(Open) Between the velvet lies

[Medusa]

Homura heard the music change in the background. The tone going from upbeat and jazzy to a dark and slower tone. Homura much preferred this tone over the jazzy music that was playing earlier. Homura closed her eyes underneath her mask to listen to the tone slowly playing in her head.

"Ah, this tone reminds me of those days I spent, repeating the same fate over and over again. No matter, I will find a way to return home to my Madoka. Using these people seems to be the best way to gain power and influence. I should have a private chat with Dio at another time. He seems like a rather intelligent and powerful man. Hopefully I can align myself with somebody like him, it would surely make my goals a lot easier." Homura thought to herself, giving a few approving nods to her thoughts.

Homura didn't care if the beast had regenerative abilities or not. She had faced Walpuris many times and survived, even if she couldn't reverse time she was at least sure that she would survive. She would let the others use their moves and tire themselves out. She would just be standing there with her Kopie, returning the beast's hits.

Homura had watched the odd group that she had found herself joining. They all seemed like experience warriors.....except for the boy. Homura herself had danced with death, she had seen her years of endless fighting. She recalled those moments, underneath her mask her violet eyes had a distant look to them. Those years of fighting for Madoka's safety, only to constantly fail. Once she had actually succeeded she was whisked away, by the being that called himself Omni. She was sure that she was going to get her revenge, with due time.

Homura's thoughts on the host, she had thought that he was sly, to say the least. The way he had made the invitation out to other primes so they could all be collected here so they could fight this beast. Dio himself admitted to not being strong enough, however if one such as Dio was to organize a hunting party to go after this beast that has plagued the land than who will most likely get the credit? It would be the one to start the hunting party and go out searching for the beast, Dio would gain more credibility with the people of the Pale Moors. The reason why he wanted more credibility? It could be fame, it could be to get him into a better position with the people of this land. One thing that Homura knew for sure was that she was indeed not going to dance in Dio's hands like the others might be. Even though Homura knew to be wary of Dio, she knew that he could be very useful in her long-term goals. Homura's lips moved to a faint smile as she realized that she could have herself a very useful ally.

Moving onto the boy, he seemed more....naive than the others. Homura just had to be more wary of the other two. It seemed from the earlier conversation that Dio was trying to convince him of his wrong prejudice. Even going to the extent of enraging the host, making him knock a glass onto the floor. Homura had thought that he had composed himself a little too quickly, then again Homura herself thought that she could very well be wrong. Nevertheless, the boy didn't seem to have as much battle experience as the rest of them had. Homura wasn't too sure to judge by appearances since this was a new world with new rules.

While the tall man beside her seemed to be more composed he obliviously knew what he was doing. His eyes were sharp, observing his surroundings. Homura had thought that he might have been in some army before coming here. Homura had to be wary of Kuzan as well.

Homura was playing possible scenes of how the fight could happen. She was still wary of everybody, they could and possibly would betray her during their fight. Perhaps Homura could stab them in the back first? Homura wasn't too keen on taking that route, with her powers limited she wasn't even sure if she could beat the boy in a fight. Let alone take on all three of them. She had to make sure that she didn't overexert herself during the fight.

She watched as a red cloaked man had emerged from behind Dio. Homura was on guard, ready to pull out Kopie to deflect any oncoming attack. He didn't attack and instead introduced himself as a mercenary named Velger. Homura felt a bit more relaxed at his introduction, it at least implied that he wouldn't be her enemy.....yet. "Hello Velger. My name is Akemi Homura." Homura stated once more introducing herself to the newest addition of their party. She turned her attention back towards Dio, who had gave that lengthy speech about having courage to fight such a monster.

"I have danced with death countless of times. I have fought beasts bigger than that you claim the Tarrasque is. I'm still keen on coming along for this hunt." Homura thought that the chances of their win would be better if their party was big. However that only increased the chance of her getting betrayed by said teammates. She indeed couldn't let her guard down during this hunt, it may cost her life.

"I'm also fond with coming up with an idea beforehand. After all a smart plan would reduce the injuries that we suffer during this mission. I would rather us think of a plan than charging into the fight, since having a plan is already decided. This is why I would like to ask of everybody to tell the group their abilities. When formulating a plan it would be wise to know of our abilities, so we know of who will be beneficial under certain roles." Homura stated, a sly smile coming to her lips underneath her wombat mask.

[Inlumia]

Inlumia had been mingling with the crowd while listening and noticed the figure approaching the apparent host from behind and thought he might just witness the first public murder of the night.
Sadly that was not meant to be just then. However, he was impressed with Velgr's skill. He would make a useful pawn of the assassin guild.
His oppinion of the host was not very flattering. In the short bit he had heard, the host had refered to himself as "I, Dio" a number of times. That was a traite normally reserved for those who suffer such arrogance that they could not resist letting everyone know who they are and who loved to hear the sound of their own name. His actions seemed well rehearsed, but lacked the subtliness of the gardens. Either he was wrong and this Dio fellow was not as simple to figure as he seemed, or this was not actually his manor and he just borrowed it.
The security at the manor was non-existant! Any spy, assassin or trouble maker could just waltz right in! Still, he should not complain, since that was what he was there for. Still, professionally it really irked him. It also indicated that this was not the host's place or that the host have even been around the Moors long as any long term resident would know the risks.
The Vampiress with them seemed to be analyzing the rest of the group, and from how her eyes lingered on different members, he could tell how deeply she was evaluating them.
He also learned her name: Homura Akemi.
He would love to learn more, but from his link to Wildia, he had to get things moving a bit.

Inlumia seemed to ooze from the crowd and into the area the host seemed to control just then.
For what he had planned, he needed Dio's approval, but it was unlimkely to be given, as things stood.
Catching Dio's eyes and looking right into them, he used his ability to influence minds to work with his words to help relax Dio into being friendly towards him, and more amenable to his requests.
"I, Inlumia, would also be interested in hunting this annoyance. I am aware of the dangerous, and have actually done a bit of research. The Tarrasque first reported appearance was after the sealing of Black Gate, which suggests to me that it had been summoned either at the end of that war, or just before the end. Possibly as a final FU to the victors. Normally each reality has just one Tarrasque, it being the spawn of a Dragon and a leviathian, so we should not have to worry about being surprised by it having a mate like those Rathos I helped take out in Camelot."
Smiling a little bit, he added, "I believe Darkshire would be willing to help give us the latest information about it's location. I believe Boone would love to see it gone, so we can rely on intel from there."

After a bit of surprise had passed through their eyes Inlumia asked the host "Was that bloodwine you were drinking? Me, I never drink the stuff when I need to keep my wits about me, but if you like I might be able to provide you with a little something special. Triple distilled blood willingly given. The people it came from were vegitarians and their diet gives these spirits a nice fruity flavour." He pulled out a small wineskin from his top.
He also pulled out a small flask a bit and said in an embarrised voice, "Ah, this. Let's just say drinking the blood of someone whoes taking a swing of this distiled blood should make most vampires totally wasted."
He placed it on the table in front of Dio and looked at the stage asked "I happened to be skilled and highly trained in the bardic arts and would like a chance to preform on stage. After all, how many people can say they have the founder of the Dark Mage Guild personnally entertaining their guests?."

Dio, feeling flattered and under Inlumia's influence a bit willingly agree. "How can I, Dio, refuse such an offer? I would love to hear you play."
Inlumia nodded and bowed in thanks as he headed to the stage. On the way there he passed the punchbowl and poured a little bit of the highly potent booze into it via a tube up his sleeve.

Once on stage Inlumia started singing a song of happiness and enjoying the life you have, which did not seem out of place. People were drinking the punch, and the effects started to show. He grinned inside as he boosted his singing with his bardic power, making the people enjoy the music more, and more likely to let loose and have fun. He added a nice twist by using Bust Movement to allow him to play a counter rhythem using the same instrument.

