03-02-2015, 09:59 AM
Dio nodded towards guests as he'd stand near the door, personally thanking each group that passed for attending The Masquerade as they'd walk past. Dio knew that he had a lot to make up for in the eyes of Mephisto. The events of the past day had simply been too terrible. That kind of disturbance was simply too far outside what was expected for a formal event, and to have that happen underneath his watch was simply too shameful. A shame that he would well remember, a shame that ignited a burning loathing in his heart. This loathing that burned in his heart was hidden behind a mask of pleasantries and laughs for now as he'd personally ensure that each and every guest got an apology for the events of the past hours.
The nobles in their own part understood. After all, if they didn't allow him to save face in the light of the mind control how could they maintain their own pride? They had been under the despicable thrall of that man as well, and by allowing him to erase the shame of that event they were also sparring their own dignity the damage of having been put under a spell by that damnable mage.
Thus it would be a calm procession from the Ball Room into the exterior where horses were hitched, carriages prepared, and drivers waiting to guide the Caravan out of The Moors and into safer territory. The friendly greetings of carriage drivers filling the halls, and then shortly followed by the sound of galloping hooves and the click clack of the carriage wheels announced the last of the nobles from the various universes had left.
As the last noble would leave, Dio waving each and everyone of them off with a smile before he'd close then door and then turn back to the group. An instant demeanor shift occuring, the friendly smile he wore was now replaced with an expression of the purest indignation. It was almost like night and day between the appearance he put up at the ball and what he wore now. However, Dio remembered that there were still the most important guests to take care of. So that expression of indignation would shift to one of exhaustion as he would once again don the social mask. He knew that there was still so much work to be done if he was to have a prayer of realizing his ambition. A sensible chuckle escaping his lips as thoughts about the lack of rest for men such as him and how it would have doubtlessly made for an excellent song.
Turning towards the first of the Primes to respond him Dio would look at him with his best impression of tired eyes, nodding as he'd hear Aang's request to stay here for the night, knowing that the boy likely didn't have anywhere else to go and that having him around here would doubtlessly be far better than allowing him to wander didn't even have to think twice as he spoke.
"Of course you're allowed to stay here for the night. I understand as a Prime it's unlikely that you've acquired your own housing yet. So for the night, this manor may serve as your home."
He'd say giving Aang a pat of the shoulder, and in that moment of transference Aang could feel as though time itself slowed down for him, just from a touch it had felt like Dio had momentarily froze time with just the pair of them in it, however that instant was over as fast as it had happened and in that next second he was walking past Aang towards Kuuzan, Dio greeting the equally tall and imposing man with a smirk as he'd continue.
"Of course we have room for you as well Kuuzan. The beds here are comfortable and the food in the morning is good. I'm sorry to be so insistent, but I must ask that you stay because we'll need you rested and in the best possible condition when we go out hunting tomorrow."
He knew that he himself wouldn't be in top condition, but that didn't mean that he couldn't nesure the condition of each and every one of the little hunters he had gathered. Let it never be said that Dio wasn't magnanimous to those that served him. Well, at the very least as magnanimous as he could be in his current position. The visit he was due from the manor's owner later tonight weighing heavily on his mind. That terror of a demon had so easily defeated the man who had walked past him like he wasn't even there. This weakness was absolutely inexcusable! For a superior being like him to be dragged down to such a level. He would definitely kill Mephisto one day.
The hatred he bore in his heart festered like an open sore, the bile and venom of the purest loathing reinforced by the purest arrogance and hatred. Dio was not a man who ever forgave a grudge, and once you were enemies with him he would definitely go out of his way to orchestrate your downfall using any underhanded or despicable means available to him. In the past world he had acted openly because he had possessed the power of the stone mask making him more powerful and intimidating than any other living being. However, even so he had been taught the humility of defeat by an inferior human. The bitter taste of that defeat still came back as fresh as they day he had tasted it at Johanthons hands. Yes, Johnathon had taught him that even a monkey could challenge a man with the right tools, and in his veins ran Omnilium. He had available to him an indescribably powerful tool, a tool that he only needed harness to attain his former glory and then surpass it ten thousand times if necessary!
Thus it was with a confident smirk of renewed purpose after that bit of introspection that he would turn away from Kuuzan, not giving the man the chance to rebuke him and refuse the offer. He'd find himself face to face with that cool eyed girl, looking at her Dio would know that with just a glance that this girl was every bit as terrible as he was. Perhaps even worse. Ah, he did relish this sight though. Seeing one so young and vile, he felt a warmth blossom in the blackest most vile part of his dead heart. Perhaps this is what a teacher who saw a promising pupil felt like? The time that radiated off her as well was indescribably unique and chaotic, like beneath that cool veneer that girl was hiding a malice that even Dio might have trembled at seeing.
Knowing this Dio would humor Homura's little advance, chuckling a bit inwardly as she started, reminding him that she had signed up to be a part of his hunting party, and then. She mentioned his shadow. Immediately Dio's expression changed as he'd take her by her shoulder and swiftly guide her around the corner, at least so much that they would be out of earshot, and then he'd take it a step further guiding her into his room. When he'd close that door he'd sigh, letting the weight of keeping up a sociable personality drop as he'd turn back to Homura. This was deadly serious. He had known that she was able to see the flow of time, but to also be able to see within the shadows of time to view his Stand The World was a risk that he absolutely could not take with anyone he could consider anything less than a total confidant and ally.
