JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Thin Air

Chapter Thirty-One: Il Sapore D'Oro (Part I)

Willis Nicholson grumbled as he stared at his laptop, receiving the news of Jai's death.

"Why... why did he resort to that?" the geneticist groused regretfully. "Why did he give up? He was so close to bringing the asset to me. His Stand was powerful enough to keep anyone in the loop of a nightmare indefinitely... why did he have to do it?"

Nicholson's body subtly shook as he planted his hand on his forehead. Not only did his ambition seemingly come off track, he deplored Jai's loss. To him, Jai was much than an intern or even a pupil. Even though he was only 19 years older than the Australian, he saw him as a sort of surrogate son. The type of son any reasonable man would've been proud to have. This source of pride disappeared in mere moments, forever lost in the blink of an eye. The moment it took for a series of bombs to go off was all that was needed. Nicholson treasured Jai, but he'd never admit to it. Ever.

"That boy finally bit the dust, it seems," Nourhanne's voice said as she entered Nicholson's study, bringing a full cup of something resting on a coaster. "Our mindsets did not align, but, I believe that he could've gone far, had he not done that to himself. Even though he was as mortal as any human, he had great potential."

"Set the tea down here," Nicholson ordered his servant, pointing to a spot on his desk. "Yes... he had so much potential. His body is probably being returned to Australia as we speak. It's a shame I can't go to his funeral. But still, that's nothing to despond over." he said, taking a moment to sip his tea.

"Even in the face of despair, you don't lose sight of your goals. That's one of the many great things about you, Master Willis."

"Jai's death doesn't mean his actions have ended. I know that kid ensured a way to bring Joestar to me. He wouldn't have died without finding a way."

"Indeed, my Master, because of Jai, we shall rejoice!" Nourhanne said, smirking under her mask, rubbing Nicholson's cheeks and neck as she faced him. "It is only a matter of time."

"Soon, that precious Joestar blood will be mine," Nicholson said, pulling the vampire onto his lap. "A new era for humanity will soon arise," he said, touching the Joestar Birthmark on Nourhanne's bare shoulder.

"But I know she'll arrive wanting to pick a fight," Nicholson continued. "In that case, I'll have to send someone out to make her a bit more... cooperative."

"Send me after her, my Master. I'll have her dealt with quickly." Nourhanne almost begged, touching her forehead with Nicholson's.

"I keep telling you, your Stand will take on too much collateral damage. Irreversible, collateral damage, that is. That's why you wear that mask. I have one more option left, though. Contact her as soon as you can. She's not the most sophisticated Stand User, but she'll be more than enough to bring Joestar to her knees."

~~~

"Lasciaci qui, signore," ["Drop us off here, sir,"] Monica told the driver of the taxi she was in with Shizuka, Clapton and Bryson.

After paying the driver and thanking him, the group approached a restaurant somewhere in one of the more affluent neighborhoods of Naples.

"So this is the spot the Speedwagon Foundation told us to come to." Clapton said.

"Il Sapore D'Oro, cucine fusion Italo-Giapponese... The Golden Taste, Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine." Monica read and translated the establishment's prominent sign.

She turned to Shizuka with a nervous look on her face.

"Is this really where we're gonna meet the country's most powerful gang leader, JoJo?" Monica said anxiously. Monica came from a family with decent status, but they were nowhere near as close as influential or as nerve-wracking as Giorno Giovanna.