Gladius POV

Arriving in Singapore was just like in Hong Kong, I had no idea of my targets were here. I had no idea how many Stand users were already here or where they were. The false captain didn't make it clear how many more there were only that they were here.

As soon as I was off the boat, I made my way to the streets and began trying to signal a taxi. Before one could come, a voice caught my attention, speaking fluent English. "Hey man, are you lost?" 

Turning in the voice's direction, I was met with a man with long black hair wearing brown pants and a Hawaiian shirt. I responded "Yeah, you wouldn't happen to know the people in this picture would you?"

I once again held up the picture of Joestar's group, more sceptically this time after my incident with the captain. This man studied the picture for a moment though, I thought I saw something trickle from his sleeve, a glint of yellow liquid, however it vanished up his sleeve before I could get a look.

The man replied "No, sorry. No clue." I sighed, forgetting completely about what I'd seen. "Okay, no worries. Do you at least know a good hotel." At this, the man's expression turned to a grin. "Oh yeah, I know a GREAT place. Just keep going straight until you reach the crooked palm trees at the T-junction. Turn right and you'll find the one I mean."

I nodded "Right. Thanks." The man just replied "No problem, see you around." With that, he turned and walked away. I wasted no time following the directions he provided. With them, I was able to find what I believed to be the building he'd described. A large hotel, definitely not too fancy, but not a run-down shabby one by any stretch.

Entering the building. I approached the front desk and gave the bell a faint ring. Within seconds, a member of staff was on the other side of the desk asking "Hello sir, can I help you?" I barely visible smile replying "Yes, I'd like a room please. Any will do."

The woman behind the counter asked "How long will you be staying?" I answered "Only three nights at most. If I leave sooner, I'll still pay for three." The staff member typed away on the computer before saying.

"Great, we do have a room for you. 912 to be exact. Is that okay with you?" Without hesitation I nodded and said "That's fine by me, thank you." The staff member smiled as she said "Here's your key. Just go to the lift up to the ninth floor." 

She handed me the key, I bid her farewell and followed the directions to the lift. The button for the ninth floor was pushed and just like that, the door closed and the lift ascended, soon arriving at the floor in question. And from there it was only a matter of time before I found my room, put the key in the lock and went inside.

The room itself was nothing unique, just your standard hotel room. There was a balcony overlooking outside, a small door which I presumed to be an en-suite bathroom. What really caught my attention though, lay on the bedside table.

A doll, which appeared to be of native American design, was sat on the table with its eyes closed. It seemed rather out of place for a Singaporean hotel room. Leaning forward, I inspected the doll for a moment, muttering "Strange..." It was almost as if someone else had put it there.

As if on cue, a low laugh was heard behind me. Snapping in that direction, I jumped as I saw a man now stood next to the open bathroom door. A malicious grin stretched across his face. In an instant, in an instant Ace of Swords was out and ready to attack.

I knew this man. Devo the Cursed. I knew his reputation and knew he wasn't to be taken lightly. "Devo the Cursed." My words made his grin only grow wider. "Well well. You know who I am, and I know you as well Gladius. It seems we both have a reputation."

Image of Devo the Cursed:

His eyes looked over my Stand as he commented "And a Stand user as well? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You're known for your fierce bodyguard works. Many would-be assassins have met strange ends from slashes and stabs with unknown cause. I assume Lord DIO hired you as well."

I scowled "I know your reputation as well, stay back if you know what's good for you." The calm yet malicious grin was instantly replaced by a purely psychotic look as Devo exclaimed "Oh you think you can harm me?! EBONY DEVIL!"

In a burst of purple flame, a figure that resembled a Sardinian bronze statuette emerged. I'd read about these statuettes before, but here I knew it was just to appearance of his Stand. Devo taunted "Who'll make the first move, you or me?!"

Image of Ebony Devil:

Power: D

Speed: D

Range: A

Stamina: B

Precision: D

Development Potential: B

The two of us remained motionless, Stands hovering just over our shoulders however neither of us moved an inch. In truth, I had a plan in mind, if he tried anything, I'd parry and end this quickly as possibly. I had no idea what he was waiting for.

This stayed the same until Devo asked "Are you going to attack? Yes? No? Hurry up! We're all getting impatient!" I shot back in retort. "And why don't you attack first? Does your Stand have no offensive capabilities of its own?"

A look shot through Devo's eye and my mouth formed an O shape as I said "Ooh... You're waiting for me to attack first for that exact reason." My eyes shot to the doll as I added "And that doll is part of your strategy."

Shock spread across Devo's face. "How could you-!" I cut him off "You won't attack first, and why else would you leave a creepy doll on the side. I don't know what your Stand does, but let me tell you this." Leaning forward, I glared into his eyes. "Whatever it is, you'd be dead before you even have the chance to use it."

Silence fell on the room once again as I coldly spoke "Now that I've established who's in charge of this situation. You will answer my question." To add further threat to the statement I had Ace of Swords spawn a knife which was placed on my finger, I raised it so it pointed directly at Devo.

The native American assassin snarled angrily. I could tell I'd struck a nerve. However I didn't care, instead I just asked my questions. "What is the status of Joestar's group? And how many other Stand users are out there?"

I could tell I'd gotten under Devo's skin, knowing that I wouldn't fall into his trap. With reluctance lacing every word. He answered the second question in a cryptic manner however I was still able to grasp what he was trying to say.

"There were many of us in the beginning, each representing a different tarot card. The Hierophant and the Chariot were failures, they joined the Joestar entourage. The Tower fell, as did the Moon and Strength."

My eye twitched at the mention of the Moon. So, that false captain had fallen as well. Devo's explanation continued. "Those that remain include myself, the Devil. Along with Temperance, Hanged Man, Emperor, Empress, Wheel of Fortune. And now you."

I asked "Where are these Stand users?" Devo replied "Each has made their own path. I know one is right here in Singapore, he could be taking any form though. Such is the nature of his Stand, that represents Temperance. He will lie in wait for his chance to strike at the Joestars, just as I am."

"The Joestar's are here?" I asked with widened eyes. Devo scowled "They are not. Not yet. We only received word of Strength's fate two hours ago. That ape didn't stand a chance." I asked "Ape?" Before shaking my head, saying "Nevermind."

Devo continued, ignoring my statement. "They will arrive in Singapore before long and fate shall lead them to this hotel. I am certain of it." I took in all the information he had provided. Processing every word before coming up with my plan.

Without a word, I stepped forward towards the hotel door, shoving Devo aside, spitting "Stand aside." He spoke after me "Where are you going?! We're not finished yet!" I gave him a sideways glance.

"We are. I don't fully understand your Stand, however I'll tell you this, you'd be dead before you even got the chance to use it if you fought me. You do your thing, if the Joestars show up, I'll send one of their group up to this room for you. If the phone rings, it's me. Aside from that, stay out of my way."

With that, I left the room and headed back down to the reception area. I was kind of annoyed that all these Stand users seemed aware of each other's abilities. Meanwhile I was completely in the dark as to the competition. However it seemed I'd have to learn as I went along, no doubt I'd meet the other Stand users who were mentioned.

Did I trust Devo's words? Not in the slightest! However it was a chance I couldn't afford to pass up. If the Joestar group did arrive here, then I'd follow my plan. If they didn't, I'd go and find them myself. Either way, I had a feeling my targets were close. 

Soon they'd have to deal with me...

Author's Note: And that's it for this chapter. In the next one we'll finally get the introduction to the Crusaders (except Iggy of course). His first fight with one of them will be the chapter afterwards. I hope you enjoyed this one and as always, thank you for reading.