THE FINAL DAY OF THE MATCH BEGINS.
"And then I just, closed the door on him." Giorno said whilst chewing his food. "Giorno, don't talk while your mouth is full." Jonathan reminds. "Don't listen to his dumbshit. Jesus, what makes 4 so bad?" Dio said, he was aware of the glares everyone else in the buffet were giving him but he couldn't care any less. But the reason they are staring is because...
"What's with that kid and number fours?" Johnny asked. "Don't know, the nigga mad superstitious." Pucci replied. "I wonder how Tarkus and his brother is right now. I should visit them after I win." Dio pondered. "Don't you worry about those large fucks, WORRY ABOUT YOURSELF." Ghiaccio yelled. "Geez, time sure flies, huh?" Formaggio said. The other members of the squad left for unknown reasons, leaving the two competitors, they decided to sit with Dio and the gang. "YEEEEAAAAAAHHHH! DON'T STOP THE SIPPING!" Stroheim screamed as Gappy sipped the spaghetti nonstop, the pasta seemed neverending.
They merged three tables together so they can eat together.
The Pillar Men arrived.
"Oh, hello! Would you care to join us?" Jonathan asked. "Nah, we just got done eating." ACDC declined.
"Dio." Kars said with venom in his voice. "AHAHA! Hey, you look like a fucking mummy." Dio commented at the man's excessive amount of bandages.
"I see you are alright." Wamuu said, glancing at the two blonds.
"I'll be watching closely, I want to see you lose." Kars pointed at him. "And you!"
"MEEE?!" Stroheim asked.
"Just because you came close to putting this piece of shit away doesn't mean I respect you and your loud classless antics." Kars said.
"HAHA! YOU'RE WELCOME!"
"I'm not thanking you, you imbecile!"
"Hey take it easy or your wounds might reopen." ACDC chuckled. "Your enjoying this, aren't you?" Kars snarled as they prepared to leave.
"By the way. The doctor wants to see you before the match." Kars said, glaring at Dio before leaving.
Dio just waved him off.
"Guy sure holds a grudge." Johnny quipped.
. . .
After eating, they all went back to their rooms to prepare.
Dio heard a knock on his door. "The hell you want?" He asked before opening the door.
It was Lisa Lisa.
"Heh. You came. Come inside, I'll make you come even more- UGHWRYYYYY?!" Dio joked but he got his foot stomped on. "You'd be a good role model if you weren't a damn pervert." The woman replied with a stone cold face.
"I just want to congratulate you on a job well done. And wish you goodluck on your final match." She handed him a calling card.
Dio's grimace was replaced with a smile "So... It's a date?"
"No. I want to discuss business. I want you to be my personal lawyer. I'll pay you handsomely." Lisa Lisa turned around and waved her arm off "Hope you win."
Dio smiled, but he felt his head throb and his stomach ache. He crumbled the paper and let it fell to the ground.
A few minutes later, he told everyone to meet him in his waiting room near the entrance to the arena.
"I need to get my morning check up." Dio said. "Don't you want us to come with you?" Jonathan asked.
"Nah, I got it. Go prepare some ice and your best pep talk, I'll see you soon."
38 minutes before the final match.
He was approached by Jotaro on the way to the infirmary.
"Hey." The capped biologist greeted. "Sup." Dio said.
"You know, I followed your advice. I talked to her." Jotaro said. Dio's ears perked up, maybe the doctor can wait for awhile "Oh? That's nice! How did it went?"
"She said she'll give me a chance." Jotaro smiled. "You're a shitty father, Jotaro." Dio smiled back "But you're improving."
"It's a working progress. Things won't change overnight." Jotaro said with a nod. Dio nodded back before turning his back to continue his walk.
"About the match." Jotaro called his attention, causing him to halt.
"They already chose what contest it is, and its no holds barred fighting." The man clenched his fists. "The advantage is mine."
Dio turned to face him fully. He knows where this is going "You're not the first person who offered me to throw the match."
"I can see how much damage you sustained..."
"Yes. And whether I fight or not, I am going to die anyways." Dio sighed, he's tired of explaining this to people "I am fighting for my son. I want to show him what it means to be a man in the most fabulous way possible before I die. It's the best gift I could ever give him, so don't feed me this bullshit."
Jotaro stared at him.
"You're a father too. A shitty one, but still. I am doing this for his sake. And I know, you understand me because you are a parent." Dio raised his fist towards him. "So don't you dare show me anything less than your best."
Jotaro smiled and bumped Dio's fist with his.
They wordlessly parted ways but the respect between the men are imminent.
. . .
"Your vital signs are oddly normal, except for the rather fast pulse rate. You're nervous aren't you?" Ciocolatta said as he removed his stethoscope.
"Yeah. But not in a bad way." Dio smiled.
Ciocolatta sighed before staring at something from his clipboard "The research about your performance is going swimmingly, but I must say, I'll be feeling glum once you finally go."
"Heh. I'm quite endearing, aren't I?" Dio cockily said before consuming his Green Tea and Green Day supplements.