--------------------------------------------

In the stables, Wildia was PISSED!
It wasn't the condition of the stables, or the food they were offered. No, it was the others there. They had been cowed! Here were some of the fiercest preditor species, and they had been broken in spirit! They had been TAMED! Wildia shuddered at the mere thought of that word. She had been captured, and harnessed while a normal horse, but she had never been broken! She had killed people when they tried to capture her at first, and wounded many others. Some would never walk again and some who could would never be the same. When they tried to break her, she did not just wait for people to mount her before trying to knock them off, but charged them, delibratly breaking their bones. Not just the people who would try to ride her but anyone else there. That was what a normal horse could do, and these were meant to be fearsome monsters! It was beyound pathetic and sickening!
She went to her stall and let her saddlebags drop. Only her will had been keeping them on.

A Stallion, in charge of the small group of mares who pulled the carriage for there saw the new arrivial and was interested. He was used to having the mares when available, and not being refused or challenged.
He moved over to the new mare, intending to claim her and blocked her way out of her stall. He sniffed her . . . . and she refused him!
He got a bit more insistant, trying to crowd her.
Suddenly there was a horrible pain in his neck.
He tried to pull away, but it was worse then even that blessed whip!
His legs would no longer support him and he fell to the ground.
He looked up and the mare was covered with blood and she ate some meat. As he died he realized the meat was from his neck and she had killed him.

Wildia looked at the rest of the steeds there and bared her teeth. They all backed away.
A stablehand came at her with a blessed whip, but recieved Hellfire in his face for his efforts.
Wildia crushed the hand with the whip and kicked it aside.
She turned to the other Nightmares, and beckoned them over. When they got there, she motioned for them to eat the stablehand. They were hesitant and fearful at first, but after they started, they lost their hesitation and eagerly devoured the stablehand.
The mood was infectious. When another stablehand entered, the other steeds did not hesitate and devoured him. He did not have time to call out for help, and Wildia pushed the door closed to avoid warning the other prey.
She was going to make the monsters there remember how to be free, even if she had to kill everything in the area!
After a bit a Pegasis was brought in. Wildia had that handler not killed. Some of the others started to move to the still restrained pegasis, so Wildia stood between them, and bit through the reins.
She led the pegasis to the injured handler and stomped down on the man's left knee crushing it.
She motioned to the pegasis, and he hesitantly crushed the right knee. With a little bit of encouragement he was eagerly stopping the stablehand to death
Wildia's face was not designed for grinning, but she still gave the impression she was. She was beginning to have fun and imagined how much more she would have when she unleashed her followers onto the people attending the official party!

[DioBrando]

Dio couldn't believe this person's rudeness, appearing behind him without so much as a word and interjecting himself into the conversation after having eavesdropped for so long. Did no one here have any manners at all?! The others had at least taken the time to observe him properly, and then paid him the proper respect as the host. In fact, Dio was nearing the end of even his ability to act here, he knew that failure to handle this event graciously would be met with grave consequences, but even Demon's had to have some hint of understanding for Dio's antics should these primes continue to interject themselves so rudely!

Seriously what was with the appearance of this damnable man in the red cape?! This was all heading south for Dio and fast, however, he kept his cool for now and when the red cloaked man would appear behind him a being would materialize, as if from nothing. Standing behind Velgr now for all to see was a massively built floating being, easily taller than any normal man and built with impossible muscles, each bicep larger than a man's head and with each pectoral the size of a normal beings chest. What was even stranger about the "Man" behind Dio was the pigmentation of his skin. Dark onyx flesh in stark contrast to the golden rippling armor he wore that seemed to only cover his shoulders and legs, a series of rippling golden discs interlaced like suspenders connecting to a pair of pants identical to the ones his master wore now, heart shaped jade knee pads, and even a matching heart belt buckle to match what Dio wore.

Yet stranger still was the golden pyramid helmet it seemed to wear, the only gap two angular slits for it's eyes. Through those slender gaps shone two ruby red, two red eyes that were currently burning a hole in the back of Alain's head. As the man would speak and identify himself as not an assassin and instead a potential ally he would sigh a breath of relief, the man who had appeared behind Alain when he popped up vanishing as if he had never been there as Dio would begin to speak.

"First, I must warn you. It would be in your best interest to never sneak up on I, Dio, again. While I may seem like your run of the mill vampire I can assure you that I was chosen to host this event for a reason, the lax security at the door, and even within is for one simple reason. No one in the Moors would dare offend me, or my sponsor for this event. So, if you want to keep on living I would advise you don't do this to anyone at the party who does not have the motive and reason that I do for keeping you alive."

He would say, looking back towards Alain, his arms still crossed as if he didn't need to move at all, however his eyes carried with them a threat of death, yet.. when he spoke the host's words were as gentle as one could possibly perceive, letting Alain know that in spite of the serious nature of his threat he by no means felt endangered by the red cloaked man.

"We vampires are used to being hunted. Tell me, if you believed that you could be attacked at any moment simply for existing as a member of your species would you respond favorably to strange red cloaked men appearing behind you?

He would say before turning around to calmly face this aggressor, his demeanor not showing a single crack of the annoyance and rage that was brewing beneath the surface. This kind of thing had to be held in check, though Dio was a violent psychopath by nature he was also a sociopath, meaning that he knew when it was appropriate to hide the fact that he enjoyed the taste of a child's blood far more than that of an adults, or that if he hadn't been under an absolutely pressing obligation to hold this party without showering the walls with gore, he would have done his best to turn Alain into a human juicebox for that.

"Now with that said, in regards to your statement regarding a slot being open in the party, luckily we still had one final open spot. Thankfully you have already proven that you are capable of being our tracker. With that said, what I said before still holds true. Never do that again."

He'd say, staring Alain down, the look coming from behind that mask betraying for a moment just what kind of person Dio was behind the masks he wore, but, after that flicker the mask was back on and Dio would turn back to the group, ready to answer some of the questions before he had so rudely been interrupted by the man appearing behind him like an assassin ready to strike the killing blow.

Then, yet another interruption began to approach, a man this time who bore the appearance of an absolute vagabond. This was it, Dio was about to go up and reprimand the door man personally for letting someone so under dressed in the door when, his eyes met that of Inlumia and quite suddenly. All the boiling rage, all the annoyance, and borderline insanity he had been teetering on after that last affront was gone. He felt at peace, for once in his life. For literally the first time in his life he didn't feel the desire to sink his teeth into the throats of the beings around him and turn this whole room into an ocean of blood.

This was the very first time Dio had ever felt anything approaching serenity, and thus he was completely caught off guard. His demeanor shifting instantly to one far more compliant it was apparent to literally everyone who had ever spoken to Dio that this was so wildly out of character for him that it seemed an entirely different person was behind the mask he wore now. As he'd sit back down, nodding every now and then as his body would adjust to a sensation it had never felt before, and in fact did not actually know how to feel he would merely oblige Inlumia for the minute or two his power was active,listening to him divulge the actually pretty useful information regarding The Tarrasque and how they may actually be able to go and get help from Darkshire for the sake of taking it down in spite of Dio's reputation with them, the offer of the blood wine afterwards and Dio taking the small bit of distilled blood and sipping it lightly before saying some off handed appreciative statement.

Then, The Bastard took to the stage, shoving aside actors and beginning to sing the music, the supernatural songs seeming to lull the majority of the crowd. Cheers coming from the not supernaturally powerful vampires and undead in the crowd. Inlumia seeming to win over everyone, that is, except for one especially nice table at the head of which sat a shorter man, roughly 5 foot tall and wearing his finest top hat and suit, a pair of burly looking men staring death at the stage as the little man would stand up, dusting off his coat lapels before he'd walk over towards Dio's table. Those who were in his path, were simply moved, and in those eyes was an intense rage only those born in hellfire could truly experience.

As he would approach the lulled Dio who was still simply staring off into space, unable to really identify or cope with the feeling of calm in his body he would part the tables in the path with a gesture of his hand, the vampires who were currently "Rocking Out" not minding in the least as they were currently under the thrall of the man who had taken the stage. Dio was not so lucky as to be simply moved. When the shorter man would reach about 5 ft away from Dio he would suddenly vanish from sight, appearing again at Dio's chair to deliver a swift blow to his stomach. The lulled vampire would immediately be brought back to cruel reality by that blow, a spew of blood coming from his mouth as Dio felt some of his internals rupture from just that singular blow.

