Raymond (Gladius) POV

I still don't know what happened to Hol Horse, we hadn't seen him since that vehicle crash and that was hours ago! 

Since then, we'd had a run-in with an operative from that Speedwagon Foundation who'd gone off to search for the mansion for us. It was also worth noting that Iggy the dog had done a runner as well. So there was that.

As we wandered, Joseph said something that caught my attention. "You know, once this is all over, you don't have to go back to being a mercenary." I turned to face him as he elaborated.

"You don't have to sell your skill. The Speedwagon Foundation would be honoured to have someone like you working with them. They'd pay you well, so you'd still be able to provide for your son." I had trouble coming up with an answer. In the end, all I said was.

"Sounds interesting, I'll think about it."

Once that was discussed, we went out searching for Iggy. Polnareff expressed annoyance at the dog's sudden runner. Joseph on the other hand displayed concern. Things got strange when Jotaro abruptly stopped and turned around.

Gyalzen asked "Jotaro, are you alright?" Avdol asked "Is someone following us?" For a moment, I thought it was Hol Horse again, but Jotaro answered "No, I thought I heard a voice, like someone calling us. 

We all followed his gaze, and I'll admit my eyes widened as Iggy rounded the corner! He was clearly injured, missing a LEG! Polnareff exclaimed "IGGY!" And ran over, we all did. 

Avdol asked "You were attacked, weren't you Iggy?" This clicked something in my head. I leaned down, looking closely. Seems his wounds had been treated, but I could see what looked like the remains of slash marks. I knew one of DIO's remaining lackeys who could do that.

I muttered "I know who it was." As they turned to me, I explained "The Stand user, Pet Shop. A feral bird wielding the Stand, Horus. I'm impressed Iggy here was able to overcome him." As I said this, the sound of footsteps was heard.

"He's right. It appears Iggy had a run-in with the enemy. I saw a boy holding him, he was half-dead. The doctors from the Speedwagon Foundation treated his wounds. Just like my eyes."

It was like a ghost. The others all exclaimed in unison. "KAKYOIN!" The others rushed over, including Gyalzen. I hung back for a moment, simply smiling at the exchange as Avdol asked how his eyes were.

Kakyoin expressed joy in seeing them all alright, before turning to me and saying. "It's good to see you again Gladius, or I suppose I should call you Raymond now. The Speedwagon Foundation doctors told me you were helping us now. I was glad to hear it."

I nodded, saying "Good to see you up and about as well Kakyoin. I honestly thought you weren't going to get here." Kakyoin chuckled "No. I was able to make a quick recovery, compliments of the Speedwagon Foundation." He turned to Jotaro and the two shook hands.

As they did, Iggy leapt from Joseph's arms. Instead of running away though, he stopped and looked back at us. Kakyoin explained "Iggy may have been indifferent towards people and Stands before, but it looks like he's trying to lead us somewhere. I don't know what happened between him and the enemy Stand, but now it's a matter of revenge."

Joseph said "But just where is he taking us?" With those words, we all followed after him.

As we did, a truck towing a car drove past. The car we recognized as the car the Speedwagon Foundation operative we met,  had been driving earlier! Judging by the wreckage and blood, it was clear what had happened! 

Joseph asked "Could this be the work of the Stand user Iggy encountered?" To which I answered "Yes, Pet Shop may have been an animal. But he was ferocious. I identified he was the culprit by the slash wounds Iggy has. They fit the savagery of that beast."

As we continued to follow Iggy though, I began to feel a chill. My breathing became ragged and uneven. Even the others noted the cold sweat we were all feeling. As we got further, a building began emerging on the horizon and it was now I froze up.

The others turned to face me, Gyalzen asking "Raymond, what's wrong?" I was beginning to feel sick to my stomach as he tried catching my breath. Needless to say, I finally got out the words.

"T-this feeling, I've only ever felt it twice. Both in HIS presence." I couldn't say anymore than that. I was able to soldier on though, as Joseph said "I know this feeling! This aura of EVIL!" Jotaro spoke "This mansion... It's the one from the photo..."

That it was, there was no mistaking it. The aura I was getting from merely being in the vicinity of this place. I was struggling to put words to it. Everything that had happened over the last fifty days, lead me to right now.

