JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Neon Soul

Chapter 8: Madam Celine

As the four entered the shop, Jorgia and Elijah couldn't help but stare in awe. Several candles lighted the inside of the room. From green to purple, blue, and yellow, the atmosphere inside was like an aurora. Frames hung on the walls that showed pictures of known myths, such as bigfoot and the loch ness monster. In each corner sat a table, covered by a beaded cloth that draped over its sides. Crystals and tapestries decorated the scene, and in the center of the room sat a round table with chairs. A stack of tarot cards, an Ouija board, and a small mirror laid on the table. Directly above it was what appeared to be the artwork of constellations, a night sky with stars and lines connecting them, forming zodiacs. At the back of the room was a doorframe with beads hanging from the top as a makeshift door. Despite the noise of passersby outside, the room was utterly silent. The room had an aromatic odor, indicating that incents had been lit.

"Hellooooo? Celine are you here?" yelled Vanessa. Seconds later, an older adult woman walked through the beaded doorway. She had the appearance of a fortune teller, with numerous scarves and necklaces on top of a tattered long dress that encompassed her entire body. Long black hair came out of her head wrap that had the pattern of the moon and its phases. But the most noticeable detail was that of her left arm. It wasn't there. She had a friendly smile and soft eyes, showing her delight that she had visitors.

"Vanessa, I see you brought company this time. Here for another palm reading?"

"Not this time. This is Jorgia, Lucas, and Elijah," answered Vanessa as she pointed them out.

"Hi Madam Celine, we were wondering if you could help us," asked Jorgia. She looked up and down Jorgia, staring at her intently.

"Hmmm, new blood in Vetter, you've chosen quite the city. Please, come sit down," beckoned Celine while pointing at the table. The four of them sat down at chairs around the table as Madam Celine sat across from them. The seats were soft, but it was clear that they had been heavily used, an indicator of Celine's customer traffic.

"So, children, what is it you require of me?"

"Well...."

"My friends and I wanted to know if you had any information on the gang that runs Vetter from behind the scenes," asked Jorgia.

A sense of concern spread across Celine's face. Her once soft eyes quickly became ones filled with worry.

"You shouldn't concern yourself with them. They've been present in the city for years." Lucas looked at Jorgia, motioning his eyes to Elijah, who had been quiet the entire time.

"Funny thing about that... Elijah here was actually part... of...their... gang..." admitted Jorgia. After saying that, the room went completely silent. Celine stared at Elijah for a while before saying:

"Oh child, you...you can't stay with them. I know you've made friends...But you know the dangers. She has eyes all over."

"Yeah, we've already fought two of them."

"Two of them, does that mean that the three of you are...."

"Yeah, we're all stand users," said Jorgia as they each brought out their stands behind them. Madam Celine observed the faint energy around them. And while she was not a user, her prophesying ability did not mention that she'd encounter three new stand users simultaneously.

"These kids... they don't know what they're attempting. But... this girl, Jorgia, she has a certain aura about her. She's stronger than she realizes," Celine thought.

"You kids should know that if you attempt to go after the High Court Gang, you'll be faced with stand users left and right. And they will not be gentle. You'd be risking your lives. The dangers you'll face... are beyond your normal perception of the world."

Jorgia then locked eyes with Celine.

"I refuse to give up on this city. Even though I haven't lived here long, I believe everyone should have an equal chance at life. And to steal that away from the innocent is the ultimate injustice. They shouldn't have to live in a city plagued by wrongdoings and crimes. So please, anything that you know about them, tell us."

Celine could feel the sincerity in Jorgia's voice. She genuinely wanted to rescue the city.

"What about the rest of you? Do you share her concern as well?"

"I have a little brother that's growing up here. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him when I could've intervened. So, I'm with Jorgia too," answered Lucas.

"I see... and what of you, Elijah? What do you want to do?" asked Celine.

"I... I believe in Jorgia. She's not lying about the g-gang. They have influence all o-over the city. If anyone can stop them, it's her...."

The looks on their faces showed that they were not afraid, and it was as if their sense of confidence overpowered their sense of fear. These kids truly meant every word they said. With a sigh, Celine came to realize it would be pointless to change their minds.

"If you truly are intent on defeating them, then the means of their defeat lies in the three suited relics. These objects have allowed the leader of the High Court Gang to stretch her power across the entirety of Vetter City. By doing this, she can "feel" the actions of those in the area. This connection she has allows for rapid and swift communication between herself and her associates. They are extremely valuable to her and they shift in location. I do not know much about them but destroying them will essentially dismantle her infrastructure. But after that, it will be up to you in terms of action," explained Celine.

"Three suited relics got it. Where do we find these things? You said around Vetter but are there any locations for them?" asked Jorgia.

"While I do not know the exact location of them, perhaps my cards will give me insight into their positions."

Celine reached forward and picked up her deck of tarot cards and spread them out in rows on the table. She closed her eyes and began to take large, deep breaths. The candles within the room began to flicker and a soft breeze flowed through the room as Jorgia, and the others stared in awe. Celine then began to hover her hand on the tops of the cards, slowly moving it across the rows. Abruptly, she stopped her hand and picked up the card that was beneath it. With her eyes still closed, she placed the face-down card in front of them. She repeated this selection process two more times before the breeze calmed down and the candles maintained their flame. She opened her eyes, looking tired and drained.

"There... these cards... these are the ones that shall lead you in your travels," said Celine, out of breath. Lucas, Vanessa, and Elijah moved closer to Jorgia to see what the cards were. Jorgia slowly reached out her hand and picked them up.

The first card read: THE WORLD.

The second card read: THE TOWER.

The last card read: THE FOOL.

"It'll be up to you to determine their meaning, as my aid to you... ends here. I must rest. Please, children, be safe. And while they might show it, the people of Vetter... they're grateful for your efforts."

"Thank you, Madam Celine; you've been an enormous help," said Jorgia as the group started to get up from their seats. As they exited the room, Vanessa turned back and said:

"Let us know if you ever need anything, Celine."

Celine smiled at Vanessa before getting up and collecting the three cards that sat at the end of the table.

"Unbelievable," she thought as she walked towards the backroom.

"I haven't seen determination like that in a long time. Unfortunately, they are still unaware as to the terrible power that they have caught the eye of."