JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Blood Ties (A JJBA Fanpart)

Chapter III - The Journey Begins

"Shani Avdol?" Hol Horse asked, confused and surprised. 

"Yes, Mohammed Avdol's niece," Neil said calmly before continuing to talk on the phone. 

"You know her, dad?" Grace asked, tilting her head slightly. 

"I knew her uncle. We weren't friends obviously, but the way he protected his friend, Polnareff, was honorable," Hol Horse responded. "I heard that Vanilla Ice was the one who killed him. It's a shame." 

"Huh," Grace sighed. "Vanilla Ice was one of Dio's most loyal servants, right?" 

"Yeah. Luckily he isn't around anymore," Hol laughed, "Otherwise I doubt I'd be taking care of you. He'd probably take you from me."

After a short moment, Neil ended the call. 

"She'll be here tomorrow. She's currently closing up her shop," he said, putting his phone back into his pocket.

"Her shop? What business does she run?" Grace asked.

"She is following in her uncle's footsteps and is a fortune teller," Neil smiled, "She specializes in Tarot reading and astrology." 

"I see," Grace nodded. "I don't believe in such things, but now I'm interested."

"Oh, trust me, Shani can change your mind on that." 

"I'll trust you, Neil," Grace laughed. She then paused for a moment before asking, "Do you have a place to stay? I know the sun is probably going to set soon and it isn't the safest after dark." 

"I have a hotel a short drive away," Neil responded. "Thank you for thinking about my safety though." 

"It's what friends do, Neil," she laughed. "Just come over with Shani when you both are available. You know I don't leave the house much."

"Alright. We'll see you tomorrow then." Neil walked over to the door calmly, gave an informal wave, and walked out to a waiting car. 

***

The next day, Neil strolled into the entrance hall, motioning for a woman to wait outside for a moment. "Grace!" He yelled. "I'm here! And I've brought Shani with me!" His voice echoed in the seemingly empty hall. Footsteps echoed from the nearby room.

"Well, bring her in!" Grace laughed, leaning against a wall, arms crossed. "You're setting up a dramatic entrance, you know."

Neil stepped to the side, and a woman casually walked in. She stood a few inches shorter than Grace, with a chubby build. She tucked some of her black hair into her headscarf and gave the vampire a confident smile.

"Shani Avdol. I've heard a lot about you, Grace. Neil seemed excited to see you again," she offered Grace a hand, which Grace cautiously shook.

"Grace Brando. The pleasure is mine, Miss Avdol," Grace smiled.

"Show me your stand, Grace. I want to see what it's all about."

"Huh?" Grace was confused. She had just met this woman, and she was already demanding her to show her stand?

"I'll show mine first, then," Shani said calmly. With a motion of her hand resembling lighting a pocket lighter, her stand manifested. It had a humanoid appearance, though it was distinctly a dragon. Flame-like hair flowed down one side of its head along with two large horns. It- no, she, it was feminine- wore a loose white gown with a gold collar around the neck. "This, Grace, is Fire and Flames! Like my uncle's Magician's Red, she controls fire!"