As stated in the chapter's title, this is part one of the expanded version of the original "Hotel of the Dead SAGA". It used to be one chapter and its contents was cramped to make them fit within one chapter, which in hindsight isn't a good idea. Looking back, I wished it got expanded especially after I watched Part 6's Limp Bizkit fight and Sports Max's hilarious voice dub in the anime. And wouldn't you know it? The story's re-revision allowed me to do just that and turn the fight on par with the later fights!
Please enjoy!
Kotaro lets out a cozy sigh after dipping his body in a small hot spring he reserved for himself. For some reason, he's still wearing his black shades while fully undressed, something anyone would give him an odd look for, not that it bothers him. Besides, does he have to care about what they think when tonight's concert went well as he expected and he approved of the girls promoting the sponsored product in the middle of the concert?
Satisfied of the idols' job well done, Kotaro has more faith that the bodyguards will do the same in disposing of the enemy Stand.
"Haaaaah… This is life."
At the same time Kotaro is relaxing and the zombies are preparing to sleep after a long day of work, the hotel's third floor sees Kakyoin, Avdol, and Bucciarati, still wearing their makeup, walking in the hallway. It's about less than thirty minutes before midnight arrives and the designated Stand Users are searching for any signs of an enemy Stand's presence this late at night. While they were doing this, their four groupmates remained in their rooms awake and alert to look after room 606 and make sure the girls were safe. Since they have wiped their makeup off before Bucciarati decides who will go out to hunt the enemy Stand, they're okay in having to stay as they know better than to try going out only to out themselves as zombies to an unfortunate passerby.
Predicting the search may take a while longer according to Kotaro's info concerning the Stand they need to kill, Avdol takes the lead and had Magician's Red create a Life Detector in order to detect their target's energy. Kakyoin and Bucciarati would then follow him, watching the fire radar keenly and their surroundings while staying vigilant for any signs of the enemy. So far, everything seemed fine after the trio scoured the sixth, fifth and fourth floor and saw no signs of the target, thus they went each floor below until they're in the third floor.
Wherever the enemy Stand is hiding and how long they want to conceal themselves, they swore to dispose of them to ensure the hotel is safe. The last thing Kotaro wants is hearing Ureshino's populace being under attack.
These past six minutes saw the trio sweeping the fourth floor halfway through, until they heard the heat radar crackling rapidly above them. They looked up to see two small flames growing in size and flickering. "Aha! The radar! Looks like we have 「found」 the enemy!" Avdol announced, inspecting one flame that is pointing forward growing in size.
Eyes trained on it, Bucciarati has some reservations on whether it's working as intended despite being pleased the Avdol's Life Detector didn't fail its intended purpose, "Has it really? Does your 「heat radar」 only detect the Stand's presence, not any guests probably still up this late at night?"
"Not to worry. I made sure the Life Detector only detects our target while excluding anyone else," he assured him. "This way, the radar shouldn't react to a few people we may come across due to the restraint I imposed on it, so I'm positive we will detect the Stand easily."
"It's a good thing too because we don't want the hotel's guests getting caught up in our fight," added Kakyoin. "Last thing we need is bystanders getting attacked, or they saw our zombie selves under our human disguise."
"Good point. If the Life Detector has detected the enemy Stand while we're the only ones on this floor, that makes our job less stressful." Bucciarati walked forward in the direction of where the enemy was supposed to be. He looks around for a few seconds before he asks, "Say, I've been wondering… Did Tatsumi specify what type of Stand we will face? Whether it's a 「close-ranged」 or 「long-distance」 type, how it looks and the 「ability」…?"
"All he said to us this morning is how the supposed "ghost" of Ureshino is believed to be in the hotel roaming aimlessly," recalled Kakyoin. "According to Kotaro's unknown acquaintance, the "ghost" is actually an 「enemy Stand」 who is permanently invisible to everyone. Alongside rumors of it springing up last month brought up by him, the guests believed they might have encountered the "ghost" randomly prowling the floors without purpose. While that doesn't sound too unusual at first, few observers have claimed that they touched the "ghost" while it's standing or walking on ceilings or walls. Not only that, they also heard it mumble something inaudible under its breath. From what they have described it, it's creepy and ominous, especially when they believe it might have whispered to their ears while passing by."
