him. "I'd just watch if I were you." Polnareff exclaimed "What?!" Only for Joseph to say with a stern look. 

"I've known Gyalzen for fifty years. I've seen him face tough opponents before. Hell, he once saved me and my mother from a powerful being named Kars. My point is, if Gyalzen says he has a plan, then he definitely has one."

I closed my eyes, smirking and muttering "Thanks for the confidence Joseph." I began focusing, if one looked closely, they'd notice steam begin to seep in between the gains of sand underneath me. 

It took a moment, before I finally noticed it. Something made of liquid had been caught in the steam!

I'd discovered this ability by pure accident. While training my Stand, one of my students had run in to inform me of some minor news. What was important was that he had been sweating. It was here I'd noticed the trick I was using now.

Once I'd dismissed him, I found that a trail of steam had been left, with sweat particles in it. It was disgusting, but it lead to me experimenting with this ability more. And water held a similar effect. And NOW, the steam had latched onto this water-themed Stand.

With it, I'd be able to follow the routes this water had taken...

N'Doul POV

Something felt off, minutes had passed and there was no movement. Not from the dog, the old monk or the others. So, they were remaining still, that wasn't much of a trouble. Wait, what's this. Something isn't right!

My Stand, usually it flows freely with no resistance whatsoever. And yet now, it felt tense like it was in a choke hold. How could you grasp water? It doesn't make sense! And then it started.

It was faint at first, a quiet hissing sound, like steam from an appliance. The sound only began to get louder though. It was all I could hear, hissing in both ears! There was only one thing that could be causing it!

THE MONK! His Stand must be related to steam and have something to do with moisture manipulation! I smirked before muttering to myself.

"So, I underestimated you old man. However that is a mistake I will not make again. In the name of my Lord DIO, I shall exterminate you first..."

Gyalzen POV

For a while, I felt nothing but the slight water source. I was able to get a vague idea of the pattern it had travelled, forming a web beneath the sands. My eyes were closed as I focussed on locating the source. And I did.

My eyes opened, grinning as I said "There you are." Among all the webbing, there was one trail that went on quite a while in another direction in a straight line. I didn't need to reach the end to know this was it.

And I knew I'd gotten further than our enemy wanted when I sensed something. I spun around and had my Stand lash out with a palm thrust! Sure enough, the water Stand had launched itself towards me from behind!

In doing so, it had let go of the jeep which came back down with a crash sending Joseph and the others tumbling off it. I was about to ask if they were okay, however I didn't have time as the enemy's Stand burst out of the sand towards me. I thrust my hand forward to counter.

As it collided with my Stand's palm, it splashed only to reform and lash out again. I countered it with another palm-thrust. It briefly retreated only to spring back from another angle, trying to catch me off guard. I was able to intercept though with a swift elbow.

This was kept going for some time, the water didn't let-up. However I now understood Joseph's earlier statement about only Stands being able to harm other Stands. Unlike my earlier Hamon Overdrive, my Stand's blows were keeping the water at bay.

That was however, until the water abruptly stopped attacking. For a moment, there was silence once again. I looked around only to find nothing, my Stand's steam continued to allow me to track the enemy. I could feel it moving. But from where would it attack?

"MAGICIAN'S RED!"

Avdol's sudden yell gave my all the clues I needed. Spinning around, I saw Avdol's Stand manifest. A burning phoenix-like figure which lashed out at the stream of water. It clicked in my head.

If this guy was tracking us with sound, he'll have also heard when each of the others landed before. It went for Avdol first who actually countered pretty quickly. Or at least tried to, his attack narrowly missed its mark with the water jolting to the side.

Because it had to evade though, what could have been a lethal blow also missed its mark. It skimmed Avdol's neck, causing blood to spurt out as well as knocking him down. He was still alive though, judging by the ragged breathing.

The water rose up in front of him, likely intent on dealing the finishing blow. Though I wasn't about to let THAT happen! I allowed Page of Cups to manifest and strike the water with a powerful punch! 

Much like with Avdol, the water managed to dodge, however striking it wasn't my goal this time. The steam from earlier still lingered around us, most of which buried in the sand beneath us. With a swipe of my foot, I kicked a large clump of sand aside causing the steam within to shoot upwards with a loud hiss!