"There is a 50-50 chance you'll recover if you stop now. If you continue, I'm not sure if you'll survive." Ciocolatta broke the silence. "Giorno is right yesterday. There is still hope for you, I can treat you, there are AIDS survivors out there like Magic Johnson from the NBA. But if you fought now, even a miracle won't fix you."
Dio was standing in a crossroad, with his relationship with his son finally healthy, he can stop now. Or will he continue and risk his life?
Giving up wasn't in Dio's nature.
"I'll fight." Was his declaration before opening the door "Thanks doctor."
Ciocolatta simply smiled and shook his head.
. . .
15 minutes before the match.
"The stadium is fully booked today..." Jonathan mumbled.
As he exited, he saw Jonathan, Pucci, Giorno, Gappy and Johnny waiting outside.
"There he is!" Pucci said as he gave Dio a bro hug. "You took too damn long so we went to your ass instead! Goodluck out there! Imma be prayin' for you!" He dabbed holy water on Dio's head. "Amen!"
"Hey, isn't the match about to start?" Dio asked. "Oh fuck! You right! I'll see y'all! Break a leg!" Pucci said as he sprinted back. "He is fast." Giorno muttered.
Johnny approached Dio "Don't fight him head on. Use your booth bullshit and blend it with my style."
"I DOOOON'T need you to tell me, I have common sense!" Dio chuckled. "I fought him before! So I know!" Johnny growled. "And you got your ass kicked!" Dio placed a hand on his shoulder "And I'm gonna settle the score for you, don't worry, Axl Rose."
Johnny's glare softened to a smile "Welcome to the jungle."
Gappy grabbed Dio's shoulder "Hey."
"Of course! I won't forget about your grappling-"
"Don't grapple with the guy, forget about everything." Gappy said. "What- why?" Dio asked.
"I have a bad feeling about him..." Gappy muttered before turning back to his old airhead self "Thanks for including me here though. I enjoyed the food."
Dio grinned at that "Damn you."
Jonathan held his hand out, Dio smiled and a manly handshake ensued. "You got this, Dio."
"Of fucking course I do! You know me better than anyone else!" Dio replied.
"You're my brother." Jonathan said sincerely. Dio nodded "I know."
"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN! THE FINAL DAY AND THE FINAL ROUND OF THE GAUNTLET HAS COME!"
The crowd cheered as the climax finally arrived.
"The match is starting." Gappy said.
"You guys go on ahead." Giorno told them. The three nodded and left.
"YOU PEOPLE SURE ARE EXCITED WHEN THE CONTEST IS A NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH! BUT THIS ISN'T ONLY A MAN'S ARROGANT QUEST TO PROVE HIS WORTH!" Speedwagon said and played clips on the screen of Dio's hardships in an attempt to win the crowd.
Giorno and Dio watched from the entrance.
"HE HAS AIDS BEFOREHAND, HE NEVER WANTED ANYONE TO KNOW."
Pictures of Dio struggling under Tarkus' weight, standing over Ghiaccio, running after Formaggio, getting punched in the neck by Ciocolatta, falling off the pillar against Kars and getting crushed in the arm wrestling match against Stroheim were shown.
"BENEATH HIS EXTERIOR WAS A KIND MAN AND A LOVING FATHER. HE PLANS ON USING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW EVERYONE IN THE WORLD, THAT A MAN'S WEAKNESS SHOULD NEVER BE AN EXCUSE TO NOT TRY!"
The crowd was silent and were mesmerized. "Now they finally know the truth..." Jonathan smiled and closed his eyes.
"Damn Robert! He always had a way with words!" Dio chuckled.
"He putting his narration shit to good use." Pucci whispered to William "For once we agree on something."
"SO LET THIS BE AN EXAMPLE! THAT WHOEVER YOU ARE, WHATEVER YOU DO, OR WHAT ODDS YOU FACE, REMEMBER THAT YOU ALREADY WON HALF THE FIGHT BY BELIEVING YOU CAN WIN!"
The crowd clapped and hollered.
Giorno watched as his father laughed at the audience's sudden change of opinion of him.
"Fucking sheeps!"
"AND NOW FOR THE OPPONENT!"
"Oh, now it's going down." Johnny muttered.
"HE IS A LEGEND IN THE KICKBOXING WORLD, A LONELY BEAST WITH AN AFFINITY FOR WATER, HIS KNOCKOUT PERCENTAGE DURING HIS CAREER WAS AN UNHEARD OF 98%! HE IS LONELY BECAUSE THERE IS NOBODY WHO CAN MATCH HIS STRENGTH! STANDING AT 6'5 AND WEIGHING IN 91 KILOGRAMS...
JOTAROOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"POSEIDON"
KUUUUUJOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Everyone in the dome can feel his intense aura as he solemnly walked towards the center.
"HE IS SO HOOOOOT!"
"ISN'T HE THE FAMOUS MARINE BIOLOGIST?!"