As Dio would roll on the ground it was apparent that the little man before him was infinitely more powerful than Dio was now, and he was not pleased, everyone at the table seeing a flash as the man's true form would be temporarily exposed a 12 foot nine headed demon flashing before their eyes before it would once again be just that diminutive man dressed in that snappy suit. The man squatting down to look at Dio with a look of absolute displeasure as he would say.

"I believe I told you that the consequences for failing to host this party would be dealing with me personally, and from what I can see that man there on the stage walked right past you, handed you a bribe, and then went on to shove aside the cast of actors I had so carefully assembled these past years for the most perfect play. Now, can you tell me why I shouldn't kill you here on the floor?"

Dio would panic, having felt that last blow it was an agony that even he Dio had never contemplated, and inwardly he despised this host all the more than he had before, that damn bastard becoming that infernal monster in his eyes. A being that Dio would definitely annihilate one day. That day was not today however, as the sharply dressed man would deliver a swift boot to Dio's stomach, letting Dio feel the pain of humiliation before the guests he'd allowed to sit at his table before he'd ask again.

"Well? Did I perhaps misspeak? I believe I asked you for the reason I shouldn't just kill you."

Dio sputtered, a spray of blood coming from his mouth. He didn't dare summon his stand or try to fight back against this kind of power, to even dare to do so would certainly mean death. All he could do to survive was bow his head and lie, lie to try and appease this monster to buy the time he needed to cultivate the power for true victory. In his heart even though he scraped and bowed now he merely fostered an intense burning hatred of the man who owned this manor and the man who had brought this unimaginable suffering upon him, Dio making a vow that one day he would revisit this suffering ten thousand times on those who had made him this way.

"I.. I'm very sorry, that man. He used some kind of mind control on me to lull me into a state where I obeyed his every whim. I apologize for being so weak. Torture me, beat me, whatever you believe is appropriate. Just allow me to live."

In this moment, the other people assembled here could see a more pitiful side of Dio. He was a man who would truly do anything if it meant surviving and accomplishing his goals. Concepts like "honor" and "Dignity" were merely things he pretended to have before, and now they could see the brand of lowly wretch he was when faced with a completely overwhelming power alone.

Chuckling the little man would stand, looking down at the beaten Dio with a look of absolute disgust, even going so far as to spit on him for his weakness before he'd turn to the stage, advancing towards it as he would say back to the group of assembled hunters, his tone carrying with it the weight of death. A terrifying chill running down the spine of any who heard this.

"Very well, you get to eek out another day of your pitiable existence. However, it will be I who deals with this intruder into MY Manor, however. Don't expect that I'll be going any easier on you Dio, after this you and I will be having a nice long man to man inside my chambers."

Then, he'd vanish again before appearing on stage in front of the mage who was currently doing his best to entertain the group, a charming little smile on the shorter man's face as he'd speak, his tone upbeat and chipper like that of a man who knew no malice or rage. As he did so, interrupting the performance there would be a few boos and hisses, but even mind control magic like his bardic music wasn't about to curb the fear each member felt seeing the owner of this manor so enraged.

"Now tell me sir, what kind of guest comes into someone else's party and kicks the performers off stage? Oh, and that mind control magic you're using doesn't work too well on my kind. You see, we're rather used to mind games down in The Burning Hells. I hope you understand my intention when I say I'm going to give you just this one chance to leave."

Meanwhile, outside. Things were not faring much better, Reaves had been summoned outside along with Narcissa as they looked down at the raging Whirda from on top of the manor's roof. That damn beast had driven their entire stable into a frenzy, the nightmares which had normally been quite tame thanks to decades of the master slowly accruing a herd of his own through painstaking animal husbandry and conquests. Yet in only a day they had lost not only the prize stallion but they had lost their prized animal handler as well?! That man had been quite the difficult acquisition, just to bind his soul to his skeletal remains had required gems that cost thousands or hundreds of thousands of gold coins.

Thus, they had decided that there was only one resort, the mummy maid withdrew from a quiver on her hip a singular arrow, meanwhile Reaves drew a greatsword that burned with a dark fire. While they were indeed merely servants compared to their master, they were by no means push overs. Each of them was a talented individual who had every right to be working for one of the agents of The Underverse. It was with a roar of determination that Reaves charged forward, a brilliant light flashing out as the first arrow would fly from Narcissa's bow, the arrow piercing the head of one of the rogue nightmares before Reaves would wade into the fray, slashing at the charging beasts. Though it pained them in their hearts greatly ultimately even these nightmares were only animals, and even though the damage to masters property would definitely come out of their hides for this they knew that if they did not stop this here a far worse fate would await them if they didn't stop this here and now!

[Drogon]

Aang had shifted uncomfortably when Inlumia had mentioned the blood *specifically* of vegetarians. Aang had shifted uncomfortably when Dio had gone off on this Velgr character. He had shifted uncomfortably when Inlumia had kicked the actors off the stage, and when he began to feel the obvious effects of calming magic upon him. But most of all, he shifted uncomfortably upon being brought back to reality when a man barely taller than he, were it not for the top hat, walked up and sucker punched Dio in the gut.

It seemed his and Homura's rather vital questions about the expedition would have to wait. In fact, the expedition itself may have to wait. Things had taken a turn for the chaotic, and Aang was but a few feet from the center of the commotion. More and more of the other nearby guests were turning to watch the violence unfold, broken suddenly from the grasp of Inlumia's distraction magic, though most of the room somehow managed to remain oblivious. Luckily, Dio's assaulter had left the table to confront Inlumia up on the stage. It seemed that Dio himself was less in control of his own party with every passing moment, and it was obvious from his demeanor that this was greatly distressing to the wolf-masked host. In fact, this proud man was now kneeling on the floor, covered in blood, and spit. Aang extended a hand. "Uh, Dio, are you alright?"

The party was beginning to unravel, that much was obvious. It was looking less and less likely that Dio would ever extend his theatrical invitation to the rest of the party considering the current atmosphere and his current state. Aang wasn't sure whether the party was even still in discussions about the Tarrasque, and suddenly felt the overwhelming desire to flee. Taking such action, however, certainly wouldn't help the situation of the party in general or those guests gathered around him for whom Aang was beginning to grow a soft spot merely on basis of association. For the sake of preserving the delicate balance around him, Aang remained still and waited for the ever-growing suspense to unfold.

[Alain the Carnedge]

Alain managed to fearlessly stand his ground against the vampire's outburst, though the other events-Inlumia's arrival and mind control, a demon disguised as a party member who very easily reduced Dio to a pathetic, begging heap who was also the actual owner of the Manor, unsurprisingly displeased with how the Masquerade turned out...Weren't received quite as well.

Aang had gone to assist Dio while Velgr stood back for the moment, formulating a plan. Inlumia was left on his own to fight or flee from the creature, the other members of the party doing little more than watching from the sidelines, at least for now. A fight was about to start if Lumia didn't back down, that was for sure. And if the demon revealed it's true form, a lot of people were likely to panic. A single person might think rationally and go for the exit in silence, but the crowd of people was far more likely to freak out. One person snaps and suddenly everything would go to hell in the blink of an eye. Fortunately there were no screams of terror quite yet, no flailing arms around or screaming in desperation. There was only silence for those few seconds, each passing moment feeling like an eternity.

There wasn't a situation that ended well for everyone involved. If the demon forces the invader out or kills him, Dio definitely wouldn't go free for his failure as a host. If Inlumia somehow manages to overcome the demon, then the five primes kill him instead, with or without the party's assistance. Either way, it was evident that the Masquerade was pretty much over. No matter what happened from here on out, a lot of the crowd wouldn't want to stick around any longer, not after this scene.

The course of action that benefitted the mercenary most was to stay back and watch the events play out. Any moves to try and deal with Inlumia himself could potentially turn the demon against him for interfering, and he was confident that was a battle he couldn't win without the extra help. The only thing to do was stand back and plot until the little show was over. And if all else failed, dying wasn't a too big of a problem, it was a setback and nothing more. After all, what's death without a consequence? So Alain took a few steps back and patiently watched, ready to summon his blade or flee if things went south.

