A wish came true... A dream became a reality...
This is set to become an actual episode of Death Battle. Check out the Death Battle Wiki’s page for it here.
Alucard (Hellsing) VS Dio Brando is a What-If Death Battle Episode.
| Alucard (Hellsing) VS Dio Brando | |
|---|---|
| Season | 2 |
| Season Episode | 3 |
| Air date | March 21. 2015 |
| Written by | Derpurple |
| Episode guide | |
| Previous M. Bison VS Dio Brando |
Next Sōsuke Aizen VS Dio Brando |
Description[]
A Vampire who loathes Humanity to thinking they are (Hinjaku, hinjaku!) weaklings and (MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA) useless against a vampire who praises and protects Humanity. Not to mention AntfishTAS (JoJo Abridged) against Takahata101 (Hellsing Abridged).
Interlude[]
(Cue Invader - Jim Johnston)
Wiz: Vampires, the shadows of the night. The supernatural creatures that have terrorized the domain of folklore and fiction alike.
Boomstick: But more importantly Anime and Manga Vampires! The best kind! These guys are usually OP as fuck! So let's take one of the most well-known OP vampire of the recent century against the godfather of OP Anime & Manga vampires.
Wiz: Alucard, Hellsing's Trump Card, the Prince of Darkness and the King of Vampires.
Boomstick: And Dio Brando, the British blond time-stopping vampire who's got the whole world in his hands. He's Wiz and I'm Boomstick.
Wiz: And it's our jobs to analyze their weapons, armor, and skills to see who would win...A Death Battle.
Alucard[]
(Cue Hellsing - Alucard's Theme)
Wiz: Alucard was once known as Vlad III Dracula, the son of Vlad II Dracul. Born in 1431, he later became known as Vlad Ţepeş or the infamous "Vlad the Impaler" and as "the Impaling Warlord" by the Turks, gaining a fearsome reputation throughout the lands.
Boomstick: As a child he was enslaved by Ottoman conquerors when he was a child where he was raped by a Turk ruler. During the whole ordeal, he clenched a silver cross. When he became the Voivode of Wallachia, he launched an all-out war on the Turks which devastated both sides.
Wiz: Eventually, his troops were defeated, his people were killed -though many by his own hands-, and his homeland was set ablaze. Vlad himself was to be executed. However, before he was beheaded, he drank of the blood from the battlefield and became a true vampire. When he accepted the powers of darkness, the silver cross he had always carried with him shattered.
Boomstick: Centuries later, in 1897, the events of Bram Stoker's Dracula unfold in the back-story of Hellsing. Abraham Van Helsing, Arthur Holmwood, Quincey Morris, and Jack Seward were able to defeat Count Dracula and killed those who served him. Yep, Bram Stoker's Dracula and the history of Vlad the Impaler is the just of Alucard's early life.
Wiz: He was given a new name, Alucard, by Arthur Hellsing. In 1944, Alucard, along with a 14-year-old Walter C. Dornez, was sent on a mission to Warsaw, Poland, to stop Millennium's vampire production program. They presumably destroyed the project, but its main architects escaped. Decades later, in 1969, Alucard was imprisoned in a dungeon in Hellsing manor by Arthur. According to Sir Hugh Irons, Arthur Hellsing came to believe that Alucard was "too powerful a drug to be used as more than the occasional medicine"
Boomstick: Alucard demonstrates, in various incarnations of the series, an astonishing and overwhelming range of supernatural attributes; these include, but are probably not limited to a form of immortality.
Wiz: This ability is rather ambiguous, as Alucard himself has stated that immortality is a myth. However, what it most likely refers to is the human souls inside Alucard; it has been speculated that, when damaged by blow that would have killed or incapacitated him such as exceedingly holy weapons, the damage is instead directed to his reservoir of souls. Because this ability does not really grant him true immortality, it can be considered as pseudo-immortality.
Boomstick: Thing is after "Monster of God" Anderson destroyed the rest of Level 0, Alucard was still able to regenerate on par with him. (This was on par with Alucard before releasing Level 0). And though the "soul count" theory is just a fan theory, and has never been definitively proven, there is some evidence in the series to support it.
Wiz: When he is struck by holy weapons some of the souls spontaneously die even though they were unscathed. Also, at the end of the series, Alucard stated he returns by killing all the souls inside him but one. It was even speculated by Anderson, an experienced vampire hunter & expert, that this was the reason for his not being able to kill Alucard.
Boomstick: Alucard's ability to regenerate is considerably greater than most other vampire's. He has regenerated from a pool of blood and from being decapitated, blown to shreds by gunfire, incinerated completely, etc.
Wiz: When damaged to an extreme extent, his body simply turns into a shadow-like substance and reconstitutes. Exceedingly holy weapons have been shown to incapacitate him for a time, but even Anderson, augmented with Helena's Nail, could do no lasting harm to him. While regenerating against Anderson, he became a shadow entity at one point.
Boomsticl: Alucard has been known to hit targets at great range using handguns while looking the other way. He does this by using his so-called 'third eye'. Alucard can physically rip humans and vampires apart with ease. Not to mention he can slice through Tubalcain's cards which are sharp and strong enough to easily cut through a uranium shell moving at high speed, without the slightest damage done to the cards themselves.
Wiz: With just his bare hand, he was able to stab through Alexander Anderson, infused with the Nail of Helena, in the heart and kill him while the Casull did not have noticeable impact on a human Anderson. Alucard can move faster than the eye can see, such as when he seemingly appeared to be a glint of light like artificial vampires have shown in his fight with Tubalcain. He's fast enough to keep up with a vampirized Walter Dornez, who was shown to be able to outpace bullets from machine guns when he was human.
(Cue Hellsing Opening Theme)
Boomstick: He has demonstrated the ability to catch bullets like Rip Van Winkle's and ordinary ones. He easily caught Rip Van Winkle's magic bullet with his teeth. And this is the same bullet which punctured an SR-71 moving down at Mach 3.2 speed several times in rapid succession and intercepted multiple missiles! He also has the freaking ability to defy gravity! Being seen leaping impossible distances and can walk up vertical surfaces.
Wiz: Among these abilities, Alucard is also capable of intangibility, shadow manipulation, shape-shifting, weather control, teleportation, telekinesis, telepathy, mind-reading, hypnosis, precognition, familiar summoning, blood, and soul-sucking, a form of hibernation, immunity to vampiric weaknesses, and the ability to sense supernatural activity.
Boomstick: In addition to his superhuman abilities, Alucard also possesses centuries of combat experience. While he usually relies on crushing his opponents with sheer power, he does at times use strategy. When he fought Alhambra, Alucard used shadow duplicates to distract him, allowing Alucard to close the distance between them and deliver the death blow.
Wiz: And his most notable ability, Omnipresence. At the end of the series, Alucard acquired Schrödinger's quantum reality manipulation powers after absorbing him during the Millennium incident. This grants him the ability to exist wherever and however he wishes to.
Boomstick: He can exist in multiple places at once using this power, and he can appear in astral realms like being physically present in a person's mind for example. It also makes him completely immortal; Any alterations to his person by outside forces can simply be imagined away, including fatal injuries.
Wiz: Alucard is an exceedingly lethal combatant even when unarmed, due to his extensive supernatural abilities and strength, but he also uses various weapons in battle. These have included swords, machine guns, and traditional vampire-slaying tools such as stakes and crosses.
Boomstick: Additionally, Alucard has two signature weapons, a pair of oversized and overpowered handguns named the .454 Casull and the Jackal which is specially designed to kill regeneraters. In Hellsing: The Dawn, he wielded a Thompson Sub-Machine Gun.
Wiz: The ammunition for Alucard's Casull appear to be hollow point rounds, giving them even more stopping power.
Boomstick: He is the most powerful warrior of the Hellsing Organization which works against vampires and other such supernatural forces. Alucard is no mere vampire; he is the most powerful Crimson Fuck-Mothering vampire.
Wiz: However, will this be enough to take down DIO and The World?
Dio Brando[]
(NOTE: In This What-If? Death Battle, Dio has powers from both Part 1 and Part 3)
(Cue JoJo ASB OST - Dio Brando's Theme)
Wiz: Dario Brando, an abusive, drunk, and dying father had told his son, Dio Brando about a rich man he "saved" (in reality Dario was going to rob him) wanting to adopt Dio.
Boomstick: After Dio literally spat on his grave he encounters the Joestar family's youngest member at the time (late 19th century), Jonathan Joestar whom he would constantly torture for the most of their adolescent lives.
Wiz: 4 years later, Dio had enough and was poisoning their father, George Joestar while pretending to be "a good son/brother" to anyone in the Joestar household (despite Dio burning Jonathan's dog, stealing his girlfriend's, Erina -and later future wife of Jonathan's- kiss, and even about to kill him with a knife during a brawl with him).
Boomstick: Jonathan finds out about this and gets the police to arrest Dio. But Dio uses an ancient Aztec stone mask that turns people into Vampires!
Wiz: After Jonathan "killed" Dio in his castle he was happily married to his girlfriend, Erina Pendleton, but Dio (now just a head) is persistent in killing and then using Jonathan's body.
Boomstick: This seems to fail as Jonathan makes the ship overload and bound to blow up and tells Erina to leave with a baby into Dio's coffin (which was made to survive such a blast). Yet somehow Dio (even though he was in Jonathan's lap clearly a few feet away from the coffin) had made it out alive with Jonathan's body.
Wiz: He then meets an old lady who saw him as a "great future" and gave him a strange arrow that when Dio used on himself to get a Stand named after the tarot card "The World".
Boomstick: Though by gaining his Stand everyone else in the living Joestar Blood-line (Joseph Joestar, Holy Kujo, Josuke Higashikata, and Jotaro Kujo) had gain one too!
Wiz: But in 1988, one of them -Holy Kujo- has become ill because of it. This causes her father -Joseph Joestar, protagonist of Part 2: Battle Tendency- and her son, Jotaro with the help of 4 other Stand Users (also based on tarot cards) along the way to defeat the newly named "DIO" thus begin the events of Part 3: Stardust Crusaders to break DIO's Curse to save Jotaro's mother/Joseph's daughter and end the Joestar/Dio Feud.
Boomstick: Being a JoJo vampire also lets Dio have Hypnosis, the ability to fuse other organic beings as well as flight, levitation, and teleportation. Among other perks, Dio also gained buff in Durability which goes well with his new Regeneration ability that is basically Rapid Healing.
Wiz: With this Dio is able to piece himself together even after being hit by a dozen close-ranged grenades. Dio also had Immortality to boot meaning he never ages or even tires out, unless he is wounded that is. With JoJo Vampirism Dio is able to Freeze organic material via touch, shoot Eye-beams that can reach stratosphere and above, and of course suck blood.....through his Fingers...
Boomstick: Laser eyes, freezing touch, and sucks blood through fingers? What kind of vampire is that? Answer: A JoJo Vampire.
(Cue JoJo ASB OST - DIO's Theme)
Wiz: Moving on. When Dio had risen once again, he later gained a manifestation of the soul known as a Stand. His Stand was named The World that acts as a spirit bodyguard or 'punchy-ghosts'. It was the twin Stand of Jotaro Kujo's Star Platinum, so any feat one could accomplish the other could too.
Boomstick: And seeing how they tie most of the times they collide with -The World usually having the upper-hand- it is very plausible to assume that The World can easily break through car-sized set of diamond teeth and move at Faster-Than-Light speeds as Star Platinum could go head to head with the likes of Silver Chariot who outran a Stand that traveled through light and block a Stand who shot the suns rays.
Wiz: Over the course of the series Dio has Super Strength that is enough to lift over 10-20 tons. Dio himself has Super Speed around hypersonic, and his Stand around FTL speed and even FTL/Bullet-like speed reaction time as evident when Dio himself flicked away Noriaki Kakyoin's Emerald Splash. And with The World, Dio is able to stop time for 11 seconds and grows as Dio lives longer and drains more blood. Dio is overall a cunning, philosophical, and well-read strategist.
Boomstick: All of this, however, is at the expense of having a body sustained by sheer willpower alone, rather than vital energy. A sufficiently powerful vital force - specifically, sunlight or the Hamon/Ripple force - will negate the sustaining force's presence and disintegrate the long-unliving body.
Wiz: His Stand if broken or attacked, will break him as well. However, he isn't dead per say, more like in a coma or in the process of regenerating as to be sure he is dead Jotaro and Joseph had to put him in the Sun.
Boomstick: For all his great powers, Dio is hampered, like oh-so-many Shonen villains, by his EXTREME arrogance. He’s so intelligent, but in the desire to completely humiliate an opponent, he ignores the most simple and direct solution. This, in combination with MASSIVE PIS (Plot-Induced Stupidity) during his fight with Jotaro (whose own time stop powers happened to manifest at the most convenient time), led to his defeat against Jotaro.
Wiz: But will all of this be enough to defeat the crimson fuck-mothering vampire? Well, it looks like our combatants are set, lets settle this debate once and for all!
Boomstick: ITS TIME FOR A FUCK-MOTHERING DEATH BATTLE!
Death Battle (Old)[]
(NOTE: This fight will incorporate both the canon personalities and Takahata101's and AntFish's Abridged personalities)
Pre-Fight[]
It is the dawn of night, in Cairo, Egypt.
Dio is sitting in his mansion wondering/talking to himself out loud if he sounds like Tim Curry.
Suddenly Alucard pops out.
Alucard: "Why yes, you do sound like an Indian cuisine named 'Tim'."
Dio Brando: "What's this? Another vampire? I wasn't aware there was any other Stone Masks."
Alucard: "Stone Masks? INCORRECT! Inconceivable! I, Alucard, am the first and strongest vampire and vampire hunter in the world!"
Dio Brando: "Well I, DIO, do believe that I, Dio! Am the strongest vampire in this universe! And also happen to have a Stand named 'The World'. And you're a vampire and vampire hunter? A little ironic don't you think?"
Alucard: "You think I haven't noticed by now? Well anyway...I, ALUCARD, AM HERE TO SLAY YOU DIO!"
Dio Brando: "How do you know my name?"
Alucard: "What do you mean? You are a famous rock-star vampire, aren't you? You are Ronnie James DIO -leader of the cult 'Dio', right?"
Dio Brando: "Wai-WHAT?! I'm not Ronnie James Dio! I'm Dio Brando!" Incarnation of Ronnie James Dio's awesome with Marlon Brando's...last name..."
Alucard: "Oh well then, my mistake... I'll just be leaving then."
Dio Brando: *whispers* "I am a vampire you know, I said so."
Alucard: "IN THAT CASE PREPARE TO DIE MARLON BRANDO!"
*FIGHT!*[]
Dio Brando: "It's Dio Brando. Not Marlon Brando, GEEZ!" (he said from an afar building's roof). [Dio had used a Time Stop to get some knives and move to the building].
Alucard: (How did he get over there? Did he use a teleporter? Bah those things don't exist, YET. Is he a Time Lord? Pshh that's crazy, I'm a Time Lord. It says so in my FanFic). [Dio is heard muttering in the background].
Dio Brando: "Well it's been KNIFE, (comedic pause) knowing you!"
Alucard is hit by several knives to no affect,
Alucard: "BITCH I EAT PEOPLE!" (Alucard takes out Baskerville).
Dio Brando: "Hey I do too! WITH MY HANDS!"
Dio uses another "Time Stop" and swipes his hands at Baskerville and drains its blood while draining some of the other Familiars and Alucard's blood.
Alucard: "Goddammit!... That was my favorite..."
Dio takes out off his cloth/jacket and upper wear and reveals his underwear (his Loose/No-Sleeve T-Shirt).
Alucard: (Here comes the "Why Boner"! Of course with a vengeance!)
Dio Brando: "As you can see I have change my clothes. Meaning that I, Dio, have grown stronger!"
Alucard: "I can tell... No homo."
Dio Brando: "Too late I felt the homo."
Alucard sends in a quarter of his Familiars, as he sees Dio Brando as a serious threat.
Dio takes out all of them by freezing them and smashing them then absorbing their blood, while Alucard fires several rounds of ammunition at Dio.
Dio either catches them with "The World" and throws them away or they just stop right as they touch his skin.
Alucard: "Well... then..."
Another quarter of Alucard's familiars come and occupy Dio.
Alucard throws several common street objects such as a door, cars, street lamps/poles, Dio's furniture, and even some of Dio's own minions at him.
Dio hits them all away while running towards Alucard.
Alucard sprints towards Dio and both are in a grappling position. Dio's hands are around Alucard's neck, while Alucard's hands are around Dio's upper body and shoulders.
Alucard: "Hah! Fool! At this very moment, I'm draining your blood!"
Dio Brando: "And so am I!"
Alucard, realizing Dio can absorb blood through his hands severs Dio's hands with a sword with Holy Water recently put on it.
The Holy Water trickles over Dio's hands, wrists, and arms leaving him unharmed and but Alucard's superhuman strength and speed had enough force to cut them off.
Dio Brando: "No my sexy hands!"
Alucard: "Try sucking my blood no-...(Dio attaches his hands back into his wrists)-oww...I guess the Holy Water really did have no effect..."
Dio (with The World) begins to kick and punch the shit out of Alucard for a good 30 seconds after a while he is sent flying. During his flight, Alucard sends out his shadow to strike at Dio while Alucard takes out his Jackal and fires several rounds at his opponent.
Dio notices this and flicks the bullet away, he then sees Alucard's shadow and moves enough so the Shadow only glazes Dio's skin and goes right back into Alucard who is once again being beat like a punching bag while he can't see the invisible (meta-physically/astral-supernatural projection) Stand boxer that is "The World".
The World lets go of Alucard only to then throw and punch Alucard right through his chest, sending Alucard flying.
While Alucard has full regenerated in a few seconds, Dio is nowhere to be seen.
Alucard: (It's strange he has this, supernatural ability! My familiars could sense it! He said he had called something a Stand named 'The World'? He also seemed to be able to stop time, I, Alucard, and my familiars could sense that as well... better to use strategy than sheer force. Right after I distract him with my sheer force! Wait, why can't I move? WHY CAN'T I MOVE?! I can't speak either! Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit! He stopped time again!).
Alucard sits there for a few seconds and wonders: (I wonder what that Dio fellow is doing right now...I guess he ran out of steam and rolled right out of here!)
Dio Brando: "Oh Alkie baby! LOOK WHAT I BROUGHT! IT'S A STEAMROLLER!!!"
Alucard: "OH FUCK THAT'S A STEAMROLLER" (Alucard tries to take out the remaining half of his familiars and his shadow, but to no avail...).
Dio Brando: "Oh it's just so, USELESS USELESS USELESS USELESS USELESS USELESS USELESS~!!!" (Dio is repeatedly hitting the said steamroller).
The steamroller blows up and a cloud of smoke and dust appears and disperse as Dio falls back down on the ground, landing on his feet unharmed.
Dio Brando: "And that takes care of that."
Alucard: "That kinda hurt."
Dio Brando: "What?! Still alive are we now?"
Alucard's remaining half familiars attack Dio while Alucard's shadow tries sneaking up from behind.
Dio Brando: "THE WORLD! Time is frozen today!" (Dio kills and absorbs all the remaining familiars while Alucard's shadow was on the verge of striking Dio).
Time resumes, but then is stopped in a blink of the eye*
Dio Brando: "Oh time resumed? Too bad it's frozen again! Thanks to your little sprites, Alkie."
Alucard: (Don't call me that, why is he calling me that).
Dio Brando: "I can now stop time for up to 11 WHOLE MINUTES! And do you know what I'm going to do?"
Dio Brando then performs the "Legendary Za Warudo/WRRRRRY Combo" for the remaining 10 minutes (He wasted 1 whole minute talking to a frozen Alucard) with the added bonuses of Dio's Space Ripper Stingy Eyes" and URRRRRRRRRRY (Vaporizing Freeze Combo used on Dire/All-Star Battle) at the end of each LZW/W Combo.
*K.O!*[]
Time Resumes, and it is still around midnight*
Dio Brando: "Now the fanboys will have something to rage about! Tell them how I won already! Oh, and this time I finally got to say: WR-" *cuts off to Results*
Results (Old)[]
Wiz: Don't EVER tell me how to do my job! Anyways...*Boomstick is heard crying and shouting gibberish until a shotgun blast is heard, then it's quiet*
Wiz: Did that shut you up?
Boomstick: *sniffs* Yes...
Wiz:...Anyways, that could of been a real close match-up if not for some differing factors. These factors include: The World couldn't be hurt by Alucard as Stands can only be hurt by other Stands or beings similar to Stands such as Personas; though Alucard and his Familiars could sense and possibly hurt The World, Alucard's Familiars would be no match.
Boomstick: The World is like Star Platinum, Star Platinum could break through a whole set of car-sized diamond-teeth, Star Platinum can go mano-e-mano with Silver Chariot who would move faster than a stand of light making both Silver Chariot and Star Platinum FTL or MFTL. The World is shown to be slightly faster and even stronger than Star Platinum meaning it is either MFTL or less likely FTL as well. One time stop attack from The World would equate to about 2 MOABs (Mother-of-All-Bombs). This can equal to about enough force to ravage a country.
Wiz: Alucard maybe the Ultimate and original Vampire in his universe. But, Dio Brando is a JoJo Vampire, meaning he can't be killed by the conventional vampire means. Dio could only be defeated by Hamon/Ripple (a breathing technique used for healing and fighting/countering the undead) and the Sun and even then Hamon didn't fully do the job. While the Jackal is designed to kill regeneraters, it wouldn't even reach Dio thanks to him being able to deflect the Emerald Splash, and also thanks to The World which can easily catch bullets
Boomstick: Even though Alucard did have his Familiars, they are made up of the bloods and souls of the people he drained. This means that Dio can absorb them through his hands (as he drains blood normally). Once Dio absorbed all of his Familiars, which I remind you are the bloods and souls of people and animals drained by Alucard, Alucard ran out of lives as his "Immortality" as even Alucard states is just him using up the souls and blood he has drained.
Wiz: Again, once Dio absorbed all of Alucard's Familiars, he could now possess a better/longer time stop. As when he drains blood (either that of a Joestars or even that of powerful people/opponents) he can gain even more superhuman strength, speed, agility, and a longer time stop. Once Dio had drained Joseph Joestar's blood, he was able to take on Star Platinum (who need I remind you broke though diamond and a barrage of punches from SP would be equal to that of 2 MOABs, like The World) without the use of his Stand. So imagine if he sucked out all of Alucard's victims' blood? He'd be unstoppable even without his Stand.
Boomstick: All of Dio's move-set and abilities could easily counter anything Alucard threw at him, bullets wouldn't touch him as he could either deflect them or stop them with The World meaning the Jackal wouldn't help. And besides, in Part 3 only Dio's head was pure vampire the rest of the body was Jonathan Joestar's and was even immune to Hamon. It wasn't only until he had drained Joseph Joestar that he fully became a vampire. And when Dio would become one, Alucard would stand no chance at all as Dio's time stop would increase as well as his superhuman abilities. And thanks to The World, Alucard can't even touch Dio, and if he did somehow he would instantly freeze thanks to Dio's Vaporizing Freeze.
Wiz: Even with Schrodinger Alucard really doesn't STAND a chance. Despite being everywhere at any given time, Alucard still can't hurt Dio even if he went inside his mind. Dio himself is immune to hypnosis and cannot be controlled through it. And since Stands and Schrodinger seems to both exist in an astral plane of existence, one might question whether The World can completely counter it. Even if Schrodinger Alucard touched Dio, a combination of Dio's Vaporizing Freeze and Time Stop with that country-level destruction could easily kill Alucard 100 times over way before Alucard has enough time to react and regenerate. Besides,, who said Dio wouldn't spam his Time Stop? Especially against something like Schrodinger Alucard.
Boomstick: Alucard really wasn't the greatest vampire in "The World". The Winner is Dio Brando. *sniff*
Advantages & Disadvantages (Old)[]
Alucard[]
+Schrodinger is OP
+Large arsenal of weaponry and firearms
+Major Experience in hunting and killing vampires
+Bitch he eats people & vampires daily
+Could eat Dio (somewhat possible)
=Infinite Stamina
=Unknown if The World and Schrodinger could affect one another (Plausible)
=Cocky and Arrogant
-Can't touch Dio
-Can be frozen by Vaporizing Freeze
-Can easily be pummeled by The World
-Can't get in close range with Dio
-Familiars can't match up to The World
-Familiars can be drained
-Has no counter to the Time Stop
-Can't get in close proximity to Dio or will be constantly pummeled by The World
-Is not "immortal"; instead uses up the souls of those he had drained when he is hit with fatal attacks/injuries
Dio Brando[]
+The World & Dio are superior in strength
+Better regeneration (if excluding Schrodinger)
+Blood makes his regeneration instant
+Can easily absorb Alucard's blood and familiars
+Blood gives him a massive power-up
+Time Stop increases over long periods of time (unless he has drained blood which speeds up the increase)
+Can counter nearly everything Alucard has
+Can easily deflect and stop bullets
+MFTL Stand and FTL Speed/Reactions
+Dio isn't as dumb as he may seem
+Focuses much on close range and with his strength, he could easily overpower Alucard
+Vaporizing Freeze can easily kill Alucard
+Vaporizing Freeze+Time Stop+The World+Country Level Destructive Capability can easily kill Schrodinger Alucard before he can react/regenerate over and over
+Time Stop is instantaneous
+Is not affected by holy or blessed weaponry
+If Alucard gets in close proximity to Dio, The World can easily kill him over and over
=Infinite Stamina
=Unknown if The World and Schrodinger could affect one another (Plausible)
=Cocky and Arrogant
-Has never fought a vampire before
-Less experience in fighting vampires
Death Battle (Re-Written)[]
(NOTE: This fight will incorporate both the canon personalities and Takahata101's and AntFish's Abridged personalities)
*Pre-Fight*[]
(Cue JoJo OST - Dark Rebirth)
In Egypt, deep within the alleyways and streets of Cairo during the chill of the night, the clock tower struck midnight signifying darkness's rebirth. A lone man wanders the desolate streets of a misty and menacing Cairo. The man, while foreign to the deserts of Egypt, knew the streets well after venturing and living off of it for what seemed to be years. Yet for a bizarre turnabout of events, the man found himself wandering aimlessly seeming to have lost complete sense of direction...The mist closes in on him garnering his attention.
The man's long clothing and cape spun around complimenting his shift in motion. He stares blankly and uninterested towards a certain location in the mist. Glaring deeply into the polluted atmosphere, he picked a peculiar aura in his presence. The man arched back, his hands latched onto the waistline of his pants.
The Man in the Coat: "I can sense your presence...It reeks of a torn past, blood, death, and something...Supernatural. Trust me when I say this, I can not only sense your pain but I share this pain...You have an amazing power inside of you, greater than anything I've ever felt. Why don't we be friends? For starters allow me to share with you my name, they call me DIO. Dio Brando. And a quick question to you, do I sound like Tim Curry?"
The man stands there waiting what would feel like hours. Then to his suspicions, a shadowy figure in what appeared to be a bright red coat approached the position DIO was loitering from the mist. DIO smirked but soon as he saw the man in the red coat's elongated smile he knew something was off.
(Cue Hellsing Opening Theme)
Alucard: "Mmm, yes you do sound like an Indian cuisine named curry! Let's hope you don't taste like him though! I don't prefer spicy curry but for you 'friend' I'd make an exception!"
DIO: "Wha-"
Alucard: "I'm going to eat you. After I've killed you to death until you die."
DIO: "Uhh-"
Alucard: "Bitch I eat people! There I said it for you dickface? Happy?"
DIO: "Is Dio Brando going to have to choke a bitch?"
Alucard: "You're gonna choke yourself? Aight, fine by me."
DIO: "I'm going to assume you're going to eat me with a side of fava beans and a nice Chianti."
Alucard: "Nah I'm probably going to eat you limb by limb with my familiars or suck your blood and soul dry. Or all of the above."
DIO: "Oh ho ho! What's this? Another vampire? What's this? I wasn't aware there was any other Stone Masks."
Alucard: "Stone Masks? INCORRECT! Inconceivable! I, Alucard, am the first and strongest vampire and vampire hunter in the world!"
DIO: "Well I, DIO, do believe that I, DIO! Am the strongest vampire in this universe! And also happen to have a Stand named 'The World'. And you're a vampire and vampire hunter? A little ironic don't you think? And why exactly have you come here to my domain?"
Alucard: "You think I haven't noticed the irony by now? Well as for why I am here, I was planning to get your autograph, Ronnie James Dio! Then suck your blood and soul afterward, though you look different when I first saw you perform..."
DIO: "Ronnie James Dio...? Wha-WAIT, I'M NOT FAMOUS ROCK STAR RONNIE JAMES DIO. Though maybe rest in peace over the Silver Mountain on top of the Rainbow in the Dark while riding the tiger named 'Holy Diver'."
Alucard: "What do you mean? You are a famous rock-star vampire, aren't you? You are Ronnie James Dio leader of the cult 'DIO', right?"
DIO: "NO I told you! I am not Ronnie James Dio! I'm 'Dio Brando'! You know the 'IT WAS ME DIO' and 'WRYYYYYY' vampire guy?! Incarnation of Ronnie James Dio's awesome with Marlon Brando's...last name..."
Alucard: "Oh well then, my mistake... I'll just be leaving then."
DIO: "Ahh, finally. Thank I, DIO, he finally lef-"
*FIGHT!*[]
(Cue JoJo OST - Final Battle)
Alucard shot a bullet straight at DIO's head. The only reason it didn't pass through DIO's thick skull was due to the unforeseen equation of his Stand, The World.
DIO suddenly vanished before Alucard's eyes, appearing atop the rooftops of the many structures in Cairo. As he lays atop the building, DIO proceeds to take out a handful of knives hidden in his clothing. Alucard glances over towards DIO with a frown seemingly not amused with him.
Yet something hit Alucard in the back of his mind: How did he get over there? Did he use a teleporter? Bah, those things don't exist, YET. Is he a Time Lord? Pshh that's crazy, I'm a Time Lord. It says so in my FanFic that I wrote.
DIO: *walks over by the ledge of the roof* "Well I'll have to admit, it sure was KNIFE! *pulls out the handful of knives* Comedic pause...And continue joke...KNOWING YOU! *throws the two handful of knives*
Alucard gives off a wide smirk as the knives fly towards him. Alucard confidently walks into the knives letting them scrap, stab, and pierce deep into his flesh. He laughs it off as he pulls out two silver shining pistols and positions his arms at DIO's direction and fires without looking up.
DIO swerves to the right to avoid the incoming shots and launches a knife straight towards Alucard's head. The knife strikes deep into his head but Alucard jabs it in further, expelling ample amounts of blood from the side of his head.
Alucard: "I seriously believed you would think of something better to do than just throw kitchen knives you dick waffle."
DIO: "Look up."
Alucard: "I'm not going to fall for that tri-"
A horde of knives flew through and into Alucard's body as two cars crushed him underneath. DIO jumped down in a cocky manner as he peered over what he thought was the supposed final resting of his red-coated adversary. To ensure and satisfy his curiosity paranoia, DIO thrust himself to the top of the cars and began pummeling the hood of the cars, and quickly moved away as they exploded.
DIO overlooks the flames and the pool of red, as a bloody stream escapes from the cracks of the streets and car. Feeling as though his paranoid thoughts of Alucard making it out alive had died out, he began to walk away as his cape catches the wind...And the bullets of the Prince of Darkness.
DIO frowns as he glares at his torn cape then at Alucard who can do nothing but smile. He releases his cape into the wind as he takes one step motion towards Alucard. DIO took one more step then he suddenly vanished before Alucard's eyes. DIO lets out a "Hmph." as if finding amusement in Alucard's confusion. Alucard quickly turns and fires three loud rounds each from his Jackal and Casull.
As soon as the bullets were right at his skull, DIO appeared hovering behind Alucard, as a hole in Alucard's gut opened up, spewing a fountain of red water as he flew into the wall of an empty house. DIO stood in the streets, his ear fixed towards the hole in the wall. Alucard lays on the floor then rises and dashes with immense speed towards DIO's location.
(Cue JoJo OST - Awakening Darkness of The World)
Alucard slashes at DIO's neck catching DIO off-guard due to him being too careless. A sprinkler of blood violently sprays the city's street. DIO slowly approaches the wound as Alucard comes back slashing once more, slicing the back of his neck and thus decapitating the British vampire. His head and body fell harshly to the ground, Alucard sent his familiars out to devour the remains of the Joestars' adversary.
As the familiars drooled closely at the remains, a hail of fists struck three of them as the head of DIO attaches itself back to its stolen body. DIO turns around, showing only the angered flash from his pupils towards Alucard. Alucard has his familiars attempt a second strike, only for DIO to once again vanish as his familiars seemed drained with DIO standing a bit further away from them.
DIO: *uses his hands to adjust his head and cracks his neck* "Much better...Now, to deal with you..."
Alucard and two new familiars attempt to speed up to DIO but is stopped by a sudden force of what felt like fists striking them and sending them back where they started. Alucard attempts it another time, only to have his chin, neck, face, and shoulders smashed and skidding through the bloody floors of Cairo.
Alucard: "You...Have a familiar as well? Heh...That won't matter..." *licks the blood around his lips*
DIO was smirking as he had replied.
DIO: "A Familiar? You could call it that, but I assure you that's not what it is. It's so much more than a weakling familiar..."
DIO has The World appear beside him as they both emit a yellowish light around them. DIO idly stands by, waiting for Alucard to make a move. And not too long after he does, Alucard pulls off a diagonal jump into the air then takes out his Jackal firing at the intention of ending DIO's regeneration. As Alucard begins falling back down he sends his shadow and familiars to strike DIO from behind. However DIO hasn't even moved once and is hiding his eyes from the light, his mouth, cheeks, and nostrils are only visible in the light.
DIO lets out a soft chuckle and a small smile as it protrudes into a loud chuckle and a maddening smile as he shouted his infamous line
DIO: "THE WORLD!"
TIME IS FROZEN!
DIO in stopped time decreases his chuckle as his smile turns back to an arrogant smirk. DIO slowly approaches the still mid-air Alucard as he shoves his hands deep into his wounds, beginning to drain his blood. Once he felt as though the time stop was near its end, he had The World deliver two deep punches through Alucard's chest.
TIME RESUMES!
(Cue Sick Puppies - You're Going Down)
Alucard is sent flying into a billboard, but he quickly begins regenerating as he gets up and stands on top of the billboard staring at DIO. DIO stares back as he suddenly pushes himself high into the air and begins flying towards Alucard. Alucard tries to delay his advancing maneuvers via shooting more rounds from his Jackal while spreading his familiars and shadows out across the rooftops of Cairo hoping to ensnare DIO into a trap.
As DIO dodges the bullets, the familiars and shadows attempt to strike surrounding DIO! DIO is not impressed as he suddenly appears behind Alucard with his fists driven deep into his neck as his upper body begins freezing. Alucard's familiars were beaten up, but not dead -as they grew back into Alucard the ice begins freezing them too as DIO raises his hand high in the air. The blond vampire crashed his hand into the freezing vampire's neck causing him to shatter and finally break apart. Seemingly killing both Alucard and his familiars as both revert to a huge pool of blood, shadows, and his shattered pieces.
Alucard was indeed still alive and reformed as DIO was busy overlooking Cairo, Alucard to both his own and DIO's surprise struck him in the back of his neck.
Alucard: "Hmph. As we speak I am currently sucking out your life essence you dick waffle!"
DIO: "Don't think so." *snears at Alucard as he appears in front of Alucard and has The World smash him down harshly towards the red-stained and iron pungent-smelling streets*
DIO suddenly appeared carrying a stop sign?! The time-stopping vampire thrust the sign at the Crimson Fucker's head, somehow managing to hit with enough force to badly slash the red-coated vampire's neck. Blood gushed out like.
DIO smashes his knuckles repeatedly into Alucard's slashed neck as he has his Stand land a vertical punch near the wound, causing the head of the Prince of Darkness to fly high into the air. DIO stood idly by as suddenly dozens of knives appear around his opponent's head.
DIO back-flips as he is minutes away from stomping his opponent's head with the Hound of Baskerville appears and snatches DIO's legs. Just before all of DIO's limbs are devoured, he has The World drive its fist through its "head" -if you can really call it a head- with an infamous "MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA" barrage.
Alucard's body suddenly jumps up sporadically as it fires 5 point-blank bullets from his Jackal at DIO's head.
DIO stands there twitching a bit, holding the side of his head revealing he had stopped the bullet with his Stand but failed to dodge two bullets that grazed the side of his head. DIO stared at Alucard's head and body as he prepares to send The World after the two body parts.
(Cue Hellsing Ultimate OP FanMade - Creditless)
Alucard's head was placed improperly back in place, as he regenerates it back in place he sends off a wide smile with a large hint of madness in it.
Alucard vanished as he then reappeared mid-air firing countless bullets at DIO at a short distance. Each time he fired, the fuckmothering vampire drifted closer and closer at DIO who also had suspended himself mid-air. DIO dodged or caught the countless bullets as a small count of a few bullets managed to have caress against and shred the sides of his skin and body.
DIO is hit in the side of his body by a shadow of Alucard's smeared his blood all around in the air. DIO was close enough and had his Stand strike Alucard as he got closer to freeze him again. However, Alucard's unfrozen body parts started shifting their form. They expanded into shadowy and spiky-like appendages with multiple eyes as they envelop the ice surrounding Alucard's body.
Another part of the appendages slashes and claw towards DIO, who freezes, drains, and/or smashes them when they come close to him and his Stand's range. Despite the blond's efforts, the appendages just keep on growing and striking. Soon DIO's had enough and begins lashing out full force with barrages.
The broken pieces of Alucard's flesh just kept growing and reattaching as DIO angrily kept flailing his and his Stand's fists deep into Alucard's dismembered body. Alucard can't help but smile as DIO attempts the same action repeatedly as they begin falling towards a rooftop. DIO pushed himself away from the tangling appendages as he let his Stand vibrate deadly kicks onto the appendages and what chunks of his body remained as they were shot through the roof.
DIO's POV
Not wanting to risk seeing those unholy appendages again and ending this bizarre abomination, DIO quickly teleported and rushed at hypersonic speeds to an unknown location with the glimmer of yellow and a dull silver hit his irises. He smirked, consciously also stopping time as he then approached the unknown object and grabbed the object over his head, and disappeared.
Alucard's POV
As Alucard started piecing himself together, both literally and figuratively, DIO's presence was far out almost as if it was non-existent. As a near fraction of a second had just passed on, right when Alucard made the slightest movement out of nowhere it seemed so sudden what happened next...
Third-Person POV in Frozen Time
A dark shadow engulfed the statue-like Alucard as DIO shouted out at the top of his lungs, despite the fact that his opponent could not hear him in stopped time anyways his infamous line:
DIO had brought down the brass metallic steamroller on top of his helpless foe the Prince of Darkness. And quickly DIO went into a state akin to a "berserk mode", having his fists and the strength and speed of The World wrought down onto the steamroller. Each punch received his battle cry "MUDA", each punch also added to more and more force until the whole front of the vehicle appeared shattered and crumbled like paper.
TIME RESUMES!
Before Alucard knew it the yellow construction vehicle had burst out into a flames; as if spontaneously combusting thus causing large shrapnel and various shards of flaming metal to enter and stick in the red-coated Romanians flesh. For a normal person, this would have instantly kill and flatten them as soon as the steamroller had crushed them.
The yellow-coated vampire stood what he believed to be his true victory. No one could survive the steamroller time stop barrage combination right? Or so he had thought...Just as Jotaro had done before to DIO, Alucard has DIO speechless as he witnesses the Impaler begin to grasp an inhumane form similar to the appendages he experienced earlier.
(Cue Voodoo Kingdom)
A mutter, a mumble, a groan, and a sigh...These were the only responses that escaped the lips of a distraught DIO. The only ones he could make out as he awaited the next action of his monstrous foe.
The rain began pouring down on the two vampires and the red-blooded streets of Cairo, washing it away from the pavement and into sewer drains. The red-coated monstrosity stood there still regenerating but nearly complete, and the yellow coat and green shirted time stopper still waiting to see what else this monster has in store.
Alucard commanded consciously his familiars, his appendages, his shadow, and the souls of the damned locked within himself to attempt to envelope then engulf their British aggressor in a fate worse than death. Only for once again the British undead to appear to have smashed his attackers with what again felt like fists, a draining, and freezing.
Alucard became increasingly interested and annoyed in his opponent. The former Prince of Romania knew that he would fully enjoy the stench and flavor of his blood, the taste of his unclean soul, the texture of his skin, and the quality of his flesh.
DIO still waited and stalled for his opposite to confront him with another useless attack. Alucard ran up against his foe at hypersonic speeds slashing at DIO's chest as a wall of flesh and darkness cascaded around DIO's body. Before nearly having his head ripped off and his limbs torn to shreds, DIO was easily quick enough to have The World to lodge its fists into and through the attackers with speed beyond Alucard's comprehension.
DIO then grabs two appendages that were en route to lash out at his neck and freezes them instantaneously. DIO snaps the frozen appendages into piece with his cold undead hands, he takes hold of the sharper shards of the appendages and javelins them right into Alucard's body.
Alucard flinches backward, his body arching forward from the icy flesh javelins that struck his body as he begins to freeze around the area they had struck. The very fraction of a moment Alucard arched back up a rush of force rips his appendages and torso to shreds. Not only that but the red coat Alucard treasured had its cape torn to pieces.
Alucard flowed with the remains of his beloved cape as he hid among them and the shadows.
Alucard: "Try as you like Mr. Brando but soon after you'll discover that you cannot beat me...For it takes a man to beat a monster such as myself!" *grins widely after jumping out of the darkness and begins lashing and blasting at DIO relentlessly*
DIO: "I am above man and monster...I am above all! Witness my power you mere mockery of your own species! Witness the omnipotent power of The World!
As the ludicrous variety of Alucard's attacks rush forth towards their target, DIO activates his Stand once more as it hovers over its arrogant user. The vampiric Stand user then awaited the projectiles, silently lingering for an opportune moment.
DIO smacked the oncoming projectiles with the power of his Stand, it ripped through any familiars that got around a 5-20 meter range away from DIO. DIO scoops up the red substance that now stains his clothes and licks it off his hand. Alucard became increasingly intrigued in this new prey, as he stands there DIO takes this opportunity to have his turn to level up the playing fields.
DIO sizes up this new monstrosity as he flies over to him at movements faster than the human eye can see, but Alucard easily sees this movements and manages to intercept DIO's hand-to-hand attacks with his guns and fires directly at DIO's eye. Early around the same time, he fired his bullet, DIO's irises opened up and launched a pressurized liquid as he proclaimed.
DIO: "SPACE RIPPER STINGY EYES, YOU WON'T FEEL A THING!"
The Space Ripper Stingy Eyes fired before Alucard's bullets and even hit them, forcing them to be brought back down into Alucard's forehead. The god-complex blond utilized his laser eyes to carve out Alucard's head out as he latched down his icy hands upon his foe's neck.
