Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all
But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall
Lend me your eyes I can change what you see
But your soul you must keep, totally free
Awake my soul, awake my soul
Awake my soul
In these bodies we will live, in these bodies, we will die
Where you invest your love, you invest your life
Awake My Soul, Mumford, and Sons
The helicopter was waiting for them not long after breakfast. Today was the day they would meet back up with the others. It's been almost five days since they'd last seen them. Gabby looked over the chopper skeptically. The last time she was in flight, Mr. Joestar crashed the plane. She also thought about what happened to the last Speedwagon Foundation helicopter… but the pilots looked confident. They assured her that they'd make it to Cairo with no problems. Kakyoin was ready. He was in the chopper as soon as the door opened and patted the seat next to him. Gabby looked at him for a moment with a quick shake of her head, nope, but finally complied.
It was going to be a few hours in flight with a quick refueling stop, so they had some time to think. They would meet with the Foundation in Cairo and then meet up with Mr. Joestar. He was keeping them updated on the group's location. Gabby laid her head on Kakyoin's chest as they went airborne. The ride was a little rough at first and her motion sickness was rearing its ugly head. Somehow though, she managed to swallow it back down as they finally smoothed out. She looked down at the emerald and sapphire streak the Nile cast across the vast desert, stunning. Kakyoin stroked her hair as she traced the two scars down across his eyes.
"How's your sight?" she asked now tracing a line down his cheekbone. "Still blurry today?"
"Not even a little bit," he answered, "only a little light sensitive, but crystal clear." She smiled at him a leaned in for a kiss. He kissed her back and scooted over allowing her to lie down in his lap. Thoughts of their shared passion the previous night crossed his mind as she gazed up at him with hungry eyes. She was nervous at first, admittedly so was he, but once they started and her body relaxed they were almost in perfect harmony. But he was now focusing on the task at hand. They were only seven hundred kilometers away from Cairo from Dio... Gabby sighed and laughed lightly.
"So pensive you are… these may be our last privet moments together for a while. The window between us the pilots has a pull-down shade, so… yeah… Once we meet up with the others, it's back to business, no personal time." She was feeling amorous. He closed his eyes and thought about this. His body was in fight mode and wanted to meet up with the group sooner rather than later. He'd been fighting with them before even Gabby met him and wouldn't quit. Holly and Jotaro Kujo were the first people to ever help him unconditionally. Kakyoin had been at his weakest point, he'd failed himself, and she was there for him. Even if it was just to patch him up, there was an unspoken acceptance. She would take care of Kakyoin not matter what, no matter who he was. It was a love he had for Mrs. Kujo even Gabby couldn't compete with. He would do anything to heal her. Gabby understood his feelings; Mr. Joestar had taken her in at her weakest and most desperate. She felt an obligation to help him as well. It made sense. "What are you thinking about?"
Kakyoin didn't answer right away. He put his hands on her stomach for a moment, enjoying the small pouch of softness. He started to move his hands down her abdomen and returned her passionate look, but then looked away. He loved the fairness of her skin was and the wanting in her eyes, but something was bothering him.
"Why do you love me?" Kakyoin finally managed out turning to face the window. Gabby sat up and looked at him questioningly. She let out a long breath and placed her hand on his face. He failed to meet her eyes and looked away again.
"Well, for one thing, you're not bad under the sheets," she tried to joke, but his face fell. "I love you because you stand up for what you believe in. You're always two to three steps ahead of most everyone, along with Mr. Joestar and Jotaro. They depend on your insight, and so do I."
"Is… is that it. You love me because I'm smart?"
"Yes that's part of it, your brain is sexy," she kissed his head to emphasize her point. "No, it's not all though. You have a very strong notion of what is wrong or right, and while others may see that as pride, I love your morality. Also, you don't show yourself easily, but when you do, there's this tenderness and devotion…this… heart that is unshakeable, and by God it's wonderful. Plus, I happen to think you're pretty cute." He took her hand in his and pressed it to his face before kissing it. "Why this so suddenly?" He hadn't been the same since the injury.
"It…. I just like hearing you say that."