I'd been hired by DIO to take out the Joestar group. I'd fought them again and again, starting with Kakyoin in Singapore. But I'd also fought many opponents as well.

My first had been that false ship captain and his Dark Blue Moon. An easy enough victory, but an introduction to what awaited me. There were the likes of Enya and her Justice, Stands which would have killed me had circumstances been different.

Who knew that in the end, I'd end up allying with the very men I'd been hired to assassinate. If I could go back in time and tell the me from fifty days ago this would happen, my younger self would laugh in my face.

But I had my reasons, I'd grown to respect the Joestars in my time chasing them. And now we had a common enemy. DIO had tried to kill my ancestor a century ago. He admitted that to my face and then had the audacity to turn me into a mindless puppet!

Mark my words, DIO would pay for what he had done! To my family, and to me!

Narrator POV

Raymond sought to avenge the transgression committed against his ancestor and take revenge on DIO for turning him into a puppet! He now found himself allying with his former enemies and going after the very man who'd hired him in the first place!

Gyalzen embarked on the journey to help his long-time friend. As well as save the life of Holy who he viewed like a niece. He'd heard stories about DIO from years ago and yet even then, he stepped forward without fright. Intent on protecting those close to him!

Raymond POV

Joseph declared "He's here, this scent of evil, there's no doubt. He's inside the mansion!" Polnareff added. "This means, we've finally reached the end of our journey." I said "Indeed, let's put an end to things." Even Gyalzen looked on-edge as he muttered quietly "This evil, this is DIO?"

We stepped closer to the open gate, like they were inviting us in, looking around at our surroundings. No sign of anyone, not even Pet Shop. This confirmed that he was the Stand user Iggy had faced. 

I stood next to Gyalzen and waited, however before we took another step though, Joseph warned us. 

"Just as I can sense him, he can sense us. Entering the mansion would be like walking into a trap. Now... What do we do now?" 

As if on cue, the door opened causing Joseph to yell "The door's opening, stay on guard!" He gave us a nod and we all edged our way closer to the door, peering in. What we were met with only served to confuse me further. 

A long corridor, bathed in darkness, seemingly stretching on forever. Polnareff commented on this, asking "Do you know anything Raymond?" I shook my head. "No, again I don't know anything about this place or the Stands DIO has within."

Joseph warned "Polnareff, don't go through that door. Like Raymond said, DIO's got at least three Stand users left to fight us." As soon as he said this, his eyes widened. As did mine. A figure was gliding down the corridor towards us!

And I mean GLIDING! He hovered over the ground as he moved. Once he'd come to a stop, I got a good look at him. While I didn't know his Stand, I knew his name and face. And that face was staring right at us with a deadpan expression.

Terence D'Arby, younger brother of Daniel D'Arby.

Image of Terence D'Arby:

Before he could even introduce himself, Polnareff declared "I'll end you!" And summoned Silver Chariot, the younger D'Arby simply reacted by throwing a single playing card which was swiftly cut in half by the Stand's rapier. As Jotaro caught on half and the other blew away, D'Arby spoke.

"Welcome Master Joestar, we've been expecting you. I am the butler of this house, my name is D'Arby." 

As he said this, the others looked shocked. I spat "We know who you are D'Arby. You can drop the false formalities." D'Arby turned to me with a grin.

"My my, is that you Gladius? Can't say I'm surprised." Turning to the others, he said "Yes, I am the younger D'Arby. It may interest you to know, the D'Arby whom you defeated is my older brother."

Again, glancing at me, he said "I heard you were the one to best him as well, didn't think you had it in you. Left him nothing more than a broken toy. I must commend you on that, I wish I'd been there. But alas, I had more important matters on my mind."

Kakyoin asked me "This was the brother you mentioned?" While Avdol turning back to D'Arby and asking "So you're here to avenge your brother, is that it?"

Then, in typical younger D'Arby fashion, he gave that arrogant smirk. Shaking his head, he answered "No, certainly not. I would do nothing of the sort." His face hardened as he went on to explain.