"Curiously enough," continued Avdol, standing beside Bucciarati. "The rumor didn't dampen the number of visitors at all. In fact, some of them came to the hotel just to see or feel if the "ghost" is indeed wandering down the halls. If Kotaro and his unknown contact believe it's an enemy Stand, it could spell trouble for anyone daringly or foolishly trying to make contact with the 'ghost'."
"Well we should be glad it didn't do anything worrying other than wandering about. Our business with Stands is only ours to take," hoped Bruno. "And even if the very few do know the existence of Stands, they should be aware not to take on something they have little or no knowledge on." He then takes one step forward in order to see where the enemy is. For some reason, they don't see anyone in front of them.
"Right… Kotaro advised us also to prevent civilian casualties. Funnily enough, compared to his loud and pompous attitude concerning Franchouchou's goal of saving Saga, he was serious when he walked on the topic of enemy Stands hiding in Saga." Kakyoin remarked. He may be irritated by his constant shouting and demeaning the girls and boys, but he's glad he can show restraint when it's needed, showing concern and empathy for Saga's populace. He would have tolerated the mad producer more if he continued that way and stopped acting as an obnoxious man.
"His goal is to ｢save Saga｣ after all. Naturally, he doesn't want the residents to be threatened by enemy Stands in pursuit of his goal to make the prefecture known." Avdol replied.
"Heh, yeah. I can't believe I'm still roped into Kotaro's crazy plan and have been living in the mansion many weeks ago." Kakyoin chuckled, apparently still not used to his job.
"I could hardly believe it myself too…" Avdol agreed, shaking his head. He was about to say more when a confused Bucciarati muttered out loud.
"Huh? What was that?"
"Bucciarati-san?"
Kakyoin and Avdol turn to their leader whipping his head around. He appears to be looking at something because he raises his arms in front of him and tries to get a hold of something. Confused by his act, the two ask what he is doing reaching his arms out.
"Hm? Ah! Well, I was trying to touch something in front of me when I bumped into someone," explained Bruno, glancing behind. "The confusing part about that is… no one's in 「front」 of me."
"…What?" The two said in unison.
"I'm sure of it. That's why I'm trying to find who I just bumped into. We're the only ones here on the third floor so it shouldn't be hard finding whoever I almost walk into."
Something about his words prompts Avdol to recall moments earlier that the heat radar reacted to someone's presence in the hallway. They haven't gone too far but he is sure the three are the only ones out there this late at night. If what Bucciarati said is true and if he considers the rumors about the "ghost" of Ureshino Hotel believed to be wandering at this time of night…
Avdol's eyes widened in realization, and tried warning Bucciarati. "Bucciarati! Get back! You must have bumped into the-!"
Unfortunately, he was too late. Before Bucciarati asked, something, most likely an invisible force, held him in one place from behind, then a searing pain erupted on his shoulder, feeling like he got bitten. His reaction is immediate.
"AAAAGGGHHHH! W-WHAT THE HELL!?"
"Bucciarati-san!?" Kakyoin looked at him in surprise, watching his left shoulder bleeding profusely and himself struggling to move. For some reason, he's struggling against someone's hold behind him, even though there's nothing present near Bruno. He tried to pry off whoever was chomping him ferociously, grinding his teeth from the pain and frustration.
"Darn it! That must be the invisible enemy Stand!" Avdol cursed, summoning Magician's Red to help Bucciarati. "So it was right before us! We should've paid more attention!"
"What, really!? Then what are we waiting for?" Kakyoin urged, bringing out Hierophant Green. The two are about to help Bucciarati when the former capo cries out one name needed to free him from the enemy's mouthful grasp.
"｢STICKYYYYY FINGEEEEEEERS｣!"
ビィィィーッ
Coming out from a zipper that appeared in thin air in front of him, a humanoid Stand jumps out of it and gets to work defending its user.
"ARI!"
The punch connected with the enemy's face, being powerful enough to force its teeth out of Bruno's shoulder and behead. They couldn't muster a scream as they died instantly, turning into dust after their beheaded body was laid down. Sensing he's free, he then clutched his wounded shoulder as he staggered away from the disintegrating enemy.