"I know you think you were weak back there, that you let your petty argument with Polnareff get your guard down, but you didn't. There's nothing to be ashamed of. There never was." He finally smiled. Approaching Cairo and Dio had stirred up some memories and uncertainty he'd been trying to suppress. But hearing those words, it made him feel like he had been able to rise above his former self.
"My beautiful cherry blossom, the world through your eyes is… perfect, you're always here for me."
"You're silly, of course, I'm here. Let me show you." Gabby brought out Cups, and Kakyoin took her queue. Hierophant came out and looked at the other Stand and then back at Kakyoin. The white Stand moved towards the other and placed its appendage around the green Stand. Hierophant hesitated at first, but then embraced the other Stand eagerly. Kakyoin took a deep breath and looked deep into his girlfriend's eyes. They were a perfect sterling silver in the light. Everything she just told him became palpable, her emotions now comforting as opposed to sickening. His mind eased. He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and put a hand on her chest. Her ardent look returned as he pulled her onto this lap, hands unable to keep off of her body.
"Kiss me already," he sighed out. She giggled as he kissed her neck; he was doing that on purpose. She ran her hands through his hair as they took a few moments to themselves.
They made a stop for lunch, and to refuel the helicopter. The hospital packed them some sandwiches and crisps to share with the pilots. So they had a small picnic. They were near the city is Asyut, almost halfway between Aswan and Cairo. They were not expecting any Stand attacks, and many of the users were probably after Jotaro and the others, but Kakyoin was on guard none the less.
"They excavated a collection of mummified wolves around here. The area is called Lycopolis," Kakyoin told them as they all ate lunch together. "Osiris was worshiped here in the form of a wolf, so perhaps they were offering to him."
"Hmm," one the pilots said finishing off his sandwich, "that's very interesting." The others nodded. Gabby was not ready to get back into the helicopter. They were only about an hour away, and she was enjoying the peace and quiet. She had her obligations but was one more day too much to ask. Yes, it was though. She sighed as Kakyoin shot her a look over his sunglasses. His violet eyes not missing her apprehension.
"Gabby, are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, I was just taking everything in for a moment. The past couple day with been so wonderful, just the two of us, I want a snooze button." He grabbed her around the waist and hugged her from behind.
"I know. I've enjoyed being with you as well. We're so close to Cairo, once we defeat him, we can spend all the time we like together."
"Yeah, I know. Still, want to stay though." She sighed again and dug her heels into the ground stubbornly. Kakyoin held onto her for a moment longer before picking her up and throwing her over his shoulder in a fireman's carry. Gabby shrieked, "What are you doing?" She pounded on his back. "Let me down." He chuckled as she tried to struggle away from him.
"You weren't going to get back on the helicopter," he smirked, "so I needed to carry you."
"I was, I was, you know I was. I just wanted to another minute. Don't make me take Cups out and get you sick. Just because you can tolerate her better than most, doesn't mean you're immune to her wrath." Kakyoin shook his head and let her down. "I was going you know," she huffed.
"Yes, I know, but wanted to carry you."
"If you wanted to be romantic, you'd carry me in your arms, not over your back." He came in and scooped her up in his arms. She rolled her eyes. "Too late now." He put her down, shrugged his shoulders, and then walked to the helicopter. Gabby stood there stunned. Was that Kakyoin attempt at trying to be funny and spontaneous?
"Come on," he called over his shoulder. Yes, he was trying to be funny, but it was now lost on Gabby. She punched him, lightly, on the shoulder as they both climbed into the back of the chopper.
"You're infuriating."
"And you're lovely when you're flustered. But we're so close, no turning back now." Gabby's eyes went wide, he was right, and that made her even more frustrated.
"You… Ugh, now I'm wondering why I love you."
"You said it yourself because I'm just so cute." She went to punch his arms again, and Kakyoin caught her hand and kissed her.
The helicopter was making its final descent towards Cairo. Upon request, they made a small detour towards the pyramids, in Giza, just so Gabby could have five minutes to see them before setting down at the Speedwagon Foundation headquarters for Africa. Once they got into the center, they were escorted to a small doctor's office for their full, final physical before they were released from medical care. They were given a clean bill of health, fully healed. Gabby felt great; better than she had in months. A full belly, restful sleep, and great company helped her body strengthen during the past few days.