"I HAD HIS AUTOGRAPH!"
"IN THE OTHER CORNER! THE MAN NEEDED NO INTRODUCTION! WILL HIS RESOLVE CARRY HIM THROUGH THIS FINAL HURDLE?!
STANDING AT 6'3 AND WEIGHING IN 97 KILOGRAMS...
DIO
"THE LION"
BRANDOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAHHH!"
But Dio hasn't walked out yet, the crowd got restless as they cheered him on.
"L-LET HIM TAKE HIS TIME PEOPLE, THIS IS HIS FINAL MATCH, AFTERALL!" Speedwagon stuttered but the crowd doesn't seem to mind.
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH, DIOOOOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!" Stroheim's screamed, the combined audience of 30,000 was dwarfed by his loud voice but they cheered nonetheless.
"Holy shit, do you hear that?! The whole stadium is shaking! It's like... Thunderdome!" Dio grinned.
"Dio, you're strong."
Dio turned around to face his son.
"Now I haven't seen everyone in the world, and by the rules of common sense, there is someone stronger than you out there." Giorno continued, he inhaled and yelled "BUT TO ME, YOU ARE THE STRONGEST!"
Dio gasped silently.
"YOU NEVER GAVE UP IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, YOU WON BATTLES LESSER MEN WOULD CALL UNWINNABLE..." Giorno clenched his fists "You showed me that real strength, is more than just physical strength!" The young man gritted his teeth "I could change myself because of you! YOU SAVED ME!"
His knees buckled as his voice cracked "And I'm so ashamed..! That I haven't done anything to repay you..!"
Dio simply smiled "Don't sweat the small stuff, that's what fathers are for. Thank you. I'm glad you are my child." He turned around "Bye... I'm off now."
"Kono Giorno Giovanna ni wa yume ga aru!" Giorno yelled, calling his attention back.
Dio's eyes widened and stared at him "That's right... That's what you said when you finally made up your mind about the tournament."
Dio grinned "Let's fight together!"
"Yes, and lets win together." Giorno gulped and smiled.
His father's face softened to a sincere smile "I love you, son."
Giorno's eyes started to water "I love you too, dad."
Dio bravely walked towards the arena.
'So please come back safe and sound..!' Giorno thought. He felt something rolled down his cheek...
It was tears.
. . .
"OH! NOW DIO HAS EMERGED FROM THE ENTRANCE! READY TO FOLLOW HIS CONVICTION!"
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
"DIOOOOOOOOO!"
"YOU CAN DO IT!"
The audience cheered for the underdog. They finally realized that this isn't only a battle to prove himself, but a battle against AIDS.
Dio has been fighting against it this whole time, and the audience were quick to regret their previous doubts. A little too quickly if you ask me.
"A-AMAZING! DIO'S HEART HAS WON WHAT WAS ONCE A HOSTILE CROWD!" Speedwagon commented.
'It's different...' the blond stared him down 'The pressure is different from Ghiaccio. No, it's nothing like Kars' either...' he furrowed his eyebrows 'The closest to it, is Jonathan's.'
Jotaro did some wrist warmups while Dio remained still 'It's the pressure of someone who is incredibly strong.'
"Hey, thanks for the chat." Dio greeted Jotaro, the man smiled, he stopped his warmup before replying "There is no place for sentiment in this fight. Are you prepared?"
"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to, fucker!" Dio cockily grinned.
Tonpetty glanced at the two males staring eachother down with mutual respect before asking "READY?!"
The crowd went quiet, the whole world went silent. The event has been trending and everyone didn't want to miss it. It made Dio and the contenders celebrities.
But its not about the exposure of their respective gyms anymore, its about testing their metal.
"BEGIN!" Tonpetty announced as Speedwagon screamed for no reason.
Jotaro raised his fists, Dio did the same. "So it's the same type of stance?" Jotaro asked before closing in.
"Oh ho? You're approaching me? Instead of fearing the almighty Dio's power, you decided to approach me." Dio grinned.
"I can't beat the piss out of you without getting closer." He replied before throwing a front kick to which Dio narrowly dodged by stepping back. "Ho ho! Then come as close as you LIKE!" Dio dashed forward to deliver a jab but Jotaro countered it with his own. Their fists hit eachother.
"MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA-"
"ORAORAORAORAORAORAORA-"
"You freaking moron! Don't fight him head on!" Johnny screamed and right on cue, Jotaro landed a punch on Dio's side that took the wind out of him. The blond coughed up blood 'FUCK! IT'S SO HEAVY!' He stumbled to the side but Jotaro immediately followed him.
"HE HAMMERED DIO WITH ANOTHER ONE TO THE GUT! AND IT LOOKS LIKE DIO IS REELING!"
'It feels like I'm suffocating! The air in my lungs disappeared..!' He glared at his attacker 'So this is why they call you Poseidon..! Your punches drown me..!'
He thought it was some cheesy bullshit, but now he knows there is a meaning behind his name. Jotaro opted on throwing a kick but Dio dashed back and heaved.