Agh! Dammit! I let my guard down at a critical moment and let themself bite me! So someone is actually there! I thought it was nothing at first when I bumped into it, until my shoulder got bitten. And from the way I see it, it's ｢invisible｣. Wait. Now that I thought about it, didn't Kotaro mention that the "ghost" of Ureshino is the invisible enemy Stand…? Ah, could it be?
Positive that the fight has only just started, Bucciarati leans against the wall for support as he applies pressure and a zipper to the wound while panting from the wound and the nasty surprise he got. "Haah… Haah… Haah…"
"Bucciarati! Are you alright?" Avdol asked, rushing to his side to check his shoulder out of concern for the gangster.
"I-I'm fine…" He assured him despite the stinging pain emanating from his wound. "Just… give me a minute. I'll be up and about in a moment."
"Are you sure? Your wound looks bad. You got chomped there by the enemy you disposed of."
"I have dealt much worse injuries than this. It's practically nothing at this point." He further assured him.
"Umm, well if you are absolutely sure, then alright. I will not stop you. I have a feeling we're gonna need your help in defeating the Stand User. Just don't push yourself hard, alright?"
"I'll keep that in mind." Bruno responded.
After reassuring the teenager, Avdol glanced at the Stand Bruno summoned and called it Sticky Fingers hovering beside him with clenched fists crossed over his lap and seemingly alert and attentive. Said Stand is wearing a helmet covering the upper half of its face adorned with column of short spikes resembling a mohawk, dark suit over its torso except its chest and stomach, shoulder pads, elbow pads, forearm guards, knee pads, shin guards, and numerous zippers on each of its cheeks, the base of its neck extending down to its abdomen, on forearm guards near its wrists, a large zipper on its waist and two long zippers on its legs below its knees and extending down to its feet. Based on its rapid punches inflicted on the invisible enemy, he believes it's a close-range Stand similar to Star Platinum, even having a cry when it dishes out its fists.
"Bucciarati-san, this Stand… I saw it came out from a ｢zipper｣. Is it related to your ability or…?" Kakyoin began asking to sate his curiosity.
"It's my Stand's ｢ability｣," revealed Bucciarati, seeing no harm in telling the two how his Stand works. "Sticky Fingers can ｢create｣ zippers on any surface the Stand ｢touches｣ with its ｢fists｣. Alongside its exceptional strength and speed, I wouldn't come home without it due to its practical use in offense and defense that carried me in any situation."
"Zippers? What use does a zipper have in battle, Bucciarati?" Avdol inquired, keeping an eye on the radar still floating above them.
"To be honest, I lost count how many times Sticky Fingers helped me during my time working in Passione, but thanks to my ability, I was eventually made a leader of my team and a capo. In short, Sticky Fingers is an exceptional Stand who was always there for me to help my group and lead us to victory in many fights." A prideful smile crops up on his face.
"Sounds quite a powerful Stand then," guessed Kakyoin. "And say, that reminds me… I have not told you about what Hierophant Green does and its abilities. Are you still curious about my Stand, Bucciarati-san?"
Zipper Man remembers asking him about Hierophant Green back from their very first morning assembly with Kotaro, to which he chuckled. "I suppose I am. But I believe I may learn the workings of your Stand during this fight, Kakyoin."
"Heads up you two! The radar has detected the enemy Stand's presence again!" On cue, Avdol warned looking up at the kindling fire pointing to both sides, including the path they had walked through earlier. While he and Kakyoin have their Stand at the ready, Bucciarati is confused when he mentions another enemy has appeared. "Another one? Didn't Tatsumi say there are only ｢one｣ users of the Stand?" Kakyoin stated confusingly.
"No, he didn't mean that. If I recall correctly, Kotaro additionally said something along the lines like…"
Be warned! I heard from my mysterious acquaintance that the enemy Stand has the ability to conjure invisible enemies! As such, take heed of your surroundings and keep an eye out for the user, as defeating it will deactivate the Stand for good!
"…According to that info and the way I was ambushed, the enemy's ability is to manifest ｢invisible zombies｣. While killing them is trivial, having to deal with a lot of them could spell disaster to us if we don't thin down the herd and find the user."
"Invisible zombies, huh?" Kakyoin repeated. Hierophant Green shoots out emeralds on the invisible enemies on his side, earning groans and screams of pain for every zombie killed. "I find it ironic we are fighting against our fellow brethren."