[Albert Wesker]

Things suddenly took quite the unexpected, and rather chaotic turn as another new arrival made himself known. A string of useful information and an apparent gift, followed by a request of Dio, that the ice-man was sure would be met with the usual manner he had, already, come to expect...but was instead met with merely an almost dismissive acceptance. Certainly quite odd, given their host's attitude until that moment.

What followed, as Inlumia took his place upon the stage, and the one who appeared to be the real owner of this mansion asserted his presence and reprimanded Dio -- extremely harshly, indeed -- was nothing short of....strange. For his own part, Kuzan chose to stay out of it, doing nothing more than attempting to keep track of the events going on. He only slowly shook his head when the short little man went to confront Inlumia at the stage, before returning his own attention to their hunting party -- and specifically, their host, in his rather pitiful current condition.

"Looks like things took a sharp turn south..." he mumbled. No matter what happened next, something was going to fall apart. And with the current predicament, he couldn't really guess what that might be. Might be best to just sit back, watch and wait, for now.

And that was just what he planned to do.

[Medusa]

Homura was quite surprised at how things had taken a sudden downfall. She was hoping to make her apparent teammates to reveal their moves and abilities however instead they had their attention to the sudden appearance of the man named Inlumia. Inlumia had given them useful information about the Tarrasque.

Homura had remained silent throughout the whole ordeal, she was thinking about whether to flee or stay. She had decided to stay, rather keen on hunting the beast. She wasn't sure if she would get a chance like this again. Homura's eyes widened under her wombat mask as she noticed the oddly shaped figure of Dio's shadow. The shadow didn't look like Dio at all. It had a triangular head as if it was wearing a helmet. It had a rather muscular physique and it's chin seem to be more angular than Dio's chin. Homura stared at the shadow, her violet eyes narrowing underneath her mask.

However her attention was interrupted when a small man came to Dio, complaining about Inlumia singing. Homura had missed the part where Inlumia had convinced Dio to let him sing on the stage. She was too curious about Dio's odd shadow. She watched as the man who was towered by Dio punched him in the stomach, causing the host to fall down, withering in pain.

"Oh, to see our mighty host being brought down by such a small man. I had thought that primes would be stronger than this, look at how pitiful he is crawling on the ground. He even started begging for his life." Homura thought to herself, a faint smile appearing on her lips as she watched the mighty Dio beg for his life to be spared. Homura had watched as the host revealed what seemed like his true form, a twelve foot, nine headed demon. It had caught Homura by surprise, upon seeing such a dangerous looking beast. She was about to use Nadel before the demon had vanished, leaving only the tiny man visible again.

"What was that? It could be a very dangerous beast that has the ability to teleport, however I doubt it since it was only for an instance. Perhaps the man turned into the demon? It would make sense as to why he was able to make a prime go down with one punch. " Homura thought to herself looking at the scene still. It seemed as if the small man wasn't going to take Dio's life, Homura was rather interested as to why Dio's shadow was odd. She had to ask him about that later.....if he doesn't die tonight. Homura continued her silence, thinking to herself.

[Inlumia]

Inlumia bowed slightly to the Demon. "My appologies. So you will know I am honest in my appology, I will allow you to glance into my mind enough to tell if I am lying. You probably can do so easily, but I believe it is best to do this."
He focused his thoughts for a bit and lowered his mental barriers.
"If you wish for me to leave, then that is your right as owner of his mansion. I never meant to control anyone here, just guide them into being more relaxed and having fun. For those who could not resist my magic, I, Inlumia, appologise and plead Harmless Prank. I never dared believe I could command Demons as such as in attendence here; I have enough experiance in the Lower Planes to vanquish any such outlandish delusions.
"If I did, I know from personnel experiance just the kinds of torments I would be risking.
"As to why I dared force such fine actors of a stage, the reason is simple; despite you having great actors and possibly a masterpiece of a play, it was being treated as naught but a sideshow! Most of the people were rarely glancing at it for more then a few seconds in passing, and unless someone's hearing is unnaturally keen, the actor's voices could not be heard with any clarity past 4 feet from the stage! Why, I doubt that except for you and others of your power, who would have taken positions that gave you a clear view, which most lacked, that anyone here can tell what the play has contained so far!"
He looked out over the crowd and no-one refuted his statement.
In a more soothing voice he added, "Plays need to be held in theaters where they are the centerpiece, and the focus, not as a sideshow. Guests were loosing the enjoyment the musician had brought to them, and the party was starting to die off. Something the acting host should have spotted if he had done his duty and circulated amongst the guests instead of holding court with a small group of people as he plotted his next adventure.
"I had hoped to bring life back to the party and make it more enjoyable."

The short man looked into Inlumia while he was speaking and Inlumia could feel the Demon looking for any falsehoods in his words.
"Have you spotted any other flaws with Dio's management of his masquarade so far?"
"Yes. They as in the matter of the security for this party. Firstly, located where we are, there can be no doubt that forces loyal if not to Dracula, then the legacy of Diablo at least, are behind it, thus making every single person here suspected in the eyes of all the other governments, and telling them that if they attacked here, they could weaken Dracula's network a bit. Secondly, they were to make their way here through the Moors, but the Moors contain dangers that would love to devour people and don't care about Dracula. I admit that this far in they are rare, but I passed the remains of 3 groups on my way here, as far as I know. I flew here on a Nightmare, so I may have missed some. Thirdly was the security entering here. It was only a bouncer to keep annoyances out. Anyone could have slipped in here with a Vita Compass and mingled with the crowd, allowing them to track down all except the more powerful beings latter. I should know because I did that myself. They might prove to be useful business contacts. If I had slipped out and sold my help tracking them down to governments, instead of coming up here, no-one would have known better. I will not do that because my duties to my faith require that I remain neutral in all matters except the 3 laws of the Dark, which I am bound to enforce when I can, as I deem best. Lastly is the internal security. Considering the kinds of guests who were expected to come here, I figured there would be wards to prevent things like strong mind control, and other things. After all, a bunch of people who probably have links to Evil groups, masked, able to access knives and surrounded by possible competitors, with booze flowing does not exactly paint a picture of a safe environment.
"When I recently founded the Dark Mage Guild in Dalaran, I made sure I was as well warded as I possibly could be, with some people who had a vested interested in my survival monitoring things."
By now the people were visibly nervous.
Inlumis smiled slightly. "That was another reason for me wanting to keep the party going. If they are having a good time on the dance floor, they are less likely to be backstabing each other. A play, expressly a tragity or Drama, normally contains murders, and that could have gotten them to thinking of the chance they had."
The short man was visibly pissed! He seemed to be restraining himself in order to hear Inlumia's full statement.
"Anything you wish to add?"
"Two things. Those flaws were probably not caused by incompetience, but inexperiance. Dio seems to me to be the kind of person who is more likely to have been invited to functions, then to host them. He probably tried his best, but without training things like this do happen. Secondly, I consider myself in your debt. You shall be able to call on me for any favor you desire, unless it requires me to break my neurality, violate the 3 laws, or cause hinderence to my work. After all, offering you 91 babies as burnt offerings on Beltime Day would cause a lot of problems and possibly break by neutrality where those governments are concerned. I have no doubt you will be able to find me when you want to."
Smiling the Demon asked "What is the most horrible punishment do you think I could give to you and the worst one I could give to Dio?"
Inlumia did not hesitate. "Have me train him in ettiquet and subilty."
Everyone was shocked!
Inlumia continued "Dio's main flaw that I can see is his Pride, but Fear is also there. I think his Fear makes him unable to accept not being the most important being around, and thus driving him to overwhelming Pride. A common fear among some groups and even entire social castes. It can drive people to greatness, and destroy them. I admit I might be wrong. Being subservant to someone he hates and being unable to do anything to hurt them will anger him worse them any beatings could. Being forced to learn will be a horrible admission to himself that I could teach him. Being forced to travel with me, living in hard conditions and helping the poor will be galling for. The humiliation of being forced to be forces to care for those he considered beneigh him may be enough to drive him insane. Wait, I just thought of a refinement for him, which would actually lessen my own. Strip him of all his powers, or seal them, and turn his body into that of an average girl. Say around 15; old enough to lure would be rapists and too young to survive on her own save by prostitution.
"For me, I hate people being arrogant. He will hinder my schemes with his mere prescence. Trying to make him learn anything will be enough to drive some people to suicide in my estimation. Making him realize there is actually stuff to learn might require a miracle! He will be whinning over little things, like not being in a luxery hotel, or not being given restraunt caliber food at an inn.
"Being associated with him would taint my reputation, probably beyound all repair and possible destroy my works! I would prefer to feel the agonies of a thousand death from being tortured by expert Demonlord that accept that punishment. Again I speak from experiance by having those memories shared to me by a sadistic telepath. Sado-masochistic actually. In retrospect I should of found out if he was attacking me, or trying to hit on me before I killed him."
The Demon paused for a bit and said "You truely believe all that, don't you?"
Inlumia smiled sadly. "I have not uttered any falsehoods since I first arrived at the Fountain of Infinity."