Turning to her Dio would advance in a flash, the world coming out from his shadow. Now was not the time to play games like this, if she knew about the power The World possessed then perhaps she knew that the frosty tricks he had shown off at the party were less than a 10th of his real capability. However, if she was able to gaze that deeply into the eddies of time, perhaps she knew more. That is why Dio had not attempted to murder her the moment they had gotten out of ear shot.
Thus, staring down at her imperiously that mountain of a man, seemingly carved out of stone to represent the raw power and perfection of the human form would speak. His shadow growing to take the shape of The World, the imposing figure looming over Dio to cast a shadow that filled the entire room, blocking out all light to cast Dio in stark contrast, as if he too existed in shadow.
"If you can see my Stand, then you must understand the power that comes with it. I know that you are a time manipulator as well, so I will trust you to understand the weight of what I am about to tell you. My power, My Stand The World is a secret trump card. Powers like Time Manipulation. That absolute dominion over the laws of the universe. They work best when your enemies are not aware of what they will be facing. I am no fool Homura Akemi. I know well what those who would call themselves "Good" would do to me in a heartbeat. They who would dare to apply their foolish hypocritical justice to a God would see me dead in a heartbeat. Thus to I, DIO, keeping my ultimate powers secret is something that I value far above things like wealth."
He'd say as he'd extend his arm, his skin growing translucent as the rooms temperature would drop several dozen degrees the lamp lights in the room extinguishing all at once. This new darkness illuminating the dark aura that flowed off him like water as Dio would take a step closer to Homura as he'd continue to speak. This close Homura could see every detail of his stand's appearance, as even in the darkness the stand seemed to radiate a radiant golden light as he'd extend the other arm, his translucent skin amplifying the golden light his body's radiance filling the room as if the light of heaven itself had graced this room. A powerful demonstration, and a display of charismatic power. Dio adopting a pose with both arms spread as one by one the gas lit lamps in the room would return to light behind him.
"With that said you must also understand that I, Dio, am a man who does not wish to lose allies on the same note. Especially not a fellow time manipulator who works so well with my powers. Thus it is here that I, Dio, will be willing to acknowledge your worth above all others. To place you as my most treasured and secret confidant and ally who I, Dio, will even go out of my way to ensure that if you are ever harmed that I will personally kill the man who dared to touch one under my protection."
He'd say advancing, though he had to go to great lengths to prove how serious and to impress on Homura that he was not a being who was to be taken lightly, he dearly wished that he would never have to kill this girl. Though he had no mercy in his heart he enjoyed having tools that could work so well with his own power set, and if that meant recruiting someone who could finally approach being his equal. Then Dio was honestly delighted in his heart. However, Dio knew in his mind that this was just the start of this night and he didn't have much more time for petty little pleasantries like this. Raising a hand before she could reply to silence her he would continue, knowing that even this meeting was likely to cause him incredible pain throughout the night, but he said to say what he needed to say here. If he didn't, then he would definitely find himself regretting this course of action and as a man of peerless ambition he would never allow himself to regret a single choice.
"Don't respond now, take the night to think on it. I, Dio, am due a visit from that damnable monster who runs this manor. However, I will leave you with a promise. In 2 months time I will be a man who can kill Mephisto for what he is going to do to me. If you wish to make enemies with a man who's ambitions are so powerful than I will leave that as your choice. However, make no mistake. If I ever find that you revealed the secret of my stand. If I ever think for a second that you have betrayed me. Then I, Dio, will be the one who ends your life. If you do not fear death however. Then meet me tomorrow morning and I will share with you the secrets of time that I, Dio, have mastered."
He'd say and then, as if he had never been there at all Dio would vanish in a burst of speed. This was both in an attempt to leave Homura with an impression of Dio's incredible strength. Even if she was merely mistaken at the level of power he possessed he wanted to engrave into every atom of her being that Dio was a man that she would rather die than betray. How successful that would be remained to be seen however as he would speed off towards the grand room at the end of the hall, only to find himself stopped by a touch on the shoulder by a rather smug looking Reaves.
"I believe that you are here for your night with the master. Allow me to take you in."
The Skeleton would say with the absolute hugest, most smug, expression on his face that he had ever seen. The Skeleton was simply so delighted to be assigned the task of overseeing the punishment of Dio by their most gracious, kind, and thoughtful master Mephisto. Ah, to be under the yoke of a man who at least appreciated his thoroughbreds was ten thousand times better than the leash of the damnable monster his master had leashed and sent their way. Though he had understood that the mansion was in a state of disrepair for hosting a masquerade, to beat one's head servants in an age where slavery was long ago abolished was an abominable offense. It had taken everything Reaves had, every shred of his self control to stop himself from flying into a rage at that very moment. However, out of respect for Mephisto's choice and his theme for the event he had suffered the lashes of a holy whip. Now, Dio was about to be punished for the actions of that Inlumia who had dared to cast his master's favorite actors off the stage.
Oh how Reaves had waited for this moment, that little lash at the start was about to be oh so very worth it. The Skeleton was visibly shaking with excitement as he'd open the door for Dio, bowing in a mocking fashion complete with an entirely unnecessary flourish that told Dio that not only was Reaves going to immensely enjoy this, but that he still had not even a single shred of respect for the man who had orchestrated the execution of The Masquerade.