"DIO IS CATCHING BREATH!" Speedwagon states. "TAKE YOUR DISTANCE, DOG!" Pucci said.
"Footwork, use your footwork..!" Jonathan whispered.
Dio started bouncing up his toes and peppered Jotaro with stinging jabs. Jotaro parried some of them but some caught him in the face.
"ORA!" Jotaro missed.
"ORA!" And missed.
Dio landed a considerable amount of distance from him as Jotaro glared him down.
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see! FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY, STING LIKE A BEE! I BANGED YOUR MOM NOW IT HURTS WHEN I PEE!" Dio taunts.
"BAAAAARS!" Pucci screamed as the crowd cheered.
Jotaro changed his tactics and remained firm on the ground.
'Going defensive, are we? Fuck you!' Dio jabbed and jabbed but Jotaro was parrying him effortlessly. The blond butterfly was starting to get impatient as his sting and float strategy is seemingly futile.
'You cannot strike me without coming within range, no matter what footwork you use...' Jotaro internally thought as he effotlessly swatted away Dio's light attacks.
Dio isn't very patient, so he unconciously went on the offensive. However...
"DIO'S FIERCE RUSHES WERE GETTING SHUT DOWN ONE BY ONE!"
"BOP THIS NIGGA ASS, DIO!"
Jotaro started his counterattack, parrying Dio's blow to deliver a firm palm strike to his solar plexus "ORA!"
"FUCK!" Dio coughed as he stepped back. 'Then how about..!' Dio launched
THE INFINITE SPIN.
But it wasn't successful as he landed on his back. Jotaro effortlessly avoided it and soccer kicked him away, Dio managed to block it with his forearms but he was blown back.
"WHY ARE YOU USING KARATE TECHNIQUES AGAINST A KARATE MASTER, YOU MORON?!" Johnny asked out in frustration. "Should he just grab him and choke him out maybe?" Jonathan suggested. "No." Gappy said, causing them to look at him.
"I have a bad feeling about the Jotaro guy."
. . .
"GET UP, PA!" Giorno cheered from the entrance as his father listened to him. He gasped as he saw Kars from the other entrance with the Pillar Men and the doctor, watching.
Jotaro's eyes widened as he followed Dio's retreat "ORAORAORAORAORA!"
Dio blocked his punches with difficulty as his forearms started to darken due to bruises, along with his body. 'Fuck, fuck!' He heard Jotaro mumble something but his instincts told him to dodge the next strike at all cost.
A spearhand, Jotaro threw a spearhand but Dio dodged it. The Lion fluttered away gracefully as he avoided Poseidon's trident.
'Why... Why did my gut tell me to avoid that?!' He thought, baffled, but he got kicked in the ribs for his trouble 'Shit! I don't have time to rest!'
Everything started to slow as Jotaro threw a simple punch. 'Finally..!' Dio grinned. "THE WORLD!"
Jotaro looked confused as Dio dodged his punch and striked his throat. The marine biologist coughed blood.
"J-JOTARO IS BACKING DOWN AFTER THAT STRIKE!"
THE WORLD x LIGHT MODE: SHINING SABRES
Taking advantage of his near death state, Dio unleashed Kars' technique at the disoriented Jotaro with great effect. 'Jesus, this guy is so fucking tough! Feels like I'm hitting a piece of iron!' Dio notes
"That's... My technique..!" Kars growled from the infirmary.
The Requiem dome roared as the fight was so close right now. They want Dio to win but they didn't hate Jotaro because he is so cool.
'Johnny... He truly is your student...' Jotaro thought as he shelled up his body with his forearms to block. He clenched his fists as he prepared for a counter 'My blood boils!'
SEIKEN ROKURENGEKI
Jotaro delivered six full powered punches with the whole weight of his body focused on the edge of his fists.
"PADRE!" Giorno yelled out in concern.
"Dad..." Jolyne mumbled. Everyone is cheering the man they hated previously, and now Jolyne did the same "Don't lose, dad!"
Josuke smiled as he glanced at his grandniece. Trish meanwhile, was worried for Dio.
"DIO WAS BLOWN BACK BY THAT BATTERING CONSECUTIVE BLOWS! OH! IT KNOCKED HIM A FEW METERS BACK!"
'I know you are doing it for your son... But I have a child too!' Jotaro formed an intimidating stance as Dio profusely vommited blood. 'WHAT WAS THAT?! IT FEELS LIKE I GOT RAN OVER BY A ROAD ROLLER!' He tried to push himself up but his body was consumed by pain.
"Agh!" Dio groaned 'My previous injuries..! They're acting up! My elbows, my shoulder, my ribs..! Fuck! And on top of that THE WORLD was suddenly deactivated!'
He was outclassed in strength, technique and power. He can't rely on his footwork too much since Jotaro's body blows took a large chunk out of his stamina.
But he had an idea.
. . .
"Come on, win!" Diavolo cheered. "He is gonna win, don't worry!" Polpo cheerfully replied. Now they are both fanboys.
