02-20-2015, 08:52 PM
Dio shifted in his seat, adjusting his viewing angle so that he was more straight backed. It was clear that all the primes in the room had heard him at this point, he had hoped that the hustle and bustle traditionally a part of a dance party would have allowed him to scheme somewhat in private with the crowd as covered but it was quite apparent that this location was far too central for that to have been even a vague possibility. However disappointing as it was that he was being forced to disclose his intended "Secret" to every Tom, Dick, and Harry that walked through the door; He was at least relieved that he wasn't going to be suffering from a lack of interested pawns in his upcoming quest.
Hearing Aang's statement regarding people hating the people of Dracula's army before he existed, Dio would chuckle, he couldn't believe that this kid had even this much sense in his head, but he supposed even a broken clock was right at least two times a day. Still, this pointed statement was as easy to refute as taking candy from a baby. Indeed, to someone of Dio's intellect this couldn't even be considered a retort, it was the most basic pretense of all prejudice, and as an educated individual he had heard this argument many a time regarding those born in the slums growing up from the mouths of holier than thou nobles. However, Dio wasn't trying to win an argument here. He was trying to change someone's mind, convince them so completely that other notions would seem offensive or completely alien to his new way of thought.
"Ah, you would have a point. However that argument ignores the fact that before Dracula it was Diablo who was in control in The Pale Moors, and under him his servants suffered as much as those he conquered. There's quite a good reason why even Lord Dracula, as vile a man as he is, refused to help The Lord of Terror and instead took that chance to consolidate his forces."
He'd say, his wry smirk turning confident. This was perfect, here he would not only convince those who had decided to eavesdrop but he would also build on the fake notion of "Sympathy". Being as evil as he was Dio was not above playing the pretend victim, to try and manufacture an identity as a being forced into service using the history of this world, twisting events to portray them as beings who simply desired to live. After all, who could not understand and sympathize with the struggle of a people who had been under the yoke of tyrant after tyrant?!
"In fact there has been no point in recorded history where the undead have been able to exist under their own will or a duly elected leader. Tell me, how can you judge a people for their tyrants?!"
Dio said, feigning an enraged reaction as he'd stand up, his arm swinging to the side to knock a glass to the floor, sending it flying to the ground where it would burst on contact with the marbled floors, a righteous indignation burning in Dio's eyes behind his mask. However, in his mind Dio was laughing like a mad man. How could anyone see this display and not view as someone who simply wanted a better life for the undead? How could one look at Dio now and see anything other than someone who wanted a free world for those who had existed for millenia under the yoke of monsters.
Sighing, he'd turn and order a servant to clean up the glass. Then he'd sit back down in his chair, his expression set and solemn as he would continue speaking, his tone now far more somber. Such was the power of a master of deceit, he could carefully manage his emotions so well that he could create perfect simulcra of emotions that he had never experienced as a truly selfish and vile being.
"I apologize, but as a man born in the slums of my own world I have been looked down on my entire life by nobles.Hearing the poor being blamed for the actions of those in power has always been a struggle that inflamed my heart. You have the apologies of Dio, in that moment I allowed my personal convictions to take precedence over my duties as a host."
He said bowing his head just a little towards Aang. Bowing to this lowly worm was a humiliation he had to endure in exchange for his previous out burst, appearing to try and save his pride as a host would be the only way he could possibly have kept that outburst in line with how he had acted when he was more natural. Thus even though it pained Dio significantly to do so, he would. Thankfully though, he was saved by the arrival of the tea and Aang's surprising reaction to it, the boy seeming to become much more calm when he had a pot of freshly prepared tea before him, a curious fact that Dio made a mental note of in case the pair ever needed to undergo negotiations in the future.
From there he would silently wait for other people to speak, letting them say their pieces. Kuuzan's statement would earn a pronounced expression of disapproval from Dio. That this worm would dare threaten the glorious existence known as Dio was a sin that he would certainly remember.