"Except the ones we're dealing with are of the bloodthirsty and monstrous types, craving the flesh of human beings," remarked Avdol, assuming a stance as Magician's Red incinerates the zombies using Red Bind. If he attacks through Cross Fire Hurricane, he could burn the hotel down, so he chooses not to use it for this fight. "And unlike us, they have no moral restraints."
"If that's true, we must find the user quickly before all of us are eaten alive and the zombies are free to start the apocalypse." Bucciarati commanded, standing in full attention once he sees he's okay to move and the wound is hampering him a little. Sticky Fingers float beside him, ready to defend him from any zombies dumb enough to chomp on him.
"…Say, Bucciarati, Avdol." Kakyoin speaks up after the zombies are tied up by his Stand's tentacles.
"Yes?"
"What is it?"
"This must be our first time turning into ｢humans｣, after Gyro, Sakura, Ai and Junko did when they are up against Black Sabbath." He said as Hierophant Green squeezed the zombies with impunity. "After seeing them almost injured when Avdol and I got to them, I now see what it feels like to be ｢vulnerable｣."
"If you're worried we might not make it, don't worry…" Avdol turned to him, aware of offensive heat radars sent out separate from the heat radar above them as projectiles for unlucky zombies. "They managed to hold on long enough for us to kill Black Sabbath. I'd say we can do this if we cooperate together."
"Here's hoping. I don't want any of us to die again under my watch, especially with our new friends awaiting our return."
"Well, let's not dawdle around, you two!" Bucciarati commanded with Sticky Fingers laying out rapid punches against their invisible enemies to clear the path for them to move. "Time to find the user and put an end to the invisible zombies before this gets worse!"
And so, the three got busy killing the invisible zombies as Kakyoin shot out emeralds and tendrils for ensnaring, Avdol controlling the flames expertly while making sure it doesn't singe or burn the walls or floors, not helped that he's in enclosed spaces, and Bucciarati dishing out punches with impunity, using zippers to outmaneuver the quick zombies if needed. After a full two minutes of non-stop assault, the invisible zombies are all killed.
"Is it… Is it over?" Kakyoin asked in between pants.
Looking at the fire radar and seeing no flickering flames, Avdol answered positively. "I believe so. The Life Detector isn't sensing more zombies coming our way, so I think we're good."
"Really? For some reason, I'm unsatisfied," admitted Cherry Boy, showing an uneasy look. "It felt easy killing the invisible zombies. Even with the speed advantage and their uncanny ability to walk on walls, we managed to stop them with little difficulty. That… doesn't feel right at all."
"Oh? I see where you're going at. We could've killed the true user of this nasty Stand, and yet somehow, I don't think we accomplished that…" Avdol came to agree. Rubbing his chin, he took another look at the Life Detector then he glanced at Bucciarati next. Similar to Kakyoin, he has a dissatisfied look too, meaning he's on the same boat as him. "You heard us Bucciarati, so what are your thoughts?"
Zipper Man glanced back to Avdol, and to Kakyoin too, before he returned staring off at the darkened hallway. The part of the hallway they're standing on is stained or dripping with blood that was spewed out of the invisible zombies when they got attacked. This is a very bad time for a guest to stumble upon them and see bloodstained walls, floors and ceiling, and fortunately, none of them are out and awake. Nonetheless, Bucciarati's worries didn't abate concerning the enemy Stand.
ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ
The real user hasn't been found yet all this time? They should've been lying dead or got attacked moments ago while an onslaught of undead monsters pounced on us. Since their ｢ability｣ lets them summon as many undead as they like, and provided range is an issue, logically they should be nearby. But the attacks stopped, so what could they possibly be planning next…?
…Wait, the attacks just… stopping? And, the supposed leader possibly killed so easily? Couple that with Avdol's heat radar no longer detecting the enemy Stand's presence… Ah, merda! It's not over yet!
"STICKY FINGERS!"
An opened zipper appeared on the ceiling above them, wide enough for an average person to jump through. Bucciarati, assisted by Sticky Fingers, would grab the edges and climb up.