As Dio would enter he would see the Servants who he had worked to the bone standing at either side of their master, a dark glare coming from Ceare as she'd sharpen her meat cleaver on a whet stone she was holding in her hand, cackling madly to herself as the long, slow, drag of steel against stone would fill the room. On the other side was the deceptively pleasant seeming Narcissa, the maid maintaining an air of decorum but the icy glare that Dio could feel even through the bandages that covered her first told Dio that she bore no more love in her heart for him than Ceare or Reeaves did.
Yet in spite of these intimidating nature of those two servants they could only hold Dio's attention for the briefest of moments before his eyes were drawn to their master, the man in true form tonight and standing well over 10ft tall, his 9 heads merged into a singular impish face that currently bore an expression of absolute joy. Like a man who genuinely loved his job coming in to work. Yet arranged before that joyous expression was a range of torture implements simply too terrible to comprehend. Various winches, clamps, whips, knives, and all other manner of vile torturous devices arranged before him like one would arrange food at a Buffet.
Sweating bullets before Mephisto even spoke Dio knew what was to be in store for him tonight, the horrible punishment that even a demon would consider a severe was likely far beyond anything mortals had thought of to this moment, the horrific pain that he was able to experience due to his regenerative abilities was likely something that would scar the mind of even him. However, he was resolved to meet this with a cool and composed manner. He would gulp, gathering his will and determination as he'd steel himself looking Mephisto in the eye he would not shirk away from this challenge, this test of his endurance and willpower. He was Dio Brando, a man of peerless ambition who would one day look down from the heaven's to watch the kingdom of his known simply as The World.
Yet, tonight was a far and away day from that goal. Dio's efforts had earned him recognition amongst the nobles as a capable host, he had even earned the respect and admiration of a few noble undead ladies for his incredible charisma and charm. However, he had made no friends amongst those ranked highest in The Pale Moors, and tonight he was staring down the not so proverbial barrel of Mephisto's wrath. For though others had regarded the event as a relative success, a few even considered it a magnificent event that they would be able to celebrate with their great grandchildren, Mephisto had not been so pleased. When it came to the airs and arrogance that Dio presented he had maintained that he would accept nothing less than the perfection Dio claimed he was.
Thus when Mephisto spoke, that deep baritone voice of his like brimstone grinding rock into dust, it was in a tone that could not be mistaken for anything other than profound disappointment. Yet they both knew that there was a deep bubbling hatred underneath that festered inside Mephisto's heart like a wound when it came to Dio, the pain he felt at the idea of Dio being allowed to live a single day more was more than he ever wanted to bear. However, he had the protection of Dracula. Thus, he would settle for torturing him and enjoying every second of what he was allowed.
"You.. and I. You and I Dio are two men who will never reconcile as long as the other lives. In fact, if you had not come some quickly under the protection of Lord Dracula on your arrival in The Pale Moors I would have killed you myself simply to be rid of the nuisance that is your existence."
He said, Dio stood fast and resolute here however. Merely cracking a wry smirk as he stared down the devil himself, knowing that tonight he absolutely would not die. Mephisto was a man of such talent in the art of torture that he could not even get away with making an excuse to Dracula about how one of his new toys had died while he was testing it out. Thus, for all the bravado and bluster Mephisto was putting on now, and how he was about to soon pay Dio back ten or twenty fold for all the over extravagance that he had put on display during The Masquerade, for how he had mistreated his servants, and for how he had completely disregarded Mephisto's own desires in inviting Primes here for his own self serving purposes which directly lead to The Inlumia event. Dio knew that he was completely safe. The sweat that had been there before was now completely gone as Dio now knew that the alliance he had with Dracula, however short lived he intended it to be, was currently paying dividends by saving his life.
Even though he knew that one day he'd need to kill that bastard on the throne, he thanked him in his heart right now. Even as he stared down torture, Dio at least knew that here. He was not going to find himself meeting a painful and tragic end far unbecoming of a man with aspirations and ambition such as his own. However, just as he was making that silent prayer Mephisto would stand and again begin to speak.
"Thus, it is with great pleasure that in lieu of ripping out your guts and allowing you to die the dogs death you deserve. That I will punish you for the transgressions made against my house, my name, and my masquerade by allowing that thrice damned fool Inlumia into my manor."
As he'd begin to walk he'd allow his finger tips to drag over each torture instrument in a manner that could almost be called lovingly. Like each and every one of them was an old friend that Mephisto was about to catch up with, the nostalgic expression on his face painting a picture clear for all the see that Mephisto thoroughly enjoyed used each and every one of those horrific instruments that he had spent years refining and collecting. The loving look that he gave those tools was honestly disturbing, the level of intimacy he displayed with an especially cruel and jagged looking hook before he'd look over at Dio could only be described as a perverse level of attachment.
Then in a flash Narcissa would attack Dio, the diabolic vampire finding himself suspended from the ceiling by coccoon of mummy's bandages, the old yellowed papyrus proving too strong for even his incredible strength to rend, though he dared not knowing well that the moment he attempted any retaliation would be met with an excessive display of power from Mephisto. For he knew that although he had a lot of lee way in working with Mephisto here that he couldn't dare to raise so much as a finger to the Devil if he planned on keeping his life tonight. For while he wouldn't dare to allow Dio to die during the torture. If he were to suddenly lash out and attack Mephisto. The results of such an exchange would invariably lead to his death and not so much as even a loss of status for the lord of the manor in the eyes of Dracula.