However, before he could reply to Kuuzan's display of ignorance, another prime would appear would approach, Dio's eyes catching.. an odd flow of space and time around this girl. Like time itself avoided flowing around her as it did others, and in that moment Dio knew that what he was seeing was another person capable of manipulating time as he did, and judging from her demeanor he could tell instantly that this was a girl who possessed great evil in her heart. Dio would let out a sigh of relief, seeing her was indeed a message from the heavens that he was not forsaken in this world. He had believed himself to be the only one unconstrained by the laws of good, and the tyranny of justice, but here wearing the skin of a little girl was a being of evil equatable to his own dark soul. Dio would utter a silent prayer to whatever Vile God resided over this domain, thanking him for sending him someone who wasn't some worthless hero.
"Ah so it seems we nearly have a full hunting party then. Well then Ms., allow me to introduce you to your partners, Aang and Kuuzan. As a group full of primes I'm sure you all have your own talents and abilities, and we'll be discussing them at length here soon enough. However I would like to answer any questions people have about myself or The Tarrasque now."
He'd say as the music would change again, this time the upbeat tune was replaced by a slow somber tone, the lights on the dance floor dimming as the band that had occupied the center stage moved out, allowing some actors to take their place, the raised stage the band had been performing on in the corner being populated as a narrator would begin a tale of betrayal and woe, detailing the beginning of the play and explaining the events that lead up to it before the actors would take to the stage.
Dio would smirk as he'd eye the performers out of the corner of his eye, good, this meant that any further eavesdroppers would solely be the people who were interested in hunting the tarrasque itself. It also meant that the hustle and bustle of the dance floor was far calmer as the finishing event of the Masquerade's final day began, the main courses being rolled out onto a row of tables that were pushed towards the side of the room, the whole transition a flawlessly orchestrated performance that Dio would need to thank Reaves for later. Truly only a remarkable individual could have orchestrated the movements so flawlessly. With the nobility distracted Dio would turn to the assembled group looking far more serious as he'd speak to the assembled primes.
"Now, with the prying ears occupied elsewhere I'd like to make you all aware of the danger inherant in this mission. Other hunting teams have already tried and failed to down this beast, and in spite of it's size it's said to have lightning speed. However this all pales before it's regenerative ability which is rumored to only be stopped by an intense flame or acid that scours it's wounds. That all is coupled with a hide tougher than iron, even catapults and cannons have been unable to deal lasting damage. Now all of this is hearsay from survivors of previous parties and from the tales of militia who have tried to stop it from destroying their towns."
He'd say rubbing his temples. The expression of exasperation on his face making it clear that the lack of reliable information was a source of frustration for Dio. He never enjoyed doing anything he was not one hundred percent sure of his ability to deal with on his own, and the lack of reliable information had made that completely impossible. Having to call in just as many primes as were arranged before him was something that made bile rise in the back of his throat. However, Dio knew that there was still more to be said, and thus after allowing a moment for the weight of his words to sink in he would continue.
"Thus even I, Dio, cannot say for certain how true any of this is. Honestly if it weren't for my own abilities being as incredible as they are I wouldn't even dare to hunt this monster. Thus I have to make sure all of you are ready here, if we are to survive none of you can show a moment's hesitation in the face of this beast. One second of fear or cowardice can lead to all of our deaths. So if you doubt your ability to stare death in the eyes and charge forward in spite of the danger, I ask that you leave this table now. My heart could not bear it if any who were unwilling to lose their lives in pursuit of this goal were to be forced to fight. I will not shame any who decide to leave. This is a task that before which even the flame of a heroes courage may flicker and wither."
He'd say, inwardly chuckling. A heroes courage?! What kind of crap was that. The only thing that mattered was strength, and wording it as he had he had extended the offer for weaklings to flee. He did not need any cowards in his ranks and anyone who would not die for this had no business being anything other than cattle. In fact, Dio almost hoped someone would leave the table and identify themselves as food for him in the future. Dio's terrifying internal thought process was hidden behind that Stone Mask of his expression, set in an expression of solemn determination any who looked would merely see a man who had delivered a grave ultimatum. The somber tone of the music, and the lighting in the room all lended itself towards creating the perfect atmosphere for Dio's own performance, the host of the party having his own little play right here in the corner. Only his audience was far more enraptured than those staring at the stage.