DIO: "Vaporizing Freeze!"
The ice froze not only Alucard's body but his blood as well, the ice refusing to let Alucard's blood flow. DIO took his two hands and smashed the ice sculpture encasing Alucard. The Stand user began stomping and bashing his fists on the stony sidewalk the pieces were laid on, trying to truly cement his superiority over Alucard's useless abilities.
But as he raged on stomping, Alucard's body erupted in a black form that surrounded and cornered DIO. DIO not threatened starting flailing The World's sheer power against these black shadowy walls of flesh? They began bleeding out like a burst dam as eyes and various sharp teeth form along them. Alucard's body seemingly coming together in the middle.
DIO quickly rushed over to all the blood and drank it as he places his hands around Alucard's neck.
DIO: "You shall fuel my hunger! And aid me in your own defeat!"
Alucard: "No...It is you who shall fuel mine, Dio Brando!" *his eyes glowed a dark red as well as symbol on his glove*
DIO went on draining more blood straight from Alucard's neck as he had The World to cover for him as the shadows enclose on them. DIO then once again froze Alucard right after and bisected his frozen body with his bare hands!
As soon as an opening between the shadows appeared before his eyes, the blond had an expression that would make any man frightened. Several dozen shadows and familiars sprung up once again only being 15 meters away from DIO and Alucard's body. The World went on thrashing at all of them with Faster Than Light speeds and reactions as DIO finally has enough as he shouted the same two words once more.
DIO: "THE WORLD!"
TIME IS FROZEN!
DIO lets out a barrage of fists during the time stop to rain a fist of fury amongst all of Alucard's summons as he strikes his draining hands around their figures managing to absorb them.
DIO jumps away from the center almost too late as...
TIME RESUMES!
DIO was struck by the edges of the shadows as they managed to scrape and rip DIO's legs causing him to falter not too far behind the shadows. DIO stares at the shadows as Alucard begins to reform between them and reveals himself before DIO.
DIO can do nothing but laugh uncontrollably as he dips his hand into his own wounds and absorbs the iron-containing red substance.
DIO's hair has greatly changed, having spiked up, and stands firmly as he removes his yellow coat in a fabulous manner.
Alucard: "Ahh the return of the why boner...And with a sweet vengeance...Now Mr. Brando let me show you make a true vampire is capable of."
DIO: *smirks* "True vampire? You're looking right at him..."
Alucard: "Oh you mean Michael McDoesn'tExist?"
DIO: *scoffs at his poor attempt at a joke* "The wheel of fate is turning, the hands of time are spinning...It's time for the...FINAL ROUND!"
(Cue Demetori - The Maid and the Pocket Watch of Blood)
Alucard begins appearing in random places all around DIO as he taunts him with strikes that slash at his body. DIO can barely keep up himself and grows ever so weary of his mockery. DIO being tired of this foul play has The World grab the forms of Alucard's body as it strangles them high in the air and brings them down with enough force to shatter the very ground and cause a crater.
Alucard begins duplicating around DIO and appearing everywhere. DIO strikes down each one flawlessly with his Stand only like the myths of Hydra, with each one DIO successfully kills two other start appearing. DIO begins increasing the speed and force behind the punches in an attempt to overpower this process.
Alucards even started appearing under DIO, just continuing to taunt and aggravate him. They all began slashing at DIO and even managed to somehow begin targeting The World though barely. DIO has to relentlessly have his Stand on stand-by and his vaporizing freeze around his body.
Every Alucard that touches DIO is frozen solid and struck down by DIO himself while his Stand. DIO intercepts three Alucards trying to bisect him with his freezing hands as he opens his irises again and fires his Space Ripper Stingy Eyes. He lets his head turn around 360 degrees to fire at all the surrounding Alucards
The Alucards that surrounded DIO from his left and right sides were all bisected by the laser as he loses interest in fighting them all head-on.
TIME IS FROZEN!
DIO: "You gave me a lot of trouble back there but now I shall end it all!"
DIO sends The World to pummel the immobile Alucards, smashing several through the torso and head leaving only a few unharmed.
DIO: "You may appear to show up anywhere you want to in that monster of a form but you still cannot exist in my stopped time!"
DIO slashes The World's fists at the remaining Alucards as he turns a few other ones into a bloody fountain.
TIME FLOWS ONCE AGAIN!
The bodies of the Alucards were hurled and some broke into bloody pieces or fell into pools of their own blood. All of them becoming nothing more than blood sprinklers that DIO begins feasting upon, but they begin to instantly reform and even collide together forming more terrifying forms.
DIO looks at them stunned at how they keep going and decides that it's best to just go with the most direct solution now, no turning back anyway and nothing else to do...
TIME IS FROZEN ONCE MORE!
Before anything else could occur DIO had stopped time once more...This time counting its considerably new length...
DIO: *walks around the Alucards* "Thanks to all of that blood you spilled my strength, regeneration, Stand's power, and time stop have increased tenfold! I could easily pummel you now and leave your body as lovely blood fountains for me to consume!
DIO begins relentlessly smashing all the Alucards with The World in his greatly increased time stop. He makes sure that each Alucard is nothing more than a pool of blood and when they are he immediately drains that pool for more power.
DIO continues this process until finally there only lies one Alucard and his time stop is still going. DIO smirks as he waits for his time stop to end...
Alucard's POV
Alucard suddenly sees DIO and the drained remains of dozens of Alucards as he is then hit in the face with a fist full of force, sending him crashing through the streets and into a wall. Alucard quickly summoned more only for them to once again turn into a piles of corpses and some drops of blood as if all drained in a mere second.
Alucard: "How are you able to do this? Why can't I sense you!? I am to be the True Vampire! The first one and the king of them all!"
DIO: *smirks* "Useless!"
Alucard appears everywhere at once, surrounding DIO in his image and eternal shadow only to once again after a split second be turned into nothing more than a bloody sprinkler.
DIO: "No matter how many times you think you can appear all over, in every next second you will be turned into nothing more than a pile of useless shit! Die by the hands of a true vampire! THE WORLD!"
Alucard desperately tries to retaliate only to be bombarded by a time-stop barrage spam over and over (unbeknownst to him). And when he was turned into nothing more than a large pile of blood, DIO finally drained him and ended the battle once and for all.
*K.O!*[]
DIO now victorious celebrates his victory by dancing and singing while piercing his own skin to let blood flow all over him and cackling like a maniac.
Results (Re-Written)[]
(Cue DIO - Holy Diver)
Wiz: And history repeats itself ladies and gentlemen. Yes, while Alucard's vampire hunting skills, weaponry, and his variety of abilities are impressive, none of them would work on DIO. Almost every ability he has, DIO has some sort of equivalent. Familiar summoning? Stand power. Hypnosis, teleportation? DIO has that too.
Boomstick: Even Alucard's guns wouldn't do much in this fight. 'But Wiz and Boomstick, what about the Jackal it's designed to kill regenerators!'
Wiz: While this is true, a bullet is nothing to DIO and The World. Seeing as Jotaro's Star Platinum was able to catch a bullet from a magnum in point-blank range and the fact that he was able to easily deflect close-ranged Emerald Splashes which can move around the same speed of a fast-firing machine gun. Also yes Star Platinum and The World and essentially the same Stand, DIO even says so.
Boomstick: Meaning anything Star Platinum is capable of so is The World. And did you know that Star Platinum was capable of breaking fucking diamond teeth? But not just any diamond teeth no, each tooth was the size of an average human being! And Star Platinum was able to break the whole damn set in under a minute!
Wiz: And then there is Silver Chariot who deflected the sun's rays and caught up to a Stand made of light, it was able to go toe to toe with Star Platinum in terms of speed meaning that this puts both of them and The World around or more plausibly higher the speed of light.
Boomstick: Taking the attack speed of Silver Chariot.
Wiz: Which is around 76.4c or 82,454,917,649.32 km/h!
Boomstick: And the amount of force Jotaro had to use against that set of diamond teeth.
Wiz: Around 25.8 tons per punch. Multiply it by the speed feat which is around 740 gigatons of force per second. Multiplying that by around the minimum and maximum length of the time stop you get around 3.7 teratons to 8.1 teratons!
Boomstick: Now seeing as how DIO can grow stronger from draining blood, especially large ample amounts of it and that of a strong foe, not only does he get stronger but so does the length of his time stop!
Wiz: Now imagine that DIO keeps on draining Alucard over the course of the whole fight and which he would incline to do. If DIO was able to drain large amounts of blood to even reach 15 seconds or up to 30 seconds, a single time stop barrage from him would equate to 11.1 to 22.2 teratons of force! The idea of it being a minute would make it up to 44.3 teratons!
Boomstick: Even just 5 seconds of the Time Stop barrage is enough to kill Alucard dozens of times over, wasting his "immortality" and gives off more blood for DIO.
Wiz: And speaking about his "immortality", it really isn't what you think it is. Alucard states that immortality doesn't exist and that he just uses up the souls of those he drained.
Boomstick: Which he can also use to fight for him in the form of Level 0! And which DIO can drain, freeze and/or pummel just like he can with Alucard and his familiars and shadows!
Wiz: Now before you ask, yes Schrodinger is nigh-Omnipresent and the question stands greatly: Can DIO beat Schrodinger Alucard?
Boomstick: The answer is a definite yes. By the time Schrodinger would happen in a fight between these two, DIO is more than likely to already understand the tactics of Alucard and know that his Stand is far greater than anything Alucard possesses.
Wiz: Yes Schrodinger increases his regeneration and can heal from any fatal injury but a Time Stop Barrage is more than just a fatal injury. If anything it's an "instant death" or rather a "lose dozens of souls" move against the Crimson Motherfucker. So if DIO was to land several time stop barrages he would instantly win against any form Alucard has.
Boomstick: In the end, it was DIO who would fuck the fuckmothering vampire and make him bleed crimson. Alucard's time ran out and he left The World. Wiz: The Winner is Dio Brando. Again.
Advantages & Disadvantages (Re-Written)[]
Alucard[]
+Vampire Hunting Skills
+More Experienced
+Has fought countless vampires in the past
+Large arsenal of weaponry and vampire abilities
+Schrodinger is Nigh-Omnipresent
=Cocky and Arrogant
=Infinite Stamina
=Uncertain though plausible if The World and Schrodinger can affect one another
=Even regeneration capability
-Can barely hurt DIO, getting in close range is deadly
-All of his weaponry is USELESS USELESS USELESS!
-Familiars and Alucard get destroyed by The World
-Uses up souls for lives and fatal injuries
-Is easier to drain blood from
-No counter to Time Stop
Dio Brando[]
+Vastly Superior in Strength
+Greater in Speed via The World
+Blood boost his power and Time Stop's length
+Time Stop Barrage is a trump card
+Can redirect, block or dodge anything Alucard has
+Can lay waste to Alucard's many souls in various ways
+Time Stop is instantaneous
+Is not affected by holy or blessed weaponry
+Focuses on close-range attacks
+Close proximity allows for The World can easily kill Alucard over and over
=Cocky and Arrogant
=Infinite Stamina
=Uncertain though plausible if The World and Schrodinger can affect one another
=Even regeneration capability
-Has never fought a vampire before
-Less experience in fighting vampires
References[]
| Alucard (Hellsing) VS Dio Brando | |
|---|---|
| Season | 2 |
| Season Episode | 3 |
| Air date | March 21. 2015 |
| Written by | Fake Email Bandit |
| Episode guide | |
| Previous Unknown |
Next Unknown |
Alucard (Hellsing) VS Dio Brando is a What-If Death Battle Episode.
Description[]
A Vampire who loathes Humanity to thinking they are (Hinjaku, hinjaku!) weaklings and (MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA) useless against a vampire who praises and protects Humanity. Not to mention AntfishTAS (JoJo Abridged) against Takahata101 (Hellsing Abridged).
Interlude[]
Wiz: Vampires. These supernatural figures of terror can be found in nearly every culture on earth, each with their own idea of what makes them so terrifying.
Boomstick: And then Japan got a hold of 'em and made them even more insane.
Wiz: Like Alucard, the ultimate weapon of the Hellsing Organization.
Boomstick: And DIO Brando, the stand-wielding nemesis of the Joestar family.
Wiz: I'm Wiz and he's Boomstick.
Boomstick: And it's our job to analyze their weapons, armor and abilities to find out who would win a DEATH BATTLE!
Dio Brando[]
Wiz: Ever since he was a boy, Dio Brando knew he was destined for greatness.
Boomstick: Considering what his childhood was like, he certainly gets an A for ambition. I mean, dead mom, crappy dad, living in poverty, that's like shitty childhood bingo.
Wiz: But Dio's luck changed when his dying father, Darius, gave him a letter that would change his life.
Boomstick: You see, years ago, when his dad was doing some good old fashion disaster looting, he found someone who wasn't all the way dead.
Wiz: That someone was George Joestar. Mistaking Darius's attempted robbery for an attempted rescue, George vowed to repay his debt, no matter what it took.
Boomstick: In this case, it took DIO.
Wiz: Quickly growing accustomed to his new life, Dio set about trying to replace George's son, Jonathan Joestar, tormenting him for most of his adolescence.
Boomstick: A full tally would take far too long, but the shortlist would be: kicked his pet, beat him up, assaulted his girlfriend, and started an INTERNET MEME. Man, I can see why Jonathan decided to beat him up.
Wiz: As an adult, Dio only added to his sins when he tried to kill his adoptive father once and for all.
Boomstick: It didn't work out too well. Desperate and dying, DIO turned to an ancient Aztec death-mask, used some of good old Pappy's blood, and transformed himself, because that's just logical.
Wiz: Gone was the Dio Brando of old. He had become something far greater. DIO, the Vampire.
Boomstick: As a Vampire, Dio received a major upgrade to his speed, strength, reflexes, and senses. Like a Vampire Captain America.
Wiz: In addition to this, he also gained a slew of vampiric abilities, including the ability to shoot blasts of venom out of his eyes at supersonic speeds, impressive regeneration abilities, the ability to freeze objects on contact almost instantly, create vampiric thralls, and the ability to drain blood through his hands.
Boomstick: His hands, Wiz? How does that work?
Wiz: Rather effectively, actually, as it doesn't require him to move a vital point like his head to within an enemy's range to drain them.
Boomstick: In the end, however, these powers weren't quite enough. But if you think a little thing like decapitation stopped him, you don't know DIO very well. 150 years later, and with a brand new body courtesy of Jonathan Joestar, DIO was back at it again.
Wiz: Awakening to a new world, DIO needed a new weapon. He needed... A stand.
Boomstick: Stands, for those of you who don't know, are what happens when your personality, mental energy, and life force all combine into a superpowered ghost that follows you around. They can do all sorts of things, from stealing shit to literally being an enormous boat.
Wiz: And DIO hit the jackpot with his stand, The World.
Boomstick: Yeah, as far as Stands go, the World is one of the most powerful, it can take photos of people from across the planet like the world's best paparazzi. It lets DIO levitate in the air, and it can attack with tremendous speed and power.
Wiz: In terms of speed, we know that The World is at least as fast as Star Platinum, the stand of Jotaro Kujo.
Boomstick: Now, this thing's crazy fast, but a lot of the things it does are... Difficult to measure.
Wiz: It's fastest measurable feat, however, would have to come from the time it was able to catch a bullet in the space between Jotaro's coat and his torso. If we assume the gun is a Glock Pistol, the standard issue for Egyptian police, firing standard 9mm rounds, the muzzle velocity of the caught round would be around 360m/s. Assuming that the space between the coat and his chest is around 2.5cm, that would have given Star Platinum 69 microseconds in which to catch the round.
Boomstick: The World is no weakling either. It's at least as strong as Star Platinum, which punched its way through the equivalent of a wall of Diamond, aka the hardest material on the planet. Not only that, but it's strong enough to play one of the best games on the planet: Steamroller Caber Tossing.
Wiz: I'm pretty sure that's not a real sport, considering that a Road Roller in the class DIO used would weigh between 10 and 20 tonnes, easily 20 times the current human lift strength record.
Boomstick: And if all that wasn't enough, this thing gives DIO the ability to STOP TIME. Man, I could get out of so many speeding tickets.
Wiz: To be precise, when DIO calls the name of his stand, he can stop time for a short period. Initially, this period was around 5 seconds, however, after some antics involving yet another member of the Joestar family, he was able to increase this period to 11 seconds.
Boomstick: Wait, how do seconds apply if you've stopped time?
Wiz: Well, considering he spends far more than 5 seconds gloating any time he does it, it can be safely assumed that he can keep time stopped until he has done what he would be able to do within that timeframe. Like walk down a flight of stairs, pick someone up, move them, and get back into position again. Or go visit a nearby construction site.
Boomstick: That would explain the steamroller.
Wiz: However, whilst it's a boon in combat, the Stand also represents a weakness, as any damage done to the stand affects DIO as well.
Boomstick: Considering how hard that is, though, it's hard to imagine that happening.
Wiz: However, DIO isn't without his vulnerabilities. Like most vampires, he'll die on direct exposure to sunlight, and as such, is limited to operating at night. However, DIO's greatest weakness is probably his arrogance.. Despite numerous setbacks, DIO never seems to accept the idea that there could be anyone who could challenge or even exceed his abilities.
Boomstick: How many times do you need to be beaten before you stop underestimating your enemies? Someone get this man some humility.
Wiz: Regardless of his arrogance, there's no denying that DIO Brando is a true monster.
DIO: Within my mind but one simple thought. Just one! To be victorious and rule! That is all.
Alucard[]
Boomstick: Alucard. The Monster Opposing God. The Hellsing Organizations Ultimate Weapon. The strongest Vampire in the world of Hellsing.
Wiz: But before he was Alucard, his name was Vlad Tepes III. As a child, Vlad was hostaged off to a rival warlord, and subjected to inhumane treatment. It was as far from a pleasant childhood as one could get.
Boomstick: Wait, him too? What, is child abuse a key ingredient in making vampires.
Wiz: It certainly helps.
Boomstick: Wait, does that mean I can become a Vampire?
Wiz: (Pause)... I don't want to answer that question.
Boomstick: Then I'll just assume I'm halfway there.
Wiz: Well, anyway, as Vlad grew older, the treatment that he had suffered pushed him into the throes of madness, leading him to carry out many inhuman actions.
Boomstick: All this caught up to him, however, and he soon found himself on the chopping block.
Wiz: It was here that Vlad would throw away his human life, drinking the lifeblood of the battlefield, he became a thing of legend, and would go on to terrify Europe for years as the worlds strongest Vampire.
Boomstick: About 500 years to be precise, which he spent roaming battlefields, terrorizing peasants, and eventually making his way to England.
Wiz: It was there that he would meet Professor Van Hellsing, and suffer his first major defeat. Beaten, bound to serve the Hellsing Family, and experimented on to change him into a perfect weapon, Alucard was born.
Boomstick: The first thing you notice about Alucard, apart from his AMAZING dress sense are his two massive guns: The .454 Casull and the Jackal.
Wiz: These two custom handguns represent the mainstay of Alucards arsenal, each capable of ripping off limbs and demolishing armored targets with custom tooled ammunition.
Boomstick: More specifically, the Casull uses .454 Casull rounds, which are more then twice as strong as a .44 magnum round.
Wiz: The Jackals rounds are even more powerful, with 13mm hollow-point ammunition between 20-250% stronger then the Casull.
Boomstick: Wiz, I think I'm in love.
Wiz: I wouldn't recommend it, without the kind of insane Vampiric strength Alucard has, you'd likely shatter your arms, as each weapon weighs more then 10kg, and would be delivering bone-shattering amounts of recoil.
Boomstick: So how strong does Alucard need to be to use them without getting any recoil whatsoever?
Wiz: That's really difficult to say, as we've never really seen Alucard putting his full strength to the test. However, we can assume he's at least as strong as his protege, Seras Victoria, who once lifted and fired a German 88mm cannon, which on average weighed around 7 tonnes.
Boomstick: Forget what I said. NOW I'm in love.
Wiz: It doesn't stop there, Alucards speed is also impressive too, with feats including dodging supersonic projectiles, and jumping into battle from the prow of an aircraft carrier in less then 20 seconds.
Boomstick: Yeah, but that 'battlefield' was apparently between St. Pauls Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, and if you know London like I do, you know that that doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Wiz: You know your way around London?
Boomstick: I took a gap year before enrolling in college.
Wiz: Well, you're right. The two structures are nowhere near each other, however, using them, we can estimate Alucards speed. Assuming the ship stopped at tower bridge, he either traveled at 180 km/h, if the fight was outside of St. Pauls or 900 km/h if it was in front of Buckingham Palace. Given that most of the story after this point takes place outside of Buckingham palace, it makes sense to assume that that is likely closer to the truth, placing Alucards travel speed near Mach 1. Also of note is that the time spent in the air would indicate a jump height of around 1400 meters.
Boomstick: And they wonder why I'm against vampires in the Olympics. We need that high jump medal, Wiz.
Wiz: Ahem.
Boomstick: Oh Right. Speed and strength aren't all Alucard has in his arsenal, however. He's also got the power of hypnotism, the ability to change shape, control the weather, and make himself intangible. And if that's not enough, he has access to a 'Third eye,' that can be used to detect supernatural phenomena, watch events unfold from thousands of kilometers away, and even catch glimpses of the future.
Wiz: That's not all. If he's facing an extremely powerful opponent, he can enter one of his 'Release Restraint' forms. In these forms, his already impressive abilities are amplified, and he gains access to a whole host of new abilities, including the ability to summon his Vampiric familiar, Baskerville.
Boomstick: I'm reconsidering the whole dog person thing, Wiz. As in, this dog makes me want to be even more a dog person.
Wiz: Really?
Boomstick: Who doesn't want a supersonic, regenerating, shape-shifting hellhound with the ability to absorb those it eats. It'd be a dog for all seasons.
Wiz: Well, hellhounds aside, Alucard has one form that trumps all others; Release Restraint Level 0.
Boomstick: You see, when Alucard drains someone of their blood, he also gets to keep their soul, like an even darker version of Pokemon: gotta eat 'em all.
Wiz: When Alucard enters Level 0, all of these trapped souls are released and given form, creating an army of more then 2 million souls, ranging from Wallacian Calvalry to WWII Nazi Soldiers,
Boomstick: It also includes special operatives, like the magic card-user called the Dandyman, who can slice through depleted uranium shells with throwing cards like a gritty reboot of Gambit, and Rip Van Winkle, a supersonic sniper whose bullet was able to strike a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird multiple times.
WizFor that to be possible, we can safely assume the bullet has a muzzle velocity of at least Mach 3.5, the fastest recorded speed for this kind of aircraft, although its true speed could be as high as Mach 15, considering the number of hits it manages to land while leaving a discernible trail.
Boomstick: But despite all these amazing powers, his greatest ability would probably be his regeneration. I mean, this guy makes Wolverine look like a make-a-wish kid.
Wiz: It's true that Alucards regeneration is his greatest asset, as it allows him to survive almost any injury, from decapitation to complete disintegration. And this all has to do with how his regeneration works.
Boomstick: You see, unlike regenerators like Wolverine or Deadpool, there isn't really a biological element to his regeneration, because he basically doesn't have a biology. He just decides he isn't hurt and boom: best healthcare ever.
Wiz: To be more accurate, Alucards body, like Seras Victorias arm, is composed of 'Dark Energy,' which is essentially a form of matter composed of occult energies and souls. Alucard holds this matter in a human form, and when injured, the injuries manifest as they usually would. However, Alucard isn't the one taking the damage. Rather, he diverts the damage onto some of the souls he's absorbed, and returns to his previous form through sheer force of will, allowing him to regenerate from nearly anything.
Boomstick: Nearly being the operative word here. Y'see, Alucard being a spiritual being and all, he's more vulnerable to attacks with a spiritual element, like magic, or holy artifacts, or tricking him into absorbing a quantum uncertainty.
Wiz: To get the best chance at killing him, one would ideally force him to Release Restraint 0, make it past his army, and hit him with a holy artifact, like the nail of the true cross.
Boomstick: Alternatively, if you somehow manage to dispose of the entire army first, then non-holy attacks can be effective, especially during the day, as seen in his fight with Alfred.
Wiz: Walter, Boomstick.
Boomstick: I meant what I said.
Wiz: Alucard also has another weakness, in his mental state. Being over 500 years old, Alucard has lived to see himself become a monster, with his great quest being to find a human worthy of defeating him. If such a warrior were to appear, it's entirely possible that Alucard would let himself be killed.
Boomstick: But until that day comes, he's going to continue doing what he loves most: killing other Vampires.
Alucard: This world would be so boring without idiots like you to amuse me.
Death Battle[]
Pre-Fight[]
Wiz: All Right the combatants are set. Let's end this debate once and for all.
Boomstick: It's time for a Death Battle!
Death Battle[]
DIO is sitting in a chair in his study. He examines a photo in his hand, of a man dressed in red. As he contemplates the photo, a sound from behind him rouses his attention.
The camera focuses on the door for a second, before it is blown off it's hinges in a cloud of smoke and splinters. Over the radio, a voice can be heard as a figure steps out of the shadows.
“Your Orders are Search and Destroy!”
Alucard grins and pulls out his handguns. DIO smiles, stands up, and adopts a classic Jojo-Dachi pose.
“You dare challenge DIO? I was put on this earth to kill fools like you.”
“Such scathing insults. Let's see if you live up to them.”
READY?
FIGHT!!!
Immediately, Alucard fires a shot at DIO, only for THE WORLD to catch it and flick it back, only to be shot out of the air. After a beat to look at both combatants, Alucard launches a rapid-fire assault, one hand aiming at DIO, the other blasting the bullets being caught and returned by his stand until his clips dry out.
DIO lets out a haughty laugh.
“What's the matter, Red Man? Did you expect that to kill me?”
"Only if you were as weak as you looked."
With that, DIO dashes in in a contorted pose, summoning The World. As he closes the remaining distance, he let's out his first attack barrage.
“MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUA! MUDA!”
He finishes the combination with a strike that sends Alucard flying back into the wall, and out onto the street below. Looking out through the hole, DIO postures, with THE WORLD behind him.
“HAHA! Are you starting to understand your folly now, man in red? Maybe if you beg, you can live on as my servant."
Alucard looks up at DIO, unharmed.
"You aren't worthy to be my servant, much less my master. You're just like the rest: covering your weakness with confidence.”
Enraged, DIO jumps down, destroying most of the remaining wall, and smashing into Alucard head-on. He then goes on to unleash another devastating punch combo.
“MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA-”
The punches continue, but as they do, they start to miss, as Alucard jumps around just outside their range. This continues until DIO appears behind him.
“Now freeze and be shattered!”
DIO hits Alucard square in the back, turning him into a Vamp-Sicle. Both he and the world begin to punch:
“MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!”
Shattered into a thousand pieces, and Alucard eye looks up, only to be treated to the soul of DIO's Boott. DIO begins to walk away until he hears faintly the words:
“Releasing Control Art Restriction Systems 3...2...1. Approval of situation A recognized; commencing the Cromwell Invocation. Ability restrictions lifted for limited use until the enemy has been rendered silent.”
Turning around, DIO sees the broken pieces of Alucard exploding from the ice as a mass of insects, and coalescing into a single being.
“Now, DIO Brando, it's time to educate you on how a real vampire does battle!”
Immediately, Alucard is in front of DIO, his flat hand moving forward like a knife, parting skin, muscle, sternum, lung, and spine before emerging on the other side of his body. DIO screams in pain, before summoning his stand.
“ ZA WARUDO. TIME HAS STOPPED!”
The scene paused, gripping Alucards arm, DIO extricates himself, breaking off the offending appendage for the wound it dealt him. Surveying the situation, his eyes stray to a nearby clocktower.
We focus on Alucard, and hear “The Hands of Time Move Again.” Alucard stands up, before almost instantly locking onto the clocktower. DIO stands on an hour hand pointed to the 3 position. The minute and second hands are missing until they fall from the sky and impale Alucard.
“HaHa. You should feel honored to die to the power of The World. Go to hell knowing you stood no chance.”
“I see. So that's his game.” Alucard walks off of the clock hands as if they weren't there. “They were right about you. You're incredibly powerful, and-”
His arm transmutes into Baskerville.
“-incredibly egotistical.”
Baskerville flies at DIO, prompting a barrage of MUDAMUDAMUDA into its face, which dents, then reforms, eyes filled with rage as it begins another charge. DIO laughs.
“Is this all the power your stand has? And you criticize ME? That you thought it could hold a candle to my THE WORLD is an insult! I POSSESS THE ULTIMATE STAND, DOG!”
As he says this, Baskerville opens its mouth, revealing the barrel of the Jackal, which discharges a clip directly into DIO's head and chest, sending him flying into the clock tower.
Alucard jumps up to the clock-tower and looks in through the open hole. Seeing a puddle of blood on the gears, he instinctively looks up, where DIO is falling towards him, calling out his stands name:
“ZA WARU-”
He is interrupted by a hand in his face, which begins smashing him into the workings of the clock. Wriggling and biting, DIO manages gets his mouth free, and again calls his stand.
“ ZA WARUDO! TIME HAS STOPPED!”
Time freezes, DIO's head is mere centimeters from being crushed in the gear assemblage. His eyes are full of hatred.
We zoom out to the outside of the clock tower. From within, a muffled sound of MUDAMUDAMUDA can be heard...
“The hands of time move again!”
The clock tower explodes, gears thrown through the air as shrapnel, and bricks turned to dust. In among the dust, a form of mist remains, dark red and pulsing with light. DIO stands on the street, looking at the devastation.
“Fool. You challenged DIO and died never understanding the power that killed you. Pitiful.”
As he walks away, he notices an earpiece radio on the ground, a small voice coming over the crackling line. Picking it up, DIO raises it to his ear.
"Now to find out who sent you."
“Stop playing around, Alucard. Show him who you really are. Your orders are Search and Destroy.”
The formless mass shoots into the air, before falling onto the street. A choir of mouths forms, and begins to speak.
I am the Bird of Hermes!”
“What?” DIO turns around. “Singing poetry now? Pathetic. Face your death like a man.”
“Here standeth the Bird of Hermes- eating my own wings!”
A flash of recognition spreads across DIO's face.
“ ZA WARUDO! TIME HAS STOPPED”
DIO looks at the mass before him and begins to laugh.
“Your stand was more powerful than I expected, Dog in Red! But to face your death without fear is an insult to I, DIO. Let me reacquaint you with the feeling of fear!”
With that, DIO plunges his hands into the soul-mass and begins to freeze it, and the surrounding area, until ice reins for as far as the eye can see.
“NOW DIE! SHATTER AND BECOME FROZEN SHIT! THE HANDS OF TIME MOVE AGAIN!”
Things are still for a second. Smirking to himself, DIO turns away, as cracks begin to form in the wall of ice behind him.
“To keep... myself tame...”
At once DIO turns around, as the ice all around shatters. Out of the mist come marching horrendous figures, ghouls from a war ages past.
“What is this? What shit are you trying to pull?” He says, his stand dispatching the first rank with ease. “Is this really the true form of your power?”
A figure steps out of the mist, dressed in regal armor.
“Yes. It is. What you see before you is what I have hidden away for centuries. A record of my sins made manifest. Look upon my works, ye mighty and despair.”
An army surrounds the area, in every street, ranks upon ranks of soldiers go back for miles.
“I just needed to wait until the area was evacuated so that you were the only one who faced their fury.”
“I don't know what is more tragic, Red Dog, that you answer to another, or that you think this changes ANYTHING!” At this DIO summons the world.
“ ZA WARUDO! ZA WARUDO! ZA WARUDO!” We cut through three shots of DIO stopping time, and the destruction he leaves in his wake. This continues for several seconds.
We return to see an exhausted DIO standing in the middle of the square. His injuries, while healing, are readily apparent.
“How many more of you bastards are there?”
“Millions. All the souls whose lives I consumed. They all face you now. All of them.”
“ HAH. You send these whelps to face me because you can't beat me alone!”
We pause, looking at the mans face. It tenses with a mix of anger and resignation.
“I face you alone now.” The camera pans across his army. “These million sparks that make up the inferno of my existence are hollow. Their desires, their ambitions, their hopes, their dreams, their loves, all of that is gone.” The camera focuses on DIO, destroying the latest wave of attackers. “All that remains is hate and violence. All that remains is the things that make me like you.”
“ YOU WISH YOU WERE LIKE ME!”
Alucard/Dracula stride forward, his ranks parting, as he faces DIO in the center of the square, sword drawn.
“Fight me, DIO BRANDO! Let our clash shake the heavens! Let our past be shattered by the oncoming future!”
“ ZA WARUDO! TIME HAS STOPPED.”
Time stops. The man with his sword drawn looks at DIO beyond time. DIO smiles, then he snickers then he breaks out into a psychotic laugh.
“You IDIOT. Giving up your advantage to challenge me one-on-one? For that, you deserve a special punishment.” Passing his throwing knives to The World, he gestures as if holding a gun, and then pulls the trigger thirteen-time, each time saying 'BANG!' The knives are white-hot in the air like bullets shot from a sniper rifle.
“The hands of time move again!”
The knives hit Alucard/Dracula in 13 vital points (cranium, both eyes, mouth, three in the throat, both lungs, heart, both kidneys, and liver), sending him crumpling down, his cape rising up as he falls, and then turning into a cloak, which becomes Alucards overcoat as he emerges from the tatters, both guns firing.
“WHAT? IMPOSSIBLE!”
DIO automatically blocks with The World, only to find severe damage to his arms from the shots, and an eye gouged out.
“AAAAAGH!”
“What's the matter? Were you attached to that eye? What significance could it possibly have to ones such as us? Summon that strange familiar of yours! Transform your body! Heal your ruined eye and witness our clash! The dawn approaches so fast. Come on, hurry, hurry, hurry! Let's tear each other into scraps of glorious ruby!”
DIO looks up at Alucard with a visage of purest hatred,
“The only one who will be getting torn to pieces is you! ZA WARUDO! TIME HAS STOPPED!”
Time passes within the dimension of stopped time. Seconds pass until finally, the camera pans up.
“ ROAD ROLLER!” The steamroller hits, and DIO frantically smashes through it, punching and punching. “DIE! DIE! THERE IS NO PLACE FOR YOU IN MY WORLD!” The World joins in until the machine has been driven a good foot into the concrete. In a frenzy, he throws back his arms, looks to the sky, and screams: “ WRYYYYYYYY-”
His scream is cut short, as a bullet from out of the crowd smashes into him, piercing his flesh multiple times. From the other side, what appear to be playing cards strikeout, tearing off DIO's out-stretched arms. We zoom in on the figure, seeing the Dandyman and Rip van Winkle in their fused form. DIO begins to slump under the damage.
“How? Why? I am DIO. Where is my.... world.”
Finally, as he collapses onto the machine, a hand smashes through the metal, followed by a face, and a maw of shark-like teeth, which sink into DIO's skin in an almost instant bite.
Drinking the blood of the Vampire of the Mask, Alucards army returns to him, returning to mist and flying into the depths of his coat. From the right angle, obscene wings made of men and blood, and giving Alucard the aspect of a carrion angel. As he drops DIO's corpse, it turns to dust.
KO[]
We see Alucard silhouetted against the moon. His face covered in shadow.
“My Master, the enemy has been rendered-” an eye glows red, as the silhouette of The World appears behind him “-silent.”
Results[]
Boomstick: He thought Alucard would be the loser, but it was him, DIO!
Wiz: Both combatants came into this fight boasting impressive combat abilities, but in the end, the fight was decided by three things: which of the combatants posed the greater physical threat, whether Alucard could effectively counter The World, and whether DIO could get around Alucards regenerative abilities to deliver a killing blow.
Boomstick: On the first count, DIO definitely seems to come out on top. I mean, the guy catches bullets and breaks through what are basically walls of freaking diamond.
Wiz: Both of which are impressive feats. It's just that Alucard tops them, or rather, Seras Victoria does. You see, to get the 7 tonne 88mm cannon we mentioned earlier, she had to punch through at least 1 inch of solid steel.
Boomstick: Wiz, I think you need to check to see if you're head's on straight. I mean, we're talking about diamond here? You know, the hardest freaking thing on the planet? A whole song written about how they last forever. Are you really telling me that punching through steel is more difficult?
Wiz: Well, you're correct in saying that Diamonds are the hardest thing on this planet, at a whopping 10 on the Mohrs scale. It's just that Hardness isn't actually a measure of how much force is required to break something, only how difficult it is to cause damage to it's surface. The measure of how much force a material can be exposed to before failing or cracking are toughness and fracture toughness.
Boomstick: (Googling) Well, let's see here... AHA! The fracture toughness of Diamond is measured at at least 2.7 Megapascals/m2.
Wiz: Which, while impressive for materials of its nature, pales in comparison of the fracture toughness of steel, which, at a minimum, has a fracture toughness at least 30 times stronger, or up to 100 times stronger if we assume structural steel, which in many countries has a minimum toughness of 360 Megapascals/m2 for an inch-thick sheet. Add to this the fact that Jotaro's Star Platinum needed multiple punches to bust through each one of those teeth, while Seras only needed a single blow to burst through steel plates at least an inch thick, and it becomes clear that as long as Alucard is at least as strong as his apprentice, he can comfortably surpass the strength of The World.
Boomstick: Then what about speed? Has Alucard ever done anything as crazy as catching a bullet before?
Wiz: He sure has... With his teeth.
Boomstick: That is freaking amazing.
Wiz: Specifically, the bullet he caught was Rip van Winkles supersonic round, which scored multiple hits on a full-speed Blackbird SR-71, making its speed at least Mach 3.5. If we assume Alucard''s teeth to be 1.5 cm wide, that gives us a reaction time of around 13 microseconds. And that's assuming the bullet is only traveling at the same speed as the plane. If it was traveling even 5 times faster than the plane, the reaction time drops to just under 3 microseconds.
Boomstick: Meaning that even if DIO could move 5 times faster than Star Platinum catching that bullet, Alucard would still have a speed edge.
Wiz: With this in mind, DIO would be heavily reliant on The World in this fight. In a best-case scenario for DIO, Alucard wouldn't be able to see The World, understand its abilities, or counter its time-stop.
Boomstick: To start with, it's important to remember that stand users aren't the only ones who can see stands. Ghosts can do it too, because why not.
Wiz: This is likely because they occupy the same spiritual plane that the stands do. The same spiritual plane that Alucard exists in, and that his 'Third Eye' abilities let him perceive at will.
Boomstick: So even if he can't see The World like another Stand user, he'd be able to tell where it was and what it was doing.
Wiz: With The World's invisibility no longer a factor, the next question would be whether Alucard could determine the nature of its abilities.
Boomstick: While it's true you can only really see what The World is doing in its time stop if you have that ability as well, that hasn't stopped people without that power from figuring it out in the past.
Wiz: To be specific, after experiencing DIO's stand first-hand Kakyoin determined that it had the power to stop time. Unfortunately, that knowledge ended up costing him his life.
Boomstick: Unfortunately for DIO however, Alucard is no slouch, and the chances of him being taken down without figuring out The World are pretty slim.
Wiz: Even slimmer when you consider that he is an incredibly intelligent combatant with over 500 years of combat experience, and has even demonstrated mild precognition in the past.
Boomstick: Finally, the question of whether he can counter The World can be summed up quite nicely by this clip of DIO getting punched in the face.
Wiz: In the clip, we clearly see that DIO's attempt to stop time can be countered by a direct hit as he calls the commands to do so. As such, it would be possible for Alucard to simply interrupt DIO's time-stop ability. Add to this the fact that DIO cannot stop time without spending a few seconds in normal time, and Alucard has plenty of opportunities to deliver punishing damage to DIO.
Boomstick: At this point, DIO may get it into his head to try using his Vampiric abilities, but to be honest, would those have really helped?
Wiz: Probably not. The first of DIO's Vampiric abilities, the venom he shoots from his eyes, is an effective projectile weapon, and a potent toxin, but neither of those things have really been shown to be effective on Alucard, the former because of his regeneration, the latter because of his nature as an occult lifeform. As for DIO's freezing abilities, the most that can reasonably be expected to accomplish is limiting Alucards maneuverability, especially since its offensive capabilities are limited to physical damage.
Boomstick: Which brings us to the final question: can DIO even kill Alucard?
Wiz: That question is profoundly difficult to answer. What we can say for sure is that we've only ever seen Alucard in apparent mortal peril twice.
Boomstick: The first time was when Father Alexander Anderson, the Bayonet of God, the Guillotine, the man with too many awesome nicknames exploited Alucards weakness to holy attacks by using a nail of the True Cross to turn himself into a holy... plant... monster?
Wiz: Close enough. In this state, Anderson was both a physical match for Alucard and was able to bring the full holy power of the nail to bear, acting like a conduit. This certainly helps fuel the theory that Alucard can be killed with sufficient holy power, but...
Boomstick: Does DIO look like he's even gone to church before? What are the chances he has something that's even in the same ballpark as the nail of the true cross?
Wiz: Honestly, the idea DIO has that kind of relic is a statistical impossibility. Sure it could happen, but he'd be more likely to be struck by lightning while winning the lottery in a shark attack.
Boomstick: Now I just want to see that.
Wiz: The second time, Alucards reserve of souls had been completely drained, leaving him with nowhere to redirect the damage. If DIO was to kill Alucard, he'd first need to get him into this state.
Boomstick: And considering there's upwards of 2 million souls to churn through first, he'd likely have some trouble doing that, even with the time stop.
Wiz: Comparatively, Alucard has a lot of options for ending the fight.
Boomstick: He could try to totally destroy DIO's brain, which DIO flat-out said could kill him.
Wiz: Or he could attack DIO's Stand. Considering that a hit from a Stand of comparable power led to DIO's defeat at the hands of Jotaro Kujo, a direct hit from something stronger than it would likely be catastrophic.
Boomstick: If he felt peckish, he could drain DIO's blood to absorb his soul. Or get the dog to eat him like so many homework assignments.
Wiz: Finally, if Alucard found himself unable to dispose of DIO directly, all he needs to do is keep DIO occupied long enough to expose him to sunlight, something only DIO is weak against.
Boomstick: Even if Alucard could just be killed with physical force, the guy survived crashing an SR-71 Blackbird at full speed.
Wiz: That crash would have delivered at least 140 tonnes of force, and that's assuming the plane was empty; a full Blackbird crashing at those speeds would deliver around 300 tonnes of force instantly. Considering that he not only survived the crash but came out of it without any signs of injury, the idea that DIO could kill him really doesn't hold water. Especially when you remember that he has survived damage up to and including complete disintegration. The bottom line is that the edge DIO's stand gave him just wasn't enough to overcome Alucards absurd regeneration or deliver a decisive death blow before his luck ran out.
Boomstick: On the other hand, Alucard could take whatever DIO could dish out until he saw an opening or the sun came up.
Wiz: In the end, Alucards bite was worse than his bark.