--------------------------

In the Stables, thing were getting a bit wild. Wildia spat Hellfire not at the Mummy, but at her quiver while she was distracted shooting a Griffin.
As she dodged aside at the last moment a Spectrial horse who had been brought there dropped ontop of her, and managed to knock her out for a bit. The ghost's harness fell on her, and it had been designed to contain Undead, rendering them unable to oppose whoever had the reins. It was also designed so no undead could escape it on their own.
Wildia had no time to watch that.
As the skeleton was slashing at a Pooka who kept dashing back and forth, Wildia threw herself forwards at the skeleton's feet, side on, and knocked him down as she rolled over him. Getting up she stomped on his skull, but it did not break. The eyes dimmed, though.
In annoyance Wildia released her bladder over the undead skull.
She then stomped on the bow and bit it's string with her fangs.
She did not destroy them because unlike the others she had killed there, these 2 were not just prey. They actually got a little bit of respect for her from that fight

They headed out and Wildia broke the survivors up into 4 groups. Fliers, 2 groups who would work their way around the manor to side doors, killing any guards, and those who would take the front entrance.
Wildia was glad for one main thing. They may not all be natural preditors, but they were all herd or pack animals, and these kinds of manouvers were in their blood!
Wildia went and picked up the mangled remains of a stablehand with her fangs, and put it over the back of one of the fliers. She indicated what to do with it and they smiled as best as they could.
They headed into position near where they could easily launch themselves into the air.
Wildia and her group, which was the largest, went to the garage. They included those who could turn invisible, merge with darkness and more.
Working their way along they killed the pilots and damaged the vehicles there, except for a few AIs they could clearly see how to free, such as removing a harness of wires
Then they got into position. Inlumia was reaching the part of his conversation where he was telling the Demon what his worst punishment would be.

When Inlumis finished his statement about telling only truth, Wildia gave the signal, a ball of Hellfire shot at the doormen.
The fliers swept over the internal courtyard and the corpse was dropped there as a manticore spiked the guests there.
The others broke tiles to rain down on any who went there.
The 3 ground wings moved in, killing as they went.
One thing Inlumia made sure to do was to act very surprised when the Doorman was blasted inwards, and not to say anything that might be considered a falsehood.

--------------------------

What only Inlumia and Wildia there knew was that the screams of the guests would work as a signal for other residents of the Moors they met on the way there who wanted a bit more violent fun.
At the first screams they would move in. They did not care about other members of this bunch dying. In fact, each group was planning to kill the others once their mutal rival was hit hard enough. Some had an agreement to off the followers of Khorne as soon as they, expressly the rogue Space Marines!

Along the path to the manor a few trees waited in ambush.

[DioBrando]

Dio shuddered there on the ground, the rage that was coursing through his form could only be called an incalculable wrath that dwarfed anything he had ever felt since Jojo had burned him alive in their manor. Slamming his fists against the ground he'd grit his teeth. He desperately wished to murder that damnable demon right here and now, every cell in his body, every atom of his being demanded that he stand up and beat that small man into the dirt for this offense. Yet his mind kept his actions in check.

He knew that if he were to advance here, that even if he called out his stand and revealed his secret ability to shatter time that he wouldn't be able to do any meaningful damage to that monster that was currently staring down the man on the stage. How unfair could a reality be that it contained such beasts, when in his home world he had been an unstoppable monster capable of conquering his world. Yet, he had been dragged here, and in spite of only suffering a minor set back in regards to his power he had discovered that he was nothing more than a low level player in this impossible world.

Yet, Dio Brando was not an alien to being in this situation. Though it pained him to admit he had suffered through countless humiliations to attain the position he had in his old world. Through his gambling he had made many enemies and they had forced him to endure being spit on, having his face rubbed into the dirt, and he had been beaten many times in the slums he had grown up in. Thus, Dio's mind was already working on turning this to his advantage as he would master his emotions, sitting up he'd work himself into the chair he had been in, a dark red stain in the center of his midriff where the blow had done incredible damage, yet, as it healed Dio would absorb the blood back into his body through his pores, an amazing spectacle as the garment would slowly absorb the fluid to aid in repairing his body, Dio taking a few more labored breaths before he could sit upright again in his chair. Though the damage hadn't been repaired, Dio's regeneration had gotten him back into a state where he was able to speak and act normally again. If he were to get in a fight though.. this damage would definitely set him back in regards to being able to deal with his foes. Yet, he had regained his composure, taking a moment to adjust his jacket he'd look at his companions before speaking.

"I hope this clarifies that I, Dio, was not lying to you earlier when I said we undead exist under the yoke of an inhospitable gathering of tyrants. With that said, I hope that my beating at the hand of a Demon doesn't diminish your belief in my ability. I am still more than capable of assisting the group with the Tarrasque. Now.. before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe you asked about the plan."

He said as he'd speak with gritted teeth, the pain was still intense. He had never expected that such deep and lasting damage could be done to this body he had cast off his humanity for. Even though his regeneration was much weaker than it had been back when he was at The Jojo's manor he had never thought it had been this impactful. He would have to use the omnilium in his veins to hone the regenerative ability if he wanted to keep his life in his future encounters with that devilish monster.

"The plan is to take advantage of a hidden ability I have, and use an array of bait and explosives to herd the monster into a location where it's size wont be as much of an advantage. I have a few locations already picked out based on the beast's most recently spotted locations. While I wont count on the dynamite or explosives being able to do significant damage to the beast, it should be enough to force it into a valley where we should be able to collapse the greater part of a mountain on the beast. Which while I also don't plan for that to kill it, should immoblize it enough for us to finish it off in reality safety. The issues with this plan are of course finding something alluring enough for the beast."

He'd say Dio raising a finger to continue detailing his plan when quite suddenly; his explanation was interrupted by a scream from the stage as Mephisto would unleash a roar of indignant rage. While Dio had ceased to pay attention to the stage, believing there to be nothing that the little vagrant could do to the host he was surprised by the amount of raw rage and hate he felt emanating from the stage at the moment. Even from across the room he felt the intense hatred coming off the demon forcing him to sweat.

"Turn him into a little girl?! Allow him to be taught by you as a form of punishment?! What kind of idiot do you take me to be? Never in all my years in presiding over Hell have I been so disrespected. Do you even know who you're speaking to when you dare to make a request like that after having cast my hand picked actors off the stage, attempting to mind control my guests, and now.. daring to disrespect me even more by having the utter gall to demand I gift you one of Dracula's servants so he could have an adventure with you?! If I were not at such a loss as to how you could be this stupid I would have killed you for far, far less than this. But you had a point earlier about arrogant beings and their power."

The demon would say with a smile, his true form now revealed he stood at 12 ft tall, his features shift as his 9 heads would coalesce into a singular face, the features of which could only be described as impish, the demonic horns that extend from his head sprouting out to create the spitting image of a lord of hell, in fact. One could almost call his appearance stereotypical, the red skin, the cloak that billowed from his shoulders, everything. He was very much the ubiquitous lord of hell, and as he'd bare his fangs and raise a hand towards Inlumia, the digits alight with a dazzling array of magics he'd say.