"DURURURURURURU-"
"DOPPIO, SHUT UP!"
. . .
Giorno watched as his father got up and charged towards Jotaro.
"WRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" Dio threw punches but Jotaro tanked them and replied with a sharp chop towards Dio's clavicle, fracturing it.
"Guh! Ngggrrr!" Dio growled as he continued his assault.
'Giorno did tell me that there are people out there stronger than me, and as much as I hate to admit it, this dolphin fucker is one of them..!'
Jotaro threw a palm strike at Dio's cheek, reopening his cuts that was placed there by Kars' elbows. But Dio caught him and put him in a standing armbar.
'BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I'M JUST GONNA GIVE UP!'
FLYING ARMBAR.
"YES! Now break his goddamn arm!" Johnny said. "Dumbass!" Gappy shrieked.
A sharp, burning feeling entered Dio's left thigh as Jotaro's fingers from his free hand pierced through. Poseidon's trident found it's mark.
The water has clipped the butterfly's wings...
Jonathan and Giorno watched in horror as Dio lets go of the arm bar. Jotaro soccer kicked him and launched him back a few meters.
Dio kneeled with his left while his right was bent in a lunge like position. 'Damnit! I lost my gambit! His fingers are fucking steel, he just shanked me! I got the worst possible outcome!'
"Star Finger..." Jotaro muttered.
"He... He trained his fingers to their absolute limits. He took his hand conditioning to a whole new level..! Is that how strong you've become, Jotaro..?" Johnny asked in horror.
"IN A TURN OF EVENTS, JOTARO'S SPEARHAND ALLOWED HIM TO BROKE FREE OF THE ARM BAR, THE BLOOD FROM DIO'S THIGH IS FLOWING PROFUSELY! NOW WHAT?!"
Dio's determination didn't falter, he continued to stare Jotaro down as if to invite him to attack once more.
. . .
"Gyro! You've been shot!" A young Johnny Joestar panicked as he rushed to his besfriend's aid.
"Why the fuck did you try and save that kid, man?! Look at where your conviction got you-" the Joestar gasped and stopped himself as Gyro coughed up blood as Johnny held his head up. "Don't... Worry.. About this shit, Johnny..."
"No, save your breath! I called 911! You're gonna be okay, and when that day comes, I'm going to punch you, you understand?!" Johnny yelled. "Shut your... Loud ass... Up. Listen." Gyro grabbed Johnny's sleeve and tugged to get his attention.
"Don't cry before I die... Celebrate... The life we lived..." Gyro's lifeless eyes stared straight through him as his hand went limp.
"Gyro..? Gyro?! W-" Johnny sobbed "Ha... Haha... HAHA... WAHAAUUUGGHH!"
. . .
Johnny gulped as tears threatened to fall. Dio's attempt to stick with his pride reminds him so much of his bestfriend. But now, instead of stopping someone with such golden resolve, he is gonna cheer him.
"DIO!"
"DIO!'
"DIO!"
"DIO!"
The crowd chanted Dio's name, and their cheers reached his heart. Dio breathed heavily as he postured himself up.
BAM
Jotaro's foot firmly planted on the ground as he resumed his fighting stance "Haven't you had enough, Dio?"
Dio raised his fists to his side to mirror his opponent "Don't get too ahead of yourself, Jotaro..."
The Lion smiled.
"I'm still standing aren't I?"
The crowd roared as the thunderous cheers resumed.
Jotaro gave him a small smile in return, before advancing forward...
Star Finger: Hurricane
"O-OHHH!" Speedwagon yelled as he described the scene in front of him.
Jotaro's barrage of spearhands were deflected as Dio parried him with precision.
THE WORLD x Light Mode: Reflection
'He combined tachypsychia along with Kars' technique.' Ciocolatta thought. "Keep it up, Dio!" Jonathan yelled.
'Heh, I finally got the hang of it!' Dio thought 'I can see his attacks more clearly, and my hands are responding the way I want them to move..!' Dio thought as Jotaro solemnly threw an onslaught of spearhands.
"Guhh..!" Johnny sobbed, Gappy noticed the pool underneath Dio "Time is running out." He muttered.
Jotaro's image blurred as Dio's vision went hazy. He gritted his teeth as he lost his focus 'M-My eyes! Have I lost too much blood?!'
Jotato fainted a spearhand before slamming a mean right hook to Dio's temple. "ORAAAAA!"
"HE TOOK THE PNCUH!" -Speedwgoan...
"NGIGA NOOOOOOOOO!" -Pcuci...
Dio's pupils dilated. A loud ringing entered his ears.
'W-What's happening?! My legs?!' Dio stumbled as everything went dim and distorted.
JNOATAHN: DIO! RTREEAT! YUO'RE HRUT! PEASLE!"
KRAS: IT'S GNONA TKAE MROE TAHN TAHT TO BAET YOU, RGIHT?!
'I feel so nautious! My body is collapsing!' Dio panicked as he tried his best to stay awake, while Jotaro followed him.