Boomstick: The winner is Alucard.
Dio vs Alucard is an episode of SoMaShadow's Death Battles. It features Dio Brando from the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, and Alucard from the Hellsing series.
| Dio vs Alucard | |
|---|---|
| |
| Season | 2 |
| Season Episode | 10 |
| Air date | February 16th, 2022 |
| Written by | SoMaShadow |
| Episode guide | |
| Previous Jin Kisaragi vs Esdeath |
Next Black☆Star vs Killua Zoldyck |
Description[]
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure vs Hellsing! These immortal icons of classic anime vampirism traded in their humanity for another chance at life, plaguing all who stand in their way with certain death. With godly power and the ego to back it up, only one thing is certain: neither Heaven nor Hell are ready for what’s about to be unleashed!
Interlude[]
Wiz: It is said that being human is a given, but keeping your humanity is a choice. Through desperate circumstances, these two immortal anime vampires chose to live forever more, but when faced with the consequences of their actions, their views on humanity were split. Though one embraced his newfound vampirism, becoming the enemy of the very family he joined, the other saw it as a curse, and sought to rid the world of monsters like himself, serving a renowned family of monster hunters.
Boomstick: Returning to once-more make their mark on the world in the modern day with their supernatural allies by their side, there’s no one left who can stand in their way. No one but each other. And in a fight for the world, which one will succeed?
Wiz: Dio Brando, the everlasting, time-stopping vampire nemesis to the Joestar family.
Boomstick: And Alucard, the Prince of Darkness and immortal vampire servant to the Hellsing family.
Wiz: While both have alternative story lore which deviates from the primary material, the original sources of these two will be analysed first and foremost, with supporting evidence allowed, should it not contradict too much.
Boomstick: Oh boy, I can’t wait for this one! He's Wiz and I'm Boomstick!
Wiz: And it's our job to analyze their weapons, armor and skills, to find out who would win... a Death Battle.
Dio[]
(Cue Weakling, Weakling! ~ Dio Brando (Part 1) ~ – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle)
Wiz: Born in the late 1800s in England, Dio Brando was a young boy who had nothing to his name. His father, Dario, was a lowlife who only knew to cheat, lie, and steal, and his mother was long dead due to Dario’s abuse. Being forced to scrape by on his own with only his incredible wit and cunning mind, over time, Dio would grow resentful of the hand he was dealt and those who surrounded him, wanting to take what he saw as rightfully his. Eventually, Dario would fall ill and as luck, and a little poison would have it, happened to rob a gentleman who took pity on him and would agree to take care of Dio alongside his son, Jonathan Joestar, AKA, JoJo.
Boomstick: But in spite of the kindness Dio received from his newly adopted family, and finally having the life of wealth and status he had craved all his life, the only thing he saw of them was a chance to take every penny of theirs for himself. He spent a good deal of his childhood constantly tormenting Jonathan psychologically by beating him up, killing his dog and molesting his girlfriend, all while upholding his own personal image as a refined gentleman. And by their adult years, Dio planned to murder his adopted father in the same way he had killed Dario.
Wiz: Once Jonathan had realized Dio’s wicked plans, Dio would plan to kill Jonathan with a curious stone mask that would impale the wearer’s face upon contact with blood. But after Jonathan and his new friend Speedwagon had exposed Dio’s crimes to the police, Dio found that he had nothing left to lose, put on the stone mask, and stabbed Jonathan’s father to activate its capabilities. And at that moment, Dio threw away his humanity, surpassing it to become a vampire lord with the goal of ruling the entire world as he saw fit.
Boomstick: And with his transformation into a vampire comes a bunch of epic abilities. He’s got the staple blood-sucking, however, unlike most traditional vampires, vampires in JoJo’s don’t actually suck up blood from their teeth, but rather through their hands and fingers. Dio can use this move to suck up the blood of others to heal himself and restore his vitality. And speaking of healing, Dio’s regeneration is really impressive! Being able to heal from pretty much any physical wound like being shot, burned alive, impaled, blown to pieces by grenades, bisected, having his arms cut off, or even straight-up disintegration.
Popup: Dio is also capable of walking up walls vertically by embedding his feet into the wall’s surface, doing so with complete ease. Additionally, he can detect breathing, no matter how shallow, from a fair distance away, and can hear a person’s heartbeat through the ground.
Wiz: However, it does have its limits. If sunlight, extreme fire, or complete destruction of the brain overtax Dio’s regeneration, then he can be killed, requiring large amounts of blood to recover his strength even if he were to survive. Dio also possesses hypnosis, telepathy, a mind-controlling device formed from his DNA called a Flesh Bud, and even teleportation. Not to mention his twisted ability to manipulate flesh to create armies of undead slaves or fuse the flesh of living beings together. This is especially handy for grafting other’s limbs onto his own body to regenerate, like when he attached his severed head onto Jonathan’s headless corpse.
Boomstick: Spoilers! But Dio’s array of awesome techniques doesn’t end there. With his Vaporization Freezing, Dio can freeze opponents solid by lowering and removing his temperature in certain body parts, and then making physical contact with the opponent. This freezing is thorough enough that Dio can effortlessly break humans like glass. And with the Space Ripper Stingy Eyes, Dio is able to pressurize the body fluid in his eyes and then unleash two jets of fluid that move at Mach 3, and are powerful enough to split clouds with ease! To perform such a feat, Dio would need over 32.5 tons of TNT. Man, I’d throw away my humanity for abilities like that!
Wiz: Well, despite what Dio says, becoming a vampire doesn’t mean he’s anything unholy. In JoJo’s, vampires are essentially evolved humans, created through unlocking parts of the brain with the Stone Mask that cannot be accessed normally, and thusly, he does not share any weaknesses to holy objects like is commonly seen with typical vampires. And with his newfound powers, Dio terrorized England with a horde of undead zombies, seemingly unkillable by conventional means. But Jonathan had learned a new technique which weaponized the power of the sun; Hamon, especially effective in taking out vampires.
Boomstick: Jonathan would confront Dio in a climactic battle atop his castle, eventually emerging victorious, reducing his body to ashes and ending his cruel reign. But this would not be Dio’s end, far from it. Dio’s head had survived this attack, and the vampire was able to stalk his brother to his honeymoon on a cruise liner, killing him and dragging them both into a coffin that would sink to the bottom of the ocean. But not before the whole ship exploded right on top of them! A detonation worth at least 64 tons of TNT, and Dio tanked that as just a head! Yep, those vampire powers are definitely worth it.
Popup: In the 2007 Phantom Blood OVA, Will A. Zepelli and Tonpetty share a handshake which disperses all the surrounding clouds on the mountain they stood on. The energy required for such a feat comes out to 202.5 Kilotons of TNT, and Dio scales above this feat, as he was able to fight on par with Jonathan Joestar after receiving Zepelli’s Hamon energy.
Wiz: In a twisted act of newfound respect, Dio would take Jonathan’s body for his own, crudely placing his head on it while trapped at the bottom of the midnight sea for over a century. Eventually, he would be unsealed and would continue to grow his power for several years, even secretly fathering a son; Giorno Giovanna. And in his quest for power, Dio would be aided by a woman with a curious arrow. This was the Stand Arrow, and held the power to bequeath to the user a protective spirit called a Stand. Named thus because they quite literally… stand by you. Real creative.
Boomstick: A Stand is the physical manifestation of one’s fighting spirit, created from that individual’s psyche. While they all vary in different shapes, forms, and functions, Stands are usually equipped with special abilities to aid their user however they see fit. Outside of other Stands and their users, Stands are invisible and intangible to normal humans, although their effects can still be felt on their user’s command. And when Stands are injured, their users are also injured in the same spot. Similarly, Stands disappear when their users die, and destroying a Stand kills their user. Also, the closer a stand is to its user, the stronger it becomes.
Wiz: And Dio had one of the strongest Stands of all; The World. A close-range type stand, The World excels at melee combat with incredible strength, blinding speed, and insane precision. Its most basic attack is a Stand Rush, in which it rapidly punches at blinding speeds to overwhelm opponents and beat them down with hundreds of strikes in a matter of seconds. The nature of Stands also means that it’s naturally invisible to normal humans without Stands, as well as being able to turn intangible, shrink down in size, and be used as a natural defence to protect Dio’s body.
Boomstick: But The World’s greatest ability is its ability to stop time. Freezing time everywhere for 5 seconds, Dio and The World are the only beings allowed to move in their world of stopped time, everything else remaining frozen. Dio also suffers no drawbacks from using the ability, being able to effectively spam it over and over again, each time growing longer. At the height of his power, Dio could freeze time for up to 11 seconds, and by absorbing blood, it’s likely that this can increase even further. The World also allows Dio to fly and levitate, as if the time stop wasn’t enough!
Popup: In his youth, Dio boasted great intelligence and strength. He was able to best adults in chess even at a young age, and graduated university with a degree in law. He was also a skilled boxer and rugby player, building up large quantities of muscle alongside Jonathan, which explains their buff physique.
(Cue DIO’s World ~ Dio Brando (Part 3) ~ – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle)
Wiz: However, while most Stand users only have one Stand, Dio actually has two. Since his body was originally Jonathan’s, when Jonathan’s Stand manifested, it formed Hermit Purple, like his grandson, Joseph. It’s implied that Hamon users who acquire Stands form Hermit Purple as a natural development of their powers. With Hermit Purple, Dio is able to form a psychic photograph by lightly tapping a camera, giving him insight onto his opponents and their locations. It can also be used like vines to wrap around the user, protecting them, or their foes, binding and trapping them.
Boomstick: With this newfound knowledge and power, Dio went from a man who wanted to rule the world to considering himself a god who had to snuff out any threat to his mad quest to stand at the top of Heaven itself. Enlisting the aid of the priest, Enrico Pucci, Dio amassed a legion of loyal followers devoted to achieving his dream, letting the vampire surpass Heaven itself. However, this plan wouldn’t be able to be fully realised, as the awakening of Dio’s Stand also forcefully awoke the Stands of other descendants of the Joestar bloodline, most importantly, that of Jotaro Kujo, Joseph’s grandson.
Wiz: This also brought forth the Stand of his mother, Holly Kujo, whose kind disposition made her unfit for a Stand of fighting capability. It also affected a young Josuke Higashikata, but that’s a story for another day. With Holly’s Stand constantly weakening her, with enough time, she would eventually perish, and the only way to remove its influence over her was to defeat Dio, once and for all. Eventually discovering the location of Dio’s lair in Egypt, thus began their crusade to end his terror on their bloodline for good.
Boomstick: But more than just Jotaro and Dio’s fates are intertwined. Curiously enough, their Stands are too! Said to be the same type of Stand, both Dio’s The World and Jotaro’s Star Platinum have proved to practically be equals, with The World having an edge. An earlier Star Platinum was able to best the Stand Dark Blue Moon, who could create a whirlpool worth nearly 39 tons of TNT, and against the High Priestess, Star Platinum was able to smash in all of its massive teeth! Comparing Jotaro’s height to the size of the teeth and taking into account their diamond composition, this would require 327 tons of TNT per punch to accomplish!
Popup: Dio also possesses incredible charm and charisma. Able to recruit dozens of Stand users to his cause with charm alone, not to mention innumerable women throughout his life, Dio’s followers remain loyal to him, not just out of respect, but also fear. To the point where N’Doul, a follower of his, would rather kill himself than reveal Dio’s secrets.
Wiz: And it doesn’t end there. In Jotaro’s fight with Dio, he was able to create a massive eruption of water by simply punching, which would require around 2.33 Kilotons of TNT. Added onto the fact that in an earlier fight against the Stand, Justice, Star Platinum could inhale all of the fog surrounding the town in which their fight took place. Assuming it took 30 seconds, and accounting for the density of the fog, such a feat would come out to 3.8 Kilotons of TNT. Even in his later years, a weaker Star Platinum was stronger than Jolyne’s Stand, Stone Free, which could punch through meteorites at 441 Kilotons of TNT.
Boomstick: Star Platinum is also faster than Polnareff’s Stand, Silver Chariot, who was able to intercept the Hanged Man Stand, which moves at the speed of light. While he had to create a situation where it would be forced to move in a straight line in order to defeat it, the fact that Silver Chariot was able to outpace and intercept it at all means that it had to be moving at speeds faster than light! Hell, Joseph in his younger years was able to dodge beams of light, and in the Stone Ocean Databook, Star Platinum is directly stated to move at faster than light speeds. And he wasn’t even in his peak at the time, like when he fought Dio.
Wiz: And speaking of, Dio would eventually come to face the Stardust Crusaders head-on, taking out half of them, and creating the oh so infamous donut meme by punching a hole through Noriaki Kakyoin. He even deflected Kakyoin’s Emerald Splash, and no one can just deflect the Emerald Splash! And despite killing Kakyoin, he was able to figure out the secret of Dio’s Stand, sending a message to Joseph in his final moments. A message which would reach Jotaro just in time, as Dio killed his grandfather, Joseph, right before his eyes. And so began the final battle in the Stardust Crusaders’ quest to kill Dio.
Boomstick: Despite throwing knives, street signs, boats, oil tankers and even a road roller at Jotaro, the Joestar descendant still persevered through it all, fighting Dio on an even playing field. Though Dio came dangerously close to victory, Jotaro barely managed to edge out his own, and finally killed him by destroying The World. And as Dio raged against his inevitable death, his very world crumbling around him, he could do nothing. The immortal vampire bested, and an end put to his blight on the Joestar bloodline once and for all, Dio’s very own blood would be used to revive Joseph, his body having one last use before being destroyed in the light of a new day.
Popup: Despite Dio’s arrogance, he has frequently shown to be a very tactical and cautious fighter, capitalising on his opponent’s weaknesses and taking precautions to ensure that his foe stays dead and his plans are unimpeded. Hence his use of knives as projectiles, shooting Jotaro’s body, and going to decapitate him for good measure showcase this, alongside his hesitation when Jotaro moved during his time stop.
Wiz: But above all else, what led to Dio’s downfall was his sheer arrogance. He tends to be overconfident, seeing practically everyone beneath him. This leads him to underestimate his opponents, and toy with them instead of going for the kill. Alongside a weakness to sunlight and fire, Dio’s regeneration can be halted if his brain is destroyed. However, not even Star Platinum and Silver Chariot could fully destroy his brain themselves, so this weakness is rather hard to take advantage of. And while Dio does retain his abilities showcased in Phantom Blood during Stardust Crusaders, as shown in the Over Heaven novel, he prefers to use the overwhelming power of The World, as his other abilities aren’t as useful in Stand battles.
Boomstick: Yet another instance of that arrogance coming back to bite him. However, in one timeline, Dio was able to kill Jotaro and the Stardust Crusaders, achieving the Heaven Plan created by himself and Enrico Pucci to turn The World into The World Over Heaven. And in another, Dio became an Ultimate Lifeform, gaining the power of both God and Jesus Christ, being able to shift the very narrative of the story itself in his favour. Obviously, Eyes of Heaven and the Jorge Joestar novel won’t be included due to massive conflicts with the canon story, but it’s worth noting just how far Dio can go with no one to stand in his way.
Wiz: Even in spite of his death, Dio’s legacy would live on in the form of his son, who would forge his own path in the world, irrespective of any who got in his way, and his loyal servants, dedicated to carrying out his plans to reach Heaven. And ultimately, this would succeed; Enrico Pucci heralding in the birth of a new universe, reaching Heaven, as his best friend and master wanted. And despite all of the efforts of the Joestar bloodline, in the end, it was Dio who had the last laugh.
Boomstick: But so long as this vampire walks the Earth, you can be sure that he’ll do whatever necessary to ensure his own goals, whether it be immortal life, Stand power, Godhood or reaching Heaven itself. Should you ever find yourself in Dio’s path, you’d better pray for a quick death, because against the man, nay, God with the World in his hands, all resistance is utterly useless!
Dio: Everyone survives in pursuit of peace of mind… Aren't you uneasy, preparing to fight me, knowing you may die? If you join me, I will give you peace of mind that will last forever.
Alucard[]
(Cue Alucard’s Theme – Left Foot Trapped in a Sensual Seduction - Hellsing)
Boomstick: The tale of Vlad Ţepeş is one known to many. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t know of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, and his legacy as Vlad III Dracula, the Son of the Dragon. Born in 1431 to Vlad II Dracul, the young Vlad was the prince of Wallachia, a historical and geographical region of Romania. However, as a young boy, Vlad was traded to an Ottoman sultan as part of a peace offering, and during his 10 year-long captivity, he was subject to intense abuse and rape, in which he would clutch a silver cross for dear life, hoping and praying to God for his suffering to end.
Wiz: A justified hatred for the Ottomans lit within him, upon his crowning as the Voivode of Wallachia, Vlad would launch an all-our war on the Turks. The ensuing bloodbath was so brutal that Vlad earned the title of Impaler, responsible for the deaths of between 40,000 and 100,000 of his enemies and various villains in his own country through execution and torture by impalement. But not even Vlad’s overwhelming might let him last forever, and eventually his troops were defeated, citizens killed and homeland set ablaze, with the Impaler himself set for execution by means of decapitation.
Boomstick: In the face of his impending demise, Vlad desperately drank the blood of the surrounding corpses, this one act fatefully altering his life forever. No more was the man Vlad Ţepeş, instead rose a True Vampire in his place. Accepting the powers of darkness to prolong his own life, the cross Vlad had carried around with him shattered, a symbolic representation of his faith and former life, now gone. Vlad would continue to live on for centuries, eventually becoming the fictional vampire of legend, Count Dracula. And yeah, the very same one from the Bram Stoker novel!
Wiz: Now a supernatural creature of the night, Dracula continued his reign of terror. And in 1897, he was eventually defeated by the combined might of Abraham Van Helsing, Jonathan and Mina Harker, Arthur Holmwood, Quincey Morris, and John Seward. However, instead of killing the Count, Van Helsing decided to tame the vampire into becoming a servant for him and his family. Eventually, the Hellsing Organization would be created to combat all occult and demonic threats to humanity under the Queen, and Dracula, now renamed to Alucard in order to disguise his true identity, would be its trump card.
Popup: Alucard is able to freely shapeshift his body into any form he wants. Changing between his red coat, Wallachian armour and WWII girl body, Alucard has no “true form”, but does prefer to use his red cloak in the modern day.
Boomstick: During World War II, the current leader of the Hellsing Organisation and family line, Arthur Hellsing, would dispatch Alucard, who was in the form of a young girl, don’t question it, to hunt down and eliminate a sect of the Nazi party called Millennium, which was creating an army of artificial vampires to help win the war. Partnered with the 14-year-old Walter C. Dornez, they tore through most of their ranks, but the key members of Millennium escaped and went into hiding, assisted by the Vatican. But after World War II, it was decided that Alucard was too powerful and potentially too dangerous to be used as a weapon, and as a result, he was sealed away in the basement of the Hellsing mansion.
Wiz: After the death of her father, 12-year-old Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing became the director of the organization, however, her uncle attempted to murder her and take the headship of the organization for himself. This inadvertently awakened Alucard, who quickly overpowered her uncle, his new master recognised. With her first order for Alucard, Integra orders him to keep his arm steady as she shoots her uncle dead, leaving her now the sole inheritor of the Hellsing Organisation, with only her butler, an older Walter C. Dornez, and her newfound vampiric servant by her side.
Boomstick: But he wouldn’t be much of a vampire hunter if he didn’t have the weaponry to back him up, and you’d better believe that Alucard has two of the gnarliest handguns you’ll ever pray to your impotent god to never see in person. Alucard's primary sidearm is the Casull. Custom designed by Walter C. Dornez, the Casull is a semi-automatic magnum pistol that gun fires custom-made explosive rounds, with the steel bullets bearing a core made from the melted silver Christian cross from Manchester Cathedral, letting Alucard take out basic vampires in one shot, nullifying their healing factors. They can also ricochet off walls!
Wiz: Alucard’s other gun of choice is the Jackal. Fully named as the Hellsing ARMS 13 mm Auto Anti-Freak Combat Pistol, the Jackal is an extremely powerful handgun, with armor-piercing hollow-point bullets, jacketed in blessed in Macedonian silver and featuring an explosive tip containing a charge of pre-blessed mercury, Alucard used this gun when he wants to annihilate the toughest of foes. 16 inches long and weighing 35 pounds, shots from this weapon can blow apart body parts and walls with ease, making it even more powerful than the .50 BMG round of the Barrett M82 sniper rifle, which is one of the highest calibre guns in production.
Popup: In the original 2001 Hellsing anime, Alucard was able to dodge lightning in his fight against the Egyptian deity Set, and created a city-wide sigil upon the activation of one of his abilities. Alucard also survived crashing into a cathedral and through several floors after falling from the sky above the clouds.
Boomstick: Though Alucard does carry some other weapons he doesn’t utilise as often. During WWII, he carried a Thompson sub-machine gun, or the Tommy Gun of gangster fame. It uses a fairly large .45 ACP cartridge, boasts a fire rate of 1500 rounds per minute, a range of 150 feet, and at its largest, holds a 100-round drum magazine. And during his reign as Vlad the Impaler, Alucard carried a badass Claymore. A Scottish blade that comes in at almost 5 feet long and over 6 pounds, Alucard can summon up this sword at will and has shown mastery of it in his fight with the super priest Alexander Anderson.
Wiz: However, Alucard’s weapons are far from the only options he has available to him in battle. As a vampire, Alucard possesses strength, speed, reflexes, endurance and durability far beyond that of a regular human. Additionally, like all vampires, Alucard can drink blood. He has a row of massive sharp teeth which he uses to violently tear into the necks of his victims and suck all the blood from their bodies, gaining their soul, memories, and special powers, if they have any. So powerful is Alucard’s relationship with blood that after decades of starvation, he was able to return to full strength after only a few drops.
Boomstick: Which is to say, BITCH HE EATS PEOPLE! References aside though, Alucard mentions the souls he’s absorbed as his lives, and that every time he’s hit with a fatal wound, it’s redirected instead to his repository of souls. Alexander Anderson postulates this, and later Alucard confirms it. By the end of the series, Alucard had three million, four hundred twenty-four thousand, eight hundred sixty-seven souls residing within his body, each essentially acting like extra lives in a video game. And he’s using this method, he’s easily regenerated from all kinds of wounds, and neither conventional weaponry, nor holy weapons have been able to put him down for good.
Wiz: He’s been turned into swiss cheese by gunfire, impaled multiple times by Anderson’s blessed anti-vampire bayonets, decapitated and reduced to a puddle of blood, blown to smithereens, and always comes back up with a terrifying smile on his face. Also, it is important to mention that in the Hellsing universe, there are two types of vampires: a True Vampire, and an Artificial one. Alucard is classified as a true vampire since he’s a former human being who has sucked the blood of his own free will, and thus, has more abilities available to him. Such as the ability to transform opposite-gender virgin victims into their offspring, also known as a fledgeling.
Popup: Hellsing vampires have not shown to be explicitly weak to sunlight, but Alucard has stated that getting up during the day is exhausting. Additionally, resting in a coffin with the earth of their homeland maintains a fledgeling’s strength, but this is not required of True Vampires.
(Cue A World Without Logos – Raid OST - Hellsing)
Boomstick: In the case of successful blood exchange, the fledgeling will enter the first stage of vampirism. While lacking the higher-level powers of the master vampire, they still possess superhuman powers and a psychic connection with their master. And on an enthusiastic walk through the woods, Alucard happened to find and take out a large group of vampires, who were holding a big-tittied police girl hostage. Impressed by her resolve to not give up even when at death’s door, Alucard decided to make the girl his fledgeling. This was Seras Victoria, who would go on to learn a great many things from her master. Especially regarding a love of cannons.
Wiz: Fledgelings will also have the traditional weaknesses of vampires, such as varying sensitivity to sunlight, the inability to cross large bodies of water without means of external locomotion, weakness to items which are holy in nature, and their heads and heart being especially vulnerable spots. And as with their masters, upon the consumption of a human's blood of their own will, the restrictions imposed upon the fledgling vanish and further abilities are unlocked, completing the transition to a True Vampire. Though Seras has not yet shown to have all the abilities of her master, Alucard has displayed a great deal of his own.
Boomstick: Stuff like hypnosis, intangibility, telekinesis, levitation, casting illusions, weather control, telepathy with his fledgeling, supernatural detection, hemokinesis regarding blood outside the body, and his classic blood-based soul absorption. Alucard also has a “Third Eye” which allows him to see through illusions, read his opponent’s movements and shoot bullseyes from over a kilometer away. Sort of like a sixth sense. And while he does possess blood and organs like a regular human, Alucard's body is composed of a shadow-like substance that he can morph anyway he wants. This allows him to shapeshift into pretty much anything, and control his body in any way he pleases.
Wiz: Integra would need all of Alucard’s abilities when Millennium, led by The Major, came out of hiding with its new breed of artificial vampires in an attempt to create a new world war. Taking out that wannabe little demi-god bitch Luke Valentine and cheeky dick waffle Tubalcain Alhambra, Alucard would be dispatched to kill Millennium S.S. lieutenant, Rip Van Winkle, who had commandeered a British aircraft carrier as a part of an invasion of London. With no way to get there other than by air, Alucard jack-knifed the vessel with a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. An advanced, long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft capable of Mach 3 and an altitude of 85,000 feet. It’s on his Christmas list for a reason.
Popup: Alucard’s Third Eye is not an inherent ability, and must be activated consciously, as Alucard was unable to see through Tubalcain's illusionary clones. Similarly, Seras was unable to see through Millennium First Lieutenant Zorin Blitz's illusions until told outright that's what they were.
Boomstick: Measuring the size of the explosion, we can estimate that at max, Alucard survived a blast worth 50 tons of TNT. However, it's also possible Alucard did take damage and simply healed before emerging, so it’s a bit hard to definitely place him there, but benefit of the doubt, y’know? And just as impressive is his interception of Rip’s magic bullets. Comparing the distance the bullets moved to the jet in the same time frame as the jet's own movement, her rounds would have to be moving at a speed of Mach 38. And Alucard caught one with his frickin' teeth! From there, it wasn’t difficult to take her out. Guess someone forgot to check their privilege.
Wiz: Telekinetically driving the carrier back to shore, Alucard would show up just in time to witness a three way war, with Hellsing heavily outnumbered. The Catholics were crusading, while the Nazis were invading, and Alucard practically took them all out at once, eventually defeating his frenemy Alexander Anderson and the traitorous Walter. But this was all part of The Major’s plan. A plan which could only come into play with the help of Schrödinger, a German catboy who controls his own quantum state. This grants him pseudo-omnipresence and immortality. He can exist everywhere and nowhere, and cannot die so long as he can recognize his own existence. This is important, and we’ll get to why in a moment.
Boomstick: Obviously, Alucard's immense power and bloodlust needed to be controlled, so he was restricted with the Control Art Restriction System, which has to be accessed by the Cromwell Invocation. He has six release states which are six levels of power that increase as the number goes down that he can access via the Cromwell Approval. Levels 6 through 2 are for wrecking your ordinary ghouls, and Level 1 is for dealing with your heavy duty vampires and getting this awesome demon doggo made from his shadow essence, Baskerville. But there’s one more state Alucard can release when he wants to go all out; Level Zero.
Wiz: Once activated, Level Zero releases every single soul Alucard has consumed as a sea of blood-soaked zombies. All three million of them. Including familiars of those whose soul he has consumed by drinking their blood. Including, but not limited to; an army of Catholic knights, hundreds of Nazi vampires, millions of dead Londoners, and both the Wallachian and Ottoman armies. While Millennium was defeated, it came at a cost. At the climax of the war, Alucard also absorbed Schrödinger when reabsorbing all of his expended souls, but because Al had three million souls kicking around inside him, Schrödinger couldn't recognize himself anymore, forcing him and thus Alucard to fade out of existence.
Popup: Schrödinger’s powers do not grant him true omnipresence. His powers are difficult to explain, but if he believes that he exists somewhere, then he will. This also explains his regeneration/immortality and teleportation abilities. If he thinks he's at a location at any moment, then he will be at that location. Even if Schrödinger is fatally wounded, if he believes that he is alive and unscathed, then he will be.
Boomstick: So Alucard spent the next 30 years killing all of the souls within himself apart from Schrödinger in order for him to return to existence. While he was able to return to the Hellsing Organization and reuinte with an aged Integra and a more experienced Seras, none of this would’ve happened in the first place if not for Alucard’s arrogance, which The Major exploited. See, Alucard heavily relies on his regeneration during fights, allowing his opponent to wear themselves down while he heals himself and strikes at an opening. However, his souls can't regenerate him if his body is completely destroyed, or if his heart is impaled.
Wiz: The most important factor is, despite his huge ego and taste for battle, Alucard is a monster who wishes for death. As shown with his final fight with Anderson, the Count wishes for a human to take him down because of the regret he feels for his actions in becoming a vampire. He saw it as cowardice, throwing away his humanity, and he has no sympathy for those who would discard theirs as well. Probably why he always lets his enemies rip into him like a piñata of self-loathing. He takes out his hatred on his fellow vampire kind, but the main reason he hates them so much is that, in truth, he really hated himself.
Boomstick: And by adding Schrödinger, it took away all of Alucard’s other souls, so the rest of his powers granted by those cannot exist at the same time as Schrödinger does. Additionally, in Level Zero, Alucard’s healing greatly suffers. It’s not stopped or anything, but his absurd soul-based regeneration isn’t available to him, and if his head or heart is destroyed, then it’s game over for the No-Life King. Still, despite his 30 year stint in non-existence, Hellsing was still able to defend the world from vampiric threats where they arose thanks to the help of Seras, the little Draculina following in her master’s footsteps and eradicating evil with extreme prejudice until Alucard returned.
Wiz: No matter the threat, Alucard will show no mercy, just waiting for the day a noble human warrior can finally put him to eternal rest. But should he face a fellow monster, a fool who rejected their humanity like himself, he'll let loose the dogs of war and all Hell will sing.
Alucard: God spares no salvation to those who would beg for it. Nor is he merciful to those who would beseech his benevolence. These petty requests are no invocation to God. They are your death.
DEATH BATTLE![]
“Lord… I would not kneel in prayer for my salvation…”
A young boy’s voice gently rings out. The withheld anger, pain, and rage the boy feels is evident in the tight clutching of his crucifix. The shifting of bed sheets, deep grunts and damning hand upon his head forcing him down betray the nature of this boy’s suffering.
The scene changes… The whinnying neigh of horses accompany their thunderous galloping as an army of hooves strike the ground. One man leads them. His face is obscured, but there is pain there. Rage. Crimson eyes gleam as he forces his steed faster, claymore held fast at his side. His loyal army rides behind him. Flags raised and flapping in the wind, they charge alongside their leader.
“Fight! Fight for the glory of your God!”
The splattering of blood rings true throughout the battlefield. Men are stabbed, slashed, murdered… Guttural screams and cries denote the battle upon which these men fought. An orange sky blanketed the bloody scene as warriors of both sides fell. All manners of death were suffered by those who participated, though they knew what they fought for.
“God does not help those who kneel before him. God does not save those who pray for mercy… For those are not true prayers…”
A battalion rides past waves of soldiers. Decapitated, bisected, impaled… The stench of iron filled the air as weapons coated with blood sink into bodies losing the warmth of life. Steel clashes against steel. More bodies fall. Screams of the dying and wounded. Men spitted upon pikes, held aloft as a message for those who dared to fight the leader of this army.
“Would you beg in the presence of your Lord?! Your impiety begs only for death!”
Scores of soldiers fall before his feet. Clinging to a bloodied claymore, he looks down upon the fruits of his labour. Countless men are spared no mercy, nor their steeds. Their corpses rise, hunched forward, some with hands clutching at their stomachs or chests. Others were lucky enough to have died swiftly.
“True prayer is forged in battle. Dazzle your Lord with your prayer! And you shall know him! You shall know Jerusalem!”
A sea of blood-soaked flags flies high in the air, flapping in the wind. Fresh crimson liquid slowly drips down the tips of the flags, as the army leader watches on coldly. White blades like crosses stood behind him, as the cross held at his chest shines. The man’s dead eyes are only matched by his appearance. Long, shaggy hair, scraggly beard and moustache, and a dark red cloak to cover his body.
“After the tearing, the crushing, the breaking of men’s bones, when the fruits of our prayers lie at our feet, God will descend from his throne on high to bring judgement upon his wretched and pitiful servants!”
Once more, the scene shifts… Smouldering fires burn with far less intensity as silence reigns across the once-violent field. Broken flags like broken dreams lie at the feet of dead men, the corpses of soldiers from both sides littering the ground. Men and women alike are hanged from the dark branches of a sturdy tree. Their stiff bodies hang, unmoving.
“What’s the matter? Answer me, king… Mad king!”
Head and arms in stocks, the man slowly walks forward, underneath the bodies of the people who fought alongside him. But he has not the strength to look up at them. Those he failed… His head hung low, the man trudges forward, bare feet catching on the foot of yet another nameless corpse, causing him to trip over, landing harshly on the blood-soaked ground.
“They’re all dead… Every last soul, dead. In service to you, and your promises. For your prayers, for your paradise, for your God! All were sacrificed!”
His captors tugged a rope attached to his bindings, inching him forwards. Bloody fingernails digging into the wet ground, the man weakly looks up. Forced to stand once more, the man staggers towards the blood-red sunset as his executioners awaited his arrival. Corpses were scattered around the area of execution, bodies and heads thrown haphazardly out of the way to prepare for the next awaiting their judgement. A droplet of blood dripped down the steel edge of the axe the man knew would be awaiting him soon.
“Enemies and allies, the people you swore to protect, the country you would rule! Men, women, old and young! Even… yourself…”
Crows perched in a nearby tree gazed down as the man took his place upon the bloody stage. His lifeless eyes stared forward at the piles of deceased as the executioner by his side lifted his axe skyward. Struggling and gasping, the man leaned his face forward, tongue darting forward to taste the metallic blood in front of him.
“Irredeemable… You are truly a monster beyond all salvation, Count…”
And like in all of his dreams which retold this very event, he could hear, could feel the axe coming down upon his neck, separating head from body as his hair was cleaved in two. The silver cross which he had clung to breaking apart as it fell away from his body. He knew what followed this, he knew it all too well…
(Cue Beautiful Dread – Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc)
Eyes fluttering open, the man recognises his surroundings through the darkness of the evening. He… wasn’t there anymore. He wasn’t that person anymore… Lifting his gloved hands to his cheeks, the man’s fingers were covered in blood. Yet another night of these bloody tears…
The memory he would relive each night was haunting. He hated to feel it so vividly every time he fell asleep, but it served as a reminder of what he was. Who he had become, and why he had to make up for his actions. Sighing deeply, the crimson-cloaked man readjusted his orange-tinted glasses, covering his eyes as he regained a normal breathing pattern.
The moon had risen and the soft glow of light filtered into the subbasement of Hellsing Manor. The estate itself was massive, housing upwards of five floors, the front of the mansion featuring picturesque glass windows and the path toward the entrance sporting greenery that flowed with life. Beneath the manor itself though, a single man rose from his chair. Crimson eyes matching his coat and tie, the man strode forth, holding an equally red hat by his side before placing it atop his head, his fanged teeth gleaming in the dim light as his face twisted into a frown.
This was the servant to the Hellsing family and organisation, the Nightwalker, the No-Life King, the Bird of Hermes… Alucard. Walking up the steps that lay before him, the Hellsing enforcer felt off… It was not unusual for him to dream of the events which he had, but something about tonight filled him with a sense of unease, but he wasn’t sure why…
It took a lot to unnerve someone like him, so there must be something awry, and if there was, hopefully his master would be aware of it. Ascending the stairs and drifting through the manor, Alucard came to a large mahogany door. The ornate design of which he was all too familiar with. Pushing it open, the vampire took in the sight of his master’s office, the light of the moon calming him slightly.
“How blessed are some people whose lives have no fears, no dreads, for though the world seems full of good men, there are monsters in it…” a young woman spoke, her voice echoing across the spacious room. Her eyes landing on Alucard as he entered, the vampire smirked at his master, Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing. Setting her book down, Alucard could spot the title anywhere. It was about him, after all.
“Reading up on me, are you? You know, you could always just ask” Alucard quipped at his master, keeping pace to meet her as he crossed the black and white checker-patterned floor beneath his feet. Beside the leader of Hellsing stood an ageing man, but still one of extreme skill and competence. The Hellsing butler, Walter C. Dornez. And opposite to him stood a young girl wielding a large cannon. Her face visibly brightened upon seeing Alucard. This was his fledgeling police girl, Seras Victoria.
“Glad to see you, Master!” Seras spoke, a beaming smile at the sight of her sire. “I was just handed my assignment not long ago. You came just in time” turning her head to face Sir Integra, the fledgeling awaited the assignment of her master as well.
“Ah, well, let’s drag this out any longer, then. What are your orders, my master?” Alucard asked, taking a knee in respect to Integra. The Hellsing commander gesturing for her servant to rise, Integra slid a photo over her mahogany desk to the vampire, allowing him to pick it up and inspect it.
“We were contacted not long ago by the Speedwagon Foundation” Integra begun. Immediately, this information caught Alucard’s attention. He knew of the Speedwagon Foundation of course, not many didn’t in this day and age, but they were an organisation which focused in medical research and environmental conservation. What problems would they have which required the aid of Hellsing?
“You might not know this, but they’re also one of the leading organisations of supernatural investigation on the planet, and have been dealing with vampiric threats since at least the 1930’s.” Again, this was intriguing. If they’d known about the existence of vampires since all the way back then, why did they not help out during World War II? Surely their information and technology would have been useful.
“They usually try to keep a low profile with their supernatural business, but a matter of great urgency has arisen, and they require our services regarding a vampire problem they’ve been dealing with. Inspect the photograph I’ve given you.” Integra spoke, her commanding voice spurring Alucard on, alongside his own curiosity. Lifting up the image into his hands, Alucard saw a man cloaked almost entirely in shadow. He wore no shirt, and thus his back was visible. It was quite well-defined, but what caught Alucard’s attention was the star mark on his left shoulder.
The man was looking towards the direction the photograph had been taken, his right hand making a grabbing motion as his blond hair seemed to flow in a non-existent breeze. It was only a photograph, but Alucard could tell that this man was more than a simple vampire. “That vampire is who the Speedwagon Foundation has contacted us to kill, by any means necessary, and with extreme prejudice.”
“Oh? How big of an issue are we talking here?” Alucard questioned, raising a brow. He felt a rush of adrenaline flow through him unlike anything he’d felt in years. It was both exciting, and unnerving.
“Very big. Numerous people have gone missing, and there are claims that he has influence with men and women around the world. Additionally, we were tasked with retrieving this.” Integra slides yet another photograph toward Alucard, this time containing what appeared to be an arrow with a golden spearhead.
“The Speedwagon Foundation would not disclose what exactly this was, but they want it away from this man’s clutches. As of now, we have no intention of giving it to them until we find out exactly what it is, and what it’s capable of.” This brought a smirk to her servant’s lips. “You’ll be sent to Cairo for this mission, and I expect nothing less than victory, Alucard. You have my full permission to do whatever you deem necessary to get the job done.”
“I understand, my master…” Alucard responded, bowing his head to his master as rows of his fanged teeth glimmered in the moonlight with the cocky smirk that appeared on his face. “Do you know the name of this vampire? Not that it matters, but I would greatly enjoy knowing the name of the fool was unlucky enough to cross Hellsing’s path before I end his life.”
“Ah, yes.” Integra replied, leaning back in her chair slightly. “The Speedwagon Foundation said that his name is… Dio.” Immediately, alarm bells started going off in Integra’s head. Alucard had gone silent. His smirk faded and his blood-red eyes behind his glasses gleamed.
“Dio…? Dio Brando?!” Alucard questioned, shocked at this revelation. “Now that’s a name I’ve not heard in a long, long time…” Chuckling slowly to himself, building up in speed and volume, Alucard laughed in pure delight at the news. Why, this was even more intriguing than The Major’s return from the grave.
“You know him?” Integra asked, curious to know the source of Alucard’s sudden shift in behaviour.
Looking up at his master, Alucard rose, his eyes sporting a manic intensity within them. “Not personally, no, but word travels fast, especially in Transylvania.” Pausing, he sported a smirk unnerving to even Integra, steadfast as she was. “He attempted to take over England with an army of undead zombies in the late 1880’s, but last I’d heard, he’d perished thanks to the efforts of a… Joestar, I believe?”
“You seem quite eager, Alucard… I trust you’ll be able to complete the mission?” Integra inquired, glaring at her servant from her chair. Even Walter and Seras beside her seemed a little perturbed. They had never seen Alucard quite like this, and he seemed even more antsy to hunt than he had against Millennium.
“Of course, my master. It’s not every day a monster like Dio Brando returns from the dead. I can assure you, there are few greater pleasures one could experience than what I will feel when I extinguish his life!” A psychotic grin plastered all over Alucard’s face, his words filled Integra with confidence that Alucard would fulfill the mission, if nothing else.
“Very well then. Due to the nature of this assignment in particular, you shall be sent to Cairo immediately, and are to seek him out, and eliminate him. Or, in order words, search and destroy. Am I clear?” Sir Integra demanded, her gaze locked on the vampire, though behind the ice lay a warmth not many got to see.
“Crystal” Alucard responded. “I will not fail you, master.”
“Perfect” Walter chimed in. “The Speedwagon Foundation has kindly lent us a helicopter which shall take you all the way to your destination. And please try to limit the collateral?”
Chuckling, the Ultimate Vampire gave his retort. “As long as you keep things nice and tidy around here, I’ll try my best…” Turning to Seras, Alucard lifted a hand and gently placed it on the fledgeling’s head, showing a rare moment of affection for the girl. “And good luck on your mission, Seras.”
The fledgeling blushing at her master’s head pat and the acknowledgement of her name, she tried to contain her grin, but it proved too difficult. Alucard didn’t mind though. “T-Thank you, Master!”
“Now” Alucard exclaimed, grinning devilishly into the bright English moonlight. “Let us see what this ‘Dio’ is truly capable of…”
(Cue The World Sinking into Darkness – Tales of Xillia)
“The sun was now right down upon the mountain top, and the red gleams fell upon my face, so that it was bathed in rosy light. With one impulse, the men sank on their knees and a deep and earnest “Amen” broke from all as their eyes followed the pointing of his finger.” A tall man with a voice smooth as silk and enticing to all who heard it read aloud within his chair, the material comfortable and suitable for a man of his stature. Within the room, there was only one candle, which provided enough light for those in the room to see, but enough to still cover the imposing man in shadow.
Although currently shirtless, he was not any less professional when dealing with matters regarding his estate, servants or the condition of his health. He held an almost hypnotic, commanding presence which made others enamoured with him. Whether it was out of love, respect, or fear, it was well-known that there would be no worse fate than defying this man.