"Bucciarati!? What are you-"
"The ｢enemy｣…! We must ｢go after｣ the enemy!" Bucciarati exclaimed just as he pulled up to the opening, bypassing to the fifth floor. After settling his footing, he crouched and looked down to say more to the confused Avdol and Kakyoin. "It's just my instinct telling me, but…! The enemy is currently ｢not｣ on the third floor as I speak! They must've ｢fled｣ when we were distracted killing his minions!"
"Fled?" Kakyoin repeated, slowly getting alarmed.
"Come on! Jump to this opening, quick! We must give chase! Here, grab my hand!" He extended his hand urgently.
"Ouuuuuurgh…"
Hearing another round of groans from both their sides pulled Kakyoin and Avdol's attention away from Bucciarati to look at where they thought the invisible zombies were roaming. The Life Detector's flames also grew and flickered, indicating they were there. "The invisible zombies! They respawned!?" Avdol exclaimed.
"So I was right. We haven't defeated the horde's leader yet," said Bucciarati, irritated at himself that his hunch didn't mislead him. "But now's not the time to deal with them! I can't shake the feeling that the leader may have fled! We must go after them! Come on! Climb up in this zipper, you two!"
The two looked at him extending a hand out of the zipper opening to them, urging them to join him. They initially thought of following him, but the invisible zombies' groans had their attention more than wanting to go up. Glancing to the innocuous empty hall stained with splotches of blood of the slain zombies, the two quickly realize that they must stay.
"We're sorry Bucciarati-san, but you must go after the enemy alone!" Kakyoin told his leader, ignoring his leader's gestures and bringing Hierophant Green by his side. "If we all left, the invisible zombies will be free to roam the hotel without interference and might endanger the guests staying here! Avdol and I must kill all the zombies to prevent that from happening!"
"Kakyoin's right! We will take care of the situation here while you go after the real enemy Stand!" Avdol agreed, commanding Magician's Red to prepare the flames.
Initially, Bucciarati hesitated and was tempted to join them anyway to kill off the second wave of zombies, but sees they're right. Going by this tactic, they can divide and conquer in a sense to dilute the chances of the enemy's success. Nodding affirmatively, he says, "Alright. I trust you two to dispose of all the respawned zombies without any harm done to the guests. Just try not to get injured or die, okay?"
"We will! That goes for you too!" Avdol returned.
"Auuuurghhhhh…"
Rising up out of the zipper after bidding them good luck, Bucciarati closed it and after checking if the coast is clear, began running through the fourth floor in hot pursuit of the possible leader who supposedly fled after distracting them to get rid of their invisible zombies.
They better not get their hands on the girls! He thought worriedly.
In room 607, the four zombie guys who chose to stay and look after the sleeping girls are awake and waiting for Kakyoin, Avdol and Bucciarati to return. They occupy some parts of the room with Narancia and Gyro standing beside the door, Johnny sitting on the tatami mat and Mamezuku situated away from them near the futons. So far, nothing is amiss, and the girls seem to be safe. While they would have tried to enter their room, it is possible they are already asleep and it would be rude if they inadvertently wake them up when they open their room. The only thing they can do is check outside every three minutes.
Yawning in boredom or drowsiness, Narancia looks restless, wondering why he hasn't joined the three in search for the enemy Stand if he's gonna be standing around, bored out of his mind as he waits for them to return. If the Stand wasn't in this hotel, they would be asleep after Franchouchou's performance.
Wanting to pass time, Narancia strikes up a conversation. "Hey, you three."
They turned to him when he spoke up. "What?" Johnny said.
"So uhhh, I'm a little curious… How are y'all faring living as zombies? Is it any good? Different? Bad? Orrrrr… all of those?" The question came up in his mind without much thought and Narancia asked it with a smile, seeing no harm in asking it.
"I'd saaaaay… it's good. Great even," answered Gyro truthfully. "The wounds I sustained leading to my death may stay on my body for my entire undead life, but I don't mind it, considering I am revived despite it. Guess dying doesn't stop someone with the last name Zeppeli from truly dying out, nyo-ho!"
"To be honest, disregarding the limited use I have with my legs, I'm becoming comfortable being a zombie," replied Johnny. "Aside from my head feeling funny from time to time, nothing seems to be wrong so far."