He heard a voice among the voices.
"Dio, you're strong."
GPPAY: TEH OHTER WAY! YOR'UE HAEIDNG TO A CRNOER!
JHONNY: WAAAAAUGGHHH!
Dio gasped as he took another hit to his stomach.
"Now I haven't seen everyone in the world..."
GAHICICO: GDODANMIT! YUO'VE CMOE TIHS FAR! YOU CNA'T DIE NOW!
FMROAGIGO: CMOE ON MAAAN! PSUUUUUUUHH!
"And by the rules of common sense, there is someone stronger than you out there."
LSIA LSIA: DIO!
PLOPO: TIHS CNANOT BE HPAPEINNG! (2x)
PCUCI: DOG! FGIIIIIIHT! YOU A RAEL NGIGA! YOU BTTEER TAHN TIHS!
"BUT TO ME, YOU ARE THE STRONGEST!"
Dio watched as Jotaro reared his fist back to throw another punch. He saw Giorno's heartbroken face behind his adversary and it lit a fire in his eyes.
'Thank you, Giorno...'
The ringing disappeared as everything went back to normal. The cheering stopped as the blond went to motion, Jotaro's eyes widened as Speedwagon gripped the mic.
SPEEDWAGON: H-HE'S ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!
THE LION LIVES AS HE THREW A PUNCH THAT CAUGHT JOTARO OFF GUARD.
Jotaro grimaced as Dio bravely advanced towards his onslaught of strikes.
"THIS IS THE FINAL ROUND! PUSH!" Jonathan screamed. "It's almost over! You're almost there!" Gappy cheered as Johnny continued to blabber incoherently.
"DIO FINALLY GOT HIS SECOND WIND, AND NOW HE IS FIGHTING JOTARO LIKE HE IS A MAN ON FIRE!" Speedwagon screamed as his blood pressure went up, "WRYYYYYYYY!" Pucci cried.
OVERCOMING HIS DESPAIR, THE MAN FORMS A FIST ONCE MORE!
Flashback Chapter 20.
"Giorno. How old are you?"
"...18."
Jonathan sighed. "Listen, son. Young adulthood. These are the years when... A man starts to change in to the man he is going to be for the rest of his life. So, you better be careful who you turn in to."
Giorno nodded at that message.
Flashback ends.
"WRYAAA!" Giorno roared as he watched as his father bravely fought. 'He is the me I wanted to be.'
But reality was heavy, Jotaro was gaining the upperhand with the strikes. Dio was slowly getting overwhelmed but he never slowed down.
"DIO THREW A KICK WITH HIS INJURED LEG! BUT JOTARO EVADED IT BY STEPPING BACKWARDS AND COMING BACK EVEN HARDER!"
'Dio...' A punch infiltrated Dio's guard as Jotaro's fist rammed his sides, and another battered his forearm.
'I wish we could have met in different circumstances...' Jotaro threw an elbow towards Dio's right tricep, dislocating the blond's elbow.
Jonathan screamed in horror as Ghiaccio flinched, it was the injury he gave.
Giorno kept screaming his lungs out, Johnny wailed on his seat as he knew what the outcome would be. Gappy stared at the battle with a stoic expression.
But Dio's tenacity didn't waver, he threw a left hook but it landed on Jotaro's forehead, effectively breaking his own fist.
Jotaro landed a double punch that blew Dio away, but the man remained on his feet.
"DIO REFUSES TO GO DOWN!
HIS RESOLVE BURNS HOTTER THAN THE FLAMES OF HELL!" Speedwagon cried as the display brought him to tears.
"BUT THE WALL THAT IS JOTARO KUJO IS STILL TOO HIGH FOR HIM TO SCALE OVER!"
"DIOOOOOOO! COME ON, BROOO! AUGHAAA!" Pucci wailed as he cheered in desperation.
"You've won battles lesser men called unwinnable!" Giorno's words repeated.
Jotaro observed the cornered animal. The man can't punch anymore, his body is heavily bruised, his forearms are purple, the gash on his forehead reopened, his lips busted, his eyes are crying blood and his nose was bleeding.
It was a terrifying sight.
Dio was covered head to toe with his own gore.
Jotaro relented, showing mercy is a spit on his opponent's courage.
He had nothing to lose but life itself.
With his back against the wall,
The Lion roared one last time...
.
"WRRRYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
.
Jotaro shuts him up with a knee to the face, Dio responded by jerking up and headbutting Jotaro in the nose, disorienting him, making him close his eyes.
The Lion stood with his healthy leg and threw a question mark/brazillian kick with gritted teeth.
Jotaro, still blinded by the haze a blow to the nose caused, threw his strongest punch. "ORAAAAAAAA!"
THE WORLD ACTIVATES, time slows down.
Everything went mute as Dio watched as their attacks slowly but surely flew towards their destination. Tonpetty shrieked before trying to stop the fight, but he was frozen in fear.
'I will win...'
