The Blade's Edge (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders x Male O/C)

Chapter 11: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Gladius POV

I didn't stray too far from the Joestar party mind you, I continued to watch from afar. Through this, I knew Hol Horse was able to escape and through a twist in logic it seems they'd been accompanied by Nena that young girl I'd met alongside Hol Horse.

I tracked them across India, from Calcutta to the city of Varanasi. Along the way, keeping my distance from my prey as to not draw attention. I still had the car I'd bought not long after leaving Singapore and Joestar had no knowledge of this, so as long as I didn't draw attention to myself, they were none the wiser that I was following them.

Upon my arrival in Varanasi however, I made even more of a point to distance myself from the group as no to be spotted right away. I knew a four against one fight was impossible for me. Especially with Jotaro there, with Avdol gone, that Star Platinum of his was the biggest threat of the group.

And it was here, watching from an alley as the group got off a bus with Nena in toe. That I remembered something. Looking in my pocket, I noticed the same slip of paper that she had left when we met.

I don't know how long she'd intended it to take for me to notice it however I had right away. Reaching in to my pocket, I took the slip of paper out and looked at it with my eyes narrowed. Unfolding it, my eyes narrowed.

'Empress'.

That's all what was written on the paper. In handwriting I didn't recognize but could easily know was meant to be Nena's. I then remembered the seemingly dull, lifeless look she'd given me after I noticed the paper in the first place and it was here the answer hit me like a tonne of bricks.

NENA was the Empress' Stand user! Though this opened a whole new can of worms. What was her ability? Did she genuinely care about Hol Horse or was she using him? Was this why she was now tailing the Joestar group?

I peered out to see Nena stood a short distance from the others who all seemed crowed around  Joseph, looking the opposite direction. Considering she was closest to me, I made an attempt to get her attention. Picking up a crumpled up ball of litter in the alley and hurling it at her feet. 

As soon as I knew she'd seen it, I stepped back into the alley to avoid prying eyes. Soon enough, she appeared around the corner and upon seeing me, faked her shy persona. "I-it's you! Hol Horse's friend." I remained silent and instead held the paper up in front of me. She looked at it for a moment before speaking.

"So, you figured it out?"

 Gone was her shy persona, instead she wore the same blank look she had last time. Eyes seemingly piercing my soul. Not that it bothered me. I gave her an equally emotionless look as I said "So, it's you then? The Empress."

Nena just gave a nod before letting out a vulgar clearly-false gagging noise. "I never thought that wretched Polnareff would leave me alone! I finally get some air away from his foulness and who should I come across, but you?"

I frowned at the newly-discovered Stand user before asking "So, you wanted to tip me off about your Stand. Why?" Nena's expression changed and I'll admit, she was beginning to annoy me now as she shallow smile and said "I require your assistance."

At this, I began thinking. True, after the run-in with Hol Horse, I'd decided an alliance with other Stand users would be efficient. However... My mind wandered, leading to me asking "Tell me how your Empress works first. Then we'll talk."

At this, Nena turned around and pointed, "Look over there." Doing so, I saw that she was pointing towards the Joestar group, all still huddled around Joseph. Nena explained "Look, Joestar's arm."

I did just that, and sure enough, upon closer inspection I saw a growth on his arm that definitely wasn't there before. I certainly would have noticed it. As I analysed from afar, Nena explained. 

"A small drop of blood created that. What was a mere bug bite before has grown. It shall continue to grow. Until it is large enough to make the kill. Making Joseph Joestar the second to fall." As she said this, I noticed her stick her tongue out of her mouth slightly, revealing a small growth on it that made a high pitched squeaking noise. I'm willing to bet that had something to do with her Stand.

I raised an eyebrow "So, what? Your Stand can kill someone from the inside? Some sort of virus in their blood through the wart?" Nena shook her head. "No, it mimics a humanoid form and deals physical damage while they are unable to harm it as it is still attached to their own body."

I'll admit, this revelation seemed rather disappointing. Regardless, I ignored that feeling and instead just asked "That just leaves one thing. What do you want me to do?" Nena explained "Your job is simple. You will keep that vile Polnareff away from me and then ensure none of his friends interfere."

I glared down at her, thinking about the offer. So, her goal was to isolate Joseph Joestar hmm? Well, I'd have to do the same. Again, I wasn't stupid enough to challenge them all at once. Especially Jotaro. Other than that concern, what had I to lose?

With the decision made, I nodded and gave a thin-lipped smile. "Very well, you have a deal." Nena gave a grin that seemed unnatural on her face as she said "Very good. I'm glad you're being agreeable. I didn't want you to be Empress' next target."

Before she'd even finished saying this though, I'd already begun walking away, cutting her off. "Yeah, good luck with that." I left Nena stood in the alley alone. Frankly, I didn't dislike her like I did J.Geil. I just felt her Stand was underwhelming, a parasite that took ages to grow? Even if she tried latching it to me, I'd just cut it off before it could get big enough. 

Beggars couldn't be choosers though, I'd considered alliances with other Stand users and Nena was the first to cross paths with me. I understood her ability and she clearly knew mine, otherwise she wouldn't have approached me.

It seems I'd have to pick out my target...

Author's Note: And that's it for this chapter. I should mention that the Empress arc will only be two chapters (including this one), so it will also conclude next chapter. I do hope you enjoyed and as always, thank you for reading.