The water was fortunate enough to be caught in the steam. As it continued to rise from the ground, taking on the form of a cocoon around it, the water Stand could do little more but thrash about inside it.

N'Doul POV

What's happening?! All I can hear is hissing! It's getting louder and louder! That old man must have attacked me again! No matter, I'll finish him off once and for all. Despite the burn from Avdol's attack and the bruising from the monk's blows, I began focusing on my Stand.

That's when I began to sweat. I couldn't properly feel my Stand! It was like it was being surrounded in a prison! I could control it, but any attempt to move would result in hitting a wall that let out a loud hiss!

What was this monk's ability?!

Gyalzen POV

I chose now to speak. "I don't know how long I'd be able to contain the enemy. So listen carefully." While my Stand's hands focussed on holding the cocoon in place, I pointed out across the sands in the direction of what I found.

"My Stand possesses the ability to locate moisture and follow its course. The water has formed a large web beneath us, however there is a single straight line in THAT direction. My only guess is that's where the user is located."

Jotaro got to his feet, saying "Well then, what are we waiting for?" I shook my head. "Again, I don't know how long I can keep up this cocoon! Once his Stand is free it'll come right for you! How do you plan on outdoing that?"

Jotaro's only response was a smirk "Watch and see." What he did next was all too familiar to me. I swear, despite his persona, he was Joseph's grandson after all. So when he took off running, I wasn't surprised in the slightest.

What DID surprise me though was his destination, he didn't run in the direction I'd pointed. But rather, he ran towards the dog Iggy and proceeded to grab hold of him! With the dog in hand, he took off running once more. This time in the direction I'd pointed. 

By now, I was struggling to keep my grip on the Stand. It slammed against the cocoon of steam over and over. A scowled and tried holding the barrier up as best I could, however it didn't last much longer. As soon as it was weak enough, the water burst free from it.

It didn't attack me however, instead it made a direct beeline for the running Jotaro who was quick to notice this. He held the dog to the ground for one reason or another. I would normally question. But if he was anything like Joseph, I just had to believe he had a plan.

Seems Iggy wasn't going to sit and be a part of it though. I noticed sand begin to emerge as his Stand took form. This time though, sprouting wings! Jotaro barely had time to grab on as well, causing the two to glide through the air.

I took a moment to catch my breath, however once I felt back to normal. I began to move after them. Joseph called "Gyalzen wait!" Turning to him, he asked "What are you doing?" I gave him a sideways glance.

"I'm going to follow Jotaro, see this through to the end. Just like old times, eh Joseph?" Joseph said nothing, instead he watched silently as I made my move. Not running though, no, I knew that was just a death wish.

Instead, I leapt along. Pushing off the ground with enough force, my Stand released steam like miniature jets to propel me upwards. I soon gained view of Jotaro and Iggy gliding ahead of me. I watched as Jotaro did a similar trick, using his Stand to push himself into the air!

It seems my prediction was right. As we got closer, a figure came into view on the horizon. A man sat with his eyes closed. A cane at his side that he had embedded in the sand. So, he was blind. That explained his use of sound.

And it seems he was on to us as well. With Jotaro as his target. The water Stand shot out from the sand at him, he attempted to use his own Stand to punch it aside however despite the clear speed his Stand held, he couldn't predict its target. It lanced right into Iggy's 'The Fool' creating a hole in the wing!

I called out "Jotaro!" As the Stand began to sink towards the ground, Iggy, obviously wanting to save his own hide, began to lower the Stand even further, causing Jotaro to be drug through the sand, right into the enemy's trap.

Or that WOULD have been the case if not for what I saw happen next.

Jotaro called on his own Stand which proceeded to not only grab Iggy again, but then went on to THROW THE ANIMAL RIGHT AT THE ENEMY! 

By the time I'd reached Jotaro, Iggy was already spinning rapidly through the air to the would-be assassin! It was clear that not only had he detected the surprise projectile, but also seemed surprised by it.

Jotaro called out to him, informing him of what had happened "I threw Iggy at you! Come on, you better use your Stands to defend yourselves, or you'll end up in one big mess!" I smirked "I wouldn't have thought of that. You truly are Joseph's grandson."

Seems his plan worked as well. The water Stand in front of us retreated into the ground only to reappear in front of the man, both it and Iggy's Stand's collided with one another, catching both users off guard.

