maskormenacelogs | [closed] under its power

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[closed] under its power

WHO: Dio Brando and Jotaro Kujo
WHERE: Heropa
WHEN: Sunday late night
WHAT: A chance encounter
WARNINGS: Will add as needed

[11pm. For the past three weeks Jotaro has been working a security job at a corporate suite for small companies. It's a boring job really - he's there to make sure nobody breaks in and that cleaning staff have proper access to the designated floors they work for. It pays decent, enough so that he doesn't feel the need to acquire a second job, and that's really the only good it does. Maybe after a few months he'll quit and go onto something more interesting. For now he just wants quick cash on the table.

His shift begins at midnight and goes until eight in the morning, as the building reopens and the rush hour begins. Means he doesn't have to interact with more than a few people every night, and his half hour walk to work is mostly dead. Even so, he always leaves at least an hour before the shift. A nearby 24 hour deli makes a decent sandwich that tides him over, and that's all he needs.

The one downside to the job is that he has to wear a suit and tie, and they won't let him wear his hat on the job. Strict dress codes like that piss him off, as if he'll do any better or worse a job if he doesn't wear the right thing. The only solace is that it's better than a shitty uniform, like the one at the job the government tried to stick him at. They can't stop him from wearing his hat and a black overcoat over the top of the suit on the way to work either.

He locks up his house door and in twenty minutes he's in the city by foot, choosing purposefully to take a longer route to the building. There's no rush and he wants to enjoy the relative silence of Heropa, the only places really open right now the few night clubs and bars. Crime isn't too rampant here either. Should be another uneventful night to work, as preferred.]

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[Dio had known, of course, that there were Joestars residing in Heropa, but he'd met two of them before, and they'd been too cowardly to really try anything with him(not entirely true, but Dio saw reality as he pleased), but that wasn't actually what brought him this night.

He needed to get his bearings in all of these 'imPort cities' if he was planning to make his business successful, especially since it is going to be strictly nocturnal.

Dressed up like a proper businessman, having even tamed his hair somewhat to give the appearance of some sort of professional, Dio had been meeting people, some cards in his pocket just in case they happened to be imPorts. It just so happened that he hadn't been paying too much mind to the Joestar presence when he ran into Jotaro on his walk to work.]

Ugh.

It figures I couldn't get rid of you so easily.

[Some part of him didn't really want to, either. Just having been spirited away to some strange separate dimension outside of time and losing the chance to kill this brat would have been a disappointment.]

You do something with your hair?

[He stops in his track as soon as Dio appears in his way, holding his breath for a moment to prevent Star Platinum from instinctively manifesting. His Stand's self-preservation is usually difficult to curb, and it's a mental strain, but it takes only a second to wrangle control over himself. Damn bastard. He definitely didn't stop time, so this crossing is by chance and not purposeful.

His brow furrows at the hair comment, wondering where it came from, and he keeps his gaze leveled straight at Dio.]

No, I haven't. [Well not entirely true. It isn't quite as untamed as it was when he was seventeen, especially toward the back.] I see you did something to yours.

[He's tempted to, and very nearly, make a comment about how it looks like shit. However he knows that could lead to a fight, and he's not really aiming for that right now. He made a promise to Jonathan that he intends to keep.]

[In all honesty, Dio was surprised that he hadn't turned around with his Stand manifested to throw a punch at him. A little disappointed, too. He looked over Jotaro, studying him carefully as if to try and assess why it was that he was managing to remain civil, but of course there was only one explanation.

Of course he had spoken with Jonathan. No doubt they'd known Jotaro was here longer than Dio had.]

You don't expect me to show up to court with a headband on, do you? Appearances are everything.

[He was a lawyer now, after all, hinting at some kind of irony about a lawyer becoming quite literally a vicious bloodsucker.]

So, you're going to just ignore me too, hm? Even knowing that I kill more and more people the longer that you leave me alone? My, how the mighty have fallen. I used to think Jonathan's reasons for fighting me were noble, but now I'm thinking maybe they've always been selfish.

[Court? ...Of course Dio would get a career in the law profession. Jotaro doesn't like giving people like him any credit, but he remembers well how one of the first things Avdol and Joseph ever spoke of the vampire was his charisma. Having charisma, ego and a callous nature is known in all successful lawyers.]