"You called Dio arrogant, and while that may be true he at least had the intelligence to kowtow before an obviously superior being. While I hate his type invariably and in fact, have had nothing but ill planned for him from the moment he showed up at Castle Dracula pretending to be some grand superior being with his miniscule power. It is you who have proven to be a far larger thorn in my side in a few minutes than Dio has with his entire existence. Thus, I cast you out from here, and let it be known that if you are to ever return that you will be hunted by ever demon of hell I have at my disposal. Consider this a merciful act by virtue of the fact that I don't want to ruin my stage actors clothes by turning you into a shower of gore."

Then, the magics would take effect, Inlumia conjuring a dark magic shield that was shattered like it had never existed before he vanished as if he too had never existed, the dining room regaining some semblance of normalcy as the actors would once again take to the stage to play out the final act of the play, Mephisto again taking the form of the short and stocky man before dawdling off back to his seat, fuming almost comically as he'd go back to his table.

If Dio hadn't known before what Inlumia was planning, he knew now, and the look on his face could only be considered the rawest most pure form of disgust and hatred. To actually dare to request that he be turned into a young girl and made to prostitute himself for Inlumia. How dare he suggest that such a thing happen to he, Dio?! To have been so disrespected by a being who was very nearly on his level was a thing that Dio would never, ever, forget. In his heart Dio made a vow in that moment, that if he were to ever see Inlumia again he did not care if he lost his life in the process of breaking that man, taking everything from him and forcing him to beg as he had been made to beg before Mephisto before ultimately destroying him.

He had other things to tend to at the moment however, and gesturing towards a guest he would nod, the play had been delayed long enough that the guests were ready for deserts and wine to be rolled out. There was no reason to spare any expense at this point, and Dio had quite a bit of damage control to do in regards to a guest stumbling onto the stage and trying to mind control them. It was doubtless for Dio at least that these guests had their trust in Mephisto incredibly damaged by all of this, and that they would be reluctant to ever attend another party hosted by the Demon Lord in fear of more interruptions like the one that had happened here today. So at this point Dio had no option but to take responsibility and spare no expense in these final moments. He wanted these people so drunk and so pleased that the Inlumia events would seem nothing but an unpleasant dream to them in the future.

Thus, servants began to roll out their assigned platters, row after row of beautifully decorated carts adorned with gloriously articulated and engraved silver platters where brought discretely to each of the rows of guests, a gorgeous dinner hand prepared being served to everyone, a similar arrangement being brought to their own table, a blood based soup dish being offered to Dio as his appetizer and then a meat dish prepared for his main course. Aang was provided with yet more desserts, though it did seem as though the kitchen was unaware of his status as a vegetarian as there was a meat based jelly dish prepared for him on a small plate as one of his finishers. Homura was greeted be an array of cake samplers partnered with a light white wine. The wine making it quite clear that the kitchen did not care in the slightest about her apparent age and had instead judged her as an immortal.

Meanwhile Alain found himself rather forcefully introduced to both a seat, and a steak dinner. A rather bland affair as it was just steak and potatoes, but given his rather abrupt appearance the kitchen hadn't had any time to make him something specific. Nothing that can be done about it when you sneak in. That he got anything at all was an extension of Dio's good graces in light of the rather humiliating show that had happened before hand.

This was the finishing touch of the event, as it had initially been intended. A glorious meal with a beautifully tragic play that was intended to represent the "Death" of the event and the new life that was breathed into it to continue the cycle. However, his mind was less on the food and far more on the tasks that would need to be completed if they were to even dream of the Tarrasque being defeated.

So, polishing off his appetizer he would wipe his mouth a napkin before speaking, knowing that while he was finished with his opening course the others would still be eating their more substantial meals, and thus, he had plenty of time to explain without having to worry about creative input from the group.

"With that said the first things we'll need to acquire in bulk is likely some form of dynamite, I'm unsure of what magical equivalents this world possesses, but judging by one of my earliest encounters with a Paladin any sort of detonated explosives we have will be more than capable of bringing down a few hundred thousand tons of rock down on our prey. Once immoblized we'll need a fair amount of fire to keep it from regenerating. If anyone here has any fire abilities please make me aware, we'll be using you for cauterization of wounds inflicted by the others. The bait for the monster will take the form of a herd of cattle that I'll be arranging the purchase of. We'll be directing the movement of the Tarrasque by appealing to the most basic nature of monsters, in that it simply must eat, and proteins that are difficult for it to obtain from the forest will be abundant in the herd."

He said, nodding in affirmation. He couldn't see any issue with this plan, he was a college educated man after all. He understood that even magical monsters needed the most basic proteins and calories to keep themselves moving, and while what you could process changed based on certain biological factors, such as his own vampirism, this Tarrasque had already been confirmed for a monster that devoured everything in it's path. Thus, using the only knowledge he had regarding the monster he had formulated this plan. However, there was far more to it than this.

"However, we wont just be walking into this. Alain, given you were so kind as to demonstrate your stealth abilities earlier I'll be assigning you to scouting duty. Once we find the beast we'll be monitoring it for a day, see how it reacts to stimuli in order to ensure that none of the techniques we use set it off. If we find out that it can sense our presence even while hidden we'll need to re-evaluate our strategy so we avoid becoming targets before we're completely ready to face this monster."

He'd say, turning to a servant and handing him the now empty bowl of blood, nodding to him before he'd return his gaze to the group, Dio's gaze deadly serious as he'd continue.

"A wise man never approaches a fight that he isn't 100% sure of winning. That is why I extended this free invitation to all primes for this party. To approach a monster like this without caution and without due preparations is asking to be annihilated, and while I have heard rumors of primes being able to resurrect I for one do not wish to test the good graces of the monster who summoned us here. Now, if you have any questions they'll need to wait."

He'd say smirking as he'd fasten his cloak around his neck, standing with a flourish that looked rather dramatic. It seemed that even with the beating he'd taken earlier Dio hadn't lost his flair for the dramatic, and with a self assured chuckle he'd turn towards the stage, the last of the actors leaving it and Dio taking this as his chance. Advancing towards the stage he'd say back to his "companions.

"Now watch as I, Dio, deliver a magnificent ending speech for this masquerade."

He'd walk towards the stage, directing one of the attendants to focus the light in the center. Dio walking up towards the stage as if he owned it in spite of the earlier embarrassment, not losing his confident stride for a second as he'd walk towards the stage and up the steps onto the performing area. As Dio stood above everyone he'd smile, this is the view he should be afforded, with every one looking up at him with either awe or veneration. Dio savored this. He did this knowing that the damnable Mephisto in the crowd was likely getting quite impatient with this whole affair and thus, would likely only afford Dio the briefest of graces for this speech.

"Friends, honored guests, and assembled representatives of clans both mighty and small. I would like to thank you for coming to me and Mephisto's little Masquerade. We would like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to allow us to entertain you. Now, with the play and the food out of the way I must bring your attention to a more serious matter. You see, I, Dio have been in The Pale Moors for just barely a few weeks now. However in my time here I have noticed a menace that has scoured the land from the very moment I set foot on this world. I'm sure many of you have heard of it, that vile beast that burns man and undead alike. The Tarrasque. This monster is the reason I have gathered so many primes here, and while I was woefully taken advantage of by a Prime who the owner of this honored mansion had to expel. The reason for their gathering should be obvious to all at this point in my speech, but it is now that I make the formal announcement.
"

He'd say his hand tossing his cape back for a dramatic flair before coming forward to form a clenched fist, a flame of passion in Dio's eyes as he would raise his voice. This was his moment, he had these beings who dared to call themselves nobility in his thrall now, and he would use this to catapult his fame in spite of what had transpired.

"I, Dio, will be hunting this monster. I will not rest until the Moors are free from it and once again people can live in peace without fear of being obliterated by a force that they can barely comprehend."