The man dropped his cane as Iggy slumped, panting to himself. He was clearly distracted and in this moment, we used my Stand to propel ourselves closer and behind him. It was here we just stood and watched.

Even when he'd grasped what had happened, he was still baffled. We watched as he fumbled for his cane. Placing it to his ear and waiting. He was searching for us, but it seems he was struggling. Not that it mattered. I spoke coldly.

"Hello sir."

This made him tense up, it was clear he was nervous now, shocked that we'd slipped behind him. Even so, he spoke with acceptance in his voice.

"I see. I didn't realise you had slinked so close. And there are two of you. That means..." He paused before asking. "Tell me, monk. What is your name?" I spoke "Gyalzen. And you?" He replied "N'Doul."

There was silence again until this 'N'Doul' spoke again. "I underestimated your Stand Gyalzen. And if I hadn't protected myself with this water shield, you both could have hit me from behind. I suppose I no longer need this cane to hear either of you. But I'll need it when I return home."

He began to drop the cane, and as soon as it hit the ground we'd reacted. Jotaro and me both summoned our Stands, a punch from his and a palm-thrust from mine struck N'Doul in the chest! The water sliced my side and knocked Jotaro's hat off, but our attack caused N'Doul to cough up blood as he dropped to the ground.

It was over. I could tell.

Both our Stands dissipated as we approached the injured assassin. Jotaro spoke coldly "You knocked my hat off. You know, I kept that hat on even when I was scuba diving. Don't worry, I know I went easy on you, I'm sure Gyalzen did the same." I nodded in agreement, I had, but only so we could question him. Jotaro spoke "You'll live."

That all changed when N'Doul's Stand emerged once more, not attacking us though, but rather piercing the blind Stand user through his own head!

We were left shocked, Jotaro asking "Why? Why did you do it?" 

N'Doul, likely predicting my motive, turned to us. In his dying breaths, he rasped out "Y-you thought you could get me to talk, tell you about the other eight Stand users, didn't you? I know Joseph Joestar's Hermit Purple can read people's minds. I won't tell you anything. Anything you could use against HIM."

Next to me, Jotaro muttered. "DIO, why are you all so loyal to him?" I still found it uncomfortable that it was DIO we were after. I remembered the stories Joseph's grandmother Erina told me all those years ago, about the Brando siblings. I'd believed both of them to be dead. Apparently not.

To answer Jotaro's question, N'Doul grinned. "J-Jotaro, Gyalzen. I-I do not fear death. My Stand has always enabled me to live life unfettered by a fear of death. I could win any fight. I could have and do anything I wanted, no one could s-stop me. Killing... Stealing... It meant nothing to me..." 

He paused, his eyes opening as he continued "HE, was the first and only person to instil in me, a desire to live. He was so strong, so wise, so beautiful. He was the only one who saw a purpose to my existence. I waited so long to meet him. I will gladly die but... I will not disappoint him, like that G-Gladius."

I was confused, yet Jotaro blurted "Gladius?" N'Doul cackled "A-after failing, Gladius had the audacity to demand answers from him... I wasn't there for the exchange, but the aftermath... Gladius was r-reborn. Even those who impress my master, pay the price for f-failure..."

He coughed up blood again, saying "Evil needs... an evil saviour... I'll tell you both one thing... My Stand hails from Egypt, birthplace of tarot. One of the great Ennead, the nine gods of Egypt. It is called Geb, God of earth."

I clarified "The nine Egyptian gods? What do you mean?" N'Doul laughed "HAHAHA! I-I will tell you about my Stand only... After all, you two are the ones who defeated me... The rest stays with me..."

Those were his final words, the water puddle next to him evaporated and his body went limp. I was left stunned by the news he'd delivered...

Timeskip...

N'Doul was given a proper burial. A mound of sand with his cane stabbed into the top of it. He was a skilled warrior, he deserved to be buried. However I couldn't shake what he'd said. It seems DIO had many followers who would rather DIE than displease him.

N'Doul was just one, there were still eight more to go. And we knew nothing about them...

Author's Note: And that's it for this chapter. The end for the first arc in this part of the story. Next up we shall move on to the Oingo Boingo, however I don't think I'll be including the Anubis arc purely because I can't see how Gyalzen or Gladius could impact that arc. I really hope you enjoyed the chapter and as always, thank you for reading.