The torture would begin with flaying the outermost layer of Dio's flesh, an experienced torturer knew that here was the densest concentration of nerves, and while this would invariably kill a normal man if not from the pain than through the veritable zoo of infections they would obtain from the exposure of their internals. Dio was a man who regenerated, and given this was only the top most layer though Dio's blood fell like a spatter of rain onto the carpet, and even though the growl of agony that came from his throat was like an animal being tortured he would not die from it. For even as the blade scythed away the flesh, a new layer came back, Dio's regeneration aiding his torturer in creating entirely new levels of pain for Dio to experience. Truly, the pain that someone who could rejuvenate their body, especially those who could go a step further and even recover lost blood or lost limbs was truly a level beyond that which normal people could feel. However, Mephisto was no torture newbie. Having spent decades as a lord of hell he had even long learned to delight in discovering new ways to torture souls, and one of the first things he had learn was to use healing magic in order to facilitate a level of agony and indescribable suffering to bring out a level of hatred and resentment in souls that would turn even the purest, most devout soul in existence to the service of hell if he but whispered the notion to them.
The man he was dealing with however was not a pure soul. He was not even arguably a neutral soul, the black hearted man that the knife flayed was one that possessed not a shred of compassion or empathy in his heart, a blacker soul had honestly never existed among mortals. Dio was also a man that was quite used to pain, he'd had been cut clean in half before when his vampire powers had allowed for him to survive a cleaving sword attack from Jojo, he had even experienced the total agony of having to decapitate himself to stop Johnathon Joestar's hamon from melting his brain and ending his life. In that moment of desperation every nerve ending in Dio's body had been on fire, but even so he had mastered his agony and overcome to decapitate himself. Thus, when faced with something like this while he could not help but growl in agony he was staring directly at Mephisto with an open, naked, hate that would chill even the devil himself.
Thus for all of Mephisto's planning, all the dark torture implements he had prepared he had truly begun to understand the tenacity the man he was cutting apart possessed. When Dio merely flinched as his fingers were twisted and broken, as his finger nails were stripped off one by one the servants observing this began to develop a grudging veneration for Dio. For though he was being tortured by one of the foremost experts in the fields of agony and hatred he was standing resolute in the face of it. That is not to say however, that Dio did not feel agony. Sweat dripped down his body and drenched his muscular form, every counter of his body bore some new scar, yet though his body shook from the pain he was experiencing. Though he would involuntarily recoil back from the hot poker before it would scald his flesh, leaving a mark that would soon heal over with a fresh layer of flesh he was not afraid of it.
This night was a night where Dio was attempting to prove himself, because after all, if he could survive the tortures of a devil or perhaps more aptly put The Devil who would ever dare to say that he was weak? The resolve that Dio possessed was intimidating even on a scale measured in The Burning Hells, and seeing how Dio refused to budge a single inch, give on single satisfying cry for Mephisto to enjoy. The lack of response would enrage the devil, driving him towards crueler and crueler still acts of torture. Driving nails through Dio's hands he'd begin a dance of blades that flayed Dio to the bone. Every cut driving him to his physical limits before he'd be sprayed down with blood a tortourous torrent of malignant blood that hurt Dio as much as it healed him, every drop a torturous reminder of the fact that he was here because he had failed, and that in the face of this mansions owner he was nothing.
However, even still Dio did not bend, he did not break before the full might of Mephito's torture, before the combined talents of his most cherished servants who had spent centuries training under his methods, when each and every one of them had broken proud men underneath their heels they had never expected to meet an ego, a pride of Dio's level in this or any existence. Even as the muscles in his arm lay bare to the open air, a torturous experience that set every nerve in Dio's body alight with anger he was resolved not to give Mephisto a single ounce of pleasure that he could refuse him. The resolve in his eyes telling Mephisto as he hung there that he would certainly one day obtain revenge for these acts, and that he was committing each and every touch to memory.
Seeing this, and the sun rising on the horizon. The first touches of amber beginning to tint the evening sky Mephisto would toss down a blood soaked blade in disgust. He had spent the entire night exacting revenge on Dio yet because he had not screamed out once, somehow, Mephisto felt as if he had wasted his time. Earlier when Dio had believed he was going to face death he had bowed before Mephisto and begged for forgiveness. However here Dio had known that Mephisto absolutely couldn't kill him. In face of retaliation from Dracula how could he possibly hope to get away with causing internal strife over something as simple as a bad mannered guest who had been expelled from the premises mere moments later?
He had spent the whole night for nothing, and now, as the Mummy would release Dio from his bonds, the muscular man collapsing with a gasp to the ground as he was allowed to once again move, the proud and willful man struggling to stand for a moment before his legs would wobble and he'd find himself once again collapsing, unable to continue for a moment before he'd stand. His stance was wobbly, and many wounds from the past night still dripped with fresh blood, but Dio had passed through this trial and learned what it meant to truly persevere in the face of the truest agony. Never again would he waver even in the face of death as he had there in the dance floor, and this resolve would be what allowed him to once again don his jacket and shredded tank top before turning his back on a disgusted Mephisto to return to his room. A wry smirk on his face as he knew that though it had been him who had been tortured, Mephisto had been denied that night.