Man… it was a title not suitable enough for someone like him. No, he was far above the simplicity of ‘man’. He was a being who had ascended past humanity, gaining the abilities of a vampire. Though ‘vampire’ itself was a term which could not grasp the magnificence of the owner of the mansion in which he resided. There was only one word which could properly and accurately express the glory, the radiance, the perfection that was Dio Brando: God.
But what is a God? Is it a being which presides over humanity benevolently, or is it one who punishes the wicked without quarter? Does a God have the power to change the hearts of men, and alter the fabric of reality upon a whim? Or is ‘God’ just the unconscious will of humanity, seeking a higher reason for their existence and the misfortunes that befall them?
No. God is the one who can attain Heaven, and surpass it. The one who holds The World in his hands. Undoubtedly, that is what God is.
But then what is the Devil? A being which has thrown away everything they once were, taking in the powers of darkness? Stripped away of humanity, god-hood and any semblance of sanity? An eldritch deity of unimaginable evil, or one who exists only to cause pain and suffering? If it is said that God’s work flows throughout all of humanity, does the Devil’s as well?
The Devil is the one who opposes God. In all of His righteous glory, the divine judgement of God is something no being can escape. No attempt to fight against it could ever grant one powers nearing that of the one True God. But while there is no way for others to attain the powers of God, there may indeed be a ‘way’ to go to Heaven.
Continuing on, Dio’s velvety voice filled the dimly-lit room in which he presided. “The dying man spoke: “Now God be thanked that all has not been in vain! See! the snow is not more stainless than her forehead! The curse has passed away!” And, to our bitter grief, with a smile and in silence, he died, a gallant gentleman.” Preparing to flip over to the last page of his novel, Dio turned his head to the side, sensing the man sitting beside him wanted to say something.
The man, wearing a dark blue shirt underneath an emerald-green jacket with heart-shaped emblems on them, was the faithful and loyal servant of Dio, Vanilla Ice. Gesturing to his servant with one hand, Dio spoke “Go ahead, Ice, there is something you wish to say.”
Bowing his head to his master, Vanilla Ice began to speak. “It was a beautiful story, My Lord, and I am eternally thankful that you shared such an experience with me. I shall treasure it until the end of my days.” Raising his head to Dio once more, Ice continued. “You said that this book contained information relevant to a situation which would soon arise. Are the Joestars proving to be that persistent?” Voicing his concerns to his Lord, Ice’s well-meaning worry was not disregarded by the vampire, but instead, appreciated.
Regarding his servant with a smile, Dio replied courteously. “It is true that Jonathan’s descendants have proven themselves to be just as troublesome as I had imagined, but it is not the Joestars which concern me at this moment.” Producing a photograph from thin air, almost as if it appeared within his grasp instantaneously, Dio gestured for Vanilla Ice to inspect it. “Tell me. What do you see?”
Carefully looking over the image, Vanilla Ice took in the details with great care. The photo was of four people, two men and two women, standing in a large office room. The first man was well into his sixties and quite thin, but his professional expression and attire gave off the impression that he was one who was devoted until the end of his days. Beside him was a blonde woman with tan skin, sitting at the large desk in the back of the room. She held a commanding presence that he could sense even just from this image alone.
The last two were what especially caught his notice. A woman in yellow wielding a cannon far too large for a person of her gender and stature, but with fanged teeth that were visible in her smile. The final person was the man in red. All other occupants of the room seemed to give him their full attention, and especially the girl in yellow. Ice wasn’t sure what it was about him exactly, but looking at the man filled him with a sense of unease. “You see him, don’t you? The man in red.”
Vanilla Ice quickly tore his eyes away from the image, giving his master his full, undivided attention. “Indeed I do, Lord Dio. What about this man in particular is so important? Does it have to do with the book we were just reading?” the servant of Dio asked, curious as to his master’s intentions. Perhaps his Lord could also sense the unnatural feel of this strange, crimson-cloaked man.
Closing the novel with elegant grace, Dio replied, placing the book down upon a table to his left. “Very perceptive of you, Ice. Just what I expect from a follower of mine…” Turning back to his servant, Dio continued. “As you are aware, some one hundred years ago, I suffered my defeat at the hands of Jonathan Joestar, and as devastating as that loss was, it was humbling, in a way. It taught me a great many things.”
Rising from his chair, Dio stood, his body still obscured by shadow. “I was able to reflect upon my defeat, and came to understand where I had gone wrong.” Looking up at his lord in awe, Vanilla Ice dared not to interrupt his master’s speech. “My ambition was to rule over the world, and it still is, but while I had thought that global domination was the ultimate goal one could achieve, I now realise that what I truly sought was not the subjugation of others in retribution for the poor life I had lived; but happiness.”
“I was mired in my despair, but upon reaching a proper understanding of how my approach was flawed, I was able to plan out the necessary steps to ensure my ultimate goal. Heaven.” At this, Ice was taken aback. Understandably so, as to claim to reach Heaven was a lofty goal, and though he had no doubt that his lord could achieve such a feat, the true goals of the man he served were previously unknown to him. To know that his master planned to reach Heaven, he could not be more proud to serve a man as magnificent as Dio.
“True happiness lies there… If one is able to go to ‘Heaven’” Dio explained. “I understand that happiness cannot be attained by having an invincible body or mountains of money, or even being the ruler of the human race.” Turning his gaze specifically to Ice, Dio looked upon his friend and servant fondly. “The true winner is the one who gets to see ‘Heaven’…” Clenching his fist with a look of pure determination, Dio continued. “I will get there, no matter how many things I must sacrifice.”
The true nature of his master’s goals made clear, Ice simply stared at his master in awe. Truly, there were none who could match the ambition or drive of his lord. “I long for a world in which people may be able to make peace with the inevitabilities life brings. To accept one’s fate brings peace of mind, and every single person strives for, and desires peace of mind.”
“The struggle to acquire fame, power over others, and money is all towards this end. Marriage and friendship are also for this purpose. To serve others, to fight for war and peace, all of these are attempts to sustain peace of mind.” Returning to his chair, Dio rested his left hand on his face as he concluded his speech. “The search for peace of mind is the ultimate goal of all human beings. That… is ‘Heaven’.”
Lowering his hand down to the side of his chair, Dio gestured for the photograph Ice had been holding to be returned to him. Without delay, Ice did as his master commanded. “I understand you may be wondering how this relates to our story, and the man in red.” Indeed, Ice had, but hearing firsthand the thought process of his lord had itself been more than enough for the devotee of Dio. “Tell me, Ice. Do you believe in ‘gravity’?”
The question caught Dio’s servant off-guard, but he nodded nonetheless. “Yes, Lord Dio, I do.”
“Ah, good.” Dio replied, pleased with Vanilla Ice’s response. “Though perhaps another word for what I am describing may be ‘fate’. As Stand users are inexplicably attracted to one another like magnets, you were drawn to me, and so are the Joestar group as well. It is the gravity between people which causes this ‘attraction’. This man may not be a Stand user, but I believe that it is gravity which brings him toward us.”
“All beings and objects are governed by fate. It is an undeniable truth of this world. And as we are the pawns of fate, those with opposing goals and ideals are fated to clash.” Once more showing Ice the photograph, this time, Dio held within his grasp a second one. It also featured the crimson-coated man, but this time within what appeared to be the back of a helicopter, clearly moving toward whatever destination the pilots in the front were taking him to.
“With help from the Speedwagon Foundation, this man has been dispatched to our location and should be arriving within a few hours.” At this, Vanilla Ice rose from his seat, a look of anger clear on his face, but before he could raise a word in protest, Dio quietened the man. “Be calm, Ice. I do not fear our scarlet visitor, for I believe his intervention is fated. Perhaps through him, I may gain better control over the power of The World?” Dio mused. “I do not know, but I must make the best of this situation.”
Raising his left arm as a camera appeared just within reach, Dio’s hand was wrapped within purple vines crackling with energy comparable to electricity. Tapping the camera lightly, Dio soon grabbed the photo which emerged from within, displaying it to Vanilla Ice. “He is no ordinary man, and his organisation is not something to be trifled with.” Studying the photo, Ice saw what Dio was referring to: the man’s pronounced fangs. Fangs which he had only ever seen on his master. The fangs of a vampire.
Now he understood why they had read the novel they had. But was just as concerning was the writing on his gloves. Some was Latin, and other parts appeared to be German, but throughout it all, one word remained consistent; Hellsing. “My lord, do you know what this means? This… ‘Hellsing’?” Ice asked earnestly, both curious and concerned for his master. He would not have to wait long for a response.
“Indeed I do. ‘Her Royal England Legions of Legitimate Supernatural and Immortal Night Guard’, also known as the Hellsing Organization, they are tasked with defeating any and all supernatural threats this world may face. Undoubtedly, they are here for me.” Dio admitted to his servant. He could see the rage building in Ice’s face as it happened, and such concern, while unnecessary, was very much appreciated.
“How do you wish to handle this, My Lord?” Ice asked in earnest. “Is your body yet ready?” The loyal attendant to Dio would gladly provide any blood his master would need, be it his own or that of others. Dio knew this, and did not require such a sacrifice as big as Ice’s life, though he did have something to ask of him. “Do you wish for me to intercept him, Lord Dio?”
“The sentiment is appreciated, Ice, but no… I can tell that this man is more than a simple vampire. My sources have told me that this man is Hellsing’s ‘trump card’, as it were.” Another photo materialising out of thin air, Dio held it up to Vanilla Ice. “This vampire-killing vampire is not far away now. He will arrive in Egypt within the hour, and Pet Shop shall intercept him from afar.”
“I would like to gauge his capabilities before direct contact is made, and if he turns you into an unwilling follower of his, I would not wish to have to fight against you as well.” To know that Dio cared for him to that extent, Vanilla Ice was truly touched. A hand held to his heart, Ice awaited his orders. “Once he arrives, go to the basement and wait for me. I will try to make this as quick as possible.”
“Your will is my command, My Lord” Ice responded. “Lord Dio, is there anything else you know about this vampire which may assist you?” Though Dio’s intelligence gathering agents were skilled, there was only so much knowledge they could attain without raising alarms or letting Hellsing know they were onto them, and thus only a little information was able to be retrieved, but it was better than nothing.
“Ah, yes. As I am aware, this vampire has been serving the Hellsing family for generations, and served in World War II against the Nazis. Quite fascinating how the world changes after 100 years…” Dio mused aloud. “I am told that his name is… Alucard.”
With his musings, a thought came to Ice. He wasn’t sure if it was of importance to his master, but it was better to speak up than remain silent. “My Lord… you said that this ‘Alucard’ has served the Hellsing family for generations, correct? Do you… Is it possible that this vampire may be…“ Vanilla Ice trailed off.
“All I have are suspicions, but it’s not out of the question.” Dio replied, a look of resolve and perhaps a tinge of excitement crossing his face. “If indeed he is who I suspect, then our battle may prove to be even more fruitful than I had imagined.” Clenching his fist, Dio smirked into the looming darkness as the flame on his candle flickered. “Let us make the preparations to welcome our guest…”
The small flame going out entirely, Dio spoke one last time. “After all, it’s not every day one gets to face the king of all vampires…”
(Cue Wandering Ghosts – Castlevania: Symphony of the Night)
The crisp night breeze tugged at Alucard’s red cloak as he wandered the streets of El Cairo. In search of the vampire lord Dio Brando, he had been dispatched by Hellsing, with aid from the Speedwagon Foundation, and currently found himself searching the modern labyrinth that was the city streets.
As for the people themselves, there were not many out. Quite unusual for the bustling night life of Cairo, but Alucard had assumed that word had been spread by the Speedwagon Foundation for the citizens to remain in their homes, or leave town if possible. With only the light provided from the various street lamps and the stars above to guide his way, the dark enforcer of Hellsing enjoyed his enthusiastic walk through the city as he grew ever closer to Dio’s lair.
With no other way to tell but his supernatural instincts and the bird he could sense flying above him, Alucard knew he was growing closer. The falcon’s keen eye had been locked on him for the better part of the last half-hour, and he could tell that it was one of Dio’s minions. Slinking into the doorway of a nearby building, Alucard disappeared into the darkness and out of Pet Shop’s sight.
The scarved falcon no longer to spot the vampire he’d been trailing, he perched upon the ledge of a building nearby to the one Alucard was currently stationed in. Even with his excellent eyesight, the vampire was invisible, and he would have to make his approach. Cautiously taking back to the skies, the Falconidae circled the building from the air, peering in through the many windows the structure sported. Based on its interior, it appeared to be a warehouse of sorts.
With no choice but to enter, Pet Shop swooped in through the only open window he could spot, hoping to stay mobile in case he needed to make a quick escape. Though this choice would prove to be his undoing. Flying directly into the path of the aforementioned crimson-cloaked man’s gun, one quick pull of the Casull’s trigger was enough to quite literally clip the wings of Dio’s loyal falcon.
The round flying at Pet Shop with unbelievable speed, the falcon was unable to evade the shot in time, much less register it in the first place. His wings blown apart as the exposed bone and sinew bled profusely, Pet Shop squawked in agony at the sharp and sudden attack. Unceremoniously crashing to the ground, Pet Shop’s body splattered with blood onto the cold cement, looking up with fear at the devilish man before him, body entirely covered in shadow apart from a pair of orange glasses and rows of sharp, gleaming teeth.
Picking up the falcon with a pristine glove now stained red with the animal’s blood, Alucard looked at the bird with disdain. “You can give my regards to your master in Hell” the Hellsing enforcer spoke, tightening his grip on Pet Shop’s torso. Squawking and scratching at the vampire as he felt his body be crushed, Pet Shop’s ribs were the first to go, forcing the bird to violently cough up blood as Hellsing’s trump card looked on with sadistic glee. His chest caving in under the pressure placed upon it, Pet Shop’s final moments were filled with agony as his organs were ruptured and a final pained cry broke from his beak.
The light leaving the falcon’s eyes, Alucard dropped the bird back onto the cement as his body fell with a sickening squelch sound. Removing the blood from his glove with a grunt, Alucard looked up at the stone ceiling of the building as he began to rise slowly, phasing through the solid ground as he landed on top of the warehouse roof, gazing out toward the starlit Cairo skyline; the perfect setting for a battle between vampires.
“How beautiful… Nights like this make me want to have a bite to drink” Alucard said to himself, chuckling lightly at his humour. Licking his lips in anticipation of the taste of Dio’s blood, Alucard closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing his instincts to take over. “I couldn’t imagine a more perfect evening…” Opening his eyes with a ruby glint, Alucard took off, leaping into the air as he floated through the air, gliding across Cairo in search of the strongest supernatural sense he could locate.
Though his search took a fair few minutes, Alucard eventually came to land in front of an extravagant three-story mansion made of terracotta in one of the older districts of Cairo. The main building itself was surrounded by a wall and an extensive garden which included numerous palm trees and other exotic plants, with four towers on each corner of the rectangular main building, giving it a sense of regality. The front gate itself lead to a gorgeous garden within the premises, with a curved path guiding visitors to the front entrance.
Willing the front gate to open with his telekinesis, Alucard took a step forward, officially entering onto Dio’s property. With no gatekeeper to prevent his entry, Alucard strode forth, following the path which led to the front entrance, but without enough care for opening the door, Alucard simply walked through it, stepping into Dio’s mansion. The first thing Alucard noticed was the dark lightning, which was to be expected, but the interior looked far more derelict than he would’ve expected. The outside looked old, but certainly not poorly maintained.
Continuing on, Alucard wandered the dimly-lit hallways of Dio’s manor, ascending rows of stairs and meandering through seemingly endless corridors. The floor was paved with rows of cool tiles, stretching out as far as the eye could see. Searching through the never-ending maze for what seemed like an eternity, Alucard grew impatient, but more than that, he felt that something was awry. Closing his eyes and re-opening them, the Hellsing family vampire noticed that he’d scarcely moved an inch since he first arrived. No layers of staircases nor hallways in sight apart from one at the end of the room. Raising the Jackal to his side, Alucard aimed it at a particularly sturdy pillar before pulling the trigger.
While one would expect the sound of a bullet hitting stone, Alucard knew what lay in place of the false pillar. The bullet making a clean shot all the way through the illusionist who aimed to trap him there, the man’s body fell limp and lifeless onto the ground with a splat. Blood pooling from the gaping hole in his head, Alucard moved on without a word, the servant of Dio dispatched without any issue. And so far, there had been no real trouble.
Ascending the stairway to the second floor, the immediate change was as clear as day. No more was the decrepit entranceway, instead, Dio’s mansion took on the appearance of a luxurious manor, with many elegant paintings and statues littering the hallways, along with lush furniture which Alucard didn’t doubt would have felt amazing to sit in. He was here on business, but who’s to say you can’t have a bit of pleasure as well?
Smirking to himself, Alucard ran along the hallway, tilting each painting as he went for no other reason than for his own amusement. The light tapping of feet on stone echoed around the room as he went, each piece of artwork now off-centre. Reaching a balcony, Alucard stepped out onto the ledge, protected from falling off by a sturdy railing. Gazing out at the Cairo skyline, the view from this place was absolutely sublime, and with the calming breeze he got from this angle, Alucard truly did appreciate this place, and could easily see why Dio chose to set up base here. With an uninhibited view of the sky, along with far less light pollution like in most modern cities, the stars above were in full view of the manor inhabitants. It really was just a gorgeous sight…
Tearing himself away from the balcony, Alucard turned back to the hallway, proud of his achievement and content with his relaxed pondering. Seeking out the next flight of stairs, Alucard continued on his path, but began to notice the faint scent of mist clouding around the stairs. He was getting closer. Looking up from the bottom of the stairs, the purple mist seemed to drift down from the top layer, descending to the stairs below. His eyes trailing upward, Alucard broke out into a smirk.
There stood a man unlike anything he had ever seen. Clad in a yellow jacket and pants, with a tight, form-fitting shirt upon his physique, his knees were protected by two green heart-shaped guards, and his belt featured a similar green heart. A red cape draped around his neck, Alucard’s attention was drawn to this figure immediately. Golden hair swayed in the slight wind that entered the manor from the balcony. Magnificent hair matched only by his amber eyes, the man wore two golden earrings, with a set of three tiny dot birthmarks just above the lobe and an emerald heart circlet.
Tied together by a self-assured smirk, this was Dio Brando in his full glory. Standing atop the staircase, he looked down upon his fellow vampire, and though he was sure the Hellsing enforcer was itching for a fight, he was certainly not a bad host. Formalities were in order. “Welcome, Alucard” Dio spoke in his hypnotic voice. The velvety tones of which would be alluring to any normal man, but Alucard was no mere man. “I trust you had a pleasant welcome?”
“So we finally meet, Dio” Alucard stated, taking off his crimson hat and holding it to his chest. Returning the item of clothing to its proper place on his head, the vampire continued. “I must say, I was expecting a bit more of a welcome. For one such as yourself, I’d have thought legions of zombies at the front door may have been what you went with. Though the subtle approach can work just as nicely.”
“My sincerest apologies” Dio said condescendingly. “Your arrival was very short-notice, and I scarcely had the time to prepare. Though I hope meeting with the host himself may allay your worries of my hospitality.” A smirk appearing on Alucard’s face to match, the wild glint in his crimson eyes betrayed his eagerness for battle, though he was more than happy to continue their banter so far.
“I must say, I’ve been dying for a bite to eat” Alucard responded snarkily. “I do hope you’ll be able to provide me with a suitable meal.” A glimmering fang breaking through the skin of Alucard’s lip, Dio could see just how keen the hunter was for combat. Blood drawn from the self-inflicted wound, the crimson liquid was just as quickly re-absorbed into Alucard’s body, but the wild glint in his eyes never faded.
The red-cloaked man reaching from within his coat and withdrawing two large handguns, one silver and the other black, he aimed both the Casull and Jackal at the mansion owner, but Dio simply chuckled and began to clap slowly. “Of course.” Dio coolly replied. “Though, before the feast begins, I wish to offer you something…” Raising the pointer finger on his right hand, Dio continued. “I shall give you a chance.”
At this, Alucard raised an eyebrow. He didn’t care for whatever Dio was offering, but the time for battle would come soon enough all the same. “Go down two steps, and I shall let you join me.” The smoke from behind Dio began to flow faster, yet Alucard’s gaze was locked on the gold-clad vampire. “But if you’d rather die, then climb those stairs.” His offer extended to the fellow vampire, Dio was assured of what answer he’d receive, but nevertheless, this banter amused him.
“I have seen what monsters like you are capable of, Dio Brando.” Immediately, this raised a bit of concern within the British vampire. There should be none alive with the knowledge of his last name; the name he’d left at the bottom of the ocean. The name of that damned bastard... It wasn’t enough to worry him greatly, but caution was something he’d be sure to exercise. “But more than that, I know what you are, and what you’ve done.” Alucard responded darkly to the immortal vampire, but it didn’t deter Dio in the slightest.
“Oh?” Dio raised an eyebrow. “And just what do you think you know about me?” the shade-cloaked lord questioned menacingly.
“Enough to understand the depths of your depravity, monster.” Alucard spat back, the ruby hatred in his eyes gleaming. “Parading around England after throwing away your humanity, but the only thing you gained from the act was defeat. You were brought down by humans; the very species you sought to surpass, yet trading away your humanity made you far less than they ever could be.” The very notion of his inherent inferiority which that Hellsing dog suggested lit a vehement flame within Dio.
“But you have seen humanity’s depravity yourself, have you not?” Dio replied calmly. “How they will fight and kill each other over petty disagreements. The countless wars started for inane reasons, the conflicts which could be easily avoided, if not for their undeserved pride and hubris.” Holding a hand out, Dio smirked into the looming darkness which surrounded Alucard.
“My defeat was at the hands of a truly noble warrior. A man with peerless kindness who fought out of true benevolence. He was the only person that I, Dio, respect, and was the pinnacle of what humanity could be.” Dio’s outstretched hand contracted into a tightly-held fist as he continued. “But I have surpassed humanity, and I know you have too… I can sense the stench of corpses that follows you, vampire…”
At this statement, the man in red began to chuckle... And then he began to howl in laughter. Dio glared inquisitively at him, and called once more, "Just what do find so humorous? Or are you simply a mad old fool?" The ice in his tone denoting the thinning patience with his vampiric foe, Dio would not have to wait long for a response.
"You're quite the arrogant one, aren't you?" Alucard questioned. Dio rose an eyebrow in surprise at the opposing vampire’s own arrogance in speaking down to him, but before he could reply, the red man continued. "I have seen humanity struggle time and time again against the beasts lurking in the darkness... I have seen them grow, and rise to the occasion. To fight against overwhelming odds and foes they are so inferior to... And yet they are victorious.” Glaring disapproving at Dio, Alucard continued in a cold, dead tone. “Humanity is not something to be surpassed… and to disregard such abilities, the determination of men… you are the fool, Dio."
The immortal Joestar nemesis smirked with withheld anger, holding his composure for long enough to relay his next sentence to the crimson hunter glaring up at him with excited eyes. “Is that so?” Dio spoke. “Then climb those stairs…” But Alucard had other ideas. His guns still pointed unflinchingly at Dio, Alucard inched his fingers over the triggers. Reflexively, there was a disturbance in the air behind Dio, not that Alucard could sense it.
“Now… pray to God that your sins may be forgiven…” Alucard said with murderous intent, the imminent danger rousing the protective spirit within Dio’s soul. “But I must warn you..” the spirit at Dio’s side began to take physical form as a yellow humanoid being with green heart belts at its knees and waist. With a golden helmet upon its head, powerful chest and extraordinarily strong extremities, the being stood by its master, prepared to protect him from any danger. This was Dio’s Stand; The World. “He won’t be listening…”
FIGHT!
(Cue Demitri Theme Remix – Darkstalkers Resurrection)
Pulling his fingers mercilessly on the triggers of his handguns, Alucard shot a barrage of bullets directly at Dio from his spot on the stairs, not caring enough to move any further than necessary. The large rounds flying at the vampire with immense speed, Dio held his smug composure as he glared haughtily down at Alucard, unmoving. His smirk holding throughout the entire volley, Dio seemed all too confident for one in his situation, but for a being like Dio, this was nothing.
Just as the bullets were about to hit the vampire, they suddenly moved out of the way, much to Alucard’s surprise. Each and every one of them missing as though not daring to touch the vampiric lord, Dio remained unscathed, and just as confident. Letting loose another flurry of shots to affirm what had happened, once more the projectiles found their way around Dio, missing him entirely.
Grumbling in equal parts annoyance and confusion, Alucard lunged up at Dio, bounding up the ornate staircase with practised precision. But the second that his foot touched the hard stair, Alucard leapt up, only to find himself back down two steps from where he was earlier. But he was sure that he’d jumped up at Dio. “I see, Alucard…” Dio spoke in his velvety voice, chuckling lightly.
“You’ve gone down the stairs, which means you wish to join me, Dio.” Sure enough, Alucard searched the area surrounding him, and he was indeed two steps down from where he’d been standing only seconds prior. Launching a single bullet from the Jackal at Dio as he took a step up the stairs, Alucard continued to prod Dio for what abilities he may have, and what limits this strange barrier of his may have. Just as he took his second step and the round was nearly upon Dio’s body, both previous effects occurred once more. He’d returned to two steps down, and the bullet hadn’t phased his foe.
Visibly, this annoyed Alucard, and Dio immediately picked up on it. “What’s the matter? You’re losing your composure, Alucard.” Wasting no time in loading his gun with more ammunition, the Hellsing enforcer ignored his fellow vampire’s comments as he made doubly sure that his aim was on-point with the Jackal and Casull. Firing once more, Alucard let the spray of metal rip through the air, though it never connected with its intended target thanks to the unseen assistance of Dio’s Stand; The World.
Peering down at Alucard with a cocky gaze, Dio continued. “Doesn’t one lose his composure when he is afraid?” More and more bullets flew at him, almost as if to prove his point. “Or is it that in your heart, you know you must climb up, but you’re so terrified that your body subconsciously did the opposite and went down?” Knowing full well that he’d gone up the stairs, Alucard could tell that he was being played for a fool. Growing tired of the vampire’s games, Alucard verbally shot back at Dio of his own accord.
“I have nothing to fear from a monster who sold his humanity” a darting tongue gracing Alucard’s lips, the scent of Dio’s blood fresh under the surface of his skin was all but calling out to Alucard, temping him to just take it. “You, on the other hand…” With his telekinesis, Alucard called the fallen bullets from behind Dio to rise up. Levitating behind the Joestar nemesis, they rushed forward all at once, seeking to fulfill their original mission in bringing down the vampire. “Should be very afraid.”
Knowing that Dio would likely be able to deflect those ones too, Alucard rushed at Dio with a jumping strike, planning to overwhelming him from both sides. What Alucard didn’t account for was Dio appearing behind him mid-air, vanishing from his previous position in an instant. “Very well then.” Dio spoke ominously. “Have it your way…”
Backhanding the Hellsing enforcer, Dio launched Alucard up the flight of stairs onto the top floor as the bullets he’d recalled struck his own body while Dio remained yet untouched. Sent sprawling across the ground, Alucard shoved his palm against the ground to set himself upright as Dio ascended the stairs to meet his guest. Seeing Dio approach, Alucard once more drew his firearms upon the vampire, but Dio had already lunged forth, burying his fist within Alucard’s torso as the red-cloaked man was blown back toward the end wall.
Blood splattering against the hard stone, Dio looked at his foe with a twinge of disappointment. “I had expected more from you, Alucard.” He said, approaching Hellsing’s trump card. Raising his right hand aloft, the cloaked man raised his own arm to match Dio, this time holding a jet black pistol directly at the vampire’s eyes. Realising the imminent danger, Dio slashed his left arm across Alucard’s forearm, ripping his entire hand from him as the Jackal fell to the ground with a clatter.
Jumping back to survey the situation, Dio casually sunk his fingers into the portion of Alucard’s arm he’d ripped off, drinking the blood from it directly before discarding it to a corner of the room. Alucard himself only sported the same manic grin, a dark crimson swirl gathering around his right arm as it reached down to the floor and retrieved the Jackal before reforming into the appendage it usually was. “Don’t get cocky now” Alucard taunted. “I’m still famished, and you promised me a feast. So far, I’ve got none of that.”
His nightmarish maw opening wide, Alucard snapped his vicious teeth together. “And I fully intend on savouring every drop you have to offer!” he exclaimed, firing shots straight at Dio. Due to the wider space of the area, Dio could evade any which way he wished, and simply twisted his body subtly to avoid the projectiles. Continuing to walk forward, Dio moved out of the way of each round as Alucard returned the gesture, pacing toward Dio as he kept firing.
“Then by all means, take a bite.” Dio responded condescendingly, rushing toward the elder vampire. Sharpened fingers tearing through his shoulder before he could properly recognise what had happened, Alucard turned around to catch Dio, but the vampire had already vanished. Twisting around, Alucard could not spot the Joestar nemesis, but this would not last long, as he felt his body cleave in two straight down the middle as Dio dropped down from the ceiling, slicing the vampire apart.
Blood, bone and sinew all were cut cleanly in twain, a fountain of crimson liquid spewing from the middle of Alucard’s body as Dio’s sharp claws sliced from his head to the floor before immediately jumping back. But as the gored vampire was about to fall dead on the floor, his blood began to rush back into his body, as the two halves pulled themselves upright, coming back together with a swirl of dark energy. His brain, lungs and other organs repairing themselves with a swirl of dark energy, within moments, Alucard was back to perfect condition. His ability to regenerate was as equally fascinating as it was irritating.
Seeing Alucard beginning to aim his guns at him again, Dio called forth the power of his Stand with a self-assured smirk. “The World!” Dio cried, throwing his hands into the air as his Stand performed an ability which none could counter. The most powerful ability that Stand users could wield. The ability to govern the very world itself. To stop time.
The world around Dio growing still and motionless, everything in Dio’s world was completely frozen, and at his mercy. For only God could command such a world, and none could invade Dio’s world of stopped time. Approaching Alucard, Dio was acutely aware of his current limits in regards to the time stop, but even with his five second limit, it would be more than enough time to deal with his opponent.
Pointing a displeased finger forward, The World followed the command of its master, striking forth with a blow strong enough to rend Alucard’s body into scraps. But considering his unnatural ability to heal, even by vampiric standards, Dio needed to test what did and did not work first. Aiming The World’s punch solely at Alucard’s skull, the Ultimate Vampire’s head was blown to bloody bits, chunks of flesh, brain matter and fragmented bone flying off before falling under the effects of the time stop and freezing once more.
Approaching the soon-to-be corpse, Dio stuck his hand directly into Alucard’s chest, his fingers draining Hellsing’s pet vampire of his blood. As he drank, Dio could feel himself begin to grow stronger by the second, draining far more blood from Alucard’s body than was contained in a regular person. Like an untapped reservoir of blood, Alucard’s body didn’t begin to wither as all of Dio’s other victims had, and this perplexed Dio. Still, he wasn’t going to turn away an opportunity like this!
Regretfully, Dio could feel his control over the time stop beginning to slip, and that time’s flow would return to normal soon. Thus, Dio withdrew his claws, returning to his original position as though nothing had happened. As the hands of time began to tick forward once more, Dio calmly observed his adversary, content which what he had been able to gauge of Alucard within the time he could. Movement once more returning to the world, Alucard’s head splattered outward, leaving a trail of gore along from his body to the wall as what was left of his skull cracked against the harsh stone.
Rivers of maroon liquid running fast from his neck, Alucard fell backward, a decisive and fatal blow dealt to the Ultimate Vampire. All was going according to Dio’s plan. That was, until he heard the familiar click of those wretched handguns firing their deceptively powerful rounds. The World catching all of the ammunition before it could reach Dio, they were all flung back at Alucard, ripping through his still-slumped body, as the golden vampire looked on curiously. It appeared this vampire still held many surprises up his sleeves.
Alucard’s presumed deceased body straightening up and returning to a standing position, the immortal vampire sported an infuriatingly cocky smirk aimed right at Dio as he licked the blood off his lips. Bullet wounds closing as the blood covering the floor rushed back into Alucard, Dio truly was intrigued by this vampire. It was evident he possessed healing beyond that of the vampires Dio had seen. “How curious…” he noted, specifically taking into account the regeneration of his head and large amounts of blood contained within him. “Your ability to heal is impressive, vampire…” Dio spoke. “Let’s see just how much you can take.”
“Ooh, feisty!” Alucard retorted tauntingly. “But can you back it up?” Taking off his orange tinted glasses which now sported several cracks along the surface, Alucard crushed them in his hand and threw them across the ground, no longer needing something broken. He’d be able to get new ones from Integra later on anyway. Similarly, he removed his hat and flung it aside – it would only impede his vision anyway, and Dio Brando was an opponent to take seriously.
Internally, Alucard was deep in thought. Not only was this vampire able to evade most of his shots without trouble, but he also appeared to able to move instantaneously. Alucard was no fool. He felt his head get smashed by some physical force, but he couldn’t see it. One second he was staring down Dio, and the next his head was splattered over the wall. Along with his overwhelming strength and speed, Alucard could tell that he would be a foe like no other.
Holding an arm outward and pointing his pointer and middle fingers upward, the stone beneath Dio’s feet began to rise upward, forcing the vampire to jump backward. More and more parts of the crumbling floor joining it, a sizeable hole in the flooring of Dio’s mansion had been formed. Swinging his finger in a circular motion, the floating stone slabs began to circle and enclose themselves around Dio, hovering all around him and poised to strike. But Dio simply remained calm and called out to Alucard in a chilling tone; “Useless.”
In an instant, all of the blocks had been reduced to specks of fine dust floating in the air. Shattered bits of stone and dust fell to the ground as another use of Dio’s curious ability was no doubt displayed. Concentrating his telekinesis on Dio’s head specifically, the Joestar nemesis could feel a physical force pulling on his cranium, tugging him forward. Another hearty mental shove was enough to send him tumbling forward, throwing off his centre of gravity and making him fall head-first onto the second floor, although a different area from which Alucard had seen.
Peering over the hole in the floor, Alucard could not see Dio, but it hardly mattered. He could sense the vampire down there. Twirling his guns, Alucard strolled up to the dark pit and jumped down without an ounce of hesitation, firearms held at the ready.
(Cue Cavern – Metal Gear Solid)
His landing welcomed by the thud of his boots hitting stone, Alucard looked around as he saw the pitch-black hallway in front of him. The soft glow of the moon’s light filtered down into the corridor Alucard had dropped them both into, but it didn’t extend far, meaning that he’d be using his vampiric senses for locating Dio, should he not appear. His ruby eyes glowing dimly in the darkness, Alucard closed them, focusing himself before opening them again, a mental image of a third eyeball appearing on his forehead. Alucard’s Third Eye.
With it, the permeating darkness wasn’t quite so overwhelming. He could sense everything in the room, although it was still covered under a veil of shadow. Walking forward, Alucard scanned the hall in front of him as it seemed to draw on forever. Though within the looming darkness, Alucard heard the unmistakable sound of a creaking floorboard, no doubt due to the manor’s owner. Following the sound, Alucard kept his Third Eye active, searching for any kind of illusion that might be played on him, but none had been found yet.
Sensing something behind him, Alucard quickly whipped his head around, peering into the hallway from where he’d entered. Nothing. Turning around, Alucard’s head was knocked with a powerful strike before he could even register it. Once more seeing his adversary, Alucard slashed at Dio, only to find him suddenly out of reach. Quickly aiming at Dio with the Casull, Alucard fired off three preliminary shots, testing the limits of his manoeuvrability in a more confined space. Just as he did before though, Dio simply moved out of the way of his bullets.
Keeping his eyes focused on Dio, Alucard noticed a door to Dio’s left begin to open, and come right off its hinges. Flying toward Alucard, the vampire hunter simply jumped onto the door in mid-air and used it as a makeshift shield as he shot through it at Dio. …Only to fall flat onto the ground a moment later. The Joestar nemesis cloaked entirely in shadow, he began to chuckle ominously as the sound reverberated around the room. The floorboards creaked beneath his feet as he trudged toward Hellsing’s trump card, body slightly swaying as though he had no care at all.
Pushing himself to his feet, Alucard spun the Casull before holding it outward and pulling the trigger as the sound of gunshots filled the hall. One headed directly for Dio, the vampire was off to the side before it could touch him. Another nearly reaching him, it too failed to make contact as Dio was once more in a different position. The sequence repeated itself twice more as Dio continued to walk toward Alucard unscathed.
Biting his lip in annoyance, Alucard’s fangs tore through the skin of his lip, drawing fresh blood, and with it, came a new idea. Twirling his guns stylishly and holding them both to the sides and not at Dio directly, Alucard rapidly pulled the trigger, a barrage of bullets bouncing off the walls of the room, all headed toward Dio in an uneven pattern. Dio had to concede that this ‘Alucard’ was nothing if not crafty.
His rebounding bullets hitting the walls and bouncing toward Dio, the Stone Mask vampire dodged the first shot, shifting to the side as it flew past him. Jumping over the next and ducking under the third, it was clear that Dio was playing with Alucard – stringing him along for his own amusement. Ending part of this game the two found themselves in, Dio raised his hand and pointed at Alucard commandingly. For a second, Alucard was dumbfounded as to why.
This confusion was quickly alleviated as he felt a fist strike his body hard enough to send him flying back against the furthest wall of the corridor and crush his torso into paste. Harsh stone cratering and windows cracking upon his impact, now Alucard knew that there was more than there seemed to Dio Brando. His chest reforming as each torn muscle stretched to meet with its lost part, every bit of flesh slid back into place, and the splattered blood returned to his body, Alucard could vaguely sense something else near Dio. Like a protective aura surrounding him, the vampire just seemed off, and now Alucard knew why.
“So… this is what you’ve been hiding, Dio!” Alucard exclaimed, feeling a rush of adrenaline flow through him. “Some sort of invisible familiar, eh?” Eyes glinting with murderous intent, Alucard smiled dementedly at the vampire. “What’s the matter? Not strong enough to fight me on your own?” he taunted, drawing his guns on Dio once more.
Flicking his gaze between The World and Alucard, the Hellsing vampire’s arms were sliced through at the elbows in an instant, as though no time had passed. “Naïve fool. I command no simple familiar. This is my Stand, The World! With it, I wield control over all life. Including you!" Hellsing’s pet vampire simply responded with another volley of shots, all blocked as The World stood in front of its master, the bullets all hitting his body and falling to the ground harmlessly. It appeared that Alucard could neither see, nor hurt The World, but he could sense it.
It was an unexpected revelation, but not one which would hinder his plans. “And just what do you stand to gain from telling me such a thing?” Alucard questioned, not letting up with the hail of bullets, mixing up his angle to try and strike Dio, though all were blocked by The World. The more information he could gain about Dio, the better. And it’s not like Dio would be able to defeat him anyway. He was just a simple monster who’d sold his humanity.
“Hmph. It’s not about what I have to gain, but rather that I see no harm in telling a man who is on death’s door” Dio retorted, catching one of Alucard’s bullets with The World before commanding the Stand to flick it back at the Hellsing family’s vampire. The bullet piercing his brain with the exceptional speed at which it was fired and the blessed silver sending a wave of fresh agony across Alucard’s body, the hunter slumped on the ground in pain as Dio simply whistled contentedly. “Now get up. I know that wasn’t enough to kill you.”
“You cheeky di-“ Alucard was about to retort, before having his head once more smashed in by The World’s fist. Another strike rendering Alucard split into two, The World grabbed the remains of his body and threw him through the nearby hole in the ceiling, impacting against the top roof on the above floor with a sickening thud reminiscent of bones crunching and breaking under the strain.
Using his levitation to stick himself to the ceiling, Alucard stared down at the hole from which he’d been thrown, seeing his yellow-coated adversary rising slowly, still sporting an irritating smirk on his face. Growling, Alucard unleashed a storm of bullets around Dio, none impacting him directly, but all breaking apart the ground around him. Alucard was no fool. He knew that ‘Stand’ of his could deflect his attacks, so he had to get a bit more inventive.
Similarly, Dio knew that Alucard had to be planning something. To keep trying something and expect a different result was the definition of insanity, and while he did seem rather unhinged, it was clear that skill lied behind that nonchalant façade. Lesser men would have fallen to him already, and it was clear that many have, but Dio was no lesser man. Nor a man at all. He was God. And it was time to exact some divine punishment.
Reaching up with The World, Dio wrapped the Stand’s hand around Alucard’s ankle, pulling him down to the ground below. Sheathing his guns, Alucard tried to slash at the invisible hand on his ankle with sharpened fingers, but he couldn’t touch a thing. Cutting his losses, Alucard slashed at his own leg, severing it entirely and freeing himself from Dio’s grasp. Landing squarely on the ground and immediately transitioning into a roll, Alucard’s severed leg quickly rushed back to him, fashioning itself back onto his body with a bloody flourish.
“Come on, Dio” Alucard said, standing up. “We’ve done this song and dance before. Surely you should know by now that it’s all useless… Only a man can kill a monster such as myself. And you are no man.” The long barrel of the Jackal aimed right at Dio’s temple, the golden vampire could smell the smell of smoke thanks to the rounds recently fired. Not a pleasant scent, but one which further drove in the seriousness of the situation, as Alucard was about to pull the trigger before he heard the sound of a voice coming from behind him.
“You’re right, Alucard…” Dio spoke, now standing directly behind the vampiric enforcer, as if no time had elapsed. “I, DIO, am no man... I have transcended the shackles of humanity long ago. Now, I, DIO, AM A GOD!” Twisting around to fire at Dio who had somehow escaped his vision, Alucard found nothing but stone as he stared at a blank wall. From behind him once more, Dio chuckled and reeled back his fist, assisted by The World, slamming it forward and smashing Alucard straight through the stone wall of his mansion. Parts of rock crumbling as Alucard was sent flying through, a giant cloud of dust covered both Dio and Alucard from view, allowing neither to get a good read on the other as the distance grew larger and larger.
With a snap of his fingers, Dio’s Stand did as it was wordlessly commanded, and just as instantaneously, Dio appeared on the roof of his mansion. Standing proud with his arms crossed as his cape billowed in the wind, Dio gazed down upon the rest of Cairo from his position on high. The streets, the city, the people; but not just Cairo. Dio saw the whole world, and he stood above it all. The light of the moon shining brilliantly as if to accentuate the even more radiant brilliance of Dio himself, the vampire was able to spot Hellsing’s Ultimate Weapon as he fell to the Cairo streets. Smirking, Dio’s golden hair blew gently in the wind as he gazed down upon the world soon to be in his hands and stylishly threw off his cape before vanishing from sight.
As his glided through the crisp night air, Alucard looked back to try and spot Dio through the cloud of dust, but could see nothing. His senses could not be fooled, however, and he knew that Dio resided within the mansion still. Regardless, he was still falling, and Dio wasn’t nearby, so finding a place to land and continue combat was more important. Activating his ability to levitate, Alucard floated down toward central Cairo slowly, finding a tall building with a flat roof – plenty of room for him to land on. Descending with a thud, Alucard braced himself as he landed on the cold stone of the roof.