Ignore? No. I've chosen to give my word to Jonathan, out of respect. You should consider yourself fortunate that he gives you such regard. Selfish is the last thing he is.

[Truly, Jonathan has the most reason to want Dio to be wiped off the Earth. Dio murdered three of his closest friends in the world, but even that is nothing compared to the suffering Jonathan endured. Jotaro isn't afraid of Dio - he only respects Jonathan more to not engage in a fight.]

[Dio scoffed at him, not really impressed by the answer, though there wasn't exactly any answer that would have impressed him. Either way he sliced it, Dio had made up his mind on the matter, and he wasn't about to be swayed by Jotaro's insistence.]

I'm not afraid to kill all of you, you know that, right? [His lips pressed together in a somewhat disappointed expression. They were simply going to try to leave Dio be until they had something on him, he guessed, but that was his plan as well now.]

Oh well, I suppose there is nothing to do about it. You'll all just have to be kept in suspense for my next move, then, since none of you seem to be capable of making decisions without 'grandpa's permission.

[He certainly wasn't worried about antagonizing Jonathan, Josuke, and Jotaro. Just a little. Maybe one of these days he'd even get a rise out of Jonathan.]

Don't mistake respect for obedience, Dio.

[Because if Dio stepped out of line, Jotaro wouldn't care for shit what Jonathan has to say about it. Steely Dan taught him that he can take being verbally spat on and degraded by pieces of shit, knowing well the time would come to strike and give them proper payback.]

And if you want to kill anyone? I suggest you start with me first. You'll be too dead to kill anyone otherwise.

It's the same shit in the end. Either way, you're doing what you're told.

[He finally pulled a big, wide grin out then, straightening his shoulders up, more than happy to posture at Jotaro. He hadn't seen the result of their fight, after all. He didn't even know that Jotaro managed to learn Time Stopping.]

But I'm quite fine with that arrangement. I'll be sure to take you out first when things come to a head.

[He knew they would. They were destined to fight, after all. That was just who they were, and how Fate sliced it. But he wasn't starting it today, mostly because he didn't want to mess up his suit. He wasn't well-off enough yet to just go trashing his suits, and with so many super-powered people... it was best just to keep a low profile.]

Until then, you should keep your nose out of trouble, or you might have some vastly different problems on your hands.

[He doesn't meet Dio's grin nor his posture, instead remaining still with his hands by his sides and his expression gruff. Jotaro wants nothing more than to destroy this monster, who still pretends to be a man walking among people. He knows Dio's continued existence is a threat, but if the nanites will revive him then any death will be temporary. However, that also goes for himself as well doesn't it?

Truthfully he isn't confident that he can win in a second round against Dio. But Josuke's Stand may not be able to combat The World without being able to predict how Dio will move in frozen time. Jonathan hasn't had much training in it either. He's the only one who understands fully how Dio's power functions and how to counter it. Some people just can't do what he can - people like Kakyoin, who was killed despite using a move that would have claimed victory against any other Stand user. No one is going to be collateral damage on his watch; certainly not his family.

If anyone will die, let it be him.]

Good grief. Only worry about me if you plan to start a fight. [He brings up his right arm and gives it a small shake to get his sleeve down to check his watch. It's 11:29 PM. He still has time.] I wonder what sort of trouble you could possibly be referring to. Sounds pretty suspicious.

[Dio can't be surprised by his demeanor. It was the look of a man who wanted to start a fight but was unable to do so for whatever reason, this time being a decree from Jonathan.]

I do plan on it, Jotaro. Don't delude yourself into thinking I've made a truce just because I haven't fired off a shot yet.

[As for suspicions, it wasn't as if Dio were hiding his intentions, least of all from Jotaro. He and his family already knew what Dio had in mind, but as long as no evidence existed in this world, it wasn't as if he could get into any trouble for it, and he'd behaved himself for the most part, aside from a few vagrants and criminals meeting their ends at his fingertips.]

Oh, in a hurry? Don't let me keep you. I'm not here for you anyway.

I told you not to worry about me.

[He's not at all in a hurry, he just needs to know how much more time he can spare before getting to work. And while speaking to Dio makes his blood boil, it's better to extract information however he can. If he's going to play a long game and not just waste this asshole right now, he may as well keep him talking. Get a better sense of how to track his movements.