The doctor handed them a paper map of the city and circled the last place Mr. Joestar had checked in. It was a small plaza by some shops, on the west side of the Nile. The sun was starting to dip low in the sky, and they were about ten blocks away. Kakyoin tugged at her to get going. It wasn't that Gabby didn't want to fight, on the contrary, she would give this battle everything, she just wanted to spend one more night alone with him. She'd had her first taste of her boyfriend and desperately wanted more. Now, their time was no longer their own.
Kakyoin shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked down the sidewalk. Six million people in one city, and yet the sidewalk seemed strangely empty. They stopped to get a quick drink at a café, and that's when Kakyoin noticed a boy jumping into the water. He stopped mid-sip and saw the boy dive deep into the Nile River. Normally this wouldn't have caught his attention, but every fiber in his mind told him to watch this boy. He watched the water closely as Gabby followed his gaze with a confused face. It felt like several minutes had passed, but in reality, it had only been thirty seconds. Finally, the boy broke the surface of the water holding a very familiar Boston terrier.
"Iggy?" Kakyoin gasped, as he knocked the chair over. Gabby shot up and saw where he was pointing.
"Oh my God, Iggy," she cried. He pushed her forward and they ran down to meet the boy now gasping for air. The kid looked up at them with big eyes as his brow furrowed.
"This dog helped save my dogs from a scary bird," the boy told them, still breathing heavily. "I saw him go down in the water, and I knew I had to help him." Kakyoin squatted down next to the child and gently pulled Iggy out of his grasp. He cradled the small dog and looked over his injuries. The poor pup was in bad shape. Iggy was missing his front paw, lost a lot of blood, and was covered in scratches. "Can you help him, mister?"
"I know this dog, and yes I can help him. His name is Iggy," Kakyoin told the boy.
"We're grateful that you saved him," Gabby added, "this dog is our friend and we've been worried about him. I promise he'll get the best care available." The boy nodded in doubt. "Noriakikun, we're not far from the hospital, why don't you take Iggy back there, and I'll treat this brave boy to a hot chocolate, and maybe a fresh pair of dry trousers." The boy blushed.
"Really lady?"
"Yes, that café over there has some hot chocolate and pastries, get whatever you like." The boy ran over as Gabby put a hand on Kakyoin's arm. "Do you think Iggy will be okay?"
"He's in bad shape, possibly dying, but if anyone can help him, it's the doctor's at the Speedwagon Foundation." He shifted the dog's weight in his arms to make him more comfortable and Iggy took a labored breath. "I have to go now, the longer I wait, the worse off he'll be."
"Go! If you're not back in an hour and a half, should I head back to you?"
"No, if I'm not back, try to find Mr. Joestar and tell them what happened."
"Yeah, okay," Gabby nodded and patted the small dog on his head, "Iggy is spunky; I think he'll pull through." Kakyoin agreed.
The boy went back home after he finished his hot chocolate. He thanked Gabby and told her to make sure she took care of her dog. She waved at him as he left and paced back and forth on the sidewalk until she saw Kakyoin walk up. Her boyfriend had been gone just over an hour and had Iggy curled up in his arms. The small dog yawned, totally exhausted, but glanced up at her with a look of determination. Gabby scratched behind his ears and he seemed to accept the affection. Iggy's paw was expertly bandaged, and his wounds cleaned up. The little dog could have probably used a good night's rest, but he was eager to get moving.
"Iggy seems to know where Jotaro and the others are," Kakyoin told her. "From what we gathered he got into a fight with a bird Stand user and won, but not without injury."
"Well, if he knows where they are let's go find them," Gabby said giving Iggy a final pat on the head. Kakyoin put the terrier down and he limped forward and they followed him. It took the better part of an hour before they rounded a corner into a plaza and heard voices. It was Avdol's! They finally found them! Kakyoin called out to them, but no one seemed to notice at first. He called out again and waited as Iggy limped on. Jotaro stopped and looked around as Iggy ran up. Gabby called out this time trying to get everyone's attention. Iggy made it to them first and they heard them call out to the dog. Mr. Joestar ran forward.
"He's been badly injured," Mr. Joestar pointed out.