For all his certainty that it would be he who would emerge victorious, it had not been Mephisto who had emerged the triumphant one that night. The one who was triumphant was none other than him, Dio!
The nobles in their own part understood. After all, if they didn't allow him to save face in the light of the mind control how could they maintain their own pride? They had been under the despicable thrall of that man as well, and by allowing him to erase the shame of that event they were also sparring their own dignity the damage of having been put under a spell by that damnable mage.
Thus it would be a calm procession from the Ball Room into the exterior where horses were hitched, carriages prepared, and drivers waiting to guide the Caravan out of The Moors and into safer territory. The friendly greetings of carriage drivers filling the halls, and then shortly followed by the sound of galloping hooves and the click clack of the carriage wheels announced the last of the nobles from the various universes had left.
As the last noble would leave, Dio waving each and everyone of them off with a smile before he'd close then door and then turn back to the group. An instant demeanor shift occuring, the friendly smile he wore was now replaced with an expression of the purest indignation. It was almost like night and day between the appearance he put up at the ball and what he wore now. However, Dio remembered that there were still the most important guests to take care of. So that expression of indignation would shift to one of exhaustion as he would once again don the social mask. He knew that there was still so much work to be done if he was to have a prayer of realizing his ambition. A sensible chuckle escaping his lips as thoughts about the lack of rest for men such as him and how it would have doubtlessly made for an excellent song.
Turning towards the first of the Primes to respond him Dio would look at him with his best impression of tired eyes, nodding as he'd hear Aang's request to stay here for the night, knowing that the boy likely didn't have anywhere else to go and that having him around here would doubtlessly be far better than allowing him to wander didn't even have to think twice as he spoke.
"Of course you're allowed to stay here for the night. I understand as a Prime it's unlikely that you've acquired your own housing yet. So for the night, this manor may serve as your home."
He'd say giving Aang a pat of the shoulder, and in that moment of transference Aang could feel as though time itself slowed down for him, just from a touch it had felt like Dio had momentarily froze time with just the pair of them in it, however that instant was over as fast as it had happened and in that next second he was walking past Aang towards Kuuzan, Dio greeting the equally tall and imposing man with a smirk as he'd continue.
"Of course we have room for you as well Kuuzan. The beds here are comfortable and the food in the morning is good. I'm sorry to be so insistent, but I must ask that you stay because we'll need you rested and in the best possible condition when we go out hunting tomorrow."
He knew that he himself wouldn't be in top condition, but that didn't mean that he couldn't nesure the condition of each and every one of the little hunters he had gathered. Let it never be said that Dio wasn't magnanimous to those that served him. Well, at the very least as magnanimous as he could be in his current position. The visit he was due from the manor's owner later tonight weighing heavily on his mind. That terror of a demon had so easily defeated the man who had walked past him like he wasn't even there. This weakness was absolutely inexcusable! For a superior being like him to be dragged down to such a level. He would definitely kill Mephisto one day.
The hatred he bore in his heart festered like an open sore, the bile and venom of the purest loathing reinforced by the purest arrogance and hatred. Dio was not a man who ever forgave a grudge, and once you were enemies with him he would definitely go out of his way to orchestrate your downfall using any underhanded or despicable means available to him. In the past world he had acted openly because he had possessed the power of the stone mask making him more powerful and intimidating than any other living being. However, even so he had been taught the humility of defeat by an inferior human. The bitter taste of that defeat still came back as fresh as they day he had tasted it at Johanthons hands. Yes, Johnathon had taught him that even a monkey could challenge a man with the right tools, and in his veins ran Omnilium. He had available to him an indescribably powerful tool, a tool that he only needed harness to attain his former glory and then surpass it ten thousand times if necessary!
Thus it was with a confident smirk of renewed purpose after that bit of introspection that he would turn away from Kuuzan, not giving the man the chance to rebuke him and refuse the offer. He'd find himself face to face with that cool eyed girl, looking at her Dio would know that with just a glance that this girl was every bit as terrible as he was. Perhaps even worse. Ah, he did relish this sight though. Seeing one so young and vile, he felt a warmth blossom in the blackest most vile part of his dead heart. Perhaps this is what a teacher who saw a promising pupil felt like? The time that radiated off her as well was indescribably unique and chaotic, like beneath that cool veneer that girl was hiding a malice that even Dio might have trembled at seeing.
Knowing this Dio would humor Homura's little advance, chuckling a bit inwardly as she started, reminding him that she had signed up to be a part of his hunting party, and then. She mentioned his shadow. Immediately Dio's expression changed as he'd take her by her shoulder and swiftly guide her around the corner, at least so much that they would be out of earshot, and then he'd take it a step further guiding her into his room. When he'd close that door he'd sigh, letting the weight of keeping up a sociable personality drop as he'd turn back to Homura. This was deadly serious. He had known that she was able to see the flow of time, but to also be able to see within the shadows of time to view his Stand The World was a risk that he absolutely could not take with anyone he could consider anything less than a total confidant and ally.