Dio was not nearby, but it would be foolish to think he’d just let him escape alive. And it was clear that just using his guns wouldn’t work, so getting up-close would give him a higher chance of success. He couldn’t do that, however, due to that watchful ‘Stand’ of his. No matter what it was, the invisible spirit was protective, and fast to boot. He’d need to either distract the both of them, or trick them long enough to land a fatal blow. Sucking his blood would also work, but it took time, and he’d be blown back if he got too close.
Deciding on what action to take, Alucard closed his eyes as he exhaled deeply into the night. Not long after, a light fog began to roll into the town. Not enough to obscure vision yet, but with enough time, it would provide Alucard the perfect cover. It was all about strategy and playing the long game. He couldn’t afford to underestimate a foe like Dio. And speak of the devil…
Twisting around, Alucard met Dio’s disapproving gaze as the vampire materialised on top of the room alongside him. “You may run if you like, Alucard” Dio offered contemptuously. “You will not be able to escape me as long as the wheel of fate turns, but perhaps you may provide your God with some entertainment.” Chuckling darkly, Dio awaited Alucard’s response, seeing no reason to pre-emptively strike and put himself in harm’s way. But the only thing Alucard did was match Dio’s own laughter with his own, with a demented smile to cap it all off.
“No man or monster could hope to be God himself. You’re mad…” Alucard spat, aiming his guns at Dio. The World punching Alucard’s arms downward, the Original Vampire shot his bullets at the ground, only for them to bounce off and strike Dio in his legs, painfully tearing through vampiric flesh and bone. Growling in pain at his wound, and his own carelessness as Dio buckled to his knees, the gold-clad vampire kept his gaze locked on Alucard, whose grin only continued to grow. "But I do love such madness. It simply means that there are more fools like you in the world to entertain me!"
(Cue Psychosocial – Slipknot)
Lifting Dio’s chin up with the Casull, Alucard aimed right up at him with the Jackal, a perfect shot now in his reach. Seeing Alucard go to pull the trigger, Dio commanded The World to freeze time once more, and so it did. Everything around Dio slowing to a halt and stopping entirely, Alucard’s finger was curled around the trigger of his gun, but he hadn’t yet fired it. Not that he could now anyway, but still.
Sinking his claws into Alucard’s legs out of retaliation, Dio drank like a dehydrated man in the desert, taking in as much blood from Alucard as he could. With it, he could feel his legs mend, allowing him to walk properly, and stand up straight. Standing back, Dio pointed at Alucard with The World, wordlessly commanding the Stand to pummel the vampire into nothingness.
Doing as it was told, the Stand lashed out with its fists, driving them into the Hellsing enforcer mercilessly, punching apart his torso to fine bits of blood and flesh. The same treatment was given to the rest of his body, ripping it apart under a heavy rain of blows from the Stand. His foe had been torn apart, but Dio wasn’t sure that even such a rush from The World would be enough to kill him. Not that he doubted The World’s strength, but rather that the limits of Alucard’s regeneration eluded him, and he could seemingly return from any inflicted wound.
Feeling time begin to flow once more, Dio stood atop the roof as the effects of The World’s barrage caught up with Alucard. Flying back suddenly, the Ultimate Vampire crashed harshly into the Cairo streets, dark maroon liquid pooling out from beneath him as the civilians nearby scrambled to get away. Hurried screaming matched only by the speed of their footsteps, the scene was abandoned within seconds. The perfect environment for their duel.
Pulling himself back together with a groan, Alucard looked up to see Dio standing not far away, just across the street. “I was being truthful before, Alucard” Dio spoke down to the Hellsing lapdog. Raising an accusing finger at the vampire, Dio continued, “You may run, but I assure you, you will not make it far.” At this, the Ultimate Vampire began to laugh the same irritating laugh as before. The sound grated Dio’s nerves. This fool clearly thought the situation to be amusing, despite the fact that he’d yet failed to land any meaningful damage on him, and was continually ripped apart. The sheer arrogance of this dog…
“You absolute bastard!” Alucard cried, laughing mirthfully. “If you think for a second that I’m just gonna run away from a fight like this, then you’re sorely mistaken!” Now arisen to his feet, Alucard drew the Casull and Jackal once more, spinning them once for effect before raising them into the air, angle with his head. Walking toward Dio, his crimson coat blew in the wind as Dio was surrounded by an invisible aura of power.
“Oh? You’re approaching me?” He cockily responded. “Instead of running away, you’re coming right to me?”
“Well now, I can’t beat the shit out of you without getting closer, can I?
“Oh ho! Then come as close as you’d like.” Dio began to walk forward slowly now as well, a devilish smirk gracing his features as the Ultimate Vampire approached.
Lowering his pistols from their raised position, Alucard pulled the trigger mercilessly, only to be met with a face full of lead as The World flung each and every bullet back to sender. Alucard, however, wasn’t deterred, and continued to walk forward, flesh ripped apart from the spray of gunfire, but healing at a decent pace.
Lunging forward, Alucard was met with the stinging sensation of a kick to his leg, tearing it apart at the knee, and forcing him to crumple as the bullets found their way out of his recovering body. “Too slow, too slow!” Dio taunted, fiercely uppercutting Alucard into the air with his own fist. “The World is the ultimate Stand!” Appearing above Alucard instantly, Dio smashed the vampire lord back down into the streets with his own fist, and smashing Alucard’s chest in with a mighty kick before he could hit the ground, sending him flying across the bitumen road.
“His power and speed far exceed your own!” Dio exclaimed as he suddenly struck Alucard from behind, cratering the road with his punch. Standing back to put safe distance between the two, Dio saw Alucard’s battered remains pull themselves together once more. “I had wanted to try a little test to compare just how much more powerful The World was, compared to your own strength. Though it appears a test was hardly necessary.” Dio spoke, leaning back against a nearby building, keeping a keen eye on Alucard’s body.
Staggering to his feet, Alucard weakly raised his pistols to Dio’s face, but the Joestar family foe caught them lazily, having to output little effort to do so. “For one so renowned, I must say…” The World smashed his fists down from Alucard’s head to his feet, splattering the vampire into a pool of shattered bone and rippled flesh, gushing out crimson fluid. “I expected more from you…”
But slowly, the sight of Alucard’s mangled body began to dissolve. Turning into a dark mist, the blood began to evaporate, bone and flesh disappearing into thin air, and red cloak vanishing into the light breeze. This sequence of events perplexed Dio. From what he could tell of Alucard, that should’ve been a recoverable wound, but he was gone. Had he… killed him? Not that Dio had any issue with putting the vampire down, in fact, he was quite glad, but it was a rather anti-climactic finish. He could’ve used a pawn like that…
However, all was not as it seemed. From the alleyway shadows behind Dio, a lone figure emerged, clad in dark red and with gleaming fangs. Silently creeping up behind Dio, the monstrous figure let out a barely audible groan as it lunged forward with its nightmarish maw open wide, ready to bite.
As if on instinct, Dio spun around just in time to see the object of his detestation manifest from nothingness. The World catching the reappeared Alucard’s jaws, it held them open wide, and kept pushing. While The World’s hands dug into Alucard’s mouth, the vampire was unable to get a feel for what was holding his jaws back. Something powerful, with hands similar to that of a human’s. But what was more concerning was the fact that while he could feel the force exerted against himself, he couldn’t feel his teeth sinking into anything. It was almost as though he couldn’t even touch this ‘Stand’ of Dio’s. Most curious indeed…
His jaw held open by The World’s hands, the Stand began to press back, reversing Alucard’s bite back at him. Instead of his mouth going down, Alucard could feel it start to open further and further. Biting down as hard as he could, Alucard couldn’t even delay the Stand’s might as with one final push Alucard’s jaw and mouth was ripped open, the skin of his mouth splitting open at the sides as his entire jaw was made visible – rows of sharp canines filling his gums.
Continuing with this, The World forced his jaws apart, nose and eyes breaking into pieces of bone and liquid jelly as the top jaw crushed his head in. His bottom jaw crushing his throat, both jaws eventually met at the other side of Alucard’s mangled head, The World smashing them together as Alucard writhed and gargled in indescribable agony. “Your cheap tricks will not work on me, mutt!” Dio roared as he smashed in the rest of Alucard’s body, painting the ground in a fresh coat of blood red liquid.
The bloodied remains of Alucard rushed up into the air as the Ultimate Vampire peered down at Dio from above before launching an all-out assault of bullets in his direction. Making a sweeping motion with his right hand above his head, The World soon followed, striking each of the bullets with his fists. All but one of them, in fact, which managed to get by The World’s grasp and struck Dio on the cheek, drawing a thing line of blood as it made its way to the pavement, where it remained.
Raising a singular hand to the cut, Dio held his fingers to it for a second as he felt the wound close up and disappear. But this mongrel had injured his face, even for a second, and despite his overall skill, the vampire had proven to be rather annoying to deal with. And Dio still hadn’t figured out a sure-fire method to put him down for good yet. Finding out what made him tick and the necessities required to permanently end his life would prove vital should he encounter another vampire like this one.
Surrounded by a golden aura of energy, Dio commanded his Stand to freeze time once more, and so it did, the world around them losing colour and fading into black and white. Dio’s world which no one could invade. It brought him a certain sense of peace, but as long as this pest continued to draw breath, he could not rest easy. Glancing to his left, Dio spotted a store which would perfectly accommodate his current needs. Shattering the glass with The World, Dio swiftly procured the store’s many, many items and smirked darkly to himself.
Ascending slowly off the ground, Dio took flight into the air, gliding through the sky as though it were second nature. Grabbing each of Alucard’s fired rounds, The World manoeuvred around to Alucard’s back where the vampire would be unable to see them coming, and shot each and every last one back with greater force than had originally been fired. But while Dio could not leave it at just that, his time was running out. He’d have to use them in the next interval.
Time’s wheel slowly beginning to turn once more, Dio positioned himself in a prime location to capitalise on his foe’s weakness once time resumed. The World’s fist covering his own, Dio immediately swung forward as time moved once more, smashing Alucard into the swarm of bullets as his back was torn apart, spraying blood down to the Cairo streets. Flung downward, Alucard used this momentum to soar away from Dio, but escape against such a superior foe was useless!
Taking flight after him, it was not long before Dio managed to catch up to Hellsing’s lethal enforcer. The wind flying through their hair as they soared above Cairo’s streets, Dio cried out loud enough for the opposing vampire to hear him. He would understand just how badly he was outclassed soon enough. “No matter where you run Alucard, it’s useless! You cannot escape destiny!” Throwing his arms out wide, Dio had almost closed the physical distance between them, but he needed not to get up close. “The World! Stop time!”
Flying up to level distance between the two, Dio stared down the frozen Alucard, who could not see back. In Dio’s world of frozen time, all bent to his whims, and soon would the entire world. But first…
Retrieving the procured items Dio had obtained, The World drew out the sharpened blades. Knives. Hundreds of them. “You know what they say. The first one always cuts the deepest!” Dio shouted into the frozen void, an exact fifty knives flying at Alucard with one throw from The World. “And that’s a lotta firsts.” Throwing two more sets of knives at Alucard for good measure, Dio perched himself upon a chimney as he allowed time to flow once more, pleased with his work.
Upon the resumption of time, Alucard’s vision was flooded with waves of steel knives headed straight toward him! He scarcely had time to think before his body was repeatedly stabbed head to toe with knives, piercing his body all over and showering crimson blood as far as the eye could see. Letting out a gargled grunt of pain due to the knives lodged in his throat, Alucard began to fall back to the ground as some of the knives dislodged themselves upon his fall. “And one more for the road!” Dio yelled, throwing one last knife deep into Alucard’s skull, digging into his very brain as the Ultimate Vampire descended to earth.
Crashing into the ground with another pained grunt, Alucard felt the knives digging themselves deeper into his body and quickly activated his intangibility, floating up to a standing position as all of the knives formerly stuck on his body fell to the ground, clattering on the harsh pavement. Cracking his neck, Alucard craned his body up to look around for Dio, only to be met with an invisible force smashing him back into the ground. The fist of Dio’s Stand; The World.
Dio himself landed with a thud, and shockwave of dust and debris being blown away by his landing. “Taking all those knives and crashing from that height would kill a normal man…” Dio mused aloud. “Ah, but Alucard, you are beyond the boundaries of normality, so I, DIO, must approach with caution.”
“Stop posturing, you inane bastard.” Alucard remarked, rolling his eyes at Dio’s self-centred display. Dio simply threw his fist forward, his fingers slashing through Alucard’s head. But like before, Alucard’s body dissolved into mist. But before Dio could turn around, a chilling feeling of dread began to make its way down his spine as he felt a warm fluid run down from his forehead to his nose. The resounding sound of a gunshot echoed throughout the street as Alucard pulled back the Jackal from the back of Dio’s head, having shot the vampire straight through the brain.
(Cue Team Galactic Boss Cyrus – Pokémon Platinum)
At the very least, Dio couldn’t tell the difference between illusions and reality until he made contact, so these moments of surprise were essential. The smoking gun reeled back, Alucard blew on the barrel as he looked disdainfully at Dio’s motionless body. The vampire in question didn’t move. He couldn’t. His once passionate eyes had glazed over, the signs of life within them now vanished. “Time to die, you shambling waste of human life.” Alucard spat hatefully, reaching for the trigger on the Casull to finish it off.
As Alucard pulled down the trigger to fire, the bullet began to slow, and eventually stop completely. For all but Dio and The World. Life coming back to his eyes, every movement caused Dio immense pain, but he couldn’t afford to dally. Jabbing his hands behind his back, Dio immediately dug his claws deep into Alucard’s flesh, seeking out his blood. With the near limitless reservoirs contained within the Ultimate Vampire’s body, Dio felt his head begin to repair. The holes through his head closing and brain matter reforming, his physical wounds were healed, and the agonising pounding of his head and body-wracking nausea slowed to a halt.
His body now returned to its previous condition, Dio breathed an audible sigh of relief as he twisted around, digging his hands into Alucard’s chest, wrist-deep. Even though he had recovered, the phantom pain of being shot through the brain mentally assaulted the golden invader as he winced. He’d need blood. Lots more blood. As it was now, his time stop had increased from the five seconds it once was, but it couldn’t be any more than six seconds at the current moment. That was better, but it could be extended to longer, and the sooner Jonathan’s body relinquished the rest of its control, he’d be able to move even longer within his world.
“Three seconds remain…” Dio noted, glancing around to survey the area for potential obstructions, weaknesses that could be exploited against him, or things he could utilise to fight off Alucard. All the while draining more and more blood, Dio had come to a feasible battle plan. His regeneration had to have limits, whatever that be, so it was only a matter of finding Alucard’s maximum and overtaxing it. Alternatively, he could drain all of his blood, and while it could potentially serve to further his connection with Jonathan’s body, if he absorbed too much blood, it could prove troublesome.
Sighing and running a hand through his flowing golden mane, Dio threw a singular punch with his own hand directly into Alucard’s face. He wanted him to suffer. His pain would be long, unending and torturous, at least, until he finally ended it all. Flying up to a nearby lamp post, Dio stood tall atop it, looking down at Alucard as time began to flow once more.
As the hands of time began to tick forward as usual, Alucard found himself blown back a bit, and missing quite a substantial amount of blood. No doubt Dio’s work, but Alucard had no idea how he accomplished it in the first place. “You may believe that you have managed to close the gap between us with your petty illusions.” Dio spoke sneeringly down to Alucard, who twisted up to shoot a round at Dio, but all he struck was thin air. “But allow me to teach you a lesson, you daft old fool.”
Standing atop a balcony railing, Dio gazed patronizingly down to Alucard, whose next shot missed its target once more. “The gap between an insect such as yourself and I, DIO, is as vast as the deepest oceans!” Dio hollered commandingly from his seat atop a car roof behind Alucard. The Hellsing hunter wouldn’t even get the time to launch a shot, as Dio appeared from behind him once more, throwing his arms out wide in preparation of Alucard turning around to face him. But as the Hellsing enforcer did so, he was frozen within Dio’s world of stopped time thanks to a cry of “THE WORLD!”
With his declaration announced, Dio drew back his right fist and bashed in Alucard's nose, shattering his skull and ripping apart his pale face into bloody pieces. Next, he followed up with a left hook, striking Alucard's head with enough force to snap the neck and twist it a full 180 degrees. The sickening crunch of bone acquiescing to his might. As this occurred, The World materialized next to Dio and, after cracking his knuckles and taking in a deep breath.... Dio and The World drove their fists into Alucard at speeds that light could only hope to match!
"MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!!!"
With each strike, Alucard’s body began to less resemble a vampire, and more a battered and broken pile of bloodied flesh, shattered bone fragments and exploding blood. Reeling back his fist for one last strike, Dio let time resume and roared “MUDA!!!”
Sending what remained of Alucard’s crippled body crashing through the Cairo streets, the Hellsing family pet vampire left a gory trail of carnage as he flew, soaking the road with his blood and various littered fragments of bone or what used to be organs. Harsh bitumen scraping against his body, Alucard was further torn apart and left in pieces along the street, ironically like the state in which Alucard himself often left his own enemies.
Taking flight, Dio appeared to Alucard within seconds, witnessing the pitiful vampire starting to pull his body back together, but with all the damage he’d suffered, it was taking a bit longer than usual. His body was mostly intact, but his face was still torn asunder. "Have you no more to offer to me, mutt?” Dio questioned sinisterly. “You went on and on about how only a man can kill a monster, but even you can see how your power pales when compared to my own!”
Alucard snarled in protest, but Dio was far from finished. “I had expected greater things from the ’Ultimate Vampire’, but it turns out you’re nothing more than a dog. A miserable, weak pet who bends to the whims of humans far beneath himself. Obeying your ‘master’s’ orders like a pathetic lapdog” Dio spat at Alucard, disgracing the vampire as he dug his heel into Alucard’s still regenerating face. “Tch. You disgust me.”
“All this power at your fingertips and you squander it! You could be so much more, and yet you willingly choose to submit to the weak and underserving masses like a filthy mongrel!” Stomping on Alucard’s face, Dio bashed the vampire’s head in with burning rage. “You are a disgrace, and I’m quite done with our little game…” Dio said, punctuating each word with an equally potent stomp. “So I’ll be sure to crush you into oblivion quickly, as your God no longer has need of you, filthy Hellsing dog…”
His body regenerating back to its normal state, Alucard wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. In fact, he laughed off the threat. Quite literally too, as he began to chuckle to himself. A chuckle which soon grew into a wicked laugh that echoed around the empty Cairo streets. The maniacal, demonic laugh was even unsettling enough to put Dio on edge. Not that he let it show. But he could feel chills slowly creeping down his spine…
"You... Called me that... Again..."
Alucard's voice rang out, barely over a whisper amid the night, but Dio heard it due to his enhanced hearing.
“You called me a mutt… A dog, subservient to humanity… I do have to wonder though, do you actually know just how right you were with that statement?!" Alucard shouted, catching Dio off-guard. “I am a dog, yes, but I serve men far greater than you could ever dream of being! Their lives are impermanent and fleeting, but despite that, they persevere against impossible odds and emerge victorious. They struggle, but they don’t give in and seek a pitiful escape like we did!”
Hearing the immortal’s monologue, Dio guffawed at the notion. “Escape?! You think that our transcendence is something to be pitied?!” Dio kicked the downed man once more, boot connecting with bone as he bashed in Alucard’s skull. “No mere man could ever hope to match us as we are! And yet you still praise them out of some sick sense of… what? Self-loathing?”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong, Dio. You said it yourself earlier. There was one man who was able to best you. A righteous and noble warrior.” His body slinking into the shadows as Dio was about to land another vicious stomp, Alucard’s voice started to ring out around the streets beginning to fill with the slowly rolling fog. “We stand where we do out of cowardice. Not strong enough to stand and face death like a man.”
“How hypocritical of you to lecture me about cowardice when you can’t even stand and face me.” Dio and The World were tense and uneasy. With the fog, visibility became harder and harder, not to mention the nigh-omnipresent voice that Dio couldn’t quite locate. “You hide away and deny your true nature! But you chose to walk the path of a monster. There’s no taking that back, Alucard.”
“You’re right…” Alucard conceded. “I am a monster… But I cannot, will not rest until the world is rid of monsters like you, Dio!” Suddenly, the fog around Dio began to darken, the gray light fading into a opaque black. “I said that it takes a man to kill a monster… but tonight… I’ll make an exception!” Alucard growled within the pitch-black fog, bringing up his hands and positioning them in a peculiar manner, not dissimilar to that of a movie director searching for the perfect angle. Thumbs and forefingers pointed out to make ‘L’ shapes in opposing directions, Alucard once more began to speak as the insignia on his gloves began to glow a demonic crimson.
"Releasing Control Art Restriction Systems… Three… Two… One… Approval of situation ‘A’ recognised. Commencing the Cromwell Invocation. Ability restrictions lifted for limited use until the enemy has been rendered silent..."
The blackened fog Dio found himself in seemed less and less like a cover, and more like a void. Dark, cold and devoid of all life. Within the looming darkness, Dio could feel his head begin to pound. His heart raced within his chest and he felt as nauseous. As though he could be sick any second. The world around him was spinning out of control… That is, until is stopped suddenly. And from within the pitch-black abyss, Dio gazed. And it gazed back.
“Now, Dio, it’s time to educate you on how a real vampire does battle!” Alucard exclaimed as a blazing red eye appeared from within the suffocating darkness, leering down at Dio. It was soon joined by one more eye. And another. And another. And several more until Dio was staring down what he could only describe as an entire sea of Alucard’s blood red eyes. It was almost like he was being swallowed up by them. Drowning deep beneath the depths of Alucard’s ever-expansive darkness.
But… he was DIO! He had surpassed humanity, eluded death, discovered a way to achieve Heaven, and soon enough the world would know its place at his feet. He was not going to fall here to a foe so loathsome. Not now, not to him, not ever! Dio would not be consumed by darkness. He would fight and rise above it! After all, within his palms, he held… “THE WORLD!”
As Dio’s world of frozen time came to overtake that of reality, the immortal vampire could see clearly. Jumping into the sky, Dio could observe everything Alucard had done. There was no fog to obscure his vision up here. And from such a vantage point, Dio could spot the persistent vampire in red… Well, if he could even be called that. More akin to a liquid mass of shadows covered in eyes that stared down his previous location.
The time left within this world of stopped time drawing ever shorter, Dio decided to act without delay. Racing down toward Alucard’s frozen form, Dio smashed his fist into the substance, feeling it coat his fingers. It felt slimy, but stiff. Both warm and freezing cold at the same time. A most paradoxical sensation. And certainly one unpleasant. Positioning himself behind Alucard, Dio raised one knife in betwixt the tips of his fingers, lavishly tossing it directly into his victim’s skull.
As the ticking of time’s hands moved forward once more, the first thing Dio noticed about Alucard’s body was the peculiar melting. His physical form sizzling and seeping away into a dark puddle on the ground, the stench of iron filled Dio’s lungs, as if Alucard’s blood melted away, all while the subservient vampire cackled madly. His discernible features like head, arms and legs had all since joined the puddle, as the rest of his body followed suit. Once all of Hellsing’s pet hunter had formed the pooling blood on the ground, it slowly began to twitch and ooze, taking on a new form as it arose.
Ominously, the loose shape began to take form into a face with several rows of gnashing, gnarling fangs as a massive paw tore out from the mass, scraping and scrabbling at the floor. A long, bloodied tongue stuck itself out forebodingly from its still-forming jaws, as its dual, crimson eyes bore into Dio’s very being. A titanic black tail spurt out from behind, slamming onto the floor with a heavy thud as the being began to bite and bark. This wasn’t a human face; it was a dog. An angry, demonic hound drooling at the prospect of the flesh and blood this foul and offending sinner had to offer.
As the beast began to take its true form, Alucard's voice began to echo around the desolate Cairo streets. "Behold... the beast known as the Hound of Baskerville. For if I’m just a dog… then you’re dog food!” He roared as massive monster rose to its full height, Dio himself with its sheer bulk. Across its entire body, a myriad of hideous eyes glared down at its one single target with a bloodthirstiness unrivalled by anything else.
Dio looked down the monstrous creature with a somewhat pleased expression. "Well, it seems you were holding out on me, Alucard! Nevertheless, you’re hardly the first mutt I’ve put down."
(Cue Rushing Heart – Under Night In-Birth)
Before Dio could utter another word, Baskerville opened its cavernous maw wide and clamped down, attempting to enclose its jaws around Dio’s frame. Jutting out his hands to push back against the hound’s sharp canines, Dio found the hound far stronger than Alucard himself had been. He was still able to hold off the hound for now, but it was clear he would eventually require assistance.
His Stand shooting forth to assist its master, The World socked the Hound of Baskerville in the eye with a powerful right hook, following up with a southpaw uppercut to the same spot, eager to maximise the damage. Dio held Baskerville at bay while The World whaled on the mutt, glaring down the beast with equal ferocity in his eyes. Grabbing hold of one of Baskerville’s enlarged fangs, Dio fiercely tore out the beast’s tooth as it recoiled from a strike from The World, head rolling back.
Swiftly stabbing the beast in one of its eyes with the fang, it howled in pain, only worsened when The World struck the tooth directly, forcing it in deeper and causing black blood to spurt from the dog’s eye socket. Thrashing about in agony, Baskerville roared as another hound burst from its side, biting down as soon as it was within range of Dio. Fortunately for the everlasting vampire, he was quick enough to evade the chomp, and fired back with a haymaker directly into its snout, pushing it back.
Cracking his knuckles, Dio swung fiercely at the hound, as The World came to back up its master, pummelling the beast as soon as Dio’s fists made contact. This kept one busy, but the original turned its focus to Dio, blackened liquid seeping out of the wound in its eye. Baskerville, maw dripping with disgusting drool, made its charge, running over to Dio like a bull seeing a matador. Exactly like Dio wanted.
Recalling his old days boxing, the British vampire kept up his guard before strafing to the side and counterattacking as the rampaging dog rushed through and missed him entirely. Suffering a potent blow to the cheek, it took the punch well, retaliating by trying to grab Dio by his legs and fling him around. The vampire was too fast for it however, and merely evaded once more as it rushed at him, striking once more as it made itself vulnerable and open to attack.
Coming straight for him again, Dio switched up his style, instead opting to take a bob and weave approach. Dodging each swipe and bite the hound attempted, Dio kept up the pressure, striking the mutt over and over again. And it was clear that he was irritating the beast, but irritation wasn’t enough. Jumping back from one claw swipe, Dio stood calmly as The World came racing in, smashing the original Baskerville into the second. Walking beside his Stand as the dogs began to rise and smash the ground in anger, Dio held out two fingers in a ‘come here’ motion, smirking callously.
Riling up the two beasts, they wasted no timing in chasing down their prey, unbeknownst that they were the ones being hunted. Charging Dio down as their thundering steps rang out around the empty streets, the everlasting vampire waited until the last moment to pause time, giving him and The World every opportunity to whale upon the foolish dogs. An opportunity they wouldn’t pass up as both Dio and The World positioned themselves in front of the beasts, fists outstretched.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Laying into the dual hounds with unmatched ferocity, Dio’s short, but effective beatdown had caved in their bodies, ready to be sent flying back into the mist of the night once time resumed. Raising a superior hand aloft, Dio counted down the seconds, not even bothering to face the decimated hounds as time’s flow began to return to normal. Pained yelps and groans were enough to inform Dio of the beasts’ defeat, but as he scanned the area around him, he found that the thick fog had once more returned, obscuring his vision.
Only Alucard could’ve been behind such a conveniently timed layer of fog, but it mattered not what that dog did, it only delayed the inevitability of his defeat. The World by his side, Dio listened carefully for any sounds he could identify within the fog, detecting only the pitter patter of hurried feet across the ground, though he couldn’t tell from which direction it originated. A more audible growl breaking through the near-silence, Dio awaited a strike, fists held at the ready.
But just as soon as the growl was emitted, Dio heard another one from right behind him. And yet another to his left. And one more to his right. His enhanced senses has allowed him to perceive all of these dogs, but their exact location, speed or what kind of attack they’d throw out was more difficult to predict. With no other option due to being surrounded on all sides, Dio stood with The World at his back, ready to face down all of the beasts as they came.
He wouldn’t have to wait long, as a particularly impatient mutt led the pack in their assault on Dio, racing toward the vampire at breakneck speeds. Gritting his teeth at it approached, Dio clenched his fist and ducked to the left, punching it in the side of the face, launching it away. But due to his directional evasion, the next closest hound sought after him, having less time until contact. Launching itself at him like a rocket, the hound sought to bite into Dio’s flesh and tear him apart, but a well-timed grapple from The World prevented such action from occurring.
Changing his grip on the beast, The World now held it like a makeshift weapon, ready to fend off the other incoming mongrels. As the final two barrelled toward the devious Stand user, The World was ready to intercept and brandished his furry weapon at its brethren, smacking the Baskerville across their faces and launching them back. Closing the distance, The World used its makeshift club to bash in the flesh of the Baskervilles, crushing bone beneath cursed flesh as the hounds cried out in pain. Gripping his own hound tighter, The World crushed it under his grip, a burst of black blood shooting upward as he prepared to smash the remains of the last two in with his own fists.
Throwing the crushed remains away, The World smashed its fists down onto the ground, where the hounds lay, but a sudden gust of mist had obscured them from vision. Still throwing down his fists in an attempt to prevent their escape, The World smashed the hard concrete of the pavement beneath his fists, the dogs having evidently retreated with the assistance from their pesky master. With nothing left to do, the pair of Stand and master returned to their defensive position, ready to face whatever pathetic attack Alucard would throw out at them.
Eyes bouncing from side to side, Dio scanned the area as the omni-directional sound of guttural growling encircled him. Leaping out of the fog, a Baskerville launched itself at Dio, who ducked and struck once more, sending it flying away. Another hound following it up, Dio once more was on the defensive as he jumped back and landed a savage spin kick to its side, directing its momentum away from himself. Other hounds now emerging from the mist, Dio was put in a position of constantly evading a flurry of paw strikes, claw slashes, bites, headbutts and anything else the savage mutts tried to attack him with.
As the beasts flew through the mist, Dio felt the ground begin to roar and rumble beneath him. Concrete cracking and splintering, Dio looked down and tried to jump away, but was ultimately too late, as a Hound the size of a building burst form the concrete, jaws wide open! Throwing his arms out wide as fast as he could, Dio commanded The World to stop time once more, allowing him time to escape the gargantuan beast’s jaws. Flying away and landing back on the ground, out of harm’s way, Dio let out a sigh of relief, letting time resume as the beast’s mouth snapped shut.
Quickly, the dog whipped its head around, searching for its prey. It wasn’t long before the beast locked eyes with Dio once more, glowing irises cutting through the fog eerily. The massive beast entering the fray, drool fell from its maw like small waterfalls, and steam flew from its nostrils, warm and muggy. Its teeth were like knives, ready to hack apart the prey before it into pieces. The grotesque monster charged, ready to rip apart Dio in its maw.
Even though his attention was focused on the hulking behemoth, Dio could sense the presence of yet more beasts stalking him in the mist. He was cornered with no way out, but Dio didn’t need one. He was right where he wanted to be. Two Baskervilles leaping at him from the sides, Dio waited for them to come to him, shooting his hands up to grab their necks tightly, squeezing down and hearing the pained whines they let out as he slowly crushed their throats into paste.
The final Baskerville chasing him from behind, The World smashed it down from above with a decisive stomp, splattering it into a pool of dark blood, seeping out from its remains. As Dio finally crushed the Baskervilles held in his hands with fatal force and a sickening squelch, he held them up for the racing hound to see as he threw them to the side, where they began to disintegrate and turn into inky-black liquid as its brethren had. The growling growing louder as it approached, Dio knew he’d enraged the beast sufficiently, and smirked arrogantly at it, arms held at his sides as The World got itself ready.
Taking off in a sprint toward the beast, Dio leaped into the air thanks to the assistance of The World and held his hands out, clenched tightly. Throwing them forward as the giant Baskerville raced toward him, it clenched its teeth and snarled at him as he flew toward it. All as Dio had planned. His and The World’s fists smashing into Baskerville’s teeth, Dio flew inside of the monster’s maw, shards of its broken fangs following behind and crashing into the sensitive inside of its mouth.
Upon landing, the first thing Dio noticed was the utterly overpowering and disgusting stench of rotting corpses. The sooner he’d be out of there, the better. Picking up a large and jagged shard of Baskerville’s fang, Dio stabbed it deep into the side of its mouth, motioning for The World to smash its fists against it. Having made a puncture wound to further aggravate, The World’s continuous fists dug it deeper and deeper into the inside flesh of the hound, eventually piercing the whole way through with a pained cry.
Chuckling to himself, Dio made The World stick its hand through the newly created hole, and drag its arm across the length from molars to canines, brutally ripping part of its face open and leaving a gaping wound open for the world to see. But the everlasting vampire was far from done. As Baskerville clamped its teeth down, The World was in the perfect position to start smashing. Each lightning-quick strike from The World destroying what remained of Baskerville’s teeth, the monster struggled to keep its mouth intact against the rapid multitude of strikes, but ultimately failing.
Each of the sharp, pointed teeth were knocked from its mouth and, quickly, the hound was overwhelmed by Dio's vicious assault. Crying out in agony, Baskerville’s head burst open, allowing Dio to escape back to the Cairo streets. Leaping from the monster’s disgusting and bloodied maw, Dio turned his back on the hound, walking forward as time slowed to a halt entirely, courtesy of The World. Taking to the skies, Dio darted his head from side to side, searching for a suitable object for his needs. Eventually, he found something which would function adequately, and soared over to it. A massive, sharp building spire standing tall amidst the more residential Cairo area, it was exactly what Dio needed.
Jumping down to the base of the spire, a single strike from The World severed it from the rest of the building, thankfully not falling due to the stopped time. Commanding for his Stand to wrap its hands around it tightly, The World carried it in his hands as Dio turned back to face Baskerville, taking to the skies as The World followed closely behind. Landing on a nearby roof, Dio touched down with The World, grabbing the spire himself from his Stand. Holding it so that it was sharp-side down, Dio braced himself as he felt time’s flow begin to move once more and leaped skyward, aiming himself at the beast’s back.
The monster in question frantically searched around for Dio, eager to tear its prey apart, but was unable to find anything. That is, until Dio drove the sharpened spire straight downward through Baskerville’s spine! Impaling the mutt, Dio drove it in further, twisting his sharp weapon as he sunk it in deeper, feeling it hit the pavement beneath them as the dog let out a pathetic yelp in pain as it tried to claw at Dio, but he was out of its reach. Jumping down to be in front of its face, Dio simply smirked as he smashed it across the face, adding insult to injury.
"Know your place, mongrel..." Dio spoke. He knelt down, looking the cursed monster dead in the eyes. "Beneath my feet." Lifting up his foot to prove this with a mighty kick, the sound of metal clicking into place halted his movements. Suddenly, out of the beast's maw came an arm clad in dark clothing holding a very familiar gun. Dio paled as he felt the cold barrel press against his temple.
BANG!
(Cue Septette for the Dead Princess – Touhou: Embodiment of Scarlet Devil)
Taking in ragged breaths, Dio’s eyes were still wide in shock as he shakily stepped back and collected himself. Looking back at the hound, Dio saw that the bullet was merely millimetres away from his face. Had it connected, he could have been seriously harmed. Quite a tricky bastard, this Alucard was. But with the ability to stop time at his disposal, not even Alucard could touch him. It was just a matter of being extremely cautious, and utilising it whenever necessary. Resting an arm on The World’s shoulder, Dio retreated to a safe distance off to the side as he let time resume, the bullet crashing into the ground unceremoniously.
Baskerville letting out one final whine of pain, the impaled hound slumped down, opening its mouth skyward as the same black-clad arm emerged from it, followed shortly by a second identical arm pulling itself out from the devilish maw. The hound’s body beginning to disappear and melt down into black liquid, a figure's upper body dragged out of the dog’s mouth, sleek black hair flowing in the wind as it was followed by two long, spindly legs.
Alucard, clad in a strange black leather costume, stood to his full height, smirking arrogantly. “You never cease to surprise me, Dio…” Alucard exhaled deeply, running a hand through his dark, flowing locks. “But you are getting a bit predictable with the whole ‘being superior to everyone’ stuff. I’ve seen and heard it all before.”
Dio scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I must admit, Alucard. You’re good…” Holdings his fists together, Dio cracked his knuckles once more, a look of irritation crossing his features. “That was some clever thinking back there, but you are beginning to bother me, not unlike a houseguest who has overstayed his welcome.” The World appearing at his side, Dio stared down the Ultimate Vampire, crimson eyes gleaming back at him.
“Then just try and defeat me, Dio! This all ends tonight!” Alucard exclaimed, raising his hands from his side into an attacking position, like a vicious beast poised to strike.
“Oh, I know it does.” Dio replied. “I’ve seen it! Me, standing triumphant over your lifeless body!” Assuming a combative stance much like his foe, Dio began to take off toward the pet vampire of the Hellsing family, leaping into the air to meet him.
“Then perish, along with your twisted beliefs, Dio!” Alucard roared back, bounding toward the airborne Dio. The two vampires on a collision course with each other, their meeting was intercepted by The World, lashing out at Alucard with a series of savage punches to the chest as the Hellsing enforcer coughed up blood. Launched backward, Alucard suddenly felt a presence coming up from behind him, and searched around for Dio in front of him. No luck.
Suddenly appearing behind Alucard, Dio spun his body savagely to land a brutal spinning kick to his side, smashing the monster through the air and into a nearby flashing neon sign, advertising something in Egyptian. Destroying one of the letters upon impact, Alucard fell harshly toward the ground, Dio rapidly encroaching upon his position. Smirking to himself, Dio watched as The World spun in a similar manner to how he had, slamming its leg into Alucard and launching the elder vampire across the skies above Cairo to the suburb’s limits, made clear by the bridge above the River Nile which flowed through Cairo, providing life and sustenance for everyday life.
Appearing instantaneously next to Alucard, Dio sent the monster careening down into the river with a mighty punch, watching him skim along the water’s surface before finally falling in with a splash. But Dio didn’t wait around to see if Alucard had survived. At this point, it would be foolish to assume that he hadn’t, and thus other instruments with which to attack Hellsing’s enforcer would be beneficial. Head breaching the water’s surface, Alucard kept himself afloat with his ability to levitate, and scanned the area for Dio. At first, he couldn’t spot the vampire, which worried him, as he’d no doubt be scheming some sort of ploy.
This hypothesis was only proven correct when Dio appeared once more, flying toward Alucard with an entire boat held high above his head. Digging his fingers into the sturdy wood, Dio tilted the vessel before chucking it down directly on top of Alucard. “Enjoy your stay on the S.S. Plummet, Alucard!” Staring at Dio with an emotion halfway between disbelief, amusement and irritation, Alucard braced himself as the colossal water vessel came flying at him, forcing him down into the cold depths of the Nile.
Growling as he was continually being pushed further and further toward a watery grave, small bubbles of air forced their way from Alucard’s mouth as he strained against the ship, pushing back against it as his feet hit the sand bank and the pressure on his body increased exponentially. Black tendrils forcing themselves out of Alucard’s arms, they tore into the boat, ripping it apart with wild ferocity. The weight on himself lessening, Alucard pushed up with all his might, shoving the boat back up to the water’s surface.
From his position hovering above the Nile, Dio waited patiently for any sign of Alucard’s return, but he would not have to wait long. Seeing the splintered and battered boat re-emerge from the Nile’s depths, Dio simply smirked as Alucard broke through it in one jump, sending parts of the ship flying everywhere with the massive geyser that erupted from his ascension. Fragmented pieces of the wooden vessel flying at him, Dio began to chuckle as he took flight toward Alucard, arms reeled back for a devastating punch.
Striking Alucard before he could be hit himself, Dio sent Hellsing’s hunter hurdling back toward residential Cairo with a punch the forced even the air itself to give way under Dio’s might. Blood splattering as Alucard flew, Dio chased the vampire through the skies as they soared above the busy Cairo night life, the pair laughing manically all the while. Regaining control of his momentum, Alucard immediately halted his movement, freezing mid-air as Dio was still coming toward him, arm bared like a claw, he slashed at Dio’s chest as the vampire came within distance, only to be blocked by The World protecting its master vigilantly.
Sending Alucard skyward with a high kick, The World reappeared behind Alucard as he rose, having frozen time to allow the duo to attain a more advantageous position. Holding his hands tightly together, Dio smashed them into Alucard’s back, spiking the hunter toward the deserted areas they’d previously fought in before. Once more freezing time before Alucard could reach the ground, Dio flew toward the streets at breakneck speed, touching down gracefully despite his velocity, and holding a hand out to slow himself down upon reaching the ground.
Standing upright as he located Alucard flying toward him in the frozen time, Dio scoured the area for something to use. Spotting a white automobile, Dio momentarily mused to himself on the changing of transport with the passage of time, but that would be a thought to continue in better circumstances. Letting time resume, Dio sunk his hand into the side of the car, metal giving way under his fist as he lifted the vehicle up with one arm, taking aim and holding his arm back, throwing it forward with immense force!
“Oh you have got to be-“ Alucard sighed before being cut off by the flying car striking him dead on. Both vampire and vehicle crashing unceremoniously onto the pavement below, Alucard transitioned into a roll as soon as he touched down, returning to a combative stance to fend off whatever Dio had in store. He knew that his adversary wasn’t close as of yet, but he could sense him approaching. Hearing the unmistakable sound of Dio’s contemptuous laugher, Alucard immediately twisted around to the direction he’d been thrown from, hoping to not be met with a similar thrown vehicle.
(Cue Battle for Survival – Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2)
“Take this!” Dio yelled as Alucard recoiled backward, hearing Dio’s voice but not seeing him. Partially due to the massive double-decker bus filling his vision. Groaning, but nevertheless digging his heels into the ground, Alucard prepared to face it head on, rearing back a clawed fist to strike. But Dio had other plans. In fact, the whole bus had been simply a means to an end, catching Alucard unaware. Freezing time just before the bus could be intercepted by the Hellsing vampire, Dio burst from its side, arms open wide and claws gleaming sharp.
Slashing a deep line down Alucard’s front as a spray of blood arose from the wound, Dio made sure to keep him intact for what he had planned. The World following up with an uppercut into the air, the Stand grabbed Alucard’s ankle as he reached his maximum height before stopping, twisting his body around and throwing the vampiric hunter into the side of the bus from where Dio had emerged. Hitting it fiercely, the bus groaned within the stopped time, giving a squeaking sound before once more becoming silent as Dio stood to the side, arms crossed. “And time flows again…”
Jumping into the air as time resumed, Alucard’s crash into the bus began to take effect. The vampire feeling the pain of the attacks inflicted upon him in stopped time and the bus that was suddenly crashing into him as it leaned forward, crushing him underneath as it fell to the ground. With Hellsing’s trump card trapped underneath the vehicle, Dio landed harshly on top of the bus, rearing his arms back before viciously slamming them into the vehicle over and over again, causing it to break and tear apart with each blow.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Jumping up, Dio slammed back down with a final “MUDA!”, causing the vehicle to explode in a fiery blaze, steel melting and gas igniting as the bus became a smoking wreckage that one would hardly assume had been operable mere moments prior. Jumping backward, Dio watched and waited for a response from Alucard, the bus shaking all the while. Until suddenly, the top half of the vehicle began to slide away from the bottom half, and Dio saw a multitude of flashing ruby eyes glare at him from the holes in the bus.