"Did he get run over by a car?" Polnareff asked.
"He's not the kind of dog who'd get run over by a car," Avdol told them. They all stared down at him as Iggy struggled to make it any farther. "You were attacked by the enemy, weren't you, Iggy?" They all seemed to understand what the little dog was trying to tell them. Mr. Joestar bent down and pulled him into his arms.
"It looked like someone treated his wounds," Mr. Joestar said, a look of concern clouding his face. "With surgical precision."
"It wasn't Iggy's voice I heard," Jotaro noted, "Someone was calling to us in human language, two voices." The others stared at him mouth agape. Gabby looked at Kakyoin and smiled. They found them at last.
It appears Iggy had a run-in with the enemy," Kakyoin said stepping forward towards the group. Gabby stood right behind him, hands in her trouser pockets. The others stood up and stared at them with eye's shining. "I saw a boy holding him as he lay dying. The one who treated him is a doctor from the Speedwagon Foundation. Just like the one who treated my eyes." He took off his sunglasses dramatically and stepped into the light as Gabby giggled.
"And my shoulder," she added stepping into the light behind him.
"Kakyoin, Ms. Lebedev," they all called out in unison. Gabby ran forward and Polnareff picked her up and swung her around in a bone-crushing hug. He then ran over and hugged Kakyoin
"Lebedev," the Frenchman called out excited, "Kakyoin, Hey." He smacked Kakyoin on the back a few times.
"Polnareff, I'm especially happy to see you in one piece," Gabby told him.
"Ms. Lebedev," Avdol greeted her with a much gentler hug. "It's good to see you again. You're looking quite well, any problems with your shoulder?"
"Not at all, it's healed perfectly."
"Kakyoin, how are your eyes? Better now?"
"It's great to see you!" Kakyoin said. He'd missed his friends. Time with Gabby was great, but they were all whole again, it felt like family. Mr. Joestar pushed passed Avdol and Polnareff straight to Kakyoin.
"Have your wounds healed?" The older man asked. Then he glanced over to Gabby. "Both of you?" Gabby moved her arm up and down.
"Works perfect," she added. He smiled at her and gave her a pat on the back, his other arm still cradling Iggy.
"I'm fine now," Kakyoin told him, "we both have a few scars, but my vision has completely returned."
"That's good to hear!"
"Mr. Joestar," Gabby said looked at him. "What you did for me, for us, I can never repay you. Thank you." He pulled her closer with his free arm and gave her a full side hug.
"You're welcome." Gabby turned to Jotaro, who stood coolly behind everyone. She sized him up for a moment before he extended his hand to her first.
"Short Stack, good to see you," he said, a small smile on his lips. He was smiling, Jotaro Kujo was smiling. She shook it and smiled back as he let go, turning to Kakyoin.
"Jotaro," Kakyoin said now shaking his hand. They would have taken another moment to greet each other, but Iggy had other plans. The small dog leaped out of Mr. Joestar's grasp.
"Hey, Iggy! Where are you going?" Mr. Joestar called, as the dog turned around to make sure they were following him.
"Iggy, who had no interest in humans and Stands," Kakyoin noted putting his sunglasses back on, "is apparently trying to lead us somewhere. I'm not sure what happened while he was fighting the enemy's Stand, but he's been rather angry about how much pain he's endured."
"Hmm, just where is he trying to lead us?"
"Hey, Iggy," Polnareff called out running after the terrier, "hold on." Gabby stood back with as she watched the other follow. This was all happening so fast. They started to turn around the corner so she ran up and grabbed Kakyoin's hand. He gave her a reassuring smile as they followed the determined dog that led them through the city. A tow truck passed by and everyone stopped.
"That…that car," Mr. Joestar said, his eyes wide in shock. The car looked like a nice luxury sedan, but the top had been crushed in and blood stained the leather interior. "That's the car that beggar was riding in."
"Why would a beggar have a luxury car?" Gabby asked looked around, everyone looked shocked.
"It's a long story," Polnareff told her. She let it go.
"Th..this wreckage.." Mr. Joestar continued, "It's…" he couldn't finish. It was another innocent life that had been taken in their quest.
"What did this? There's a huge hole, like something gigantic pierced it." Iggy seemed to roll his eyes, as well as a dog, could.
