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

Chapter 41: Playing on Another Level

Gyalzen POV

"I can do it. If you'll accept my challenge."

As soon as I'd said these words, the others turned to me with Joseph exclaiming "WHAT?! Are you crazy? You don't know a thing about video games!" D'Arby mocked "He's right. You're out of your depth old man."

My expression remained calm, as I said "I wouldn't be so sure. To explain, one of my students also happens to be quite the video game fanatic. I indulged him in a game on a few occasions and have picked up a few things."

Joseph asked "Yes, but are you sure you can play at the same level as this creep? I hate to admit it, but this guy's a pro." To that, I answered "I'm confident. If the right game is chosen." 

Turning to D'Arby, I asked "I do get to choose the game, correct?" D'Arby's shock vanished as his smirk returned and he said "Correct. But what, exactly, would you be wagering?" I replied "I thought you'd know." Before pointing and declaring.

"I wager my own soul. Should you win, it's yours. Should I win however, you release Kakyoin."

D'Arby simply said "Good." And walked over to the cabinet with the dolls. He placed Kakyoin's doll down as he spoke. "I'll leave this here. And to keep it company..." Trailing off, he rummaged through the cabinet before turning to face me, holding up a doll of myself.

"Also, a little reminder of what you're playing for. Let's get down to it, shall we?" Placing my own doll next to Kakyoin's, he approached the table and sat down, gesturing me to approach.

Joseph asked "Are you sure you want to do this? Jotaro can take over for you." Jotaro nodded "He's right. You don't need to endanger yourself." He was right, but even now. I said "I will manage."

As I approached the table, I thought about the REAL reason I came along on this adventure. True, I wanted to help my long-time friend Joseph, but there was another reason. One connected to that one...

Flashback, 37 years ago...

"Master Joestar, Mr Gyalzen is here to see you, as requested."

As soon as the butler had finished his sentence, a child's voice cried out "Uncle Gyalzen!" I knelt down and opened my arms as the eight year old Holy Joestar ran into them, tackling me into a hug. 

Parting from the hug, I stood up, saying "Hello little Holy, are you being good for your father?" She nodded excitedly as Joseph stepped forward, chuckling. "She hasn't shut up about you coming since we told her." I let out a laugh and said "I'm flattered."

Holy proceeded to tug on my leg, saying excitedly "Uncle, uncle! I've got to show you a picture I drew, come on!" I merely smiled and said "Of course, lead the way." The child beamed and ran off. 

I was just left smiling...

Back to present day...

Despite not being related by blood, Holy was like a niece to me. When Joseph had told me of her condition, how DIO had affected it, I knew I had to help. Despite my concerns about DIO's return, I agreed with a moment's hesitation.

I would do everything in my power to help Joseph, Holy and Jotaro. I wasn't going to let some psychotic, condescending video gamer get in my way!

Speaking of D'Arby, he gestured to the pile of game cartridges, he said "Pick whichever you want. I wonder though, will you go for a racing game as well? No? How about sport? Maybe not. Then a simple high-score based classing? Hmm..."

I ignored his rambling and instead sifted through the different games until I landed on one game in particular. I grabbed the cartridge and said "Here we go. Street Fighter."