Turning to her Dio would advance in a flash, the world coming out from his shadow. Now was not the time to play games like this, if she knew about the power The World possessed then perhaps she knew that the frosty tricks he had shown off at the party were less than a 10th of his real capability. However, if she was able to gaze that deeply into the eddies of time, perhaps she knew more. That is why Dio had not attempted to murder her the moment they had gotten out of ear shot.
Thus, staring down at her imperiously that mountain of a man, seemingly carved out of stone to represent the raw power and perfection of the human form would speak. His shadow growing to take the shape of The World, the imposing figure looming over Dio to cast a shadow that filled the entire room, blocking out all light to cast Dio in stark contrast, as if he too existed in shadow.
"If you can see my Stand, then you must understand the power that comes with it. I know that you are a time manipulator as well, so I will trust you to understand the weight of what I am about to tell you. My power, My Stand The World is a secret trump card. Powers like Time Manipulation. That absolute dominion over the laws of the universe. They work best when your enemies are not aware of what they will be facing. I am no fool Homura Akemi. I know well what those who would call themselves "Good" would do to me in a heartbeat. They who would dare to apply their foolish hypocritical justice to a God would see me dead in a heartbeat. Thus to I, DIO, keeping my ultimate powers secret is something that I value far above things like wealth."
He'd say as he'd extend his arm, his skin growing translucent as the rooms temperature would drop several dozen degrees the lamp lights in the room extinguishing all at once. This new darkness illuminating the dark aura that flowed off him like water as Dio would take a step closer to Homura as he'd continue to speak. This close Homura could see every detail of his stand's appearance, as even in the darkness the stand seemed to radiate a radiant golden light as he'd extend the other arm, his translucent skin amplifying the golden light his body's radiance filling the room as if the light of heaven itself had graced this room. A powerful demonstration, and a display of charismatic power. Dio adopting a pose with both arms spread as one by one the gas lit lamps in the room would return to light behind him.
"With that said you must also understand that I, Dio, am a man who does not wish to lose allies on the same note. Especially not a fellow time manipulator who works so well with my powers. Thus it is here that I, Dio, will be willing to acknowledge your worth above all others. To place you as my most treasured and secret confidant and ally who I, Dio, will even go out of my way to ensure that if you are ever harmed that I will personally kill the man who dared to touch one under my protection."
He'd say advancing, though he had to go to great lengths to prove how serious and to impress on Homura that he was not a being who was to be taken lightly, he dearly wished that he would never have to kill this girl. Though he had no mercy in his heart he enjoyed having tools that could work so well with his own power set, and if that meant recruiting someone who could finally approach being his equal. Then Dio was honestly delighted in his heart. However, Dio knew in his mind that this was just the start of this night and he didn't have much more time for petty little pleasantries like this. Raising a hand before she could reply to silence her he would continue, knowing that even this meeting was likely to cause him incredible pain throughout the night, but he said to say what he needed to say here. If he didn't, then he would definitely find himself regretting this course of action and as a man of peerless ambition he would never allow himself to regret a single choice.
"Don't respond now, take the night to think on it. I, Dio, am due a visit from that damnable monster who runs this manor. However, I will leave you with a promise. In 2 months time I will be a man who can kill Mephisto for what he is going to do to me. If you wish to make enemies with a man who's ambitions are so powerful than I will leave that as your choice. However, make no mistake. If I ever find that you revealed the secret of my stand. If I ever think for a second that you have betrayed me. Then I, Dio, will be the one who ends your life. If you do not fear death however. Then meet me tomorrow morning and I will share with you the secrets of time that I, Dio, have mastered."
He'd say and then, as if he had never been there at all Dio would vanish in a burst of speed. This was both in an attempt to leave Homura with an impression of Dio's incredible strength. Even if she was merely mistaken at the level of power he possessed he wanted to engrave into every atom of her being that Dio was a man that she would rather die than betray. How successful that would be remained to be seen however as he would speed off towards the grand room at the end of the hall, only to find himself stopped by a touch on the shoulder by a rather smug looking Reaves.
"I believe that you are here for your night with the master. Allow me to take you in."
The Skeleton would say with the absolute hugest, most smug, expression on his face that he had ever seen. The Skeleton was simply so delighted to be assigned the task of overseeing the punishment of Dio by their most gracious, kind, and thoughtful master Mephisto. Ah, to be under the yoke of a man who at least appreciated his thoroughbreds was ten thousand times better than the leash of the damnable monster his master had leashed and sent their way. Though he had understood that the mansion was in a state of disrepair for hosting a masquerade, to beat one's head servants in an age where slavery was long ago abolished was an abominable offense. It had taken everything Reaves had, every shred of his self control to stop himself from flying into a rage at that very moment. However, out of respect for Mephisto's choice and his theme for the event he had suffered the lashes of a holy whip. Now, Dio was about to be punished for the actions of that Inlumia who had dared to cast his master's favorite actors off the stage.
Oh how Reaves had waited for this moment, that little lash at the start was about to be oh so very worth it. The Skeleton was visibly shaking with excitement as he'd open the door for Dio, bowing in a mocking fashion complete with an entirely unnecessary flourish that told Dio that not only was Reaves going to immensely enjoy this, but that he still had not even a single shred of respect for the man who had orchestrated the execution of The Masquerade.