"It's just as I feared," Avdol said solemnly, "I knew I shouldn't have asked him…" The Egyptian man shook his head
"Is this the work of the Stand user you fought, Iggy?" Mr. Joestar asked.
"There seems to be little doubt."
Iggy continued onward into the direction the tow truck had come from. The air seemed to grow heavy as he continued forward, thick with trepidation. Gabby felt herself shiver as Kakyoin grasped her hand harder. He was trembling as well, but his face was stone. They all stared straight ahead, faces somber and impassive.
"Hey," Polnareff called, "I'm in a cold sweat all of a sudden. This overwhelmingly oppressive feeling…where's Iggy trying to take us." Gabby looked at the Frenchman, the only one who was willing to admit he was scared and tried to smile at him. It came out more as a grimace, but he seemed to appreciate it. They walked over the crest of the hill.
"I already know," Mr. Joestar said through gritted teeth, "this dark sensation…" The mansion came into view over the hill, Dio's mansions. The air grew even thicker causing Gabby's breathe to catch into her throat. She felt like she was walking through soup and her head grew dizzy.
"Th…this mansion…is," Avdol stuttered, as everyone came to a sudden stop.
"The one from the picture," Jotaro finished. The building seemed to emit a strange frequency wave that shrouded it in gut-churning energy. Everyone gapped up at the mansion.
"Who'd have thought you'd be the one to find it, Iggy," Polnareff exclaimed. No one moved. The temperate must have dropped ten degrees, this was it. They finally found Dio. Gabby's stomach dropped as she felt the pure evil radiating all around them, everything told her to run away. But she wouldn't, this was it. She wasn't sure if she would live or die in that house, but she would do anything to avenge her mother. Gabby would fight for revenge for Ianna Lebedev, for Holly Kujo's life, for her brothers in arms, and for the love, she found in the trenches of battle. They all had their reason to fight, and Gabby stood by hers. She took Kakyoin's hand, and he kissed it gently. He didn't look at her though, sweat dripped down his brow as his eyes focused forward.
"So," Jataro said, finally breaking the silence that had fallen over them, "if we beat the shit out of Dio, right here and now, it'll all be over." He stood and pointed at them. Jotaro was ready; this was his mother's life at stake.
"He's here," Mr. Joestar growled out, "there's no doubt about it. This is presence is his. He's inside the mansion right now."
"Which means that we…" Avdol added
"…Have finally reached the last stop on our journey," Polnareff finished.
"Are we ready?" Mr. Joestar asked. Gabby nodded her head. Everyone else agreed as the gate seemed to fly open. It was odd as if they were expected, guests. Someone knew they were here and let them in. Mr. Joestar didn't hesitate and walked forward. He looked around to make sure they were clear and continued on. No one was there, but he stopped again for a moment. "Just as I can sense his presence, he's aware that I have arrived. Entering this mansion carelessly would be like being swallowed by the enemy."
Gabby felt eyes watching them. She knew the others felt it as well. Cups stirred deep inside her, ready to fight, but Gabby kept her calm. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. Everyone else was trying to keep a calm face. "It's okay," she whispered to herself. "This is almost over, we'll be fine," she tried to sooth quietly, as her dream from the other night floating back into her mind at full force.
"What to do?" Avdol asked. Just as the words came out, the door opened.
"The door opened!" Mr. Joestar exclaimed, "Watch out!" They waited for something to come out and attack them, but nothing did. So they moved forward to look through the threshold. The fog seemed to swirl around the long corridor, but no one jumped out at them.
"Hey," Polnareff said as the first one to look through the door, "look at this corridor. I don't see any end to it." Gabby peaked behind, he was right, it looked seemingly endless. "It's not real, is it? It must be some kind of trick or illusion, right?"
"Polnareff, don't go through that door. We should see at least one or two Stand users before Dio." A figure finally appeared through the fog. The man seemed to float effortlessly down the hallway.
"What the? Something's coming! Who the hell is that, is that a Stand user?" The figure had a placid expression on his face, dark eyes and a tall hat. He also had some type of metal outlining his face. Everyone gasped, but instead of attacking, the man turned and bowed at them.