11:29... he has about fifteen minutes. He scoffs a little.]

I hold no delusions about you, Dio. I know what you are, and what you can do. However, you're also not acting immediately for a reason. If you want to kill me, you could just do it right now and get it over with. Just the same as I could do to you. Either you want me to make the first move, or it's something else holding you back.

[Dio clicked his tongue in annoyance. Of course he had his reasons for not instantly going for the man's jugular. Like hell if he was going to sit around and let Jotaro detective them out in a night. But on the other hand, he had his pride.]

There is nothing holding me back but my own free will. I'm simply not as interested in you and your family for the moment. I can hardly think of your family as a threat as you all huddle together like rats trying to avoid flood water, speaking of me in hushed whispers.

[He snorted a little. It was something of a lie. He knew they were a threat. He was very aware of the fact that they were a threat, especially with the combination of Jotaro, a very strong Stand User, Jonathan, his age-old rival who knew more than Dio cared for, and Josuke, a relatively unknown foe, but a Joestar nonetheless.

But god, it was fun to try to rile them up, and he could scarcely hold back.]

Jonathan requesting you do not fight me 'for my sake', HAH. What a joke. But it's cute that you eat it up like that.

["If you've lost interest in us, then don't bother us again." Unfortunately that won't be, and so saying it is a waste of time.]

Tsk. Then in what way should I eat it up? Enlighten me. Frankly you know more about Jonathan than I do. I only know him as your fancy corpse suit, which you so love parading around.

[It's not like he expects Dio to say anything that isn't bullshit. Despite that, he does want to know more about their relationship. He doesn't want to think ill of his ancestor, but fact is these two grew up together as family. A twisted family, but they're brothers nevertheless. There's a story to this he doesn't know all the details of, and he needs them if he's going to make proper assessments.]

[Not to worry, Jotaro, he had interest in them dang Joestars. A whole lot of it, but it wasn't really becoming of him to tell his rival family that he was a little bit obsessed.]

Well, it is a lovely body, don't you think so? [He touched at his neck, a wide grin on his face as if he were particularly pleased.] I think I wear it better, but that's hardly the point of discussion, isn't it?

Now, be honest with yourself for a moment.

Jonathan wants you to keep away for your own safety. [Because why the hell would it be about worrying about him? Dio had killed him, and was, as Jotaro said, wearing him as his fancy corpse suit.]

I've killed many people who were close to him, and he just doesn't want you two getting hurt. A smart move, frankly.

[It's deeply unsettling to hear Dio's crooning over the body he stole, especially given that Jotaro now personally knows the man it once belonged to. It's the closest he's gotten to letting go of rational and just throwing a punch at the vampire, his right hand fingers twitching and almost forming a fist. Damn piece of shit bastard. Jonathan better give him some kind of award for self-restraint over this.]

I didn't travel to Egypt because I thought it would be the safe move. And I'm not steering clear of you because I'm concerned for my safety either. [His hand goes to cap, tipping the rim a little.] So then... allow me to make you an offer.

[Dio snorts. Typical. He was truly only holding back for Jonathan. But Jonathan was concerned for his safety, wasn't he? Of course he was. He lost everything to Dio, and the best he could do was to tell others to steer clear if he cared for them in any way.

Oh, but Jotaro wanted to make him an offer, did he? This should be rich.]

An offer, hm? If it's just a thinly veiled threat, don't bother, but if you have an actual proposal, then let's hear it.

[Yes Jotaro, he knew all about your Clint Eastwood impressions, and really that wouldn't help anyone here, but if he wanted to cut a deal... Well, Dio was all ears.]

I don't make threats to shits like you.

[Threats are warnings. A last ditch attempt to stop a fight from happening, whether it's from someone who can win or someone who will lose. There is no such thing as threatening Dio, because a fight will break out no matter what. A threat can't stop that from happening. So Jotaro's proposal takes a different approach.]

Here's my proposal - let go of your grudge. It's been over a century for you now, right? You think you'd get bored of tormenting the Joestar line, but it seems like you're still enjoying yourself. However, there's an end point to all of this. No matter how far you reach to the stars, you'll never make it to the heavens.

So... give it up. You have a chance here to make something new for yourself. Why not take it? Put your hatred to rest - that's what I offer to you.

