The Ludicrous Escapade

Water? In the Desert?

You kept a hold on Iggy who seemed insistent on keeping its head against your bosom. Mark snuck the pack of coffee gum into one of your pockets to try and not alert the dog. Iggy looked up at you again, expectantly. You sighed as you pulled out a single stick of the stuff. The dog immediately snatched it with its mouth. Chewing the wrapper and all.

Joseph folded his arms as he watched, "He really loves coffee-flavored chewing gum, but even with it he usually won't let his guard down for anyone."

Kakyoin stared at the animal in mild disgust, "There's no way he could actually help us."

Mark gave a half hearted laugh, "Well, we'll be getting the supplies out now." He and the two other SPW members started to bring out several bags, one handed Joseph a new and improved version of his mechanical hand. "Here's some food and water for your trip."

You smiled warmly, "I know I'm repeating myself, but really, thanks a lot."

He smiled back, "It really isn't a problem. There are also some medical supplies and clean clothes, too. Oh yeah, and a new camera for your spirit photography."

Joseph scratched the side of his face, "TVs don't work so well for spirit photography." He grabbed the camera from Mark's outstretched hand, "Oh, I know." He looked behind him to the rest of your companions who were all crowded around the car, "Hey, you guys. Let's all take a picture together!"

Joseph moved you all over to a rock and had you all sit around together as Mark took the picture of all of you. He handed the camera and Polaroid back to the Joestar.

Kakyoin peered over the old man's shoulder, "I see. It'll make a nice memory. The Joestar then handed it to his grandson who just stared down at the photo.

The two SPW members climbed into the helicopter and started it up. Mark gave a small wave as he started to climb into the back, "Well, I'll be seeing you around. It was nice talking with you again, Caesar, (Y/N)."

Joseph took a step forward, "Wait, there's something I'd like to ask you. About my daughter... How is Holly doing? Give it to me straight."

Mark sighed, "Well, I hate to say this, but I'm afraid she's not doing very well. Her energy is fading and her life remains in danger. According to our doctors, she'll be lucky to survive another two weeks." He put a hand on Joseph's shoulder, "But I'm sure you'll be able to make it in time. You defeated the Ultimate being, I'm sure you can beat all these other things, too." His eyes lit up, "Oh, and we have some other information as well. According to a report from two days ago... nine mysterious men and women gathered in a building that Dio is believed to be hiding in, and then they all departed together."

You gasped, "Dio and nine others? "

Mark nodded, "But we don't know who they are. The person who reported this was killed and the mansion had already been cleaned out. We were unable to locate the individuals. Any farther investigation of this matter is impossible for us, since we are not Stand users."

"Were they new Stand users?" Asked Polnareff.

"Hold on a minute." Interrupted Kakyoin, "Any remaining Stand users with Stands that suggest Tarot cards... Excluding Hol Horse's Emperor, the only card left is The World. I had thought that The World would be Dio's Stand, but..." he looked up to his Egyptian friend, "Avdol?"

He shook his head, "I-I don't know. I have no idea. Nine of them?"

"Apparently, Dio's head hasn't gotten used to its new body yet." Spoke Joseph.

You piped in as well, "And he's very proud. I doubt he'd flee from Cairo even if we found where his base is. So instead, he's just trying to stop you all from getting there."