'Welcome," he said his voice calm and unfazed by the ragged bunch in front of him. "Mr. Joestar, we have been awaiting your arrival. I am the butler of this mansion."
"I don't know who the hell that is," Polnareff yelled, "but it's no ordinary human. But no matter, I'll kill him!" Polnareff sent Chariot out as Mr. Joestar tried to warn him and hold him back. The man threw a playing card, queen of hearts, at him, but Chariot cut it down effortlessly. Jataro caught one half of the card and made a face.
"A playing card," he said knitting his brow together. Jataro knew something that she didn't. Must have been one of the Stand users the group fought while she and Kakyoin were gone. The butler didn't even miss a beat.
"My name is D'Arby." The strange man said. Everyone stared shocked as Kakyoin looked at Gabby and shrugged.
"D'Arby?" They all questioned.
"Yes, I'm D'Arby the Younger, Terrance. I'm the younger brother of D'Arby the Elder, whom you have defeated beyond recovery." The man added darkly. Gabby felt the chill everyone else had. She knew that she and Kakyoin missed fighting a few Stands, but this D'Arby must have been truly terrifying.
"You're D'Arby the gambler's younger brother?" Polnareff asked, basically questioning everything the man just told them.
"Are you here to avenge your older brother?" Avdol asked, trying to get a better read on their situation. They expected the man to lash out, but he simply smiled at let out a chuckle, as he moved aside.
"Tch," he let out then chuckled again. "No, not at all. I wouldn't even think of it. Didn't my brother tell you that the one who is fooled and loses the battle is the one at fault? I also believe that to be true. It is my brother's fault for losing. I bear no grudge at all. My brother is his own person, as am I. We are different people. I am ten years younger than my brother, and while I do respect him to a certain degree, we are from different generations. My brother is old fashioned. He had to cheat and swindle to win. I believe Lord Dio recognized this and that is why I was chosen to be his butler." Everyone looked upon this D'Arby with trepidation. The boast was long winded, but not without building anticipation. "What's the matter," the man asked noticed the looks on everyone's faces. "If you would like to fight me, please, come inside the mansion." Everyone jerked forward about to take a step, but hesitation caught them.
"Don't rush carelessly in," Avdol told them.
"We don't have much time," Jotaro said annoyed, "hurry up and take us to Dio." D'Arby waved his arm and a glimmer of his Stand came out. No one knew what it would do or what power it possessed.
"Jotaro!" Mr. Joestar yelled. "Be careful, something's coming out."
"This is my Stand," D'Arby the younger said, "Atum." The stand let out more fog and a shrill screech. It had beady eyes and a weird heart on it. Gabby did not like it. More then some of the other Stands they fought, this one gave off a sinister vibe, and D'Arby was cold and calculating. She swallowed hard.
"He brought out his Stand," Polnareff said, his voice infected out of fear making the statement sound more like a question.
"Well that's rare," Mr. Joestar stated coolly.
"It's been a while since we faced someone who used their Stand out in the open," Avdol agreed. But Gabby couldn't get over the Stand's red eyes. It was judging them somehow and it hurt her down to her very soul. Cups stirred inside of her again. She was warning Gabby against the emanate danger this Stand posed. Those eyes… ouch!
"So which one of you is it?" The Stand, Atum, asked in a hollow voice. "Who shall be my first opponent?" Gabby felt Kakyoin flinch forward. She grabbed his hand to hold him back; he shook her off but didn't move forward again.
"He's so annoying," Polnareff said, "Jotaro, beat the crap out of him." Jotaro stepped forward without a word, as Star Platinum came forth. An angry look crossed the large Stand's features. He was just as annoyed as Polnareff. Star Platinum was ready to end this; too many obstacles were getting in their way.
"Let's make a wager," the creepy Stand said again. "The first blow Star Platinum uses against me, will be a left-handed punch." Everyone's eyes went wide, how could the Stand know this? Given it was a 50/50 shot, it seemed so certain. "His first attack will be a punch thrown with the left arm. Let's bet."
"Whatever! It's all the same if you hit him with all you've got!" For once, Gabby agreed with Polnareff, just end the guy. "Hurry up and hit him, Jotaro." Star Platinum pulled back his fist and went to strike, but the enemy Stand moved out of the way.