"Still getting used to it." That is Mamezuku's response. "The bandages covering the injuries I got before my death are a little cramped and ticklish. Perhaps give me another month and maybe, just maybe, the bandages don't bother me as much anymore."
"Hmm, going over your responses… Y'all seem bothered by your wounds that caused your deaths…" Narancia surmised. "I would like to ask you how you three died buuuuut… I shouldn't. I might be invading your privacy too much."
"Yeah, you shouldn't." Johnny agreed.
"Alright. Uhh, sorry if I came close to prying on you without meaning to."
"You didn't Narancia. Don't worry about it." Gyro assured him with a grin.
"Say Narancia. Now that I've taken a good look at you… You don't seem to have any injuries on you…" Mamezuku's curiosity led him to make a statement about his body lacking any signs of injuries supposedly sustained when he died. "That goes too for Bucciarati. Why is that? How come you two sustained no injuries on your bodies while the rest of us have them. Can you explain it?"
"Umm, about that… I can't remember the manner of how I died." Narancia scratched his head.
"You can't remember?" Johnny raised an eyebrow.
"Yup. While I'm positive I did die like Bucciarati told me, I can't recall my death at all. It's like… my death is so abrupt that I didn't have a chance to realize it, not that it sounds any better. However, sometimes there are stinging pains coming from my head, wrist, arms, chest, waist, and my left thigh. Considering I can feel the pain akin to me getting pierced by something, I have a feeling it's related to my death."
"Hm. I suppose that in exchange for having no wounds on your body, you get occasional pains as a reminder of how you died. That is, if it's related to your death." Mamezuku guessed.
"Well, I'm sure as hell it is related. For now though, let's drop it, okay? You are probing my privacy if you continue asking me that." Narancia is getting nervous learning something about his death and opts to drop the subject before it gets more uncomfortable.
"Alright." Mamezuku stays silent after nodding.
"Hey, should we check on the girls? Three minutes have passed and we may not know if they are attacked under our noses." Gyro reminded them.
"Ah! Right! C'mon! Let's check on them!"
The four are about to go outside when a scream is heard outside the hot spring their room is next to. "…Was that a scream?" Johnny asked.
"It doesn't sound like it's Sakura or Junko. Should we investigate it?" Gyro told him.
"Either way, we have to look after the girls, remember?"
Under Mamezuku's words, the four go outside to check up on the girls before going over where the scream is. But when they open the door, Ai, Yugiri, Lily and Tae are outside as well. The girls look at them in surprise just as the guys stare at them in surprise also. "Huh? What are you four outside this late at night?" Narancia asked before he noticed three girls were missing. "And where are Sakura, Saki and Junko?"
"That's what we are wondering. They are not in our rooms when we are woken up by a scream," replied Ai. "Speaking of that, who has screamed just now?"
"Who knows? It's either a staff or someone else." Johnny guessed.
Before any of them say anything, Tae sprints off ahead of them, seemingly in response to another scream they happen to hear through the walls. "T-Tae-chan! Wait!" Lily rushes after her.
"Ah! We mustn't let anyone see them!" Narancia follows them in panic. The others soon follow, splitting up to investigate who screamed just now. Hopefully this doesn't go bad for them, especially when they don't have their makeup on…
To be continued
Onomatopoeia:
ビィィィーッ (Biiiii) - Any zippers opening/Sticky Fingers appearing
ボゴォォ (Bogou) - A punch striking someone
ドゴ (Dogo) - Rapid punching
バカァァァ (Bagaaaa) - Zipper rapidly opening or slicing
Stand Analysis:
Sticky Fingers (Stand Master: Bruno Bucciarati)
Destructive Power: A
Speed: A
Range: C (2 meters)
Stamina: D
Precision: C
Developmental Potential: D
Sticky Fingers is a close-ranged Stand with exceptional strength and speed capable of punishing any enemies in direct combat. The ability of applying zippers on any objects its fist touches and its many functions proves this Stand to be one of the most versatile due to its user's quick thinking and experience. So far, zippers are used in opening a hole in a wall, immobilizing someone, attaching several things together, storing or hiding in a dark space when a zipper opens, and even helping the user dodge any attacks when zippers are applied to its body.
Again, this is only one part of the Limp Bizkit battle, so expect two more chapters focusing on it. Hope you will like the revamping of the story's second fight!