The crowd gasped as the two attacked simultaneously. Jonathan gripped the chair in front of him with such strength that it got crushed, Johnny turned away and wiped his tears, Gappy silently stared.
'I'm a winner!'
Speedwagon's mouth opened really wide, Pucci deepthroated his mic for some reason, Polpo stood up and gasped as Diavolo, who was now holding a Dio poster, waved it to the air. Tarkus and Bruford screamed from their hospital beds.
'I am a champion!'
Ghiaccio and Stroheim continued to scream but he can't hear their voices, Kars' eyes widened, Ciocolatta crossed his arms. Lisa Lisa slowly took off her sunglasses. Mista was in his room watching, refusing to come out but he was very much affected.
'I am a father...'
Giorno trembled.
'I
am
Dio..!'
*!*!*!*!**!*
Blood splattered on the ground as the noises died in an instant. The loud Requiem dome went silent. No one dared to make a noise.
Speedwagon grasped the mic, shaking and stuttering...
"W-WE HAVE A WINNEEEEEEEEEEEER!"
. . .
10 hours has passed.
Everyone celebrated Jotaro's win but the man himself was nowhere to be found. They celebrated the end of the gauntlet and their final day of free luxurious lifestyle.
There was a feast.
But Ciocolatta had been busy trying to patch Dio up in the past few hours, and told the gang that the man needed to be left alone to rest.
But its been hours since that and Dio is still not waking up.
"Who would've thought it would end this way?" Formaggio said as he gave Ghiaccio a beer "Bout fucking time, short stuff!" He angrily chugged the bottle.
"Fuck off... I just can't believe it, at all!" The decathlete muttered.
Jonathan clenched his drink firmly. The three of them were silent as they watched the party. Bright lights, sexy dancers, loud music.
DIO "THE LION" BRANDO RETIRES IN THE SEVENTH ROUND
THE IRON MAN SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST SENIOR GAUNTLET HAS COME TO AN END.
Dio was literally disarmed, he can no longer punch or flex his magnificent biceps no more. He threw that kick knowing the risk of doing so.
The two warriors threw their attacks at the same time.
The leg is three times stronger than the arm, but the arm is faster. Jotaro is faster. Jotaro's punch skidded off Dio's left knee and hit him in the jaw, as Dio's kick harmlessly flew by and knocked Jotaro's cap off.
The Poseidon ended The Lion's run.
The world will remember this for quite some time. As a nationwide celebration in Egypt was held, a parade in Japan, in the past 3 days, the crime rate dropped signifantly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, fighting stopped in the Middle East, people didn't leave their house to watch the gauntlet in the Philippines, and more.
The Speedwagon Foundation's event was a success, but it won't hit this intensity if it weren't for him. The world watched this foul mouthed asshole to see him lose, and he did, but in the end, he won in their hearts.
"By the way, any news on Dio?" Gappy asked. "The doctor said he is still asleep. His condition is critical." Jonathan whispered. "Now that you mention the guy, where's the kid?" Johnny asked as well.
And they did finally notice that Giorno is gone.
Ciocolatta approached them "Gentlemen. I need your help."
Apparently, Dio got up and left without the doctor's knowledge.
"What the fuck?! What's he thinking?!" Johnny asked. "Hey, on the bright side, he is up." Gappy smiled.
"We need to find him. Lets split up, look for Giorno too if you can!" Jonathan said hastily.
"Right!" They ran on seperate directions.
. . .
"Kid..!" Johnny said as he approached Mista. "Where have you been?" He asked.
"I mean, it's the fourth day, but its already night time so I think its finally safe to come out..." Mista replied in a nervous tone, Johnny noticed the man in a gimp suit next to him but ignored him.
"Have you seen Giorno? He's missing." Johnny asked. "Damn, I thought he was with you! Fuck! I'll help you find him!" Mista panicked, fearing the worst.
"Secco! Track his scent!"
"AUGHAWIE!"
. . .
Gappy tried to interview as many familiar faces as he can.
"Huh? Dio? Haven't seen him." -William.
"HO- HOOOOAAAAGH!? DIO IS UP?!" -Speedwagon.
"TELL HIM I SAID FUCK YOU, BECAUSE HE MADE US WORRY!" -Ghiaccio.
"Well, that's a relief... He's actually fine... But I haven't seen him." -Lisa Lisa.
"Shouldn't he be resting?" -Caesar.
"NIGGAAAAAAAAA! Don't worry your stoned ass about it, I'll help you look!" -Pucci.
"Damn! That's actually good news that he is back on his feet! But man, where the hell did he go?" -Formaggio.
"Tsk." -Kars.
"Yeah, haven't seen him." -ACDC.
"Outstanding. I wish to shake his hand. I will lend you my aid. I shall go look for him too." -Wamuu
"He is tough! But sorry, I couldn't be much help. Haven't seen him since the fight." -Tonpetty.
"YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! TELL HIM HE IS WELCOME TO HAVE HIS BODY MODIFIED WITH ARMORY! THAT MAN IS A LEGEND!" -Stroheim.