Quote:"Look, I know how much Darkshire hates... Er, your kind, but there HAS to be a good reason for it, right? The only way a religious leader of that sort could have taken hold of the place is through fear, and for that they had to be afraid of something outside of the walls of the town. Which means either the undead did something terrible to them at one point, with or without Dracula, or something else entirely instilled this hate in them. So, which was it?"
Hearing Aang's statement regarding people hating the people of Dracula's army before he existed, Dio would chuckle, he couldn't believe that this kid had even this much sense in his head, but he supposed even a broken clock was right at least two times a day. Still, this pointed statement was as easy to refute as taking candy from a baby. Indeed, to someone of Dio's intellect this couldn't even be considered a retort, it was the most basic pretense of all prejudice, and as an educated individual he had heard this argument many a time regarding those born in the slums growing up from the mouths of holier than thou nobles. However, Dio wasn't trying to win an argument here. He was trying to change someone's mind, convince them so completely that other notions would seem offensive or completely alien to his new way of thought.
"Ah, you would have a point. However that argument ignores the fact that before Dracula it was Diablo who was in control in The Pale Moors, and under him his servants suffered as much as those he conquered. There's quite a good reason why even Lord Dracula, as vile a man as he is, refused to help The Lord of Terror and instead took that chance to consolidate his forces."
He'd say, his wry smirk turning confident. This was perfect, here he would not only convince those who had decided to eavesdrop but he would also build on the fake notion of "Sympathy". Being as evil as he was Dio was not above playing the pretend victim, to try and manufacture an identity as a being forced into service using the history of this world, twisting events to portray them as beings who simply desired to live. After all, who could not understand and sympathize with the struggle of a people who had been under the yoke of tyrant after tyrant?!
"In fact there has been no point in recorded history where the undead have been able to exist under their own will or a duly elected leader. Tell me, how can you judge a people for their tyrants?!"
Dio said, feigning an enraged reaction as he'd stand up, his arm swinging to the side to knock a glass to the floor, sending it flying to the ground where it would burst on contact with the marbled floors, a righteous indignation burning in Dio's eyes behind his mask. However, in his mind Dio was laughing like a mad man. How could anyone see this display and not view as someone who simply wanted a better life for the undead? How could one look at Dio now and see anything other than someone who wanted a free world for those who had existed for millenia under the yoke of monsters.
Sighing, he'd turn and order a servant to clean up the glass. Then he'd sit back down in his chair, his expression set and solemn as he would continue speaking, his tone now far more somber. Such was the power of a master of deceit, he could carefully manage his emotions so well that he could create perfect simulcra of emotions that he had never experienced as a truly selfish and vile being.
"I apologize, but as a man born in the slums of my own world I have been looked down on my entire life by nobles.Hearing the poor being blamed for the actions of those in power has always been a struggle that inflamed my heart. You have the apologies of Dio, in that moment I allowed my personal convictions to take precedence over my duties as a host."
He said bowing his head just a little towards Aang. Bowing to this lowly worm was a humiliation he had to endure in exchange for his previous out burst, appearing to try and save his pride as a host would be the only way he could possibly have kept that outburst in line with how he had acted when he was more natural. Thus even though it pained Dio significantly to do so, he would. Thankfully though, he was saved by the arrival of the tea and Aang's surprising reaction to it, the boy seeming to become much more calm when he had a pot of freshly prepared tea before him, a curious fact that Dio made a mental note of in case the pair ever needed to undergo negotiations in the future.
From there he would silently wait for other people to speak, letting them say their pieces. Kuuzan's statement would earn a pronounced expression of disapproval from Dio. That this worm would dare threaten the glorious existence known as Dio was a sin that he would certainly remember.
