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

Chapter 33: Mariah's Downfall, Gladius Makes his Move

Gyalzen POV

Joseph couldn't have put our plan any better. True, he'd ran away before, I remember him doing it against Kars all those years ago. But in this situation, this wasn't an option. The magnetism would only get stronger if Mariah was near. And we had Gladius to worry about, who's whereabouts were unknown.

Using Hermit Purple, he was able to craft a map of the city. With it as a reference, he explained. "Right now, we are here." He pointed to the tracks before guiding us along with his finger. 

"The woman, Mariah, did you say her name was? Is here. If she continues down this route, she'll loop around and head back this way. Her frequency in this area indicates Gladius is in our vicinity. We'll split up, and catch the woman HERE." 

He pointed to one very specific spot a three-way intersection. The perfect place to catch her off guard.

We managed to separate ourselves and fled the scene just as people began to investigate the burnt rail line.

Pursuing Mariah into the city, it seems she was right, the magnetism did indeed get stronger. Even as we split up to try and head her off, more and more chunks of metal were ripped from their position and attached to us!

Within minutes, I had the items that were already present, another loose wheel, a portable minifridge among more! While the combined weight managed to slow me down to an extent, I was able to soldier through it.

The real threat came after a few minutes. Gladius hadn't given up. My focus was suddenly broken when I had to leapt to the side to avoid the knife stabbing right into my back! Due to the magnetism though, it proceeded to curve around back towards me.

Calling "PAGE OF CUPS!" I lashed out at the knife, managing to strike it aside, leading to my only receiving a minor wound on my arm. Speaking of which, both arms were covered in cuts now from the numerous knives hurled in my direction.

One more came and it was in this point I was able to notice something. Given that they all came from one direction, there was only one building in that direction in the alley I was in. Another knife being thrown proved my point!

I smirked, "Gotcha. We'll settle things with you once Mariah's magnetism has been solved."

I used what strength I have to power on, using my Stand to deflect oncoming knives until I finally reached the point of interest. And it was here that I found that our plan had worked. 

Mariah now stood, surrounded completely by all three of us. At first though, she didn't notice us, instead focusing on Joseph as she mocked "Looks like you can barely move now. You won't be able to chase me anymore."

Joseph however, retorted "You think so? I know these roads better than you do. Look behind you, and to your left." Turning, she spotted both of us, Avdol spoke "It's a three-pronged attack. We've finally cornered you. Now at the last moment, the tables have turned."

I pointed at her, sternly saying "I'll give you one last chance to deactivate the magnetism. No need for anyone to get hurt." Mariah looked between us, being silent for a moment before, to my surprise, she began laughing.

"A three-pronged attack? You still don't get it. You think you've cornered me. But it is you three who are cornered. Look above you!" As she said this, she drew a knife of her own and threw it up into the air. My eyes widened as it cut through some electrical wiring overhead!

She yelled out "FOOLS! Power lines are magnetic! You'll burn to a crisp!" She threw another knife, cutting more of the wires closer to me. The sparking circuitry began gravitating towards us!

As if things couldn't get worse, the weight of the combined magnetism began to get too much! I was forced down on one knee as Joseph dropped onto his chest. Avdol had it worse as a nearby car was pulled to him!