The ex navy seal wandered around aimlessly, its tough to look for people in this massive crowd.
. . .
Deep in the woods...
Dio sat down against a tree facing the setting sun. "Ng..!" His chest started to hurt along with his head. A trail of bandages behind him.
"Damn, I was so close..." he muttered as his vision got blurry. "But I think... I did alright..."
He started seeing things. He remembered asking Ciocolatta about what it feels like to perish.
The doctor replied "Your mind will play memories that your heart is fond off. Your life flashes before your eyes, that kind of shenanigans... Actually, I don't know, I haven't died yet."
He looked up at the sunset as events flashed before him...
. . .
"I'm... Dead..." Dario fell lifeless as his booze hit the ground. Dio smiled from ear to ear as he grabbed the letter.
"Joestar Mansion, here I come!" Dio cheered before composing himself and glaring at his deadbeat dead dad's corpse "You worked mom to death, you almost worked ME to death. You tried to sell me. You are FILTH!" He spat.
"I will NEVER be like you."
. . .
They were in a park, it was a beautiful evening.
He grabbed Aoi's hand. The woman was a shy one. So he guided it to his crotch.
The woman gasped and swatted her hand away before slapping Dio "You scoundrel! What do you think you're doing?!"
Dio cussed "Shut up! I'm trying something!"
"I told you, I'm saving myself for marriage!" She yelled. "Then let me finish!" Dio grabbed her hand once more and guided it to his pocket. "I missed the mark the first time, goddamnit!" Dio growled. Aoi gasped as she can feel a small box with her fingers inside Dio' pocket.
"Grab it."
She took it out, it was...
"Will you marry I, Dio?"
. . .
"Dio! Dio!" Jonathan ran to the stage and hugged the freshly graduated lawyer.
"You did it! You did it!" Jonathan lifted him up and cheered him.
"Easy, JoJo! Set me down! Fuck!" And so he did.
"So! What do you want for your graduation gift?! I bought you a car!" Jonathan said. "I don't want that!" Dio rebutted, confusing his brother.
"Huh? What do you want, Dio?" Jonathan asked innocently. Dio grinned, took something out from his slingbag and whipped out a camcorder "I WANNA HEAR YOU SAY THE WORDS: FUCKING SHIT!"
And so it was the first and only time Jonathan Joestar ever cussed in his life. But the moment will live on forever.
. . .
"I swear if its a fucking girl I will throw it off the window..!"
"What is wrong with you?!" His wife barked.
"It's a-"
"Shush, darling. Don't ruin the surprise!" Dio grinned toothily as the nurse guided them to the nursery.
"There he is." The nurse gently whispered and pointed at the crib in the middle before exiting the room.
Aoi gulped as her husband walked towards their child.
Dio picked up the newborn and whispered in the most sincere tone she ever heard him "He's beautiful..."
Aoi hugged him from behind "I was thinking of naming him Haruno..."
Dio slowly turned, she broke the hug as her husband looked at her with disgust.
"... What?" She asked in annoyance.
"That name won't work, its garbage!"
"Hey..!"
"I have a better idea!"
The other babies got woken up by Dio's voice and started crying but he didn't care. "The babies..!" Aoi covered her mouth as she realized the noise woke them up.
Dio looked at his calm baby. His heartbeat raced
"Let's call him-"
. . .
"Giorno..." Dio whispered as his lips formed a smile. The sun has finally set as darkness with patches of light covered the sky.
There was rustling in the leaves behind him as Jonathan emerged, panting. "There you are! I knew you'd be here!"
Jonathan heaved heavily as Dio was slumped with his head down, with his back against the tree.
"Man, my cardio is declining..!" Jonathan cleared his throat.
Jonathan looked at the nightsky.
"Boy, would you look at the stars! I remember we used to stargaze back then with Father!" His shoulders relaxed.
"Dio... You've become strong..." the Joestar watched as the lights in the mainland Miami turned on across the sea.
"You're so amazing. I doubt many people will show that amount of courage and willpower, whether they are healthy or not.
You inspired quite alot of people. It's funny to think that everyone hated you before this day, but not us! We were rooting for you, and you know that.
But now, everyone is proud of you as if you won..."
The gentleman puts his hands on his hips "The Juniors Tournament will be postphoned for 6 months because of the Mary Queens murder, isn't that crazy? Such a shame of what happened to her... She is a good woman..." Jonathan gulped but he continued.
"I promise you that Giorno is gonna win the Tournament, whatever it takes. We're gonna help him find the lion in him. Me, Johnny, and Josuke... Or Gappy as you call him...
Man, these 4 days have been alot of fun... I'll never forget the time we spent here." The gentleman trembled and stuttered.
Dio remained smiling... His heartbeat slowing down, until it comes to a halt. His eyes were closed.
Jonathan looked at him with a tearful smile
"Goodbye. Dio..."
.
..
.
In the jungle...
The quiet jungle...
The lion sleeps tonight...