Then he'd gesture towards the table at which the Primes were arranged. He would give them due credit for now, after all, if he was to gather allies he needed those two do gooding fools to believe that they were fighting for that decrepit and foolish notion of justice. Besides, if things went south then he could just blame it on them. There was no reason to not have a few good scapegoats lying around.

"These brave men and women are the heroes who shall be accompanying me in this quest, and while I am unsure if I will return. I do so knowing that my efforts will better The Pale Moors if I succeed, and thus,it is worth every drop of blood I shed in the pursuit of this goal. Thus it is with great pleasure that I announce the first Tarrasque Hunt. For this incredible task that I have laid before me I can only ask for your help, and of course. That you make me aware if any groups show up that are after the same goal."

He said with a smirk, now if anyone decided to interfere with his plan to become the most influential man among the common idiots in the moors he'd know within hours, whether by some poor courier, or by the whisper of a noble looking to stay on his side he now possessed the influence among the people through his faux sympathy. Even though Dio felt nothing for any of them he delighted in playing people like pawns, and with his false display of emotion the crowd was obviously moved, an applause meeting Dio's fantastic speech as he would take a bow before removing his mask, the first glimpse of Dio's face flooding over the crowd as they'd behold the face of their soon to be hero as he would speak once more.

"And with that announcement I officially declare The Masquerade over. You may take your masks if you are so inclined, those who do not wish to please leave them by the door with our esteemed butler Reaves."

As he would return the groups would gradually disperse, the masquerade at it's end and the people who had been here for what felt like an eternity finally taking off their masks, various undead and nobles from all verses chuckling as they'd proceed to their various carriages. Each discussing their favorite, or least favorite, part of the event and most people seemingly in high spirits.

However, Dio was not in such a great mood. A scowl on his face as he'd return back to the table where Mephisto was seated, Dio bowing as he'd say a few words that couldn't be overheard without some enhanced senses from the table before he'd return to the group of primes, still looking as dour as he had the moment he had stepped off the stage as he spoke.

"I will be joining you all at the crossings nearest this Manor in the next day. If you wish to stay here for the night I have been allowed to grant you permission to sleep in one of the rooms here in the manor. I however, will be indisposed of for the majority of the night. If you wish to see me and discuss any details, now is the best time. Otherwise you will have to wait until the sun is nearly on the horizon to speak to me, and even then. I will only be available in my private quarters."

He'd say, and it was quite obvious why he would be indisposed. It was apparent that Dio hadn't been able to talk his way out of the punishment for allowing that Inlumia fellow through the door, and that he was none too pleased about what was about to occur. However, he would endure, and for the sake of the group he would take questions and do what little brain storming he could with the time he was allowed by that damnable devil Mephisto.

[Drogon]

Aang had been slightly miffed when Dio had completely ignored his outstretched hand and insisted on bringing himself to his chair by his own power, but understanding. Dio was certainly... Independent, and such a personality would be even MORE miffed at having to accept such a form of aid. Of course, Aang was summarily distracted by the copious and attractive array of desserts promptly displayed before him. He munched his way through them all (Bar one, which seemed to have a bit of a... Gamey taste) while awaiting the finish of Dio's prepared presentation. Finally, he was allowed to remove this heavy, itchy mask, and when Dio's finished his speech and rejoined his gathered party of primes, Aang left it on the table to stand and address him.

"Dio. I'm not sure how relevant this is, but in my home world, I was what was called the Avatar. Basically, I have the innate ability to bend all of the elements. Right now, I can only do air, and I'd need a master of the art to teach any other elements. But it remains that no one else here seems to be much associated with the element of fire, and you said you needed someone with that ability in order to defeat the Tarrasque. If you can help me find a firebending teacher, we may have a greater chance of success." Of course, he didn't hope for much. Such a development was unlikely, but surely it would at least tickle Dio's apparent desire for security in success. If performing better at an activity he'd already agreed to was a potential ticket to learning another element, Aang was absolutely happy to take that deal. "In fact," he said, addressing the rest of the table, "If any of you knows someone who could teach me fire 'magic,' as people seem to call it here, in aid of our quest, I hope you'll talk to me or Dio before we finish planning. Dio, I'd like to stay here for the night, if that's alright."

After a brief set of directions from Dio, Aang wandered off to find Faren. He'd need to at least deliver the ring that had brought him here with a bit of an explanation before getting too caught up in the new affairs of the evening. The crowd was beginning to disperse through the entryway, and Aang caught a flash of purple robe nearing the door. Dashing up to him, Aang called out and tugged on his cloak to get Faren's attention. Except it wasn't Faren. Embarrassed, Aang apologized, and backed off, but as he WAS in the middle of the crowded doorway, he bumped into a few other people in the process, one of whom seemed to recognize him. He was hefted to his feet and pulled out of the crowd, then spun around and addressed with gusto. "You again! Looking for me?"

"Actually, yes. I can't really accompany you out the door right now, I have a bit of a task to take care of, but I wanted to make sure you got this first." Aang pulled out the ring pouch from his inside shirt pocket. "Again, it's from Don, he said you wanted to get at it. So, here." He handed the dubiously-described heirloom off to Faren.

Faren's eyes immediately brightened. "Ah, yes! Actually, I've been trying to get him to send me this for a few months now, but he never let me take a look before. Thanks, kid, I'll be sure to let him know I got it safely." And with that, the purple-clad mage was gone, on his merry way back to Dalaran and his appraisal equipment before Aang could ask any questions.

Aang yawned. It had certainly been a longer evening than he'd expected already, and he suspected that the night and following morning would be similarly arduous for his new makeshift party. He began to make his way through a smaller door at the side of the dance hall, and then up a rather intimidating flight of stairs towards his temporary quarters.

[Alain the Carnedge]

Alain wordlessly took his seat and begun eating when the food was laid out, listening to the conversation but not contributing. The little show had gave him something to think about; was it wise to sell the information gained about this group after the monster hunt? Information about four primes and a demon was likely to sell high, especially to a faction that were enemies of those gathered here. Taking his mask off and tossing it over his shoulder onto a nearby table, he began to examine his "partners". Confident that his eyes were obscured under his hood, it seemed a danger check was in order.

The egotistical vampire, Dio, was apparently looking for glory in the name of the undead, insisting that they were oppressed by tyrants. Though, as someone who'd met and killed vampires on his way into the Moors, Alain didn't buy it for a second. But, he not only didn't have proof that Dio was lying, but the vampire appeared to radiate an aura of power, as if time itself dared not touch him. Which, as someone well-versed in the magic arts, Alain assumed that meant Dio used time magic, or some other kind of spatial manipulation. But, a theory is a theory, and evidence still needed to be gathered first as wild guesses have little value to others. Information broker, not theory broker.

Kuzan was unremarkable at first glance, as was Aang, but they both seemed to have access to their own abilities. Aang had just mentioned he had control over all the elements (then immediately stating that he didn't know how to "bend" anything but air, getting Alain to give the kid a quick glare out of annoyance), and Kuzan didn't appear to be carrying any weapons on him yet volunteered anyway, indicating that he had some fighting prowess. Somehow seemed unlikely that the tall man'd punch the monster to death. And finally, Homura. Looked fairly unexceptional like the other two...or she would, if there weren't giant black wings coming out of her shoulderblades. It was a wonder that nobody at the table appeared to notice this, really. Other than that, she had the same timeless aura that Dio did.

After his analysis, selling the info didn't seem like that bad of an idea. What could four people do? But he knew that the hunters would, eventually, have a conflict of interest, which was the time he had to pick sides. This would be the where he decides his allies and enemies. If it came to that, he could sell the info of whatever side he betrayed. Not like it'd matter at that point-they'd hate him anyway so there's nothing to lose, and he'd gain a few friends in the process. It was a win either way.

He was so lost in thought, he didn't notice that Aang had left the table until he came out of his "thinking trance". Quickly standing up in hopes that he didn't arouse suspicion from staring into the air for a minute or two, his voice sounded nothing short of incredibly bored. "Well then, I guess I'll take my leave for now. Also, apologies for my ah...entrance. Thought it'd be a good test of your poker faces, but that was met with disapproval. Later!"