As Dio would enter he would see the Servants who he had worked to the bone standing at either side of their master, a dark glare coming from Ceare as she'd sharpen her meat cleaver on a whet stone she was holding in her hand, cackling madly to herself as the long, slow, drag of steel against stone would fill the room. On the other side was the deceptively pleasant seeming Narcissa, the maid maintaining an air of decorum but the icy glare that Dio could feel even through the bandages that covered her first told Dio that she bore no more love in her heart for him than Ceare or Reeaves did.
Yet in spite of these intimidating nature of those two servants they could only hold Dio's attention for the briefest of moments before his eyes were drawn to their master, the man in true form tonight and standing well over 10ft tall, his 9 heads merged into a singular impish face that currently bore an expression of absolute joy. Like a man who genuinely loved his job coming in to work. Yet arranged before that joyous expression was a range of torture implements simply too terrible to comprehend. Various winches, clamps, whips, knives, and all other manner of vile torturous devices arranged before him like one would arrange food at a Buffet.
Sweating bullets before Mephisto even spoke Dio knew what was to be in store for him tonight, the horrible punishment that even a demon would consider a severe was likely far beyond anything mortals had thought of to this moment, the horrific pain that he was able to experience due to his regenerative abilities was likely something that would scar the mind of even him. However, he was resolved to meet this with a cool and composed manner. He would gulp, gathering his will and determination as he'd steel himself looking Mephisto in the eye he would not shirk away from this challenge, this test of his endurance and willpower. He was Dio Brando, a man of peerless ambition who would one day look down from the heaven's to watch the kingdom of his known simply as The World.
Yet, tonight was a far and away day from that goal. Dio's efforts had earned him recognition amongst the nobles as a capable host, he had even earned the respect and admiration of a few noble undead ladies for his incredible charisma and charm. However, he had made no friends amongst those ranked highest in The Pale Moors, and tonight he was staring down the not so proverbial barrel of Mephisto's wrath. For though others had regarded the event as a relative success, a few even considered it a magnificent event that they would be able to celebrate with their great grandchildren, Mephisto had not been so pleased. When it came to the airs and arrogance that Dio presented he had maintained that he would accept nothing less than the perfection Dio claimed he was.
Thus when Mephisto spoke, that deep baritone voice of his like brimstone grinding rock into dust, it was in a tone that could not be mistaken for anything other than profound disappointment. Yet they both knew that there was a deep bubbling hatred underneath that festered inside Mephisto's heart like a wound when it came to Dio, the pain he felt at the idea of Dio being allowed to live a single day more was more than he ever wanted to bear. However, he had the protection of Dracula. Thus, he would settle for torturing him and enjoying every second of what he was allowed.
"You.. and I. You and I Dio are two men who will never reconcile as long as the other lives. In fact, if you had not come some quickly under the protection of Lord Dracula on your arrival in The Pale Moors I would have killed you myself simply to be rid of the nuisance that is your existence."
He said, Dio stood fast and resolute here however. Merely cracking a wry smirk as he stared down the devil himself, knowing that tonight he absolutely would not die. Mephisto was a man of such talent in the art of torture that he could not even get away with making an excuse to Dracula about how one of his new toys had died while he was testing it out. Thus, for all the bravado and bluster Mephisto was putting on now, and how he was about to soon pay Dio back ten or twenty fold for all the over extravagance that he had put on display during The Masquerade, for how he had mistreated his servants, and for how he had completely disregarded Mephisto's own desires in inviting Primes here for his own self serving purposes which directly lead to The Inlumia event. Dio knew that he was completely safe. The sweat that had been there before was now completely gone as Dio now knew that the alliance he had with Dracula, however short lived he intended it to be, was currently paying dividends by saving his life.
Even though he knew that one day he'd need to kill that bastard on the throne, he thanked him in his heart right now. Even as he stared down torture, Dio at least knew that here. He was not going to find himself meeting a painful and tragic end far unbecoming of a man with aspirations and ambition such as his own. However, just as he was making that silent prayer Mephisto would stand and again begin to speak.
"Thus, it is with great pleasure that in lieu of ripping out your guts and allowing you to die the dogs death you deserve. That I will punish you for the transgressions made against my house, my name, and my masquerade by allowing that thrice damned fool Inlumia into my manor."
As he'd begin to walk he'd allow his finger tips to drag over each torture instrument in a manner that could almost be called lovingly. Like each and every one of them was an old friend that Mephisto was about to catch up with, the nostalgic expression on his face painting a picture clear for all the see that Mephisto thoroughly enjoyed used each and every one of those horrific instruments that he had spent years refining and collecting. The loving look that he gave those tools was honestly disturbing, the level of intimacy he displayed with an especially cruel and jagged looking hook before he'd look over at Dio could only be described as a perverse level of attachment.
Then in a flash Narcissa would attack Dio, the diabolic vampire finding himself suspended from the ceiling by coccoon of mummy's bandages, the old yellowed papyrus proving too strong for even his incredible strength to rend, though he dared not knowing well that the moment he attempted any retaliation would be met with an excessive display of power from Mephisto. For he knew that although he had a lot of lee way in working with Mephisto here that he couldn't dare to raise so much as a finger to the Devil if he planned on keeping his life tonight. For while he wouldn't dare to allow Dio to die during the torture. If he were to suddenly lash out and attack Mephisto. The results of such an exchange would invariably lead to his death and not so much as even a loss of status for the lord of the manor in the eyes of Dracula.