"Did my brother not share his motto with you? 'The deceived, not the deceiver holds the blame'. It's an adage I hold dear as well. My brother lost, he is the wrongdoer. I hold no grudge against you. In fact, I find Gladius' fear tactic very charming."

He took a moment before continuing "My brother is my brother and I am me. We are two different people. My brother and I were born ten years apart. I did look up to him to an extent but we are of different generations. My brother tried to win by deception. He was outdated, he could only win against the outmoded and inexperienced. Master DIO realized this as well, which is why he kept me by my side and made me his butler."

None of us responded to his speech, which caused him to glance at us, asking. "Is something wrong?" Again, none of us answered. I was sceptical of him. Why wouldn't I be? I'd never seen his Stand in action. He could do anything and I'd be caught off guard.

Bowing, he said "If you wish to fight me. Then I invite you to enter our mansion."

Avdol warned us to stay on guard as Jotaro ordered "We don't have time for games! Take us to DIO!" Instead of responding though, what D'Arby did made my eyes widen. 

Slowly, a figure emerged to the side of him. Both hovered in the air in front of us. I knew exactly what it was. As the others expressed shock, I simply stated. "The last of the Egyptian Gods, Atum. I've never seen it before now."

Image of Atum:

Power: D

Speed: C

Range: D

Stamina: B

Precision: D

Development Potential: D

Steam shot from the Stand's ears as it spoke in an echoed version of D'Arby's own voice. "So, who's first? Who shall be my first opponent? What about you, Gladius?" Polnareff snapped "Forget it! Jotaro, take him down!"

Jotaro stepped forward, summoning Star Platinum. I told him, "I'm right behind you." Fully prepared to call my own Stand as well. D'Arby ignored this, instead Atum pointed out and declared.

"Star Platinum will first attack with his left arm! His first attack will be a punch with his left arm. How much will you bet?" 

I snapped "Enough games D'Arby!" With Polnareff adding "It won't make a difference either way! One punch is all it takes! Hit him Jotaro!"

Star Platinum lashed out with a punch, however my eyes widened in shock as Atum effortlessly drifted to the right, avoiding the strike with ease! Keep in mind, Star Platinum was fast enough to effortlessly knock down one of my own knives at top speed! Yet Atum dodged an attack from it with no problem!

The others all muttered "That's impossible." Atum reached up and gripped Star Platinum's arm as D'Arby peered around, grinning once again.

"Ah, too bad, it seems I lost the bet. Like my brother I enjoy a good bet, but alas, luck is never on my side. To apologise, I shall take you to a wonderful world."

What happened next was even more surprising. Out of nowhere, a huge pit opened up in the ground, almost like a black hole. Both D'Arby and Atum descended into it. Though because of Atum's grip on Star Platinum, Jotaro was pulled down as well!

Joseph called out "JOTARO!" Summoning Hermit Purple, the vines wrapped around Jotaro's right arm. Kakyoin also stepped forward, summoning Hierophant and using one of its tendrils to grip his left.

Even Gyalzen summoned Page of Cups, a hand made of steam extended from his own hand, joining Hermit Purple clutching his right arm. The old monk called "Just hold on! We'll get you out of there!"

Before that could be done though, D'Arby emerged from the pit, grinning at the three of them. He simply said "I suppose I have no choice, join us then." Before we could react, Joseph, Kakyoin and Gyalzen were all pulled into the pit as well.

Polnareff called out "Mr Joestar! Kakyoin! Mr Gyalzen!" It was too late to save them now, they were already descending into the abyss. Avdol warned "It's too dangerous to go in after them!" 

Before they disappeared, we could hear Joseph giving off one final order. 

Avdol, can you hear me?! If you don't hear from us in ten minutes, torch the mansion! Understand Avdol?!"

With that, the pit sealed up, leaving no trace of it behind. Me, Avdol and Polnareff called out in unison. "MR JOESTAR!" However there was no way after them now. From here on, even I was in unknown territory.

All I could wonder was, what other nightmares awaited us within this mansion?

Author's Note: And that's it for this chapter. With this, we're in the final act! Just three more arcs before the end of the story. Now for this next arc will again be from Gyalzen's POV, we will go back to Gladius for the arc afterwards and most of the story from then on. I really hope you enjoyed and as always, thank you for reading.