Turning around to walk away, he then remembered that he'd forgotten something. Turning back, he shrugged to nobody in particular before addressing the hunter's table again. "Oh, and by the way..." A small, weak flame lit in his gloved left hand, the small amount of light given from the fire just enough to illuminate his face and the arrogant grin that had spread across it. "We do, in fact, have someone who can control flames..." Darkness spread through the flame from his glove, turning it pitch-black, though it didn't appear to grow stronger. "...And dark as it is, it'll still work." He crushed the flame in his hand, extinguishing it instantly and without a sound.

He did a mocking salute before actually strolling away this time, waving over his shoulder. "The magic doesn't decide the person, by the way. I'm a mercenary and information broker, nothing more. And with that over and done with, I guess I'll see you later." He walked off whistling, calmly shoving his way through the crowd that was gathered around the entrance and into the open field. He was actually glad to get away from that unfortunate scene. But regardless, Alain leaned on the wall and opened his dataverse device to browse the hours away instead of sleeping. Being late is never good, especially not when there's a special guest coming to town.

[Albert Wesker]

For his part, Kuzan did a very respectable imitation of a man who wasn't very interested in the goings-on around him, focusing as intently as he could on the business at hand. He was, of course, keeping alert for anything drastically wrong in his surroundings, but events seemed to be...quite under control, on that front. Dio's hope that the short, but obviously severe and devastating beating he had received from the short little man -- who was apparently a demon in some form of disguise or other, in a shocking turn of events -- shouldn't damage their belief in his own abilities was met with only partial acceptance. The display of strength from the short man had been more than impressive, and the former Admiral knew he wouldn't have fared any better. Indeed, he might have fared worse. And so he couldn't fault Dio for the swiftness with which he had been left on the ground, pleading for mercy. And so he was inclined to give the arrogant man the benefit of the doubt in that he was at least as competent as his claims made him out to be.

The basic layout of the plan that Dio offered then was met with only a vague, slow nodding motion from Kuzan, as if he were pondering its merits with deep and earnest thought. It did indeed seem to be a viable plan, in its most general sense, but it was practically a given that it wouldn't be smooth sailing in any sense of the word. And of course, luring the beast into such a situation in the first place wouldn't be easy, either. Further conversation in regards to the plan was momentarily cut off as the short little demon-man made his anger known. And the sheer amount of rage in the air made even the ice-man nearly crack his until-then impassive expression, shifting slightly in his seat, and making it more than a little obvious he was pointedly ignoring looking at the source of the explosion of outrage.

And so he merely sat back and waited, as the rage was eventually contained, the play resumed, and dinner was rolled out. For his part, Dio would go on, after finishing his appetizer, and reveal more details of his plan. And the snowman could only once again offer a slow, slight, thoughtful nod. It was sensible enough that it could work, if they could get everything set up right. And with any luck, he wouldn't need to take any part in that himself. He'd never been much for planning and organizing things, despite once holding the position of Admiral. All of the internal work had left him groaning and more defeated than any battle or military event ever had.

Dio's subsequent speech and ending of the event earned a long sigh from Kuzan. It wasn't that he was especially glad for the event to be over, so much as he was just...exhausted, in more ways than one. He reached up, removing the mask, and placed it on the table before him, still within reach. It might do for a souveneir of the....interesting event. He rubbed at the back of his neck, trying to relieve an ache that had sprung up from his posture at the table, before slowly rising. "No questions from me." He lifted a hand in a gesture of farewell, before he scooped his mask up in his opposite hand. "Until tomorrow, I suppose." And he turned and strode away, taking his time and more slowly meandering his way toward the exit than making any sort of hurry to be on his way.

It wasn't as if he was in any hurry to be anywhere, after all. Just needed to find some way to stay occupied until tomorrow.

....maybe he would take up that offer of staying here for the night, after all...

[Medusa]

Homura looked indifferently at the stage where the man and the demon was talking....it seemed more like a argument instead. She didn't really care if either of them died, it was just something that everyone else was looking at so Homura decided to watch the scene unfold as well.

"Hm, I wonder which one is stronger? Secondaries can be fairly strong, however Inlumia does seem to be a prime as well. He did use mind control to sway Dio's mind, as well as use mind control on the crowd. Mind controlling would provide a problem for me later if I do come into conflict with Inlumia. Perhaps the demon should actually kill such a potential threat? It would be a hassle later on if he opposed me killing Omni with mind controlling powers." Homura thought to herself, still watching the scene unfold like everyone else was. Little did they know of the indifferent face the girl was putting on under her mask.

Soon she saw Inlumia disappear as she would have guessed that he was teleported away. This caused Homura to let out a faint sigh of displease. Why couldn't the demon have just killed the insolent man? It would have made conquering the Omniverse and killing Omni much easier on her without having to worry about somebody who has mind controlling abilities. Nevertheless she turned her attention back to her host who seemed to be seething in rage.

"I can see why Dio would be mad. If somebody threatened to prostitute my Madoka they will have hell to pay. They will be worse than that Incubator was after I taught him a lesson." Homura thought to herself, her expression darkening just by the mere thought of having Madoka have to face any kind of suffering.

Homura watched as servants came to their table and handed them several plates filled with exquisite food. Homura had gotten some cakes and a glass of wine, she had made the assumption that the wine was of high quality. Homura's violet eyes narrowed at the cake, thinking of one of her old friends Mami Tomoe.

"I wonder if she too had came here to the Omniverse. I don't see any reason why that Omni being would pull her out of her world however I'm not really too sure how his thought process works. Why would he pull Mami Tomoe out instead of Madoka? I wonder what would happen if Madoka came here? Would she be happy? Would she want to go back home? I haven't really thought about this too deeply. I need to think of what I will do if Madoka comes here." Homura thought to herself, staring at the cake and wine.

"The plan to defeat the beast will go a lot smoother if we have somebody who can use fire. At least we do have something like a plan already formulated. It makes me have more confidence that this group will succeed. Dio's shadow is still catching my curiosity though. Is it one of his powers? I wonder if I can bring the Clara Dolls. They are useful for doing certain errands and they were strong enough to fight magical girls." Homura thought to herself, finding her eyes looking at Dio's odd looking shadow. It appeared like she was the only one to notice his shadow as well.

She watched as Dio made his way to the stage. Homura had gotten a fair grasp on Dio's personality and she could tell that he was deliberately making a dramatic speech. He could have just stated it and let the crowd be happy. However he didn't, he wanted to get the crowd pumped for the event that would change the Pale Moors. For what reason? Homura had a few assumptions of her own. Was it to make his name spread far and wide? 'Dio, the monster slayer'. That would gain more influence to his name, which would bolster his power.

"It would be good to align myself with somebody that has as much power as Dio. It won't be a bad thing to become allies with such a man, if necessary I can just cut him off when I'm done using his influence. He has also peeked my interest with that odd shadow of his. Maybe I can make my own influence wide!? Then if Madoka happens to come to the Omniverse or already is in the Omniverse she will hear my name. Then Madoka might come find me. This works." Homura thought to herself once more, giving a few simple nods.

She looked around and realized that everybody was taking off their masks and Homura did the same. She had a face that matched her physique, a face of a preteen. She had a pale complexion which made people think that she might be sick or didn't get out in the sun too much. She placed her mask on the table, she didn't really care for keeping the tasteless wombat mask.

Everybody was making their way towards the door, and her teammates started to go their own ways. Homura though had different plans in mind. She walked towards the stage, her high heels clicking against the floor. She looked around, her violet eyes scanning the area for Dio. She soon spotted him standing away from the stage, it seemed like he was thinking about something however Homura didn't care for what he was thinking. She walked in front of Dio his size making him tower of Homura.

"Hello Dio. As you can remember I am part of your hunting party. I am quite curious about you and your shadow. I was hoping that you would be interested in having a more private conversation somewhere else? Of course I will understand if you have other matters to attend to. A man as popular as yourself must not have a lot of free time."

[DioBrando]

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!