"Such speed," Mr. Joestar gasped. "That's impossible." Even Jotaro seemed stunned for a moment. There was definitely something off about this Stand. The only emotion it was only giving off was a weird sense of confidence. Its emotional profile was off the charts in self-assurance, and it was a dangerous feeling. D'Arby was certain he was going to win. She had to fight. Gabby took a step forward, though she didn't have the power that Star Platinum did, she could attack him, make him sick. It may let his guard down enough to give Star an edge. But she stopped when she saw the Stand just looked at Star Platinum's fist with curiosity. Maybe he wasn't as malicious as she thought. But Cups cried deep in her again, no, he was worse.
"Seems I lost the wager," D'Arby said, "too bad." What was this guy playing at, there was more going on, and Gabby didn't want to strike until she knew what his powers were. She didn't get a chance to meet D'Arby the elders, so that put her at a bit of a disadvantage. "Just like my brother," he continued on, "I love gambling. But I'm not very good at it. As a reward, I will take you to an amazing world." The Stand started shaking Jotaro's arm, and a portal opened up in the floor pulling him down.
"What an asshole," Jotaro exclaimed as he started falling.
"It was a trap," Avdol called out. Gabby was now kicking herself for not acting sooner. She may not have been able to defeat him, but she could knock him down a peg or two.
"Jotaro," Mr. Joestar cried out. He sent Hermit Purple to try and grab his grandson and Kakyoin let out Hierophant Green to assist him. The two Stands grabbed on to both Jotaro's arms and in an attempt to pull him up from the hole. D'Arby's head popped up through.
"Oh, very well," he said looking at them, "you gentlemen may enter, too."
"No," Gabby finally called out and tried to grab her boyfriend around the waist to pull him back. But it was too late; they were now being pulled in to the swirling vortex with Jotaro.
"Mr. Joestar, Kakyoin," Avdol and Polnareff called out in unison
"No no no!" Gabby was still falling forward into the hole, but Polnareff grabbed her from behind to keep her back. But she wanted to follow them. This time Avdol grabbed her arm.
"Wait!" he yelled at her, "it would be too dangerous to follow them."
"No, I want to go with them." She stomped her foot. He shook his head at her.
"Avdol," they heard Mr. Joestar call out. "If you don't hear back from us in ten minutes, set the mansion on fire. Got it, Avdol!" The hole got smaller as Avdol now had to hold back both Gabby and Polnareff. Once it closed up Gabby shot a heartbroken look to the Egyptian man.
"Kakyoin," she sighed out. "No, I should be with him. This is my fault; I should have made a move sooner." Avdol pressed his lips together.
"Tisk tisk," he told her "You did not know his powers. We were all trying to get a read on the situation."
"But I should have distracted him. It could have given Star Platinum time to land a good punch. I wonder where they are, what if D'Arby tortures them." Polnareff pulled the distraught Gabby back against the wall with him and motioned for her to sit down.
"We'll find them again soon," he reassured her. "You heard Mr. Joestar, just give them ten minutes. We can wait ten minutes." Gabby sighed again and nodded at her friend.
"Alright, but only ten, I…"
Gabby stopped as she heard D'Arby's voice rise up through the air. 'It's a shame the lovely Ms. Gabby wouldn't join you. Not as beautiful as my Sonia I just showed you, but a pretty girl none the less. She'd look so nice next to my Kakyoin doll. A pair of lovers would be a fine addition to my collection. To think, you could be together forever. But maybe it's a good thing she didn't try to attack; her Stand would be strong against mine. Her emotional manipulation, so fickle, would have rendered my Stand vulnerable as I don't wish to touch her and get myself all worked up. I pride myself on a calm demeanor, but what a bother strong emotions are the sign of a strong soul, and I'd have a hard time containing hers.' She looked around to see if anyone else could hear the voice, but neither Avdol nor Polnareff seemed to hear it.
"Ms. Lebedev," Avdol asked, narrowing his eyes in concern. "What is it?"
"They're still in the mansion. I know they are! We should go find them."
"Mr. Joestar said ten minutes. Have a little faith, ten minutes." Gabby sighed and nodded.