Edited 2017-05-14 02:08 (UTC)

Ugh.

[Of course. Josuke had said something similar. 'You could have a family' or some shit like that. If Dio rolled his eyes any harder, they'd straight up fall out of his skull and that'd be weird for everyone.]

You're really an idiot. Maybe it's just your blood. You can't help it.

I have a counter-proposal...

[Dressed in a nice suit or not, Dio's demeanor flips immediately from that a jovial tormentor to deadly serious, his voice low and thick, and dripping with malice.]

Stay the fuck out of my way.

You do that? Consider the hatchet buried. The minute I see you sniffing around? I'll bury the hatchet in your goddamn throat. [It was only a matter of time though. Dio's plans for Heaven were not put on hold, he had simply experienced a setback in coming here. After all, he still had his Stand, and no doubt he'd still be able to find the sinners he needed. Then it was just a matter of making it to the correct coordinates.

The Joestars would stand against him again, and he'd fight them again.]

Just don't think I'm going to settle down in this fucking shithole country, content to let this trash heap of human garbage that they call a government control me with some bullshit they put in this body of mine. I'll tear down the sky before the laws of man get to control Dio Brando.

[...He sighs quietly, the answer and sudden violent demeanor unsurprising. It was a worthless thing to offer after all. Dio won't be content with anything but total destruction, salting the whole world with his hatred.]

Good grief. You better hope that hatchet kills me immediately then. [He shrugs a little, giving him a cold look to match the malice. He pulls down his sleeve and glances at his watch. 11:37.] Too bad. We're just not going to be able to get along. Can't fault a man for trying though.

[With that he takes a step to the side and begins to walk around Dio, though doesn't quite go the full way and instead stands by his side.]

Just know that if Peter is the gatekeeper for Heaven, then I'm the gatekeeper for Hell. You won't escape judgement for your crimes. I'm your reminder of that.

[The sudden demeanor switch was very Dio, especially around Joestars(and relatives).]

I assure you, I don't intend on playing with my food here. [His anger seemed to have dissipated, though really a blanket had simply been thrown over it to cover it up. Dio was constantly burning with rage, he just put on a happy mask.]

Really, it was a fool's errand to even try. I do not intend on playing nice with you or your family. You'd just better give me a wide berth.

[He didn't really care to comment on his little 'Hell gatekeeper' quip. After all, what fear does a God have of judgement? It won't be long now...]

I know. I don't intend to give you any mercy either. [He looks over to Dio and, for the first time, his usually stoic expression tilts into a mocking sneer.] So, I suggest you don't start shit unless you're ready to get hit.

[Can he really beat Dio a second time? Even winning the first time was exceptionally difficult for him, nearly dying while doing so. It was lucky that Star Platinum learned to stop time and initiated it just before he was crushed into the ground. Jotaro isn't sure he can pull something like that off again when Dio is aware of them sharing the same ability. He can't even stop time for as long as Dio can, so it has to be timed properly for the most efficient use.

But that isn't a concern. If death is inconsequential in this world, then he'll keep pushing himself to that point. Going to face Dio in Egypt at seventeen taught him that death could be any single moment away. So Jotaro never fears his demise. The only thing he fears is the consequence of it for those around him. That's what pushes him to fight, and he and Dio will fight again so long as they both exist in this world. It's a question of "when".]

I never do, Jotaro.

[When he came to blows with Jotaro and his relatives, he would simply be disappointed if none of them even got a punch in. That wouldn't stop him from trying to eliminate them before they had the chance, but he would come in prepared. In fact, he was planning on preparing extensively before he started anything with the Joestars. After all, he already knew how people came back to life here, and that could be a problem if not somehow curtailed.]

Well, I suppose it's time we parted ways. Have good night.

[As if he hadn't threatened him numerous times and in numerous ways. Still, he had no intention of starting shit with anyone this night, content to sit back and watch as long as they were. He hadn't had this luxury back then, in Cairo, as they'd begun hunting him down as soon as that woman's life was in danger. Here, it was different. Jonathan wanted to see them form a truce, which was foolish but useful for Dio's purposes.

For now, there would be some semblance of peace, even if he didn't intend to parley amicably with his enemies.]

Edited 2017-05-28 00:15 (UTC)

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[closed] under its power

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