Leaping out of the smouldering vehicle, Alucard landed on the hard pavement, glaring down at Dio as he reached behind his back, withdrawing his firearms and holding them by his side. Meeting the Hellsing enforcer’s gaze, Dio reared back as Alucard did, The World appearing by his side as Baskerville hounds emerged from the front of Alucard’s body. Both monsters rushing forth, the hounds leapt at Dio, eager to bite and tear him to pieces, but a Stand Rush from The World blocked each and every one, smashing them back before any could make substantial distance away from Alucard himself.
But try as the hounds might, none of them were able to make any ground, all blocked by The World’s powerful fists, flying at them faster than they could react. Smashing each and every one of them, the hounds would burst into blood immediately upon emerging from Alucard’s body, and it was clear that The World was going to overpower them all at this rate. Breaking through the defence of Baskervilles, The World smashed its fist at Alucard himself, but met nothing but air as the vampire turned to mist upon contact and dissipated.
The real Alucard was directly behind the fake, and jumped into the air above The World, landing an axe kick on Dio’s head which smashed him into the ground. Bouncing up, Dio was met with a sweeping kick to his midsection, followed by a barrage of bullets aimed at his torso. Stepping back within the small timeframe he had, Dio was able to avoid the bullets hitting anything vital, but they tore apart his legs, ripping apart bone and flesh, exposing the bleeding nerves and tendons to the cool night air.
Lifting Dio up by his golden jacket, Alucard threw him down the cold Cairo streets, sending the Joestar nemesis tumbling down a small flight of stairs which lead to a sub-section of the street, connected by said stairs. Covering the stone steps with a fresh coat of crimson with each bounce, Dio eventually forced himself into a position where he could look up at any invading force, Alucard’s ice-cold glare meeting his own. But Hellsing’s hunter was prepared, and pulled the trigger on his already aimed guns pointed directly at Dio’s legs. The insanely powerful guns tearing them off from the rest of Dio’s body entirely, Alucard relished in the spray of blood and screams of pain he’d drawn from his foe.
Grunting in barely withheld agony, Dio roared in anger at Alucard as the monster’s sick and twisted laughter carried itself around the empty streets. As if howling into the night sky, Alucard’s demented amusement came to a climax as he screamed down at Dio, as though the vampire’s life was entirely within his hands. “Come on, get up! Attack me! You’ve only suffered the loss of your legs and the evening is still so young…”
Stomping his boots onto Dio’s severed legs as to prevent them from regenerating, Alucard’s next target was the bloodied stumps of Dio’s thighs, golden outfit soaked in his blood. “Come on! Hurry, hurry, hurry!” Accentuating each syllable with another hate-filled stomp, Alucard used Dio’s writhing body as an outlet for his own pain, returning the suffering he’d had to endure the whole fight in an oh so satisfying manner. Dio could only respond with screams filled with pain and condemnation. “The fun has just begun. Come on! HURRY!”
Scowling as he glared Alucard dead in the eyes, Dio felt time’s flow begin to grind to a halt as he exhaled an exasperated breath. This infuriating fool had the gall to talk down at him like that… The mere thought filled Dio with rageful indignation, rising into the air and hovering in place as The World dutifully retrieved his legs, holding them close to the still-excruciatingly painful stumps where Dio’s knees connected to his calf. Bloody tendrils sliding out from the inside of his thighs, they coiled around the bone of Dio’s severed legs, working to repair the damage and mend Dio’s wounds. But at the rate it was going, they wouldn’t be finished in nearly enough time. Dio needed to speed up the process.
Stabbing an aggravated claw deep into Alucard’s chest, Dio began to suck the blood from his body dry, consuming litres of the delicious carmine liquid. The separated portions of his legs coming together and repairing themselves to form a complete leg attached to each knee once more, Dio stretched his reformed body parts, taking them for a test drive as he lifted his foot up high and smashed it into Alucard’s mouth. Pleased with his leg’s dexterity returned to its normal state, Dio tightened his hand into a fist as he threw it at Alucard’s torso, no doubt going to send the hunter flying back when time resumed. Dio’s control over this interval was beginning to slip and he’d already gotten what he needed anyway.
Standing up straight and returning the malicious gaze toward his fellow vampire, Dio let his hold on time’s wheel release, the immediate effects of his actions catching up to Alucard, who flew back up the small flight of stairs into a building across the road from their previous location. Cratering the wall upon impact, Alucard slumped and fell from his indentation on the wall, hitting the ground feet-first. It wasn’t a long fall, but it gave Alucard enough time to retrieve the Jackal and Casull, firing rapidly at the approaching Dio. But his normal set of attacks was far to predictable, so Alucard forced each and every bullet to stop soon after it’d left the handguns, now having a large mass of bullets hovering mid-air. Shooting them off at Dio, Alucard made a break for the vampire, his rounds trailing ahead of him and ensuring that he’d be able to get a clean hit on the vampire.
Dio was too smart for this though, and commanded The World to pick up a nearby car and hold it in front him them, acting as a makeshift shield to protect them from the storm of bullets. Each round colliding with the vehicle and making a distinctive ringing sound as they collided, denting the metal with the sheer force of their velocity, the rain of bullets eventually stopped, and Dio wasted no time in making The World kick it directed at the incoming Alucard. “MUDA!” Dio shouted, launching the bullet-filled car at Alucard and waiting to see his response. Hellsing’s ultimate weapon simply brandished his sharpened hand and swung it upward, cleaving the car in twain as the sliced halves fell by the wayside in Alucard’s race toward Dio.
Continuing a run toward the British vampire, Alucard feinted left with his body in order to fake Dio out, but Hellsing’s trump card was not nearly as versed in fisticuffs as Dio was. Recognising the feint before it could even come out, Dio kept walking forward, The World stationed in front of him to block any incoming attack, no matter which direction Alucard wished to strike from. Twisting his body at the last moment to slice at Dio’s leg, The World’s own prevented the attack and kicked upward, knocking Alucard back as it followed up with a sweeping punch from his left fist, met by another from The World’s right, and then left again.
Kicking Alucard into the air, The World floated up to repeat the combo string, laying into the vampire with savage urgency, launching him further away into the air before catching him with a tight fist, digging deep into his flesh. Twisting around to toss Alucard back down onto the ground and toward Dio, the vampire in question met him with an overhead kick, followed by one to the stomach and a scathing uppercut before slamming the monster back down. Trapping Alucard between himself and The World, Dio had his Stand mimic his movements as he began to lay into Hellsing’s trump card.
Faster than he could even comprehend, Alucard felt the force of two blows dig into him at the same time. First, a set of roundhouse kicks. Second, a haymaker punch. Third, a straight punch that lead directly into the fourth, a dual uppercut that concluded with the fifth blow; a stepping overhand punch from both Dio and The World that he could feel cracking his skull. Rearing back as Alucard dropped to the floor, bleeding profusely from his skull, Dio commanded The World to deliver a brutal barrage of blows into the downed vampire.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Flying back, Alucard tried to stabilise himself on the ground, but it was slick with his blood and he couldn’t get a good hold. Falling to his knees, he looked up to see Dio’s fist coming toward him, smashing his head into nothingness and going through to the pavement below. Or rather, his head turned to thin air as Dio broke through another of Alucard’s illusions. Eyes scanning the pavement, Dio couldn’t see a drop of blood anywhere. Realising he’d been duped, Dio turned around with a sharp intake of breath, only to see Alucard mere centimetres away from his face.
Smashing the British vampire with an elbow to his nose, Alucard smashed in the bone and sinew, feeling it crunch under his arm. Kicking Dio in the knees, Alucard once more felt the bones crack and give way, forcing Dio to buckle with no time to spare. Slashing him across the chest, Alucard smirked as the cut drew fresh blood from his adversary, but if he let up, even for a second, he’d be pummelled by The World, so he needed to keep moving. Sweeping Dio’s feet out from underneath him, Alucard flipped back in the air, kicking Dio’s body as he went, his gloved hands taking hold of the pavement for support as he pushed himself up and into the air.
Keeping Dio airborne with a series of well-timed slashes, punches and kicks, Alucard kept up the pressure, each blow drawing yet more and more blood from Dio. Kicking Dio upward, Alucard grabbed hold of the British vampire before throwing his body against the wall of a building, painting the point of impact crimson with his blood. Using the roof of a car as a springboard, Alucard jumped at Dio, ready to strike. But his previous attack had put just enough distance between the two for The World to return to Dio’s side, protecting him from the incoming attack and punching Alucard in the face with a mighty haymaker, sending him sprawling to the streets below.
Capitalising on Alucard’s blunder, The World sought to continue with its assault, smashing in his body until there was nothing left but dust. Unfortunately for Dio, Alucard could sense The World incoming, and raised his arms together to cover his face, somewhat reminiscent of a boxing block. Scoffing, Dio let The World continue with its beatdown, watching as the Stand rammed its hands at Alucard’s defence with absurd speed, but with no real effect. Jumping closer to the Stand to increase its power, Dio folded his arms and leaned back slightly as The World rushed forth with a dedicated series of blows all to the same spot.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
With every rapid blow, Alucard began to get a better sense of what he was dealing with. He couldn’t tell what the body was like, but its fists were relatively human-like, so he assumed the rest of the body was somewhat similar. But even for his own durability, The World was gaining way, and his arms ached immensely. Holding strong against the rapid rain of attacks, Alucard suddenly felt a burning pain in his stomach, looking down to see a large indentation formed right under his guard. Staggering back slightly, his guard was broken without the need of any further force and Dio smirked haughtily.
Looking toward Dio, Alucard could see that all of his previously inflicted wounds had healed, without so much as a scratch. And a split second later, all he saw were a cluster of knives. “Fuck a duck, seriously…” Alucard deadpanned, withdrawing his pistols and shooting at the incoming blades as fast as he could. Though Alucard was able to shoot a few away, not all of them were deflected, and sunk deep into his flesh, siphoning a long groan of pain from the vampiric hunter.
Rushing in to drain Alucard of his blood, Dio jumped into the air, ready to come down on top of Alucard and squish him beneath his feet, but the monstrous gunslinger rolled back, knives dislodging themselves from his person as he jumped back himself, spinning his guns around before holding them at the ready. Baring his nightmarish maw wide for Dio to see, Alucard ran his deceptively long tongue along his canines, drawing droplets of his own blood to get his body racing and hopefully unnerve his opponent, before pulling the trigger on the Casull and Jackal, unleashing a storm of bullets onto Dio.
But all Dio did was laugh to himself slowly as The World came up to block all of the bullets by standing in front of Dio and punching them all out of his way, allowing the vampire to continue on unscathed. Watching Dio flash out of existence once more, Alucard stumbled back, clutching at his right shoulder with a cry of mixed pain and surprise. His shoulder was exposing bone and sinew to the night air, but curiously enough, not any blood, as though it’d all been sucked away. Rolling his eyes as he knew Dio had done this somehow, Alucard was immediately sent flying back as he felt the invisible force of The World’s connect with his torso, and then a punch from Dio himself, who’d deigned to engage in combat directly.
(Cue Ultra Violet – Devil May Cry)
Sweeping Alucard off his feet like the hunter had done to him prior, Dio landed an upward strike to Alucard’s midsection, following it up with a downward one and two sharp slashes across his chest before kicking the vampire himself and ending his combo with a punch to the gut. Growling and slashing upward with his remaining arm, Alucard tried to slash at Dio, but the British vampire backstepped, evading the attack before grabbing Alucard by his waist. “Naïve!” Dio shouted, lifting Alucard up and into the air. For a second, Alucard wondered where Dio was going with this, but he quickly found out as Dio completed the suplex, smashing Alucard’s head into the concrete and splattering his skull over the pavement.
The armless and decapitated body of Alucard beginning to regenerate its head, Dio wasted no time in capitalising, immediately smashing into Alucard’s body with a drop kick, sending Hellsing’s trump card sprawling along the harsh ground as Dio landed softly and painlessly. Taking in deep and ragged breaths, Alucard began to stand, spotting his severed arm on the ground, looking like it had been drained of its vitality, now appearing more like a withered husk than an appendage. Regardless, he went to pick it up, only to be met with a cold strike upside the head that he couldn’t see coming.
Having grabbed Alucard’s arm before he could reach it in stopped time, Dio smashed his makeshift weapon across its owner’s head once time resumed, as if to mock Alucard for his impudence. Smashing it across Alucard’s head and upper torso, The World froze time as the last hit finished connecting, setting Alucard up in mid-air. Clenching his fist around the limb, Dio crushed it into dust before turning his attention back to Alucard. Standing with his arms crossed, Dio commanded for The World to send him into the sky, pummelling the vampire with an intense barrage of blows which he couldn’t defend from, much less comprehend.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
With one last punch, The World resumed time, launching Alucard like a rocket up into the air, as Dio ascended from the ground in pursuit. Coughing and sputtering up dark crimson as he flew, Alucard angled himself toward a nearby tower, levitating as he glided through the night sky, leaving a bloody trail through the air as it fell toward the ground. Feet landing on the cold stone, Alucard took a moment to catch his breath, leaning on the pillar as he felt his wounds regenerate. Just what kind of a monster was Dio? And what the hell kind of power did he possess? It’s like his attacks were too fast for him to perceive… or perhaps instant?
Soaring toward Alucard, Dio hounded the vampire from afar. “You’ve proven far more amusing than I had initially anticipated, Alucard, but this shall soon come to an end!” Speeding up his flight, Alucard realised he had little time, and jutted his hand out to his right, smashing it into the base of the pillar. Tendrils moving around to break the rest of the pillar’s foundation, Alucard lifted his hand up, the tendrils following suit and soon enough he had the pillar within his hands, heavy as it was. Putting his all into it, Alucard slowly but surely lifted the pillar above his head, leaning it back before chucking it forward with all the energy his body could muster.
Seeing the pillar flying directly at him, Dio clenched his hands into fists, smashing apart each and every inch of stone before it could hit him. Unassisted by The World, Dio broke through the entire structure, though his fists did sting a bit. But it was a good pain. The throbbing of exertion and effort; of accomplishment. And Alucard was going to treatment of his fists that the pillar did moments prior. Shattering the last bit of stone as it turned to dust and fell down to the Cairo streets below, Dio turned his attention back to Alucard and sped towards him, feet touching down upon the landing as he bounded at the vampiric hunter.
Alucard wasn’t one to be outdone though, and already set upon the vampire with his own fists, eager to rend the flesh from his bones. Punching Dio’s frame, the British vampire had only the time to block Alucard’s strikes with his arms, dealing minimal damage. Closing his arms in, Dio suddenly burst them out, parring Alucard’s punches as he went for one of his own. Reeling his left fist back, Dio smashed it into Alucard’s torso, but was moments too late, as Alucard brought up his right fist to parry it as Dio had just done to him. What Alucard didn’t sense however, was The World to his side, preparing to smash into Alucard with a savage kick which knocked him off the tower and back into the air. Taking off toward Alucard, Dio wasted no time in chasing him down, approaching Hellsing’s ultimate vampire within moments, and setting The World in place to continue with its attacks.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Kicking Alucard rapidly, The World’s assault bashed in his body, shattering bone and splitting flesh as one final kick to the chest launched him earth bound, Dio in hot pursuit. Smashing into the ground, Alucard’s impact kicked up a small cloud of dust around the crater he lay in, body battered and bruised. Coughing wildly as he struggled to upright himself, Alucard was pushed back onto the ground by Dio’s boot on his chest, keeping him down. Clapping slowly, Dio gazed down at the vampire beneath his feet, as all sound would be. He just had the honour of being among the first.
“I’ll give you a little credit, you’ve pushed me to my limits more than any other opponent has.” Ceasing his clapping, Dio stepped back, eyes trained on Alucard in case he wanted to do something foolish. “But you must see that you cannot best me, vampire.” Leaning down close to Alucard, Dio materialised The World by his side, protecting him from any potential harm. "You fail to comprehend that, while you may heal from any of my attacks, you cannot best me in combat. For as you attack…” Dio punctuated his point with The World grasping Alucard’s right arm, tearing it from his body with a sickening squelch.
“…I can simply avoid anything you try to throw at me, no matter how strange.” Writhing in pain and against Dio, The World kept Alucard pinned, preventing him from doing anything. “Because your efforts to best a God such as I, Dio, are futile at best, and foolish at worst. And I can rip you to bloody pieces…” The World tearing off Alucard’s left arm this time, Dio stared the hunter dead in the eyes as he watched him scream and suffer, a genuine grin gracing his features. “Over!” Dio shouted, watching with glee as The World ripped Alucard’s right leg from his body, nothing preventing Alucard’s hate-filled yells from echoing around the streets.
“And over!” Another limb torn away from Alucard’s body, leaving him with only his head and torso left. His arms and legs thrown by the wayside once separated from his body. “AND OVER AGAIN!” Rearing his own arms back, Dio brought them down on Alucard’s chest, the force of his punch all but detonating his body as it exploded in a flash of blood. The World having protected Dio from the spray, the blood simply pooled around Alucard’s corpse as Dio stood up. "So regenerate all you like, pest, and I shall kill you for as long as it takes. I will reign supreme over you as I will this world!"
Watching as Alucard’s body slowly began to pull itself back together, Dio sighed in muted exasperation. If Alucard truly did want to continue their cycle, then Dio would kill him over and over again as promised, but he’d hoped that Alucard could see the futility of what he was doing. Repeating the same action repeatedly whilst expecting a different result is insanity; plain and simple. He certainly had a few screws loose, but it’s not like Alucard was entirely unintelligent. Just far too stubborn for his own good.
“No, Dio…” Alucard spat, body weakly rising from the blood-soaked ground. “You’re the foolish one…” Cracking his neck, Alucard’s limbs began to regain their strength as the fog around the town began to fill into the section of the streets they were currently in, having caught up to them. “You need to grasp reality, Dio. You’re no God of this world, nor anyone in it. You think yourself a deity just because you have power, but you're a nobody who sold his humanity. You're not fit to be anything but a shit stain on the floor.” Claws and fangs bared animalistically at the refined vampire, Alucard punctuated his next words with all the hatred, revulsion and disgust he could muster. “You won’t ever defeat me. I cannot be bested by a monster, or an ape trying to be a man!”
“As extensive as your powers are, they avail you nothing, Alucard. You call me the ape, but compared to I, Dio, you’re naught but a mere monkey. A pitiful primate staring down a lion he could never hope to defeat!” Dio roared, The World springing to life in case of danger. “You’re just a mad dog, too weak to take what he wants, and shitting on my path to glory!” Smashing his fist into Alucard’s face, Dio knocked the vampire back as he continued on. “And therein lies the stark difference between us, Alucard.”
“I rule this world... And no man or monster will take away what is my right!" Invigorated with newfound strength and rage, Dio furiously tore into Alucard with his fists, smashing the Hellsing enforcer into the ground. “Your attempts at victory…” The World now joined in, the duo of Stand and master laying the vampire out with their strength as fresh blood streamed out from his body, head to toe, and pooled in the crater where he continued to put him his defence. “At defying my rule…” Their barrage of punches increasing in speed to match the ferocity of the fire that burned within Dio’s soul, the raging ruby flames of his passion outweighed Alucard’s freely flowing carmine blood.
“Are all completely!” The World switching to cover Dio’s arms and bolster his strength as its master pummelled the ultimate vampire, Alucard tried to raise his own arms in defence, but they offered little protection against Dio’s brutal onslaught. “Utterly!” Dio’s own fists sore and bloodied from Alucard’s body, torn open in several places, exposing bone and tissue, but even those weren’t safe for long, as Dio smashed it all into fine paste; his fists dripping crimson and covered in dust. “USELESS!!!” Dio screamed into the sky, The World assisting its master with one final blow, bloodied knuckles smashing harshly into Alucard as they tore through the vampire’s body, causing it to erupt in a shower of blood, raining down gently from the sky.
All that remained of Alucard were the ripped and torn scraps of his black costume, floating in the wind as the cloud of dust kicked up by Dio’s final attack was gently blown away. And as Dio looked up to find himself kneeling over a deep hole punched into the ground, he could feel the very air around him beginning to return to normal. The fog around both combatants was lifting, and Dio stood up, tired from his fight with Alucard, but alive, which was more than he could say about his opponent.
Silence reigned throughout the Cairo streets as Dio ran a blood-soaked hand through his wavy, blonde hair, now partially tainted scarlet with the vampiric monster’s blood. Alucard… his body didn’t begin to regenerate from the blood. Smiling, Dio wiped the blood from his face in one swift motion, sighing in contentment. “Farewell, Alucard… I am glad to be rid of such a troublesome foe, but you provided a fight unlike any other I have ever experienced. That you were able to last so long against I, Dio, proves your skill, despite a flawed mindset. You would have made a powerful ally…”
“What’s the matter, Dio? Getting all sentimental on me?”
(Cue The Battle Is To The Strong – Fate/Zero)
His eyes snapping open, Dio frantically shook his head around, looking for the source of the mocking voice. No mistake, it was Alucard’s, but it felt deeper. Like a raw, primal kind of voice that immediately drew your attention. Commanding and powerful. His gaze locking on the scraps of Alucard’s outfit that remained, they hadn’t moved, and the carmine liquid covering the area, like the streets were a canvas for Dio’s bloody art, remained.
“You’re confused, I’d imagine, but I have a question to ask you, Dio…”
As if the voice were reaching Dio from all sides, the omnipresent voice rang out, from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Dio didn’t deign to grace Alucard with a response, instead drawing his focus on the origin of the voice, which he could not locate as of this moment. He needed to end this infuriating pest once and for all.
“Tell me, Dio… Would you kneel in prayer for your salvation, beg in the presence of the Lord? Or fight for the glory of your God?”
Raising an accusatory eyebrow, Dio scoffed at the foolish question. “I do not kneel to any being, Alucard. To think such is the height of stupidity!” Dio responded, firing back his answer in no real direction, assuming that Alucard could hear him all the same. His hypothesis was dead on the money.
“God does not help those who kneel before him. God does not save those who pray for mercy… For those are not true prayers…”
At this, Dio remained silent. Not out of respect or any sense of agreement, but out of sheer curiosity. He was willing to let the vampire prattle on for a while longer, see if any of it would prove entertaining. The World remained by its master’s side, ready for any attempts on Dio’s life.
“True prayer is forged in battle. Dazzle your Lord with your prayer! And you shall know him! You shall know Jerusalem!”
At this, Dio couldn’t help but notice something about Alucard’s voice. The deepening tone, pitch and his accent sounded different. Unfamiliar personally, but somewhat recognisable. Like a voice you could recognise without knowing who it belonged to. Someone of stature, importance, power. But that wasn’t all Dio picked up. He could smell the scent of old blood shed anew. Rotting corpses spreading their stench throughout the town.
“After the tearing, the crushing, the breaking of men’s bones, when the fruits of our prayers lie at our feet, God will descend from his throne on high to bring judgement upon his wretched and pitiful servants!”
Sighing audibly, Dio rolled his eyes at Alucard’s display, announcing his displeasure to the vampire in question quite loudly. “Enough prattling on, Alucard!” Dio yelled. “You, who is too cowardly to even show his face, dare not lecture me with your inane religious rambling!” A distinct sound of laughter echoing around the street, Alucard acquiesced to Dio’s threats.
“Very well… But I must say, you’ve fought well, Dio... No other opponent has ever pushed me to my limits like you have.”
“Don’t blather on with your false praise, Alucard. It doesn’t suit you.” Dio responded, slowly walking forward toward the scraps of Alucard’s outfit as they began to rise into the air, swirling around with mystical energy, dark beyond normal comprehension. A small, pitch black vortex covering the pieces of cloth, Dio could hear the pervasive laughter begin to localise within the twisting wind as with a flash, Alucard appeared once more, grinning like a madman. “And so the faux magician cuts the disappearing act…”
“Ah, but it is the fool who believes that the magician is out of tricks.”
Arms crossed, Dio laughed lightly. “Then by all means, Houdini… Dazzle me!” Dio unfurled his arms, holding them outward with a look of clear superiority on his face, gesturing his fingers toward himself in a motion both knew the meaning of.
“Then I promise you a show unlike any you’ve seen before! But I must ask… Do you think you could offer the same?”
“Hmm?” Dio responded condescendingly. “After all of this, you still doubt my abilities?” Dio began to raise his voice, The World moving slightly forward, in preparation for a fight. “You yourself said that you were pushed to your limits, and I do believe I’ve fulfilled my promises as a most gracious host, no?”
“True, you have… But you cannot beat me. My body cannot be destroyed by a monster like you, for I shall simply return. And, even for all of your powers, you shall fail in the end...”
Chuckling, Dio continued their game of verbal back and forth. “I’ve defeated you thoroughly and completely, and yet it seems like you still have more in store, Alucard…” Eyes taking on an almost genuine gleam of curiosity, the Scourge of England continued. “So show me, Dog of Hellsing! Give me a battle worthy of a God!” At this, Alucard lightly chuckled. His voice lost the dark edge it held as Hellsing’s trump card began to laugh with genuine enjoyment. THIS! This was the fight he had been looking for! The only foe who had forced his hand this far, and it was a monster. But that would just make the sweet despair he’d see on Dio’s face all the sweeter. The light leaving his eyes as Alucard drained his blood. Another soul bound within his being, in service to his master.
His deranged laughter reaching a crescendo, it began to slowly die down, Alucard’s chest heaving with deep breaths of oxygen. Laughter turning into giggling, and giggling into a light chuckle, Alucard soon regained his composure, Dio watching on unphased all the while. He’d come to expect such madness from Alucard in the time they’d spent fighting. But then Alucard went deadly silent. The sound of a pin dropping would’ve seemed deafening in comparison, but then Hellsing’s ultimate vampire pursed his lips and let out a deep breath, a trail of blue mist visible as he exhaled.
“I am… the Bird of Hermes…”
From Alucard’s body, a pitch-black, oozing liquid, viscous like tar, began to drip. His body losing form, the opaque puddle grew under his feet, steadily growing outward and filling up the crater in which Alucard was pummelled into mere minutes prior. As the vile liquid began to expand, it carried with it a foul stench, causing Dio to nearly cough at the smell. It was utterly repulsive, and Dio wasn’t going to be too careless, despite his wish for a good fight.
Commanding The World to grab a series of knives from his belt, the Stand did as its master wished, and lined up the shots with pinpoint accuracy. Rearing its arm back, The World let them fly as each and every one found their target in Alucard’s flesh, ripping him apart and sinking into the melting vampire as he struggled to remain standing on his own two feet. A fresh coat of scarlet seeping from the newly formed wounds, all it did was mix into the disgusting black liquid, giving it a deep red tinge.
"Here standeth the Bird of Hermes! EATING MY OWN WINGS!"
As if on cue, the rest of Alucard’s body began to dissolve, transforming into an expansive inferno of black and red hellfire, growing by the second. Smoke began to billow from the top of the blazing liquid-like substance, carrying the stench of rotting corpses into the air, giving no escape from the horrid smell.
“To keep…”
Growling, Dio weighed up his options. He could either stand back and let Alucard do… whatever it was he was planning here, or he could test the waters to gain insight on this… thing that Alucard had… become? It still wasn’t quite clear, and thus the decision was an easy one. Jumping forward, Dio landed near the base of the dark inferno, kicking up what dust remained with his landing. Scanning the area, Dio could see that the mass of reds and blacks was slowly growing, but he’d be out of here by the time it could get dangerously large. Or, well, dangerous to him.
“Myself…”
Dio raised his fists aloft high into the air as The World copied his movements, assisting its master as they brought their fists down onto the writhing mass like machine gun fire. The remarkable speed at which the two punched seemed to be making progress as well, as parts of the mass recoiled under their blows, but just as it pulled in, the black and red mass began to push back out again, keeping Dio and The World away as Alucard spoke from the pool of hellfire once more...
“TAME…”
And suddenly, Dio’s world went black. The blazing inferno exploding outward violently, Dio was enveloped within the black substance, swept within its tides as it crashed through the city like a tidal wave. Flying to the surface with The World, Dio stuck his head out of the wave and took a desperate breath of air, ascending into the sky and away from danger. Standing still above Cairo, Dio was able to let his body relax, no need to fight against the encompassing darkness that suffocated him. But what Dio saw when he looked down shook him to his core…
A mighty river… a river of death. A river of screaming eyes and mangled bodies flooding the streets as heads emerged from the expansive crimson darkness, moaning in unholy unity from their blood-soaked maws. Creeping up buildings, hands shot from the wave, reaching, clawing hungrily at the air like it was a lifeline, though their lives had long since ended. The screeches of the undead rising from the infernal pits of hell itself, teeth sharp and eyes an empty, soulless red bore into Dio, even from his position atop all of the chaos.
The mass of limbs clawing their way up, their appearances became clear. Peasant women and children, military infantrymen, armoured knights, priests, farmers, criminals. Kazans, the Janissary Infantry, British common-folk, World War II soldiers, thieves, catholic warriors, Ottomans, vampires, and even… Wallachians. The Principality’s Army. Riders emerged from the infernal mass on undead steeds of blood and hate, spears dripping hot with the fiery essence of Alucard’s fury. Dio could tell that these people had not been spared a gruesome death for the cause. Their bodies showed the signs of a violent end. Hunted down and exterminated. Slashed, strangled and slaughtered. Beaten, stabbed and crushed. Garrotted and impaled. Shot and executed without mercy. And the time had come for Dio to cleanse this world of their undead forms.
Quickly gazing up into the luminescent night sky, Dio saw the radiant blue glow of the moon tinted a deep red and obscured from his vision, as if blood covered the air above along with the rising smoke. Sniffing the air precariously, Dio could feel the pungent smell of iron and rotting flesh fill his nostrils and turned his gaze back down to the streets, watching as fires broke out everywhere, painting Cairo scarlet with rushing blood and blazing flame. The dead danced through the town as all of Hell sung in its throaty, undead groans. A grotesque, godless sight.
Millions of ghouls paraded through the city as Dio watched from above, safe from harm, but as many as there were, Dio’s focus was centred on Alucard. Or rather, where he used to be. Instead, Dio saw a dark figure enveloped entirely within the blazing darkness, eyes burning with malice, hatred and another, deep, profound emotion akin to melancholy. Tendrils of satanic energy surrounded the figure… the monster… devil!
But just then, a resounding voice rang out across all of Cairo…
"Your power is mighty, Dio Brando. You were an equal to the vampire Alucard. You might have even been able to defeat him."
The deep voice was familiar, yet entirely new. They spoke with a regality and authority that matched Dio’s own, and yet was entirely different all the same. Most notably was the foreign accent that Dio had never heard spoken before. Like the tongue of a lost nation.
"But you no longer face the vampire Alucard..."
Figure becoming clear, the first thing Dio noticed were his dead, lifeless eyes. They shone a faded crimson, their vibrant days of life well over, accentuated by their blackened eye bags. In what slight breeze there was, the figure’s shaggy black hair flowed gently in the wind, long cape as black as night on the inside, with an inside red as blood following suit. Their scruffy moustache and beard made the man look unkempt, or as though he had to time for presentability.
“Now, you face the scourge of the Ottoman Empire...”
"The Ottoman Empire?" Dio thought to himself, giving the melancholy man a thoughtful look over. The man’s armour was fastened tight to his body, with a chest plate made of some sort of metal, greaves, arm guards, gauntlets, and a substantial sword at his hip. Six feet in length, it appeared to be a claymore, with a golden cross guard and hilt. "Is he…?"
“Now, you face the man responsible for the bloody torture and murder of so many innocent lives, all to sate his unquenchable thirst for blood...”
Glaring up at Dio, still held aloft above the bloody desolation and carnage, the scourge of the Ottoman Empire locked eyes with the immortal vampire, gracing him with a gaze that somehow held both emotionless despondence and withheld fury. The ghouls at the man’s command followed suit and glanced up at Dio, now with an army of millions dead set on his life being theirs for the taking.
“Now, I, the "No-Life King", stand before you... On this bloody night of despair, you, Dio, face me...”
"Count Dracula."
(Cue Hail to the King – Avenged Sevenfold)
Upon this sight, Dio felt beads of sweat form on his forehead as he stared at the No-Life King’s forces, led by the dark-cloaked man. Dio’s hands shook, and his breath came in short pants. His body tensed up, feeling the sheer malice emanating from the Son of the Dragon. He had fought many, he had devoured many... But few could ever claim as much status and power as this specimen. At this moment, with the Count Dracula standing before him, Dio felt one, cold emotion.
The fear of death.
“So, what shall you do, Dio? Before, it was only one against one... But now, it is you who stands before an army of three million, four hundred and twenty four thousand, eight hundred and sixty seven soldiers... and the notorious Impaler himself.”
Stretching his arms out, Dracula threw them upward, a wave of hellish energy rising behind him as Wallachian riders upon their steeds returned from beyond the grave to serve their master in his time of need.
“Before you stands the army of Lord Vlad Ţepeş of Wallachia. And the end of your eternal life, Dio Brando. Now, before I slaughter you here tonight, have you any last words? Any last begs for mercy? Tell me, before my army rips you to pieces here and now. And let me assure you, I truly shall enjoy hearing you scream…”
Dio's hands were open, shaking as he stepped back further and further in the air, The World flickering in and out of existence, as Dio himself knew not what to do against such an adversary. Dio's eyes shifted left, right, up and down, looking over the rotting faces and ghoulish hell spawns that once inhabited Alucard's body. These... All of these were once people. And now, they were nothing more than lifeless puppets, each one no longer human.
“What say you, Dio? As I, Count Dracula, stand here, his forces having finally arrived, what say you!? Do you dare stand in the path of the Impaler? Of the Son of the Dragon?! With all that I wield, you surely must recognize the futility in your struggle, as you threw away your humanity for the role of a vampire! Of a MONSTER! SO WHAT SAY YOU NOW!?”
Dracula’s forces began to slowly draw to a halt, eventually stopping as Dracula himself made his way to the front lines. Walking through the hordes of demonic ghouls, all parted way for the King of all Vampires to speak to Dio. Seeing that the army had stopped fully, Dio slowly descended toward the ground, touching down upon the cold stone pavement gracefully, as the monsters under Dracula’s command continued to snarl and growl at Dio, held back only by Dracula’s will. Meeting Dracula’s gaze as he stood but a few metres from the encroaching army, Dio could not help but think that they were the eyes of a true monster. Those eyes that stared back from the shadows... Were like portals to Hell itself.
As the seconds ticked past, Dio looked over the mass of hell-spawned demons and his lips began to lift into a smirk. Lifting a fist up, Dio clenched it tightly as he sighed a breath of relief. Walking forward, it was Dracula’s turn to stare into Dio’s eyes, and within the British vampire’s irises, he saw… conviction. Determination burned within Dio’s gaze as he stared defiantly back at the undead Lord of Wallachia.
“What do I say?” Dio responded. “I say this, Dracula…” Pointing an accusing finger at the Prince of Darkness, Dio’s words held confidence, burning with a passion. “I cannot claim to be surprised by your true identity, but this party you’ve brought is certainly unexpected. Even still, it changes nothing! Your demise is still imminent, and it shall be by my hand! For you, the Impaler, are NOTHING!” Raising an eyebrow, Dracula remained unaffected by Dio’s words, drawing his blade from its sheath, and resting it on the ground. "You devoured so many... And you rely on the stolen souls of others to merely exist! But it doesn’t matter if you send forth the entire world to try and kill me! I am not like you! I still have my pride!"
“And what use does a monster have of pride? Or did you truly maintain your humanity whilst taking on the guise of a monster?”
“I still deserve my pride, mongrel! I am DIO! I am destined to rule this world, and I shall bow to no one! Much less a pathetic servant who bends the knee to those weaker than him!” Voice building into a shout, Dio felt his blood begin to race, for he knew the real battle was about to begin. “I consume blood to empower myself without tainting my own being, while you consume it to continue your wretched existence like some kind of life support, abandoning what you once were! The proud King of Wallachia, brought down to this! A house pet; less than a guard dog!”
Dracula’s façade of calm began to shift as Dio’s words precipitated the rise of his simmering anger, eyebrows beginning to furrow as the egotistical vampire continued on. “I dare not tarnish my own being by losing my identity within a cesspool of lesser worms, imitating a snake! People call you the “King of all Vampires”, do they not? Then let me ask you this, Dracula…” Dio spat, expression morphing into a mix between conceited arrogance and disgusted revulsion. “What is a king… to a GOD!?”
In the blink of an eye, Dio smashed his fist into Dracula’s face, launching the Wallachian Voivode back through his army of ghouls with a sickening crack. Stabbing his blade into the ground to stabilise himself, Alucard turned his head and spat out a patch of dark red blood before returning to face Dio, grinning madly.
“Fine then. You wish to be a God so badly? Then allow me to play the part of The Devil.”
Glaring the Prince of Darkness down, Dio responded with a mad laugh. "Very well, 'Count Dracula'! Then let us enact a scene from the good book. THE TALE OF LUCIFER'S FALL FROM GRACE!"
Rushing forward, Dio took the initiative and smashed his fists into the head of an undead familiar, The World doing the same and felling two reanimated corpses with a single blow. Getting a decent look at the nameless grunts he was fighting, Dio could see that they were armed soldiers; infantrymen of some kind. And their weapons and armour reflected this, their bodies from the waist down protected by sheets of steel, and guarded by their sharp blades of wrought iron. Dio didn’t care either way, and smashed another two’s heads in, ending their un-lives immediately.
Keeping himself going, Dio afforded no time to slow down. For each corpse he felled, The World felled two, and for each one, three took their place. As fast as the due were killing each grunt, there would be more to replace them. Millions more, if what Dracula had said was true. Ducking under the slash of a soldier, Dio caved in his chest with a punch, kicking away the body and knocking down the familiars behind him. He had to be smart about this, and needed time to think; to plan. Thankfully, he had all the time in… “THE WORLD!”
Stopping time, Dio and The World immediately got to work. Splattering the heads of numerous zombies, Dio cleared the entire row of soldiers in front of him, dispatching perhaps fifty or so with time to spare. Glancing down at his hands, Dio noticed that they were dripping. Wet with the fluid of something, but Dio couldn’t feel any wounds on his own body, so he had to guess it was the blood of Dracula’s zombie warriors. But they shouldn’t have this much blood left after death, unless… they were made of blood? Could such a thing be possible? Considering everything he’s been through tonight, Dio supposed it wasn’t out of the question any more than Hellhounds were.
If it was true, then this would be even better than he’d hoped! But he’d wasted enough time already, and he couldn’t afford to waste any more. Going back on the offensive, Dio cleaved farmers in two, sliced soldiers to bits and smashed civilians into bloody paste, jumping back just as time was about to resume. Letting the hands of time resume once more, Dio watched as the foes he’d decimated exploded in a shower of blood in front of his eyes, a fair number felled in what appeared to be an instant. Something Dracula took keen note of, from his position way back.
Drawing knives from his belt, Dio threw each one directly into the skull of an undead victim, knocking them back as another took their place. Ranged combat was too slow, and being up close would be a faster way to dispatch this army. But given the number of them, it’d take him ages. Good thing he had The World by his side, and with another cry of the Stand’s name, time once more slowed to a halt. Granting Dio the perfect opportunity to mow down even more undead than before.
Racing forward, Dio launched himself at the wave, taking off heads and smashing necks with a simple swipe. Kicking in the heads of Dracula’s familiars, The World obeyed the command of its master, bringing death and destruction to every foe who stood in their way. Jumping up, Dio and The World came down upon Dracula’s army, cratering the ground and creating a shockwave with their impact, splattering bodies like watermelons; red juices splashing everywhere. Feeling his grip on time begin to slip again, Dio and The World barrelled through the never-ending waves of enemies, returning to their original position and leaving a trail of death in their wake. Watching as time resumed, another, even larger shower of blood graced the battlefield that Cairo’s streets had become.
Dracula’s army was unperturbed however, and marched forward with a sickening roar. Phantom riders thundered toward Dio on their ghastly steeds, lances drawn to spit Dio upon their pikes. Scanning the foes, Dio immediately put a plan into action. Stopping time as they approached, Dio systematically smashed each one into mush along with their ghoulish horses, grabbing hold of their spears and throwing them all into the air as they froze within the stopped time. Sending The World to kick each one back at the approaching army, Dio watched as the spears ripped through the heads of dozens of zombies each before coming to a halt within the skulls of yet another, repeating the process with each cavalier’s lance.
Having brought down Dracula’s first wave mounted units, along with hundreds of the resurrected soldiers behind them, Dio carefully scanned the ranks of Dracula’s army, counting not only the soldiers he’d felled, but those who he’d yet to make fall, and just how many remained. Hundreds had already died once more at his hands, but he had millions still left to go. And if he wanted to slay the serpent, he’d need to cut off the head of the snake. Taking a runner’s position, Dio braced himself as he released his hold on time, rocketing forth as the remains of the soldiers burst in a spray of blood around him.
The World in front of him, Dio barrelled through the hordes of undead slaves, tearing through their ranks as the Stand cleared a path for the vampire, punching every ghoul and demon in Dio’s way to mush. Sprinting directly toward Dracula as a path was opened with The World’s strength, Dio spotted the Lord of Wallachia, taking to the air as he jumped at the No-Life King, intent on ending his immortal life. Dracula was unphased however, and raised his right hand upward, a massive wave of undead minions forming an impenetrable wall before Dio’s eyes. With his momentum already aiding him, Dio and The World dug in their metaphorical heels and thrust themselves forth with all the force they could muster, smashing their fists and bodies into the demonic mass of zombies.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Bringing their fists down upon the fleshy mass only appeared to push it back a bit, and while Dio could feel that it would eventually give way, he’d be putting himself in too dangerous a position. Jumping back with assistance from The World, the duo came crashing down into the middle of Dracula’s forces, creating a massive crater beneath their feet and crushing any unfortunate soul which happened to be standing there prior. As the indentation in the ground began to fill with the running blood of crush bodies, Dio knew all too well that he was fully surrounded. The only way of escape was up, but the rising wave would eventually catch up with them, and he was more than content releasing his pent-up anger by bashing in some skulls. Or, what remained of them.