The torture would begin with flaying the outermost layer of Dio's flesh, an experienced torturer knew that here was the densest concentration of nerves, and while this would invariably kill a normal man if not from the pain than through the veritable zoo of infections they would obtain from the exposure of their internals. Dio was a man who regenerated, and given this was only the top most layer though Dio's blood fell like a spatter of rain onto the carpet, and even though the growl of agony that came from his throat was like an animal being tortured he would not die from it. For even as the blade scythed away the flesh, a new layer came back, Dio's regeneration aiding his torturer in creating entirely new levels of pain for Dio to experience. Truly, the pain that someone who could rejuvenate their body, especially those who could go a step further and even recover lost blood or lost limbs was truly a level beyond that which normal people could feel. However, Mephisto was no torture newbie. Having spent decades as a lord of hell he had even long learned to delight in discovering new ways to torture souls, and one of the first things he had learn was to use healing magic in order to facilitate a level of agony and indescribable suffering to bring out a level of hatred and resentment in souls that would turn even the purest, most devout soul in existence to the service of hell if he but whispered the notion to them.
The man he was dealing with however was not a pure soul. He was not even arguably a neutral soul, the black hearted man that the knife flayed was one that possessed not a shred of compassion or empathy in his heart, a blacker soul had honestly never existed among mortals. Dio was also a man that was quite used to pain, he'd had been cut clean in half before when his vampire powers had allowed for him to survive a cleaving sword attack from Jojo, he had even experienced the total agony of having to decapitate himself to stop Johnathon Joestar's hamon from melting his brain and ending his life. In that moment of desperation every nerve ending in Dio's body had been on fire, but even so he had mastered his agony and overcome to decapitate himself. Thus, when faced with something like this while he could not help but growl in agony he was staring directly at Mephisto with an open, naked, hate that would chill even the devil himself.
Thus for all of Mephisto's planning, all the dark torture implements he had prepared he had truly begun to understand the tenacity the man he was cutting apart possessed. When Dio merely flinched as his fingers were twisted and broken, as his finger nails were stripped off one by one the servants observing this began to develop a grudging veneration for Dio. For though he was being tortured by one of the foremost experts in the fields of agony and hatred he was standing resolute in the face of it. That is not to say however, that Dio did not feel agony. Sweat dripped down his body and drenched his muscular form, every counter of his body bore some new scar, yet though his body shook from the pain he was experiencing. Though he would involuntarily recoil back from the hot poker before it would scald his flesh, leaving a mark that would soon heal over with a fresh layer of flesh he was not afraid of it.
This night was a night where Dio was attempting to prove himself, because after all, if he could survive the tortures of a devil or perhaps more aptly put The Devil who would ever dare to say that he was weak? The resolve that Dio possessed was intimidating even on a scale measured in The Burning Hells, and seeing how Dio refused to budge a single inch, give on single satisfying cry for Mephisto to enjoy. The lack of response would enrage the devil, driving him towards crueler and crueler still acts of torture. Driving nails through Dio's hands he'd begin a dance of blades that flayed Dio to the bone. Every cut driving him to his physical limits before he'd be sprayed down with blood a tortourous torrent of malignant blood that hurt Dio as much as it healed him, every drop a torturous reminder of the fact that he was here because he had failed, and that in the face of this mansions owner he was nothing.
However, even still Dio did not bend, he did not break before the full might of Mephito's torture, before the combined talents of his most cherished servants who had spent centuries training under his methods, when each and every one of them had broken proud men underneath their heels they had never expected to meet an ego, a pride of Dio's level in this or any existence. Even as the muscles in his arm lay bare to the open air, a torturous experience that set every nerve in Dio's body alight with anger he was resolved not to give Mephisto a single ounce of pleasure that he could refuse him. The resolve in his eyes telling Mephisto as he hung there that he would certainly one day obtain revenge for these acts, and that he was committing each and every touch to memory.
Seeing this, and the sun rising on the horizon. The first touches of amber beginning to tint the evening sky Mephisto would toss down a blood soaked blade in disgust. He had spent the entire night exacting revenge on Dio yet because he had not screamed out once, somehow, Mephisto felt as if he had wasted his time. Earlier when Dio had believed he was going to face death he had bowed before Mephisto and begged for forgiveness. However here Dio had known that Mephisto absolutely couldn't kill him. In face of retaliation from Dracula how could he possibly hope to get away with causing internal strife over something as simple as a bad mannered guest who had been expelled from the premises mere moments later?
He had spent the whole night for nothing, and now, as the Mummy would release Dio from his bonds, the muscular man collapsing with a gasp to the ground as he was allowed to once again move, the proud and willful man struggling to stand for a moment before his legs would wobble and he'd find himself once again collapsing, unable to continue for a moment before he'd stand. His stance was wobbly, and many wounds from the past night still dripped with fresh blood, but Dio had passed through this trial and learned what it meant to truly persevere in the face of the truest agony. Never again would he waver even in the face of death as he had there in the dance floor, and this resolve would be what allowed him to once again don his jacket and shredded tank top before turning his back on a disgusted Mephisto to return to his room. A wry smirk on his face as he knew that though it had been him who had been tortured, Mephisto had been denied that night.
For all his certainty that it would be he who would emerge victorious, it had not been Mephisto who had emerged the triumphant one that night. The one who was triumphant was none other than him, Dio!