However, before he could reply to Kuuzan's display of ignorance, another prime would appear would approach, Dio's eyes catching.. an odd flow of space and time around this girl. Like time itself avoided flowing around her as it did others, and in that moment Dio knew that what he was seeing was another person capable of manipulating time as he did, and judging from her demeanor he could tell instantly that this was a girl who possessed great evil in her heart. Dio would let out a sigh of relief, seeing her was indeed a message from the heavens that he was not forsaken in this world. He had believed himself to be the only one unconstrained by the laws of good, and the tyranny of justice, but here wearing the skin of a little girl was a being of evil equatable to his own dark soul. Dio would utter a silent prayer to whatever Vile God resided over this domain, thanking him for sending him someone who wasn't some worthless hero.
"Ah so it seems we nearly have a full hunting party then. Well then Ms., allow me to introduce you to your partners, Aang and Kuuzan. As a group full of primes I'm sure you all have your own talents and abilities, and we'll be discussing them at length here soon enough. However I would like to answer any questions people have about myself or The Tarrasque now."
He'd say as the music would change again, this time the upbeat tune was replaced by a slow somber tone, the lights on the dance floor dimming as the band that had occupied the center stage moved out, allowing some actors to take their place, the raised stage the band had been performing on in the corner being populated as a narrator would begin a tale of betrayal and woe, detailing the beginning of the play and explaining the events that lead up to it before the actors would take to the stage.
Dio would smirk as he'd eye the performers out of the corner of his eye, good, this meant that any further eavesdroppers would solely be the people who were interested in hunting the tarrasque itself. It also meant that the hustle and bustle of the dance floor was far calmer as the finishing event of the Masquerade's final day began, the main courses being rolled out onto a row of tables that were pushed towards the side of the room, the whole transition a flawlessly orchestrated performance that Dio would need to thank Reaves for later. Truly only a remarkable individual could have orchestrated the movements so flawlessly. With the nobility distracted Dio would turn to the assembled group looking far more serious as he'd speak to the assembled primes.
"Now, with the prying ears occupied elsewhere I'd like to make you all aware of the danger inherant in this mission. Other hunting teams have already tried and failed to down this beast, and in spite of it's size it's said to have lightning speed. However this all pales before it's regenerative ability which is rumored to only be stopped by an intense flame or acid that scours it's wounds. That all is coupled with a hide tougher than iron, even catapults and cannons have been unable to deal lasting damage. Now all of this is hearsay from survivors of previous parties and from the tales of militia who have tried to stop it from destroying their towns."
He'd say rubbing his temples. The expression of exasperation on his face making it clear that the lack of reliable information was a source of frustration for Dio. He never enjoyed doing anything he was not one hundred percent sure of his ability to deal with on his own, and the lack of reliable information had made that completely impossible. Having to call in just as many primes as were arranged before him was something that made bile rise in the back of his throat. However, Dio knew that there was still more to be said, and thus after allowing a moment for the weight of his words to sink in he would continue.
"Thus even I, Dio, cannot say for certain how true any of this is. Honestly if it weren't for my own abilities being as incredible as they are I wouldn't even dare to hunt this monster. Thus I have to make sure all of you are ready here, if we are to survive none of you can show a moment's hesitation in the face of this beast. One second of fear or cowardice can lead to all of our deaths. So if you doubt your ability to stare death in the eyes and charge forward in spite of the danger, I ask that you leave this table now. My heart could not bear it if any who were unwilling to lose their lives in pursuit of this goal were to be forced to fight. I will not shame any who decide to leave. This is a task that before which even the flame of a heroes courage may flicker and wither."
He'd say, inwardly chuckling. A heroes courage?! What kind of crap was that. The only thing that mattered was strength, and wording it as he had he had extended the offer for weaklings to flee. He did not need any cowards in his ranks and anyone who would not die for this had no business being anything other than cattle. In fact, Dio almost hoped someone would leave the table and identify themselves as food for him in the future. Dio's terrifying internal thought process was hidden behind that Stone Mask of his expression, set in an expression of solemn determination any who looked would merely see a man who had delivered a grave ultimatum. The somber tone of the music, and the lighting in the room all lended itself towards creating the perfect atmosphere for Dio's own performance, the host of the party having his own little play right here in the corner. Only his audience was far more enraptured than those staring at the stage.