Facing the undead hordes with The World watching his back, Dio threw himself into battle, dashing forward to cleave the head off of several warriors in a single strike, immediately jumping to the side and snapping the neck of another zombie before lifting it up and throwing it back into the crowd, killing a few familiars with the force of the throw alone. With his back inevitably turned to some foes, The World ensured no one could approach to its master, decapitating and smashing each and every foolish familiar who dared to get close. Bodies lay torn in half, bleeding profusely out of their chests as Dio tore his way through the ranks of Dracula’s army, arms and legs thoroughly soaked in their blood as he used every extremity to its fullest, leaving no soul left in his wake.
(Cue Vitality – Helltaker)
From his protected position, Dracula could see that the foot soldiers were being mowed down by Dio’s frenzy of carnage, and that he was entirely unharmed. This vampire… he was too fast. At points, his attacks even seemed… instant. He needed to strip Dio of his mobility, and fast. Telepathically controlling his undead servants, Dracula commanded them to hold their position and keep Dio occupied as backup arrived. For the semi-solid familiars, still stuck to the blood, Dracula directed them to scale the building walls around them, giving Dio no safe escape. Once they were at the top, they’d enclose around Dio and rend the flesh from his bones and hold his corpse high for the world to see. The sight would undoubtedly be pleasing to the Impaler.
Executing his plan, Dracula clenched his fist, watching as the hordes around him followed his directions, slowly scaling the stone building walls. The ground units kept Dio busy with sheer numbers, keeping the vampire’s focus on them in a bid to catch him unaware. Even so, their numbers were steadily thinning as Dio ripped through wave after wave of enemies with ease, as if gliding through a battlefield of blood, Dio was entirely in his element; in control. At least, that’s what he thought, and what Dracula was counting on. Manically ripping through the cursed flesh of these familiars, Dio batted the head off of one zombie, jumping up and kicking it into the skull of another, killing both with style as The World crushed others within its grip, crimson streams of ages-old liquid leaving their bodies.
Not giving the enslaved soldiers a second’s reprieve, Dio continued to desecrate their reanimated corpses, but he began to hear something… odd. Like flowing water, but more dense. Tuning his enhanced hearing to his surroundings, Dio kept up his onslaught, bashing in battered bodies, but the cacophony of sounds was too much to keep track of at once. He needed time… He needed… “THE WORLD!” Dio screamed out, time freezing dead in its tracks as the vampire took a moment to collect himself. He was indeed surrounded, but the source of the liquid sound is what he wanted to investigate. Glancing around, Dio saw nothing out of the norm in the immediate vicinity, well, as normal as this was, all things considered.
Peering his gaze upward, Dio began to see the congregation of familiars slowly ascending the walls surrounding him, and while the soldiers around him were thinning, the numbers of the wave rising higher were not in any way limited. "Trying to trap me, eh? A smart move, Dracula" Dio thought to himself, retrieving a knife from his belt before lining it up and throwing the blade directly at the No-Life King, stopping just short of making contact with the Wallachian Lord. "But not smart enough!"
Taking into the air, Dio felt time resume as he shot toward the closest building, impacting against the familiar-covered wall with a smash! The force of his feet hitting the building sent a shockwave across the area of impact, forcing any familiars back as he dug his feet into the side. Lifting his left foot up, Dio smashed it into the wall at a slightly higher position, once more sending all of the undead servants back. Seeing that Dio had made his own approach, the zombies began to take a more solid form as they trudged their way toward him, crawling along the vertical surface as though it were flat ground. Their progress was only met with the unrelenting fists of The World, ensuring no harm would come to its master as he scaled the vertical wall.
The Prince of Darkness watched on as time resumed, but immediately began to cough and sputter violently as he felt a stabbing pain in his throat. Looking down and seeing a knife lodged in his neck, Dracula gripped the handle before ripping it out of his body with a grunt of exertion, his body already working to heal the wound as he took laboured breaths. Eyes darting around to try and spot Dio, Dracula saw that he’d already moved on from his stagnant position on the ground, and he begun to scale the familiar-infested building walls. Growling with a deep-seated anger, the Lord of Wallachia knew he needed to stop Dio’s progress, and fast.
The British vampire continued to walk up the wall nonchalantly, batting aside any familiar that slipped by The World with a simple flick of his hand, fast approaching the top of the building. Digging his hands into the uppermost ledge, Dio swung himself up to the rooftop, landing on the cement with a graceful front flip. Peering over the edge of the structure, Dio could see the ravenous hordes slowly ascending the wall, and across the street, the other buildings had already been overrun with Dracula’s demonic familiars, many undead archers beginning to take aim at him with their bows. Soon, all of the buildings would be covered head to toe in the black and red mass, but Dio had a better idea.
Smirking to himself, Dio commanded time’s flow to cease, everything freezing in place at his whim. Retrieving a series of knives, Dio threw them at the archers, finding enjoyment of humour of beating Dracula’s minions at their own game before they could even begin to play. Each blade stopped only inches away from their skulls, and Dio was content that they would perish as soon as time began to flow once more, so he moved his focus to matters of greater importance. The crawling familiars weren’t strong physically, but for what they lacked in firepower, they made up for in numbers. Slaughtering each one would be tedious. Possible, but time-consuming. Instead, taking them all out at once would be ideal.
Given their spread-out formation, and the fact that many still crowded around Dracula, the notion of obliterating them all in one go would be unlikely, but removing a large number of them from play at once would be both feasible, and pleasing. And Dracula’s forces had alerted him to a most useful object with which to utilise. Jumping down to the street with a resounding thud, Dio stood upon crushed flesh and melting blood, facing the structure upon which he was standing atop of moments prior. Commanding The World to take out the support at the base of the building, the stone began to falter, starting to crumble as it was frozen in time once more.
Crashing through the building, The World decimated each supporting base with a single strike, now leaving nothing left upon which the structure could remain standing upright. It was inevitably going to collapse, and that’s what Dio was counting on. Flying around to the back of the building, still yet to be infested with Dracula’s minions, Dio put his hands against the cold stone, pushing against the edifice with the help of The World. Strength augmented by that of his Stand, Dio put his entire body into it, flying against the structure in order to push it off of its shattered support. Little by little, Dio could feel that the building was beginning to give way, and would soon fall over, but Dio could also feel his grip on time begin to falter.
With one last mighty heave, Dio pushed the motionless building over, tilting it so that it would collapse forwards, and directly onto the congregating mass of Dracula’s army. Relinquishing time back to its normal flow, Dio took as deep breath as he watched the structure tip over, and Dracula’s army look up with an expression comprised of a concoction of emotions. Surprise, anger, fear, dread, acceptance. As the looming building’s shadow began to overtake the dark, semi-liquid form of Dracula’s familiars, Dio watched in elation as thousands of their un-lives came to a second end, the deafening roar of the collapsing building eclipsing any pitiful noise those servants of that mutt could have made in their true final moments. While his vision may have been obscured due to the massive cloud of dust kicked up into the sky, Dio’s ears heard their miserable whines as clear as day.
Soaring into the sky, Dio witnessed the blackened army be culled by stone and rubble in nary but a moment, pure joy brought to the vampire. But his night was far from over, and while it may have slaughtered many of the Nightwalker’s familiars, there were many still left to go. The other buildings had not been touched, nor Dracula himself, or those protecting him. Not to mention the countless zombies that still hid somewhere throughout the city. Sighing, Dio knew these problems would eventually have to rear their heads, but that was an issue for down the line. Leaping down to the area of destruction left in the collapsed building’s wake, Dio found the desecrated bodies of many familiars still writhing amidst the carnage, and the numbers continued to grow, as more fell into their ranks to kill the British vampire.
Lifting up rubble with The World, Dio threw large pieces of it at the incoming wave of enemies, crushing several with the brutal impact. Illuminated by the glow of the moon, Dio continued to launch the stone at Dracula’s forces, tearing through his ranks with expert precision. He had a building’s worth of stone to use, but his makeshift ammunition was beginning to rush short, and Dracula’s forces lessened none in their number or ferocity. For each zombie he felled, another ten took its place, and thousands approached Dio all at once. Surrounded on all sides, Dio fought through the hordes of undead familiars with ferocious expertise, inflicting each one with a fatal wound before moving onto the next. But even for all of his strength, there were simply too many of them to continue fighting like this.
Grunting, Dio pushed back against the waves of crimson bodies, adding more corpses to the pile as the moon’s glow intensified, painting Dio with its light. But this was a dark light. A sickening scarlet which overshadowed Dio’s personal battlefield of slaughter and bloodshed. Peering upward as The World continued to defend its master from harm, Dio saw the cause of this crimson eclipse. Dracula’s familiars that were climbing the nearby buildings had ceased their former action and piled together, forming a piercing wave of bodies all eager to taste Dio’s flesh. Adrenaline racing, Dio called out for The World to freeze time once more, everything becoming entirely still as he assessed the situation, halfway between panicked and calm.
There was no way around it, Dio was utterly and completely surrounded, and for all of the time he could command, it wouldn’t be enough to destroy each and every one of these monsters. But suddenly… an idea came to Dio. An ability he possessed, but had not used in quite some time. Due to the nature of Stand Battles, it was not very practical, but these foes were all connected, and possessed no such defence. It was perfect! Face shifting from an expression of concern to one of superiority, Dio immediately lowered the temperature in his arms, bringing them to a point where they contained no temperature whatsoever. They were freezing to the touch; colder than ice. Simple contact with his hands would freeze anything solid upon contact. And against a conjoined mass of demonic creatures, this was perfect.
Moving within the frozen time, Dio reached his hand out to touch one of the undead creatures, watching as its body became overtaken with ice and frozen solid in an instant. Smirking haughtily, Dio placed his other hand on the frozen zombie’s body, watching as the ice spread from one corpse to the next, the second body freezing immediately. From there, ice began to grow over the mass of bodies, stretching out across the streets of Cairo to the edges of their connected forces, reaching those trampled underneath, and the piling wave of bodies above. As the ice spread across that too, Dio turned his head to watch as the wave was frozen solid, leaving a large portion of Dracula’s encased within a sea of ice.
The chilling mass of undead surrounding Dio, the vampire quickly scanned the entire area, ensuring that every monster within reach had been effected by his Vaporization Freezing. Content, Dio smiled to himself, lifting up his hand as he brought it down upon the nearest familiar, watching as it burst into a spray of fractured and frozen blood and bone. Cracks along the body of the ice appearing thanks to Dio’s strike, the vampire watched as it quickly began to travel, reaching the grounded hordes and legion of aerial zombies. Turning to face Dracula dead-on, Dio let time’s flow resume as he stared superciliously at the Wallachian Voivode, all of the Vampire Lord’s frozen army shattering into billions of tiny shards, illuminating the battlefield with a soft white glow as they rained down from the sky.
The red-tinted clouds above them were lost in the rising smoke that obscured vision of the sky, casting a looming shadow over both vampires. Walking forward as the frozen corpses continued to crumble around him, Dio withdrew a slew of knives, nonchalantly slinging each one into the skull of an oncoming familiar. The thud of bodies hitting the floor increased with each soul Dracula threw in Dio’s direction, and the constant clattering of their weapons upon the ground began to give Dio and idea. Reaching down to retrieve two weapons as The World picked up the knife throwing in its master’s absence, Dio grasped the hilt of two classic English broadswords, the handles of which fit perfectly to his hands.
Standing up properly, Dio inspected the blades, finding them in good shape, given their age. Running his forefinger along the edge of the blade, Dio felt it draw a thin line of ruby blood without difficulty, and the slice on his finger healed within moments. Pleased with his find, Dio brandished his newfound blades toward Dracula, smirking condescendingly. “Well now… This is quite the party you’ve put together.” Dio commented, seeing additional rows of undead warriors arrive on the scene, weapons pointed directly at him as they awaited the command of their master. “All of your servants here about to bear witness the last night of your immortal life. How heart-warming.” Looking down at Dio from his elevated position, Dracula cracked a self-assured smile, booming voice carrying across the battlefield.
“Then come to me, Dio! Come and face death!”
(Cue Fight The Knight – Crush 40)
Beginning to walk through the hordes of undead familiars, Dracula’s heavy steel greaves crushed the remnants of mangled bone and flesh beneath his heel, advancing toward Dio as his army lead the way for their king. Smiling at the sight, Dio’s pupils dilating in excitement as the helpless lambs made their way to the slaughter. The World by his side, Dio began to walk forward as well, his Stand protecting him from the spears of Dracula’s cavaliers, pushing each one into the skulls of their owners, none able to get close. But as many began to enclose the two, The World focused on protecting Dio’s blind spot, smashing every one who dared to approach his master from behind without mercy.
With his front unguarded, Dio brandished his dual blades in front of himself, running into the approaching army with the ferocity to match their own. Slashing his arms upward, Dio’s steel cut through cursed flesh and tore through sinew, felling the monsters immediately as he moved onto the next. Swinging the blades around, Dio laughed with manic frenzy as he cut the army to pieces, one by one. With a thrust, Dio impaled the body of an infantryman upon his blade, ripping through the rest of it as he slashed another into halves behind the soldier with the same blade. Swinging his other sword in an arc, Dio decapitated a row of zombies, their heads flying off of their bodies and being kicked into yet more familiars as The World spared a second to assist his master at the front before quickly returning to the back.
Dracula continued his approach, carefully analysing Dio’s fighting style as he walked toward the British vampire. It was uncontrolled. Whether he knew how to swordfight or not, it was unlikely that he had time to spare for technique, given the circumstances. His abilities in the art would be put to the test however, as Dracula drew his claymore from its sheath, the distinct sound of his large, Scottish blade being brandished toward Brando. The familiars around Dracula could sense the intent of their master, and began to clear a circular area, giving the Prince of Darkness a mock duelling ground with which he wanted to test Dio.
The remaining forces of Dracula’s front-line soldiers were quickly worked through by Dio, incorporating more acrobatic and fluid movements into his monster-slaying. Kicking the zombies into the air, he followed up with a bifurcating slash before transitioning into a spin, taking out the familiars which began to encroach. Hitting one in the face, Dio’s elbow tore into its skull as the body soon went limp, but the vampire had already moved onto smashing another in the chest with a knee strike, jumping up and plunging his blade into its heart before ripping the blood-soaked broadsword out of its chest horizontally, tearing through their torso with brutal efficiency.
The immortal vampire remained in motion, giving no reprieve to those who dared to oppose him. His blades had begun to sport minor cracks in them, but were still functionally intact, and with the power behind each strike, Dio needed not to worry about their condition. Even a tree branch wielded by one with as much power as he would be able to fell the mightiest of foes. Spring boarding off of the ground, Dio threw his blades into the air as he smashed in the bodies of two zombies who got too close with his fists, shaking them off and flinging them to the side as the swords came back down, catching them in a reverse grip. Scanning the remaining forces nearby, Dio saw that many of them had already been thinned out, but the main section of those still in combat had begun to circle Dracula.
With astounding speed, Dio held his blade outward still in its reverse grip, and took off toward the crowd surrounding Dracula. The eyes of the damned souls widened slightly as Dio ignored Dracula in the centre and sped around the outside of the perimeter before appearing back at his starting position in the blink of an eye. And just a moment after, the chests of Dracula’s minions burst open into fountains of carmine, sinking to the floor as Dio readjusted his grip on the bloodied blades, staring at Dracula as they began to circle each other in the arena of blood, steel and corpses.
“You have put forth a valiant effort, Dio. But do you have the strength to go on? Or will you quit, and forfeit your life?”
Dracula’s gruff and resounding voice would have instilled fear into any normal man, but Dio would not shrink at the mere sound of a voice, no matter from whom it originated. Instead, Dio raised his own in protest to challenge the Vampire King. "I shall not quit! I cannot quit! I shall live on to rule all living creatures, and no being, be they mortal or otherwise, will keep me from what I so rightly deserve!"
Brandishing his bloody broadswords at the Wallachian King, Dio made the first move, lifting up his right sword and bringing it down upon Dracula with immense force. To his credit, Dio pushed the king back slightly, but Dracula had already lifted his claymore in defence, blocking the attack in its entirety. Holding strong against Dio’s assault, Dracula pushed back with both hands gripped tightly on his blade’s handle, staring Dio dead in the eyes as he did so. With the other sword still in his possession, Dio swung at Dracula’s side, but the attack was halted by his thick armour. Kicking at Dio’s legs, Dracula pushed the vampire backward, Dio’s heels digging into the ground slightly.
The World punching Dracula in the chest, the king grunted from the impact, but held strong against Dio. Throwing his weight to the side, Dio rolled out from under Dracula’s grasp and raised his broadswords from the ground to point at Dracula as he stabbed at the lord’s side. The armour managed to deflect most of the strike, but Dio’s sheer strength had managed to dent the material, rendering it inoperable. Telekinetically flinging it off of his side, the sheet of metal flew directly at Dio’s head, but the British vampire brought up his sword to slice it in two, falling by the wayside as both Dio and Dracula returned to a neutral position.
Trusting forward with immense speed, Dio lunged at Dracula’s head, slicing a lock of dark hair from his head as the Prince of Darkness narrowly avoided it by tilting his head to the side, and struck back with a slash of his own. His heavy blade ripping through the air, the force of its upward swing disrupted and shook the air as Dio narrowly backstepped with surprising agility. Arcing both blades in an overhead slash, Dio brought both of his swords down onto Dracula’s claymore, metal grinding as Dracula pushed back against him, each vying for superiority in this test of strength. And despite his larger and heavier blade, Dracula was fighting a losing battle, but all he needed was a different perspective.
Headbutting Dio as the two were close enough to do so, Dracula used this moment of opportunity to push the vampire back, punching him in the cheek with his left fist as the right brought his claymore up in a swift cut upward across Dio’s torso, tearing through his flesh with the massive blade. Grunting in pain, Dio backstepped as The World protected its master from harm, kneeling down to plunge his hand into the blood-soaked ground, drinking the warm blood of those he’d put down. Standing up as the slash across his chest closed and healed as if it never happened in the first place.
Dracula was already on the move however, and reared back for a hefty slash toward Dio, forcing the vampire to his knees in order to avoid a swift decapitation. Flipping himself upward, Dio struck Dracula’s chin with his boot, bloodying the No-Life King’s chin as he powered through the pain and grabbed hold of Dio’s foot, lifting up Dio before slamming him back down onto the harsh gravel with a snarl. His long blade held aloft, the crimson moonlight gleamed off of it as Dracula brought it down onto Dio’s chest with a grunt of exertion. Embedding his sword deep into the ground through Dio’s chest, the Invader began to cough violently, his mouth flooding with the metallic taste of his own blood as he tried to remove as much of it as he could.
Pushing the blade in deeper, Dracula glared down at Dio with an expression mixing pity, rage and satisfaction. Grinning madly as he watched Dio struggle against the claymore lodged in his chest, bloodied fingers clawed at the blade, struggling to push it upward and out of his chest. Dio could feel his fury begin to reach a boiling point. Bubbling up like a roaring inferno, it filled his entire body with the instinct to fight. To kill, maim, do whatever it took in order to survive. From his feet, to his agonising chest, Dio felt this primal emotion. In his arms and legs. In his throat and head as he let out a furious roar, glowing eyes burning with this superheated rage.
Pupils dilating and splitting apart, hot fluid began to form in Dio’s eyes as he stared into Dracula’s own. Hate burning bright enough to rip space itself. And suddenly, twin jets of burning fluid shot from Dio’s eyes, tearing through Dracula’s own as he remained above Dio’s writhing body. Each roaring at the other in their shared agony, Dracula ripped his sword out of Dio’s side, as the bleeding holes where his eyes should have been were putting him through a fresh hell of pain. Wounds like bullet holes in his eye sockets, Dracula roared in pain as the searing pain of Dio’s Space Ripper Stingy Eyes slowly began to ebb and fade away, thanks to his healing factor. Opening healed eyes with a vengeance, Dracula whipped his head around, searching for Dio, but could not find the malevolent vampire anywhere.
An apparent second given to breathe, Dracula assessed the situation mentally. It was likely that Dio had temporarily retreated to heal his wounds, and this gave him enough time to plan a counterattack. For all of his own skill with the blade, Dio was just as fast, and strong enough to hold his own, and with his fancy eye beam trick, blade locks would likely end in his favour. Not a fact that Dracula wanted to admit, but this was war. There was no time for personal feelings such as this. Just facts. And the fact of the matter was that his reserves of familiars was draining, and fast.
Dio had torn through tens of thousands of them already, and at the rate he was going, there would likely only be a few thousand left by the time he’d be slain. Troublesome for the No-Life King, but this just meant he had to fight smarter, not necessarily harder. Attack a vampire’s weak points; the brain and heart. Nullify healing with his blessed rounds. Distract Dio from his true goals and keep him unaware. Capitalise on any and every evident weakness he could exploit. And that meant seeking him out before Dio could recuperate his energy. Closing his eyes with a deep exhale, followed by an equally deep inhale, Dracula mentally searched through his army, looking for any spots of quickly falling troops.
Eyes snapping open, Dracula found something! The block over, many of his familiars were perishing, and with the quick succession of it, Dracula knew it had to be Dio. Leaping into the air with a mighty jump, Dracula raised his claymore aloft as he bounded over the solitary building separating the British vampire and the Wallachian one. Spotting the golden invader immediately, Dracula angled his fall toward Dio, blade held tightly as he sailed through the air, hurtling downward toward the blood-soaked pavement.
Ears picking up the whistling of something moving quickly through the air, a pained Dio looked up from the withered zombie in his clutches, releasing the dried up corpse to fall onto the ground with the already amassing pile. They themselves didn’t provide enough sustenance as a human would, so multiple were required. His chest wounds had closed, thankfully no excess bleeding nor infection, and the rusted blades of his opponents were especially precarious. Definitely had to make sure not to get cut by any of those. Regardless, Dio’s head turned upward to the ruby skies just in time to witness the shine of a long sword flash into his eyes, causing him to recoil momentarily.
(Cue Kasugano Residence – Street Fighter V)
But that single moment of hesitation was all Dracula needed! Bringing down his claymore with all the force he could muster, Dracula cleaved through Dio’s head and torso as the invader reacted with an agonising scream until the blade tore his throat and vocal chords to shreds. Sword just barely stopping inside of his body at the pelvic bone, cracking it as Dracula motioned to twist his blade deep inside of the golden vampire’s body, Dio could feel every agonising inch of pain and torment Dracula inflicted upon him. But even though he was impaled and nearly bifurcated, Dio’s will to fight still burned on strong within, and The World, who had been holding Dio’s swords as he drained the zombies of the blood, retaliated in defence of its master.
Thrusting the broadsword held in its left hand forward, it found itself deep within Dracula’s own chest, breaking through the breastplate he had for armour and emerging out the other side of his body. With the right blade, The World swung at Dracula’s left shoulder, hacking away at the limb with brutal ferocity as Dracula tried to force his limbs to obey and move, but to no avail as a guttural scream ripped itself from his throat, his shoulder finally giving way as his arm fell limply to the bloody ground beneath them. Each with one blade stabbed through the other, they could see each other begin to heal their wounds, slowly but surely. Even though the severity of his wound was high, Dio’s body still functioned as his chest stitched itself back together, neck following soon after.
Dracula’s torso had healed around the sword as well, body fighting against the foreign object as The World began to repeat the process on Dracula’s right shoulder, breaking away the metal shoulder guards as he struck the bone beneath. Dio reached up to the parted sides of his head, fresh hot blood streaming from the wound in its centre, and pushed the halves together, wincing in pain slightly. The halves coming together cleanly, there was still a thin line across his face, which Dio fixed by aligning the parts of his chin and skull, a hand on each to stabilise them for good measure, as the cut began to fade and disappear, giving the illusion that Dio had never been harmed in the first place. Well, apart from the massive claymore lodged in his midsection.
Dracula roared in pain as he felt his arm begin to lose strength, The World hacking away at his limb with all the might it could muster. Even for his legendary strength, Dracula could not withstand the force assaulting his shoulder, and let out an agonising cry as his remaining arm was severed from his body. The World was not yet finished though, and ripped the remaining sword out of his body, leaving the wounded king bleeding out from his shoulders. However, Dracula still had more left to give, and a mere monster such as Dio would not lay claim his immortal life! Bellowing out his fury, Dracula’s telekinesis latched onto his blade still deep within Dio’s body and yanked it out of him through the side of his torso which he had not yet ripped through.
Returning Dracula’s screams with one of his own, Dio pushed through the pain of having his side torn open and firmly grasped the blood-soaked blade by its hilt, interfering with Dracula’s telekinetic control over it as he kept the sword’s momentum going by swinging it in a circle, angled upward with both hands as it left a mean gash across Dracula’s stomach. Continuing his motion, Dio raised the claymore to point directly upward, the blade shining crimson under the moonlight with the blood of monsters illuminated by the cleansing fire of hell. “Checkmate!” Dio screamed out in revenge, looking Dracula right in the eyes as he cleaved through the Impaler’s crudely amputated body in a single, mighty stroke.
Going from Dracula’s mane of dark hair, Dio forced the sword downward, slicing through his skull, neck and torso until the length of the blade hit the ground with a resounding thud. All of this taking place nigh instantly with Dio’s speed, Dracula could just barely register the pain that began to course through the halves of his body as he felt them come apart slightly. Raising the sword from the ground, Dio quickly sliced it diagonally upward, left to right with renewed vigour. Keeping up his slashes, Dio sliced the claymore through what remained of Dracula’s midsection horizontally, blood coating his blade as the Impaler’s innards were torn through again from yet another angle.
Voice reaching a crescendo as Dio yelled, bringing down Dracula’s claymore through his body at the final angle he had yet to slice through, going from left to right diagonally in a downward slash. Dracula’s body cut into eight bloody pieces faster than he could react, he felt the portions of his body begin to slide away from each other, all in different directions as Dio reared back with his fist. Covered by The World’s own, Dio smashed his fist forward, smashing the remains of Dracula onto the concrete, panting heavily from the effort. Chest heaving in and out, Dio watched the several pieces of Dracula twitch involuntarily for a short moment, eventually ceasing and laying still.
Blood covering his fist, Dio let the coppery liquid seep into his body, staring at the remains of Dracula. Was this finally it? Had he… won? Against a foe such as he, Dio could not be truly certain. Still, he had bested the King of Vampires, Vlad the Impaler, Dracula! There could be no contest to his claim as the most powerful vampire in existence, and the thought brought a small smile to Dio. As he continued to wait for Dracula to do anything, Dio heard the familiar and very unwelcome sounds of groaning and shuffling feet approaching. Groaning, Dio clenched his fist until his nails dug into the skin of his palm. Yet another annoyance to deal with.
Flicking the claymore out to the side to remove the blood still running down the length of the blade, Dio held it at the ready as he turned around, greeted with the approaching mass of zombies. Gaze darkening, Dio dashed forth, sword held high as he met each monster with a powerful flourish of his sword, slicing through their bodies in one clean stroke. For as useful as having two blades had been, this one held enough weight and power to get the job done by itself, as well as further reach. Stabbing through the heads of several undead, Dio skewered their skulls on his sword before withdrawing it once more, carving up the snarling masses with ease.
Tearing through the army, Dio’s carnival of carnage showed a bloodlust and determination few could ever dream to match. With each slash of the large Scottish blade, blood flew from the reanimated corpses, and more zombies came to fill in the thinning numbers as Dio slew creature after creature. At this point, Dio had lost count of how many he’d felled, and to try and count the falling bodies would be a pointless endeavour, as more would just follow within moments. Although Dio found himself surrounded on all sides, the mere foot solders proved no challenge, and were dispatched easily enough.
The thundering roar of hooves on pavement caught Dio’s attention as he whipped his head around to see Wallachian cavalry units approaching with haste. Scoffing to himself, Dio floated up into the air above the ground, putting him eye level with the riders as he angled himself toward the group. Like a bullet, Dio took off with Dracula’s appropriated claymore outstretched, flying directly at the horde, and with one swing like lightning, Dio cleaved through all of their heads with a single slice. As the horses began to go wild, they threw off the maimed corpses from their backs, landing on the ground as yet another bloody casualty in war.
Whipping around to face the remaining hordes of enemies under Dracula’s command, Dio ran a bloody hand through his hair, wiping the sweat from his brow. Even for his prowess, Dio could feel that his body was straining throughout the fight. Jonathan’s body still resisted him even now, but with each second, and every drop of blood taken, that resistance grew weaker and weaker. Touching the crude scar running across his entire neck, Dio calmed himself, facing Dracula’s minions as his eyes wandered back to the location of Dracula’s body.
It was gone.
Gritting his teeth and growling as he exhaled an irritated breath, Dio knew Dracula was still alive and active somehow. His familiars wouldn’t be continuing to attack him if he wasn’t. Tightening his grip on the claymore with his right hand, Dio threw his left out wide, crying out into the bloody night the name of his Stand; “THE WORLD!”. Following his command, the golden Stand halted the wheels of time as Dio ascended into the air with haste. Searching his immediate area, Dio could spot nobody but himself and the many mindless monsters. His attention shifted from the familiars to the horizon and surrounding area, scanning the rest of Cairo with his eyes as he stood above it all.
The city he’d lived in for the past few years was lit ablaze. Fires raged throughout the whole city, and buildings had crumbled, collapsing onto the streets. Amongst the carnage were the pitch black tides of Dracula’s monsters, flowing through the town like a natural disaster, causing untold casualties. Dio saw the lifeless bodies of innocent citizens spitted upon pikes, laying in the streets cut to pieces, or having simply drowned under the wave of blood and bodies. For everything Dracula had claimed, it was clear that he was either just as much a monster as he claimed Dio was, or that his familiars had free reign to cause as much carnage as they wished once let free. Regardless, Dio would slaughter them all.
Falling to the ground, Dio let time resume as he touched down, immediately slicing a nearby zombie from hip to shoulder with no delay. Making his way through the masses, Dio was able to pick up the sound of a larger number of monsters with his acute hearing. Flipping over the creature in front of him with grace, Dio simply walked forward as the top of its head began to slide away from its jaw, the speed of Dio’s attacks far too quick for it to register. Walking toward the sound he heard, Dio spotted a giant mass of bodies staring him down, but that didn’t worry him. What concerned the Invader was the chill he felt up his spine.
Instinctively smashing its fists into the being that stood directly behind Dio, The World felt the impact of its knuckles against flesh, but just as soon as the being appeared, it once more disappeared back into the shadows. That was, until it jumped up from behind the horde of familiars, one foot rested upon a rock as it stood with its arms behind its back, staring down at Dio.
It was a small girl, cloaked in a large white coat. Her small ears just barely peeked out from her long and flowing black hair, straight and well maintained. She wore a fashionable rose coloured tie, which matched with the ivory suit and her shining, crimson eyes. Not to mention the familiar insignia on the back of her pristine white gloves, which shone faintly. A teasing smirk adorned her lips as her mouth opened just wide enough to give Dio a show of the glinting fangs where her canines would be.
“Well, hello mister! Who might you be?” the girl asked teasingly. Her voice was high-pitched, but such a simple deception was not nearly enough to fool Dio. The tell-tale glint in her ruby eyes only made Dio all the more aware of the situation.
Raising an eyebrow, the unamused Dio replied. “Here I was thinking you’d have more pride than this, yet it appears I was sorely mistaken.”
“My, whatever do you mean, sir?” the girl coyly responded, holding a hand to her chest. But she was only met with a blank stare from the golden vampire, raising his hand pointing his index finger commandingly at the snow-coloured girl. Following the orders of its master, The World reached into Dio’s belt and withdrew several knives, holding them between his fingers before throwing them at the girl. Flinching, the girl held up her arms to defend herself, cowering before the storm of knives headed her way.
That is, if the knives hadn’t been stopped mid-air. Like the hands of Satan himself, hellish appendages emerged from behind the girl’s body, jumping out in front to protect her from all harm. Having blocked the knives, they moved to her side as she peeked out from the hands, looking blankly at Dio.
“You know, you could at least try to play along” the girl spoke, in a far deeper tone of voice, one much more suited to a man far older than herself. A man who’d been conversing with Dio all night, but lacking the air of authority to it, or the thick accent from earlier. Alucard was back!
“Hmm…” Dio hummed to himself in mock thought, holding his hand to his chin. “Nah” he concluded, lowering his hand with a smug look of defiance. “Because that’s what you want. And I’m not going to give it to you.”
“But there is one thing I can give you…” Dio spoke, grinning cockily.
“Oh, you brought a gift to the party? How generous!” Alucard replied, interrupting Dio and smirking as the hellish hands rose up from behind him and the stagnant monsters in front began to snarl and gnash their rotten teeth at Dio.
But what caught Dio’s attention was the shining blue light dancing wildly back and forth through the air. He had no idea what it was, but soon found out as he felt the blue light smash into and through his chest as he was thrown back, a fiery explosion left behind as the magic bullet ripped through Dio’s torso. And before Dio could register the attack on his person, the ‘thwip!’ of cards flying through the air, leaving a black trail, outlined in red, as they shot toward his right arm, each one tearing through a substantial amount of flesh and bone until the last card severed it clean off. His arm falling to the floor, along with the claymore scattering nearby, Dio roared in pain as he leaned down slightly in pain, The World still valiantly protecting its master.
“Hope you don’t mind, I brought some friends!” Alucard called out to Dio. “…Associates? …Slaves; I br- I brought slaves.”
(Cue Gluttony Fang – BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle)
Looking toward the source of those projectiles, Dio spotted a pair partially absorbed in shadow, most of their bodies reformed into what they once were, but not completely. Cracking his neck as the wounds on his body healed up, Dio examined the first one of the pair, a South American man dressed in a brown zoot suit. In his hands were clutched several razor-sharp playing cards. Next to him was a blue-haired woman with spectacles, cradling a large rifle, still smoking from the shot she took. She wore a dark coat with a pink undershirt, sporting a manic grin as she took aim at Dio once more.
The British vampire simply chuckled to himself. Grabbing his twitching, bloody arm on the floor, Dio reattached it to his shoulder, The World collecting the claymore as Dio held it at the ready once more, sporting a frenzied grin.
“The more, THE MERRIER!” Dio cried, readying himself into a sprinting position as he faced off against the horde of Alucard’s hundreds of monstrous slaves.
“The runner takes his mark…” Alucard announced, signalling to Rip for her to take the shot. “The starting gun is fired…” the crazy German markswoman pulled the trigger on her rifle, letting loose a bullet moving faster than sound. “And it’s off to the races, folks!”
Like a rocket, Dio shot forth, sprinting straight into the mass of familiars head-first. The World standing in front of Dio as he ran, the Stand let loose a flurry of fast-paced punches before any monster could touch its master, clearing a path in front of Dio to run straight through, uninterrupted. As the blood of the zombies in Dio’s path sprayed up and around the Stand’s body, Rip’s bullet began to close in, zipping back and forth through the air as it sped toward Dio.
Noticing the projectile nearing rapidly, Dio hurriedly grabbed one of the zombies nearby, lifting it above his head with one hand and throwing it at the bullet, hoping to intercept it mid-air. Unfortunately for Dio, the magic bullet simply corrected its course, and avoided the thrown familiar. Conceding, Dio saw that long range wouldn’t be a viable strategy, and knew that he had to defend himself up close. He still held the claymore in his right hand, so with some precise timing, he could hopefully deflect it, or slice it in two.
But first, there was the rest of Alucard’s slaves to deal with. And so Dio and The World got to work, slashing away at those within reach, striking any that managed to get close with a mighty fist to their skulls, rupturing their brains as they fell back into the amassing pool of the deceased. “He swings to the left!” Alucard declared as if a sports commentator, announcing Dio’s movements as he made them, watching the vampire tear through those who stood against him. “He SWINGS to the right!” Alucard said with extra enthusiasm, seeing Rip’s bullet enclose as Alhambra prepared his cards for attack.
“He’s right in the thick of it, ladies and gentlemen!” Alucard announced as Dio swung his blade around like a madman, slashing through demonic familiars by the dozens as he merely continued to run through, giving none of them any more attention than it took to kill them. “And what’s this?” Pivoting on his heel, Dio spun around right as the bullet was finally about to make contact, swinging the sword upward as slicing through the round as it lost its power and clattered to the ground. “Oh, it’s a regular ol’ playing card jamboree!”
Dio spun his body around to see where the cards were coming from, just in time for one to slice him across the eyes, causing Dio to scream out in pain as blood pooled around his eye sockets, temporarily blinding the vampire. The rest of Alhambra’s deck was let loose across Dio’s body, slashing him across the arms, legs and torso; cutting deep into his skin and returning to circle the vampire, slicing his body in parts they had not reached beforehand. Despite Dio’s healing factor, these were extremely painful, and The World would not stand for such an insult to its master, throwing its arms back at the mental command of its user, causing time to slow to a halt before any more cards could be thrown.
Using this moment of reprieve to let his body heal the wounds it had suffered, Dio’s eyes were the first to recover, regaining his sight and visual awareness. Next, the cuts across his body began to fade, and Dio felt their lingering slashes sting, but it was akin to phantom pain; they caused no physical harm. Turning his gaze to the situation around him, Dio saw the cards about to enclose, and knew he needed to take care of the thrower if he was to prevent more from being launched at him.
Sidestepping the frozen projectiles, Dio walked toward the South American man, letting The World handle this one as his fist punched through the familiar, time resuming as he did so. Dio expected to see a fountain of blood emerge from the his head, but instead, Alhambra’s body dissolved in a flutter of cards, having been swapped out for a card clone. Jumping into the air, Dio spun himself around, waiting for further action from the duo. And action he would receive, seeing a flurry of cards and bullets headed directly upward at him.
Descending back to the ground, Dio smashed into a pile of familiars, sending waves of them flying around him from the impact as he squished the skulls of two underneath his heel. Taking off, Dio held his sword out in front of him as he ran several zombies through, holding them up on the end of the claymore like a shish kebab. Now with the still-writhing corpses of Alucard’s minions always on hand, Dio raced toward the bullets and cards, blade held aloft. The zipping and swishing of the projectiles through the air didn’t concern Dio, for he would merely adapt to anything they could throw at him!
Swinging the claymore up at the magic bullet, Dio’s initial strike missed the projectile by a hair’s width, as it changed course, but Dio was faster, and moved the sword to compensate, having expected the same result. As such, the bullet was caught on the body of the first impaled zombie, exploding its body from the inside out as blood rained down, followed shortly by whatever remained of their internal organs. The cards were next, but there were far more of them than Dio had familiars. Lunging toward a set of three as they neared him, Dio managed to intercept them with the corpses on the length of the blade, but several more were in hot pursuit.
Seeing as her bullet had once more been deflected, the remainder of Rip’s emerged face contorted into a frown, taking aim with her musket once more. The World was faster to react though, and had located the pair during the scuffle, now with its sights set on the former Millennium Lieutenant. Withdrawing a sharpened knife from Dio’s waist, it flipped the blade in the air before catching it and pegging it directly at Van Winkle’s rifle, lodging itself directly in the barrel of the weapon before it could fire. Too late to see the knife coming, and too late to stop herself from pulling the trigger, the German’s rifle tried to force out the round, but Dio’s knife had already damaged the barrel, preventing her from using it as a long-range option.
Having effectively crippled Rip in terms of combat, Dio could focus his attention fully on Alhambra and the deadly deck he possessed. The minions on his blade had all since been discarded, their bodies shredded beyond belief, and Dio was simply glad he didn’t have to suffer those wounds himself. Turning to face the Alucard’s vampire slaves, Dio smirked as he vanished from their sight, reappearing immediately in front of both of them to their muted shock, unable to vocalise words since their deaths. Dio stood confidently in front of Rip, holding her aloft, impaled on her own rifle. Blood seeped out of the gaping wound in her chest as she struggled to push the gun out of her, and escape the agonising pain she was forced to re-endure.
Ears perking up to catch the sound of Alhambra’s deck catching up to him, Dio gripped the end of Rip’s musket tightly, spinning them around so that their positions were reversed. Sticking the blue-haired vampire out, Dio watched as the razor-sharp cards shredded her body to pieces, tearing flesh, bone and sinew apart until all that was left on the end of her gun was a mangled corpse, gushing blood out of the various wounds on her body. Withdrawing the rifle from Rip’s chest, Dio ripped it out of her, exacerbating the wounds before he slammed the gun into her neck, removing her head from what was left of her body.
Next, Dio appeared in front of Tubalcain as his undead partner’s body fell to the ground, thrusting his right hand into the Dandy Man’s throat. With haste, Dio drank the South American’s blood, feeling it rush through his veins as Alhambra tried to mount a defence with the cards still left in his hand. Dio was having none of it though, and with his left hand, he grabbed his wrist, and squeezed tightly, feeling the bone shatter under his pressure, and eventually the entire wrist exploded in a small gush of blood, Alhambra already drained of most of his fluids.
Glaring the Dandy Man dead in the eyes as he watched the life drain from them, Dio’s force upon Tubalcain’s neck eventually proved to be too much with the lack of blood to keep his body healthy, and the withered corpse cracked, neck coming apart in two pieces as Dio followed this up with a horizontal chop, severing Tubalcain Alhambra’s neck from his body. Turning away from the scene of his deceased prey, Dio motioned for The World to pass him back the claymore, having temporarily given it to the Stand to hold during his quick time stop.
“And who’s this squaring up against him, standing 8’5" and weighing in at 600lbs?” Alucard shouted as the screams of the damned raced toward Dio at record speed, led by a large, muscular zombie in front. “It’s Biiiiiiiig BARRY!” As if on reflect, Dio spun around and thrust the length of his blade directly out in front, catching the large zombie in the mouth. The tip of the Scottish blade peeked out of the back of Big Barry’s head, but it wasn’t enough to put the behemoth of a man down. “Better watch out! He’s got no gag reflex!”
“And he’s a hugger!” Unperturbed, the massive zombie latched its hands into Dio’s right arm, beginning to twist them around, to surprisingly no avail. Reversing the situation, Dio latched onto Big Barry’s body with his left hand, sinking his fingers into his torso as he heaved and began to lift the monster above his head, turning around and slamming him back down onto the ground, pushing the sword all the way through and slicing his head in twain, given this moment of opportunity.
“But wait, there’s MORE!” Finding his bearings after dealing with the large zombie, Dio saw a battalion of spear-wielding cavalrymen galloping toward him, intent on skewering him alive. Dio simply jumped back as The World grabbed knives from Dio’s person, throwing them at the wave of riders with insane speed and precision, mowing each and every one down with a single blade. The bodies of Alucard’s minions falling off their steeds as they too collapsed onto the blood-soaked ground, another wave was cleared, but it was clear that he was getting nowhere fast. He needed more time if he was to deal with them all.
Luckily, Dio had all the time in… “THE WORLD!” Gazing upon a battlefield of frozen corpses brought back from beyond the grave, Dio threw his head back and laughed as he got to work. But for Alucard, all he could see was Dio flickering in and out of existence, followed by an explosion of blood across the battlefield. One second, the golden vampire was standing still to his left, and the next moment he’d be throwing around corpses stuck on his hands, beating back the waves on incoming enemies with their own undead allies. But wherever he went, a large number of his forces seemed to fall instantly, and within moments, half of the familiars he’d summoned to this area had been decimated; all by this one, strange vampire.
Dispatching all of the monsters through a flurry of blood and carnage, Dio’s movements did not stop, moving from regular time to his world of frozen time and back again, almost as though he wasn’t even aware of it. Having slaughtered them all, Dio jumped upward from his guarded position surrounded by the piling bloody corpses of the familiars, leaping skyward and landing suddenly in front of Alucard in his World War II body, ground cratering under his might. Rolling his eyes spitefully at his adversary’s arrival, Alucard questioned Dio, genuinely curious to what his answer would be.
“Tell me, Dio… Why do you continue to fight? Is it simply the encompassing fear of death, or is it something greater? I have seen men to cowered at less, yet you continue to press on… Why not give yourself up? You have already done so by abandoning your humanity, so why not here?”
Alucard’s booming voice rang out, directly contrasting his feminine physique, but instilling Dio with the deep-rooted question that had been burning at him for a while. Dio faced the Count without so much as a trace of fear as he responded.
“Because I have something to fight for. I fight for a better future, for supremacy, for rule over this world! I was denied everything at birth and have clawed my way to the top, so that I can take what I am owed! I will not let others dictate the path of my life; I shall carve out my own path, and no one, be they man or monster, shall stop me!”
“Hmph” Alucard gruffly acknowledged. “That is an answer I may have respected from a human, but you, a monster, can lay no claim to supremacy. I swore that I would not let another monster like myself exist in this world, and so I must end your life, Dio.”
“Man or monster makes no difference! It is the strong who can take power for themselves. So I shall not fall to you, Alucard… Dracula… You have pushed me further than any other, but against you I shall not fall! I will not die!” Dio roared at the Lord of Shadow, The World by his side.
“I SHALL STAND PROUD AND FIGHT!”
(Cue Battle Theme – NieR Gestalt)
Reaching into his alabaster coat, Alucard withdrew a large gun. This one had a metal drum and barrel, but featured wooden handles so that wielders could hold it properly. Aiming the Thompson sub-machine gun at Dio, the dark hands surrounding Alucard sprang forth at the vampire as The World shot forth to match them. Bullets flying at Dio wildly, the golden vampire knew he’d have to rely on his impromptu swordsmanship, preparing himself as he used his enhanced senses to their utmost, allowing him to predict where the rounds would be due to air pressure, sound and force.
Swinging the claymore wildly to match Alucard’s firing rate, Dio was able to deflect most of the rounds, either knocking them off to the side or slicing them in two, but a few were able to slip past his guard, embedding themselves into his skin with extreme prejudice, and causing the Stand User to wince. His body began to work at healing itself, pushing out the bullets which struck his skin as The World was occupied with the many hands of Alucard. Though it only had two compared to the rough dozen it was squared off against, The World was far faster and more precise, and the two threw their fists out like maniacs, shaking the very air around them.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
The World clashed against the hellish appendages, fists working overtime to compensate for the disadvantage in numbers, but even though it was tiring, the Stand was slowly prevailing. In part due to the fact that they could not harm the Stand, but with one final “MUDA!”, The World smashed the ebony arms into mush, quickly rushing to block the last of Alucard’s bullets as Dio parried those which got past the Stand’s grip. The sudden click of Alucard’s tommy gun indicated that he was out of rounds, but before he could think to reload and continue laying into the duo, Dio rushed forth, taking Alucard’s neck in his left hand as they jumped into the sky.
Slamming Hellsing’s Ultimate Weapon down onto the ground with all the ferocity he could muster, Dio himself flipped over the body lying flat on the pavement, raising his sword high before plunging it down deep into Alucard’s heart, twisting the blade for good measure as pained cries broke forth from Alucard’s throat. Laughing to himself, Dio began to move the sword around, trying to tear apart Alucard’s body beyond any ability to heal, but as he did, Dio noticed one small detail.
Alucard’s mane of pitch-black hair had begun to fade into a light blond. His face soon followed, morphing from that of the young girl to a man, seemingly in his twenties. The rest of Alucard’s body followed suit, shifting into a different man entirely; a blond vampire who still shared the pained look on his face, despite his and Alucard’s differences. Roaring in anger, Dio slashed the sword from his heart to skull, lifting the bloodied blade up and resting it on his shoulder after it passed through the other vampire. Not his target.
The body was in fact that of another one of Alucard’s familiars; Luke Valentine. But to Dio, it didn’t matter who the useless slave was, only that he’d been used to give Alucard an opportunity to escape. The damn illusions were most irritating, and now Dio was presented with another problem; where Alucard would attack from next, and what form he would take. He’d seen the red coat, little girl and Dracula, but underestimating Alucard was the last thing Dio wanted to do, so it was safe to assume he may have more. Ascending into the sky as he mulled over his options, Dio thought it best to gain a higher vantage point, and hopefully he’d be able to spot something of interest.
Taking flight toward the other parts of the city they hadn’t fought in, Dio flew close to the ground, soaring through the streets as he saw what had become of Cairo. It was nothing short of a wasteland. Fires raged and burned, buildings crumbled and fell, and turning his head down one avenue, Dio saw a hallway comprised entirely of spears stabbed into the ground butt-first, leaving their tips pointed skyward. And upon those tips were mounted countless civilians, at least three on each lance, crimson liquid flowing down the metal shafts as the smell of dank copper filled the air; the scent of blood.
The horrific sight surprised Dio. Yes, he had seen a few earlier during his scan of the city, but to see such horrors in person was a different matter altogether. It appeared that Alucard truly lived up to his previous life as Vlad the Impaler. Traversing the hall of death, Dio could swear that he heard the faint sound of demented laugher echoing, but he couldn’t place from where exactly. The faces of the deceased etched themselves into Dio’s memory, seeing their final moments filled with fear and distress. Terror and agony permanently displayed due to the actions of a single man.
Dio felt no guilt for these people, for he had not killed them, and even if it were him who’d caused their deaths, he likely would not bat an eye at their torment. But something spoke to him about it all. This was a statement. It was excessive. If blood was what was wanted, there were more efficient ways to go about acquiring it; this was just wasteful. Alucard wanted him to see this. The bodies that lined the streets in his name. That he would be one of these deceased; just another nameless corpse to add to his overwhelming body count.
Wandering around the city of Cairo, all Dio saw was the remains of a once-prospering city, brought to its knees in a few short moments by a river of death. The only sound that echoed throughout the ghost town was the thud of Dio’s boots on the bloody pavement as he passed corpses of differing gender, age, nationality and clothing. That is to say, that the slaughter was indiscriminate and relentless. Vehicles of all nature remained untouched throughout the city, Dio having spotted many cars and trucks on his trek through the city of the dead, including a few oil tankers, and a steamroller of all things. But the only remaining beings in the city with a true conscience were the quarrelling immortal vampires who refused to give in and join the undead masses.
Eventually finding his way to the heart of the city, Dio saw that many of the lights were still functioning and operational, though those in the buildings had been all but extinguished. The structures themselves seemed battered and ruined, shattered glass from the windows having fallen to the streets where it lay in many fine specks and pieces, only a few shards left in semi-recognisable portions. As Dio stood in the middle of a crossroad, the street lamps around him gave out and went dark, plunging Dio into proper darkness, only staved off by the unnerving red glow of the traffic lights and the ominous crimson sky above.
Now standing in the centre of the eerie, desolate city, Dio could hear demonic laughter echo through the all-encompassing night. He was blanketed under a sky of blood, and could sense the monsters drawing closer. But such knowledge did not bring fear to Dio. Rather, it answered many questions he’d been thinking to himself. He’d been drawn out to a wider area, no doubt for something Alucard had been planning, but this trap was one Dio would spring himself, and conquer, as he had everything else Hellsing’s trump card had thrown at him thus far.
But even for all of his efforts, Dio could not quell the tingle down his spine, nor the sweat he’d begun to feel slowly forming on his brow. The familiars had gradually begun to reveal themselves, appearing out from behind walls a buildings, blocking off any exit Dio could take to his front, back or sides. The force lumbered toward him, and Dio prepared himself to intercept, but just as he was about to take off, he felt a hand, cold as death, touch his shoulder. Whipping his body around, Dio was swiftly met with a punch to the side of his face, knocking the vampire onto the ground as he quickly put his left hand to the ground and used it to flip himself upright.
Landing with both of his feet on the ground, Dio looked back at the figure who’d struck him, seeing only one glowing red eye. But eventually, that figure formed into a more stable physique, topped off with a red coat, black undershirt, white gloves and an inhumanly wide smirk. Blood flowed like a river from the tops of the buildings, covering the ground upon which they stood. Alucard’s familiars soon followed, bursting from the liquid and covering the slick, gory walls. Everything but the sky was covered in a forest of red and black, obscuring all features from sight but the groaning, indistinguishable mass eager for Dio’s flesh.
“Hey there, Padre! Did’ya miss me?” Alucard spoke down cockily to Dio, wagging his handguns around lazily.
“Hmph” Dio scoffed, ignoring the vampire’s playful remarks. “I suppose all of the corpses were meant to be some sort of statement, right, Impaler?”
“Perhaps. But I don’t want to simply send a message. I want your life. I want your soul. My orders were to search and destroy, and I will fulfill them by any means necessary.”
“Then show me! I want to see the power of the man who held back the Ottoman Empire, who survived half a millennia to kill every monster he saw, who has cheated death countless times, and who faces me in battle!” Dio began to scream, leaning his body back as his arms were thrust out to his side, The World adopting a protective stance as the two lords of the night stared into each other’s eyes, filled with adrenaline, confidence and hatred.
“YOU STAND OPPOSED TO GOD, IMPALER, SO SHOW ME THE MIGHT OF THE DEVIL!”
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(Cue The Maid and the Pocket Watch of Blood – Demetori)
Rushing forward, Dio leapt at Alucard with his blade outstretched, as Alucard jumped into the air, bringing his hands down in an attempt to crush Dio. The vampire was too fast for this however, and stuck his feet to the ground, pushing upward as he jumped above Hellsing’s ultimate weapon, spinning slightly as he evaded the blow. Landing squarely on both feet, Dio immediately transitioned into an attack, twirling the blade as he struck at Alucard. The Hellsing servant was prepared for this however, and met Dio’s attack with a blade of his own, entirely made from hardened blood.
With his sword to match Dio’s stolen blade, Alucard parried Dio’s swing, pushing the momentum out to the side. A following thrust and hip slash was also blocked by the Original Vampire, who turned the tables himself, slashing at Dio with the hardened liquid blade. Forcing the invader back, Dio stabilised himself as he blocked the strikes, but Alucard’s skill was already clearly present, and if things continued like this, he’d be at a severe disadvantage. Aiming for the Impaler’s head, Dio swing the claymore in an arc, just narrowly missing the Nightwalker’s neck by inches as Alucard ducked to evade the blow.
Using this moment of opportunity, Alucard slashed at Dio’s chest, tearing apart the fabric of his shirt and slicing the skin beneath with two well-placed flourishes of his blade. Leaving another cut up the length of Dio’s torso with a scathing slash, Alucard held his hand out directly in front of him, aimed at Dio as the gold-coated vampire was sent stumbling backward. Right on cue, a black hand shot forth like a bullet from behind Alucard as Dio instinctively felt the force of something coming before he could see it. Immediately flipping into the air to avoid the hand, Dio landed on his feet a metre to the left, his wounds healing despite his body’s strenuous activity.
“Vanish.” Twisting around as the hand followed Alucard’s movements, it ascended into the sky before crashing down where Dio stood, the British vampire having naught but a moment to jump back. A moment was all Dio needed however, as he leapt away from danger into a safe distance.
“Impressive.” Dio remarked, immediately bounding toward Alucard with a vengeance as the hunter raised his carmine blade in defence. With the accumulated momentum, Dio pushed against Hellsing’s trump card, breaking his defence momentarily, which he capitalised on with an upward slash along the middle of Alucard’s body. The wounded vampire in question continued on regardless of his injuries, slashing back at Dio, who raised his blade to block. Spinning to his left, Dio flourished his blade in an arc, bending slightly as he swept at Alucard’s legs, only to be met with hardened bloody resistance. Even so, Dio pressed onward, attempting the same manoeuvre, only aimed at Alucard’s right arm as he twirled around, repeatedly meeting the warrior strike for strike, blow for blow.
Pressing Dio onto the back foot, Alucard swung upward at the vampire’s head, narrowly missing as the invader sidestepped the slash. With his other hand, Alucard summoned another ghastly hand to push forward at Dio, but his opponent was able to evade the attack once more, spinning to the right again. Alucard had prepared for this however, and drew his arm to the side, slashing across the area where Dio’s scarred neck would be, cleaving through the air, and everything but Dio’s body as a sharp gust of wind was emitted from the blade of blood.
Ducking under the slash, Dio was thankful for his quick reactions, still having his neck intact after dodging such a blow. Raising the stolen Scottish blade to parry Alucard’s next slash, Dio could feel extra power behind it, as if it was swung with the force of two blades, yet it alone was not enough to overpower Dio. Rearing back, Alucard lifted the sword to the sky as wind danced around the length of the blade, all culminating in an overwhelming force coming down upon Dio as he blocked it with his blade. Waves of energy rippled through the battlefield as Dio struggled to push against Alucard’s weapon.
“Now this is more like it!” Dio declared, gradually gaining ground against Alucard as The World began to push its own fists against the blade of blood. Breaking the blade lock, Dio pushed against Alucard’s sword, but found he was close to over-extending his body in the way of harm, and quickly readjusted himself, blocking several continuous strikes from Alucard’s blade as the Original Vampire sought to press an advantage. Commanding the blade with his telekinesis, Alucard forced it to spin toward Dio like a buzzsaw, ready to hack through the Stand User’s body like a hot knife through butter.
The World was prepared however, and paired with its lightning fast reactions, the Stand threw out punches faster than Alucard could perceive, parrying a rotation of the blade with each fist thrown. Even as Alucard pushed harder for the blade to break through, The World only doubled down on its efforts, matching the speed and ferocity of the sword in kind. Despite his persistence, Alucard could see that this endeavour was headed nowhere, and quickly ducked under The World’s fists, summoning the blade to his hand as he clashed with Dio’s own, a shockwave of air generated from the sheer energy coursing between the two vampires.
Reappearing at its master’s side, The World kicked Alucard savagely in the chest, sending the King of the Night flying back as he stabbed his sword into the ground to stabilise himself. Quickly recovering, Alucard regained his balance, just in time to see Dio flying toward him at Mach speeds! Swinging the blade with all of the energy in his body, Alucard’s slash tore through the air as Dio approached, blasting away the monsters behind them, but Dio hastily ducked due to the efforts of The World, helping him drop to a crouching position as he neared the Impaler, and the slash fly by overhead.
Jumping up at Alucard, Dio struck out with a fierce uppercut, launching the monster skyward as he closely followed up the strike with a knee kick, leaving him twisting as he finally accumulated enough energy to launch the King of Vampires like a rocket with one final spin kick to the torso. Sprawling backward, Alucard was sent hundreds of metres in a second, crashing against the crumbling wall of a newly ruined building, causing concrete and glass to crack and shatter as shockwaves erupted upon impact. Wasting absolutely no time against a foe such as Alucard, Dio appeared before the king within an instant, fist held outward as he smashed Alucard through column after column of stone on the ground floor, shifting to hold Alucard above his head as he ascended heavenward, battering the vampire through layers and layers of the concrete construction.
Reaching the apex, Dio smashed through the roof with a roar, holding a bloodied and beaten Alucard within a single hand, the other clutched around the claymore. Various bits of rubble and debris flew from Dio’s breach point as he twisted his arm clockwise, gathering momentum as he threw Alucard down from the heights of the building roof. The burgundy sky shone down upon the vampires as Alucard spun back around mid-air to reach Dio, extending his hand as if reaching out to touch God Himself. But like the futility of mankind’s attempts to reach the divine, it too ended in failure, the dog of Hellsing slowly descending back down to the cold, damp earth as Dio watched the scene from his position on high, truly akin to his namesake.
But Alucard hadn’t reached the ground yet. Withdrawing his dual pistols from his coat, Alucard took aim at Dio as he began to descend faster, but even as he did, his Third Eye ensured he’d land the shot he needed. This didn’t go unnoticed by Dio though, and he met Alucard’s guns with a swarm of knives, throwing them haphazardly into the air as The World kicked them toward Alucard. Knowing that he’d need to deal with this first, Alucard altered his aim, now seeing to destroy the knives, and with the click of a trigger, Alucard let loose a hellstorm of bullets, each clashing with Dio’s knives as they slowly broke through the onslaught with the seemingly unlimited rounds stored in the cartridge.
As the rounds broke through his knives, Dio was forced to position The World in front of his body, letting the bullets harmlessly impact against the Stand as they clattered to the ground unceremoniously. Even so, Alucard’s aim was impeccable. For though most of the shots had missed, just one had been able to slip past The World, gliding through the miniscule gap between his arm and chest, and striking Dio on his side, painting his torso a blooming red. Blook seeped from the now opened wound as Dio grunted, holding a hand to his side as the wet liquid stained his hand and undershirt crimson. The pain itself was minimal, but Dio was more annoyed at the damage that had been done to his attire throughout the conflict. His jacket was ripped and torn in places, and his undershirt sported many holes and tears.
Rage boiling up within Dio, the vampire knew he would need to stop playing around and fight with the utmost lethality. Even his sarcastic opponent seemed to forgoing mockery for efficiency, and it would be unwise to not meet him in kind. So Dio reared his head back, taking aim at Alucard’s body sinking toward the ground slowly and let loose a vicious roar, making sure his intentions were known. But more than that, Dio’s pupils split to reveal his true intent; a beam of energy even more powerful than the guns or knives. Shooting the Space Ripper Stingy Eyes directly at his vampiric foe, Dio’s beam tore through Alucard’s pristine gloves as he tried to put up token resistance, blasting through both hands entirely and reaching his chest.
From there, the beam burned two twin holes into Alucard’s upper torso, just below the trachea, emerging from his back and striking the ground with enough force to burn the concrete all the way to the solid earth beneath. Blood immediately rushing from the gaping wounds in his body, the gun-toting hunter winced gruffly as it closed back up, restoring the damage that had been done. But doing so had left him to drop focus from his safe descent, and he began to fall, fast. Dio didn’t care however, and leapt from the tall building directly toward Alucard, smirking as he opened his arms wide and cried out “THE WORLD!”
Instantaneously, time itself froze under Dio’s command. Closing the distance within frozen time, Dio ensured that he could not be harmed in his approach, and smashed into Alucard’s torso with a clenched fist, bringing them both down to the ground as Dio forced Alucard to suffer the brunt of the impact. Jumping off of the vampire as the touched down, Dio surveyed the area to gain insight as to if anything had changed with Alucard’s ghouls. Spotting no change, he turned his attention back to Alucard, holding the Original Vampire aloft by the neck, fingers digging into his flesh. “And time flows again…” Dio spoke as he released his hold on time, the body held in his hand coughing violently and flinching backward as the damage dealt during the stopped time all hit Alucard at once.
The Lord of the Night’s sputtering slowly turns to light chuckling as he bore holes into Dio’s eyes with the intensity of his gaze, longing to savour the look on his face as he flexed his right index finger. Immediately, Dio’s eyes widened as he felt a burning pain in his stomach, letting go of the claymore’s hilt as the large blade clattered loudly to the ground, eventually coming to a stop. Firing another round into Dio’s body, Alucard let the bullet rip loose from the Jackal, smiling madly as he drew forth the cry of pain he’d been waiting for. Filling up the vampire with yet more shots, Alucard pocketed the Casull for now, lifting the claymore up and back into his hand with telekinesis, all while unloading the clip of his iron gun with manic fury.
(Cue Danger Zone – Persona 3 Portable)
Blood seeped from Dio’s chest as open wounds from the large rounds that remained in his body began to feel heavier; weighed down by the metal that had burrowed its way deep into his chest. The fact that Alucard kept firing didn’t help matters either, and it forced Dio to step back as the Ultimate Vampire pressed on. Dio’s legs felt like jelly; as if they would give out any second against the prolonged pressure of keeping his weakening body standing upright. His body was slowly healing against the assault, trying to push the bullets out of his body and fix the wounds, but it couldn’t keep up with Alucard’s gun. For each hole that was fixed, Alucard created four more, and before he knew it, Dio’s chest resembled more a loose string of flesh with large gaping holes torn into it all over.
Gasping and panting, Dio felt himself unable to even remain standing anymore and his knees buckled; his own body failing his will as he was forced to look up at Alucard. But all Dio could see were dark, hellish eyes like the eternal fires of torment, and the cold barrel of his gun. What was left of his chest felt like it was on fire, screaming at him in utter agony as he felt the chill of death run down his spine. Yet all Dio could do was stare up at the elder vampire; his eyes betraying countless emotions swirling beneath the surface. Chief among them: fear.
“How fitting…” Alucard spoke harshly to the defeated vampire. “That you die on your knees, in fear for your life… Instead of on your feet, like a man.”
And with that, Alucard pulled the trigger…
Only to hear the resonant click of an empty chamber.
Both sets of eyes widened in surprise, but Alucard’s held a hint of worry. Dio’s held many more complex emotions. Relief, shock, joy, rage, but above all else, they held drive. Will. Conviction. The unmistakable and unbending need to survive at all costs. And he’d just been presented a chance. For as shockingly numerous as Alucard’s bullets were, at the end of the day, they were ultimately limited. And he’d just run out.
Dio’s mind was running a million miles a minute, but Alucard had no such time to waste. He could not allow this mistake to cost him Dio’s life. Disregarding his gun, Alucard let it fall to the ground as he simply lifted the reclaimed claymore he’d retrieved from Dio with both hands, thrusting it immediately at the downed vampire’s head with a yell of exertion.
That is, until a mighty golden fist caught the blade before it could impact Dio. Holding back Alucard’s attack, The World looked at the offending vampire with disdain, though the look was invisible to Hellsing’s enforcer. Knowing what his master wished through the bond of their souls, The World kept its grip on Alucard’s sword, strong and unyielding as time slowed to a halt. The world of stopped time was Dio’s realm, and right now he needed it more than ever. Panting slowing to a series of deep inhaling breaths, Dio calmed his breathing and rapidly beating heart, letting the wounds he’d been inflicted with slowly heal.
But it wasn’t fast enough. Even at the speed at which Dio recovered, the time stop would eventually run out. What he needed was more energy; more blood! Thankfully, he had a perfect source right in front of him. Alucard’s nigh limitless reserves would most certainly do Dio well, but as the vampire hobbled his way to Alucard’s leg and jammed his fingers into the old flesh of Hellsing’s vampire, Dio couldn’t feel the overwhelming amount of blood he had before. In fact, Alucard felt like he was just down to the one body, instead of his army.
"Is… this because of the released monsters?" Dio thought to himself. "Did they act as some form of additional lives for him to use? It would certainly explain the lack of extra blood…" Dio concluded, consuming the blood coursing through Alucard’s body, feeling his victim’s limbs shrivel up and become dry from lack of moisture. "If so, then this would mean that… he’s finally vulnerable? Is this his last life?!" With the last vestiges of Alucard’s blood, Dio could feel the last of his wounds closing up and healing, bullets falling out of his body harmlessly as he recovered his injuries.
Pulling his fingers back from Alucard right before time’s flow resumed, Dio could feel his body rejuvenated thanks to his blood, but he still craved more. The World had since let go of the Impaler’s blade, and stood parallel to the British vampire as time once more marched onward. Alucard stumbled back upon time resumption, his shrivelled and withered body looking even paler than usual, but soon enough the blood in his system pumped once again, and colour returned to his features. It was clear that simply taking his blood would not be a permanent solution in order to put Alucard down.
“So it appears that the king is all alone in his castle…” Dio spoke, appraising his enemy for any signs of recognition or weakness. “Having sent out all your soldiers, you are vulnerable and alone, Alucard. Yet you face me still.” Dio’s ensuing smirk was one of genuine delight. Figuring out Alucard’s secret had been troublesome, but he finally knew how to put down Hellsing’s enforcer for good. Chopping the body up and destroying his brain had not been effective, nor had draining his blood. There was but one option left, the complete and utter annihilation of Alucard’s heart and body. Not to say that it would be easy, but it was still a way to victory, and Dio would seize such a chance with everything that he had.
“I do not face you alone, Dio.” Alucard replied, regaining his footing and returning to his usual level of health; fully healed and ready for action. “The king may stand solitary in his castle, but he is surrounded by the legions of his fearsome army who would give their lives in his name.” Following his declaration, the crimson walls that covered their makeshift arena began to melt, all slowly forming into a larger mass that began to surround the pair, reforming into physical bodies once they were in position. Dio could see the uniforms of German soldiers and the Vatican’s white-clad crusaders, all raising their weapons as they took aim at Dio.
He was surrounded. Outnumbered. Tired. His body ached, but no matter what, he had to finish this fight. Heaving an exhausted sigh, Dio turned to face Alucard directly, leaving The World to deal with the soldiers. Stepping forth to meet the vampire in combat, Alucard pulled the Casull from his coat without delay, firing it at Dio’s head, his opponent having but a moment to sidestep the round. Lifting the fallen Jackal into the air with his telekinesis, Alucard swung at Dio with the claymore, firing his handgun all the while. To avoid both blade and bullet was tricky, but Alucard’s attacks were easily telegraphed, and thus could be predicted and evaded.
Dio’s real problem stemmed from the additional gun by Alucard’s side. It moved around his body, seeking a better angle to fire, and given that he directly controlled it, Dio could not accurately predict where it would be. Instead, he had to control the flow of battle and not give Alucard the chances he needed to land crucial hits. So Dio threw out his elbow quickly, jabbing Alucard in the chest as he spun and grabbed hold of his forearm, throwing the enforcer of Hellsing as he spun 180 degrees. Sending Alucard falling to the ground, Dio hastily grabbed the firearm still floating above the ground, taking the Jackal for his own as Alucard rolled backward from the throw.
Pulling the trigger immediately, Dio struck Alucard in the shoulder with a stray bullet, keeping only one hand on the gun in case he needed to abandon it at any point. Recoiling back, Alucard levitated himself to his feet, met with a swift punch to the face from Dio, the vampire in question giving him absolutely no time to recover. Grabbing hold of each other’s gun-free forearms, the two raised their guns at each other, firing bullet after bullet at close range, but each only cancelled the other out. Kicking Alucard’s knee, Dio’s foot went straight to the bone, snapping it in two as they released their hold over each other. Only one of them was fast enough to capitalise on it, and so Alucard found his head bashed in by Dio’s own, the savage headbutt evidently causing him far more pain than Dio.
His skull was caved in, and while his body fixed the wound almost instantly, it still gave Dio enough time to blast Alucard’s chest with a trio of rounds, given his responsive stumbling back. Alucard swiftly raised his hand upward, and upon his command, a giant black hand arose from the ground, putting a wall between himself and Dio. Recovering his wounds behind the makeshift shield, Alucard punched the middle of the hand’s forearm, sending another, smaller hand out toward Dio, who ducked just in time to avoid it striking him. Rushing forth to jab his fist underneath where the arm had emerged from, Dio smashed through the entire construct, hitting Alucard’s stomach as the hand crumbled around them.
Sweeping his foot out to kick Dio’s feet out from under him, the golden vampire hopped into the air in order to evade, only to be met with another foot to his chest, courtesy of Alucard. Spinning around in a spiral of narrowly missed shots, only one met its mark, that being a round of Alucard’s, getting Dio right in the face. Head reeling back from the impact, Dio slowly brought it forward, mouth opened slightly as his teeth held one of Alucard’s blessed rounds, entirely unharmed. Spitting the bullet out, Dio only had enough time to register Alucard’s demented laughter as another volley of shots was sent his way.
Twisting and twirling as he jumped through the air in order to avoid the shots, Dio landed on the ground safe from harm and immediately shot off his own counterattack, though it was avoided thanks to a timely jump on Alucard’s behalf. Leaping to meet him in the air, Dio grabbed hold of the airborne Alucard, latching onto him as they both manoeuvred their arms into a position where they could properly fire. But even at the close range, both were able to keep up, pushing the other’s arm away from their head or shoving the gun altogether. Eventually, they separated, two sets of booted feet kicking off of each other as Alucard headed toward ground, and Dio remained aloft.
Touching down, Alucard’s head shot up to peer at Dio, who was retrieving a shower of knives from his belt. Seeing his hand whip back, Alucard scarcely had the time to roll out of the way of the first two, jumping to his feet as Dio descended back to the ground as well. An upward flourish of his claymore deflected one knife, as the following descending stroke parried another. Holding his sword to his back, the sharp projectile bounced off of the blade, allowing Alucard the time to twist around and fire shots back at Dio, all of which the vampire skilfully evaded, of course.
(Cue Legion Assault – Astral Chain)
Throwing another set of bladed weapons at the Original Vampire, Dio knew his reserves were running low, so he’d need to switch up his plan of attack sooner rather than later. Seeing the knives coming, Alucard prepped his blade to intercept Dio’s own, slashing through the first two knives with a stylish swing for each. For the third, Alucard simply titled his body to the side as it passed him, spinning his sword as he thrust it forth, letting his body follow after the blade as he held on tightly. Closing the distance between the two at record speed, Alucard was primed to stab right into Dio’s chest, but a careful backflip from Dio was enough to narrowly evade the edge of his blade.
“Too slow.” Dio mocked mid-flip, a left and right hook flying from Dio’s fists right as he touched down upon the ground. The World, which had been valiantly protecting Dio from the rampant hail of gunfire from Alucard’s ghouls up until now, felt its master’s call for him. Sending back the bullets that had been intended for its master with unmatched ferocity, The World mowed down another wave of enemies, appearing at Dio’s side as soon as it had done so, and began to lay into Alucard as Dio wished. Fists flying at speeds faster than light itself, The World beat Alucard down alongside its master, the signature cry of their rush attacks carrying across the dead city as they screamed it out.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Flying backward, Alucard’s bloody chest screamed in agony, but Dio was far from done, appearing right behind Alucard as if no time had elapsed whatsoever, and landing a savage roundhouse kick to the back of his head, aided by his faithful Stand. Retrieving the Jackal once more, Dio lined up the barrel with Alucard’s flying body, unleashing a flurry of bullets into the Hellsing enforcer body. Arms, legs, chest, head, nothing was safe. And as Dio looked around, he could see the rest of Alucard’s newly summoned forces. Grimacing, Dio could see that they would soon enclose on his location. Such an event was unfavourable. Unless… he could use this to his advantage.
Slamming his blade into the ground to cease his movement, Alucard eventually slowed to a halt. Leaving a long slash mark into the pavement, Alucard lifted his blade as he jumped to his feet, eager to return to combat. Instinctively slashing his sword out to the right, Alucard saw it cleave through a ghoul that had been flying at him, splitting into two parts and said pieces falling to the ground harmlessly. Although surprised at the revelation, Alucard had no time to process it, with more flying at him from out of nowhere. Letting his blade cut through them all like a bloody dance, the only thing stopping it was the impact of one striking him in the back, eliciting a small grunt before he reached behind himself with his other hand and pulled the trigger on the Casull, shooting the zombie into bloody bits.
Transitioning into a forward roll, Alucard let Dio fly over him, his leg outstretched as he attempted a diving kick, but was denied the opportunity. Bounding from the floor, Alucard let his sword hand thrust toward where he expected Dio to be, but was stopped just before making contact as he felt a hand grip his forearm tight. Soon thereafter, it burst into a spray of blood and cloth, reforming as a dark appendage filled with eyes as the claymore clattered to the ground. Rushing forth to stab the Jackal into Alucard’s chest, Dio rapidly pulled the trigger of Alucard’s iron gun, feeling the rounds rip through his chest and emerge out from his back. Emptying the chamber into Alucard directly, Dio had no more use for the gun, and quickly jumped to the side as a ghoul leapt at him, missing entirely and latching onto Alucard.
Smashing the familiar’s back with The World, Dio burst through its fragile body to attack Alucard’s own, knocking him backward as Dio remained unharmed. Snarling at Dio, Alucard could see that he’d need a different approach, and so he let his body slowly melt and drip, liquifying his physical form into that of a reddish-black fluid covered with eyes. Absorbing the Jackal, Casull and his claymore into the bloody mass, Alucard slinked away into the shadows, leaving Dio to deal with his slaves. All of which happened in a matter of moments, meaning that the golden vampire was unable to properly react and take advantage of the situation.
Seeing no way to force Alucard back out into the open, Dio had to settle for slaughtering all of the nameless monsters who stood in his way. Eyes flicking back and forth between the encroaching masses, Dio counted a rough thousand who remained. Resigning himself to dealing with these creatures, Dio slowly walked forward, disappearing immediately as he moved through The World’s time stop. From an outside perspective however, Alucard watched the scene from the cover of a nearby building. Dio appeared to be flickering in and out of existence, moving across the battlefield in an instant as familiars fell before his feet by the dozens. But Alucard still could not figure out how Dio was able to pull off such feats. It defied logic, which was filthy rich coming from him, but he couldn’t help but rationalise Dio’s powers as they were: complete bullshit!
Only a few times had he been able to land an effective hit, and even those hadn’t been permanent. Whereas he’d been forced to pull out every last stop he had to bring Dio down to this point. And the number of familiars at his disposal was dwindling by the second. At this rate, Dio would eventually kill them all… a thought that chilled Alucard to his core. To think that a monster as sickening as Dio had proven so capable… It was unnerving. What Alucard needed was one effective gambit. Something which would allow him to get the drop on Dio. He fought with a sense of urgency, as if survival was all that mattered, so it was unlikely he had additional lives to fall back on. A situation both found themselves in. One fatal blow would end their lives; for good.
All he needed to do was destroy his heart, and that would be the end of Dio. But the problem was how he was going to get Dio into that situation in the first place. Something to obscure his vision or lure him into a false sense of security. The fog wouldn’t work, as he could see through it decently enough, disperse it, or fly above it. Illusions had been broken though, and Alucard suspected that Dio was beginning to catch onto the ones he used when claiming an advantage. A vampire like this shouldn’t be pushing him this much! It infuriated Alucard. But in that moment of anger, Alucard came to a realisation. Something he could do. It was obscenely risky, but right now, he needed to make that call. It was going all or nothing with this.
Slinking out onto the ferocious battlefield covered in the viscous blood of the damned and fallen, Alucard’s crimson eyes began to glow, drawing forth the blood of those Dio had already slain to this area, discreetly and silently. He needed Dio to be in the air for this, and thus, his familiars needed to get him there, without him suspecting anything. Doing such with the amount remaining would be tricky, but not impossible. Watching Dio cleave through the ranks of his familiars, Alucard commanded them to band together, pushing Dio into the middle of a small circle. Naturally, Dio responded by rising into the air to avoid their attacks, but the creatures began to pile on top of one another, forming a tower with which to reach Dio.
Seeing the misguided fools attempt to reach him, Dio scoffed at their attempts. Like the ancient Shinarians who attempted to reach God with the Tower of Babel, their efforts would fall flat on their faces under the wrath of a vengeful god. But amongst the rabble at the bottom of the tower, Dio spotted the slowly reforming visage of a certain crimson-cloaked vampire hunter, having returned to the field of battle. Why Alucard had decided to return now of all times, Dio could not say, but what he could be sure of was that he would be destroyed along with the rest of these mindless monsters.
Throwing his arms out wide, Dio screamed to the heavens he vowed to claim the name of his Stand. “THE WORLD!” Dragging everything into his realm of frozen time, Dio alone stood unmatched in his world; the sole ruler and god. And he had some righteous vengeance to deliver to the devil’s armies who dared to oppose him. So with the finality of this conflict, Dio made sure it would only end one way. Disappearing into a plume of smoke, Dio teleported away, wanting to waste no time within his current limit, and reappeared within a burst of energy at his current destination; a side street nearby which featured a number of abandoned vehicles, due to the slaughter of Cairo’s citizens. There were cars, trucks, and other such vehicles, but only one grabbed Dio’s eye.
With the assistance of The World, Dio lifted the golden vehicle into his arms, taking flight into the air as he soared back to his previous position above the writhing mass of monstrous creatures. Moving out from underneath the behemoth of a vehicle, Dio instead held it from a side-on angle, one hand on the top, and another on its side as he positioned himself directly above the tower, and by extension, Alucard. “And time flows again…” Dio spoke with muted excitement, allowing the time stop to end as gravity began to take effect. As for Alucard and the monsters climbing into the sky, the first thing they noticed was the massive shadow looming over all of their bodies. Alucard was the first to look up, seeing Dio ready to drop on all of them.
“What the fu-?!” Alucard began, but was immediately cut off as Dio’s booming voice screamed out his intentions for all of Alucard’s army to hear.
“HAVE A ROAD ROLLER, YOU BASTARDS!!!” Dio roared from the top of his lungs, slamming the steamroller straight down onto the towering group. Dio easily crushed through several layers of the undead hordes, fountains of blood spraying from underneath the steamroller as Dio flew it downward with all the force he could muster. Nearly all of the monsters that formed the tower had been crushed into fine and bloody paste, but Alucard refused to give in! Raising both hands upward, a legion of hands, skin as black as tar arose from the ground, pushing up against the road roller. They felt themselves being overwhelmed at first, but as more and more joined the crowd to defend against a literal crushing defeat, they began to make significant headway against the steamroller.
“It’s too late! You cannot escape!” Dio declared, crashing through the remains of the decimated tower and directly onto Alucard’s summoned hands. Though they resisted his attempts to crush them, Dio would suffer no interference. Lifting up his hands along with The World, Dio brought them down rapid-fire onto the steam roller.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
“I’M GONNA CRUSH YOU FLAT!” Dio screamed, throwing his hand back as The World continued to pummel the steam roller and push Alucard’s demonic hands back into the ground from whence they came. Now, Alucard was mere metres away from having the massive vehicle crush him into naught but a mess of blood and bone. And with one final blow to the road roller, Dio cried out “WWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYY!!!” for all of the world to hear. The cry of his imminent victory as that final blow dented the metal of the steam roller beyond repair; the final push needed to collapse all of Alucard’s devil hands and flatten the Original Vampire underneath.
Leaping into the air, Dio narrowly escaped the ensuing explosion as the steam roller went up in flames, ensuring that anything trapped underneath would not survive. Witnessing the destructive explosion from above, Dio broke out into a devilish grin, thoroughly pleased that his plan had worked! And finally, finally! Alucard was dead. Defeated and crushed into nothingness under the weight of the road roller and violent flames that arose from the charred husk of the vehicle. Descending back down into the flaming steam roller, Dio let out a sigh of relief. His body ached and his clothes were tattered and torn, but he had won. After everything Alucard had put up against him, he alone emerged victorious.
“At last… it’s finally over… I’ve done it.” Dio breathed out heavily. “This proves that none can surpass I, DIO!” chuckling lightly, Dio’s amusement slowly devolved into deranged and manic laughter, drunk off of his victory. “Now then… I guess I should find Alucard’s lifeless body and drink his blood. If there’s any blood left to take!” Opening his arms wide as he continued, Dio bellowed into the night. “And then… I shall take over the world. A world in my hands. Ruled my me! RULED BY I, DIO!” Closing his eyes, Dio threw his head back, revelling in his victory and soon-to-be conquest with the joyous laughter of a king. No… Of a God!
Though Dio could not see it, behind the god-like vampire stood a hellish mass of black and red demonic energy, a single crimson eye glowing through the darkness. Their hands were adorned with pristine white gloves, featuring a blazing insignia on the front as the figure threw its right hand back, cloaked in the flame of combat. A figure which would not allow another monster like themselves to exist in this world. An agent of hell to slaughter his fellow demons. But even for all of his skill, he could not remain entirely silent, and the almost mute sound of the flickering embers caught Dio’s attention as the vampire turned around, met with a flaming hand shooting through his chest and out the other side, grabbing his heart and ripping it out of his chest!
(Cue Xion's Theme – Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days)
Gurgled sounds of rage, fury, agony, surprise and everything between ripped themselves from Dio’s lips as he felt the gaping, bleeding hole in his chest, seeing Alucard, the bastard, standing there unharmed, clenching his still-beating heart in his hands. To Dio’s failing brain, all he could see with his widened eyes was a figure that looked like a true devil, the physical manifestation of Satan himself.
“Wh- What the h-hell are you?!” Dio struggled to gargle out, throat filling with blood and he spat out what he could, but his body couldn’t recover from a wound like this. With all of the damage he’d endured, this was his limit. Had… Had Alucard truly won?! All Dio could feel was the overwhelming hate coursing through his body, and though he commanded The World to do something, anything, the Stand remained unresponsive. Flickering in and out of existence, it was utterly unresponsive to anything Dio tried to do. His legs failing him, Dio fell to his knees, staring up at Alucard as the demon delivered the final, chilling blow.
“A real fucking VAMPIRE!” Clenching his flaming hand, Alucard crushed Dio’s heart in a violent spray of blood, the crimson liquid squirting all over Alucard’s body as the heart was destroyed beyond a shadow of a doubt, all that was left eventually slowing to a painfully sluggish drip from Alucard’s alabaster gloves. A single drop landed on Dio’s eye, falling from his face as if a bloody tear; the golden vampire falling backward to an eternal rest as Alucard stood alone and victorious above Dio’s soon-to-be corpse.
Releasing the last of his rage at the vampire with a savage kick to his chest, Alucard knocked him off the steam roller as the blood of those Dio had slain drew nearer. Body landing roughly on the bloody pavement, Alucard spat at the disgusting monster that lay before him, flicking his fingers upward as several spears emerged from the blood, impaling Dio’s body on their tips as he was held aloft, a sign for those who would sell their humanity that their end would be just like his, and no matter where they would run or hide, Alucard would come for them.
Floating up to a nearby building top, Alucard stared down at the bloody carnage that had desecrated Cairo. All because of one stubborn monster that refused to die. Sighing to himself, Alucard signalled the amassed blood to flood the blocked off square, letting everything drown under a sea of red. As nothing would escape, Alucard let a few familiars remain, hobbling toward Dio’s impaled body, grabbing at his body with blood-soaked hands and claws, dragging him down as the self-contained area was soon filled to the skyline with an ocean of blood. They tore at his back and chest, ripping his golden coat and tight undershirt to pieces as they fell away from his body, giving the monsters unlimited access to his flesh. "A fitting end…" Alucard thought "…for a monster so vile."
As the square because a ruined sea of blood, Dio’s failing mind began to slow. Dio’s life flashed before his eyes in a slow, agonising replay of his miserable life. From the abuse he’d suffered at the hands of Dario Brando, a revolting thing that only just barely qualified as a man under the strictest terms that Dio could not even bring to call his own father, to his rivalry with Jonathan, who’d offered him kindness, even when it was detrimental to himself. That was a good part of his life. For a small time, he’d lived free from strife, and maybe, in another life, he could have kept it that way. But then his defeat at Jonathan’s hands was the next thing he saw; the crushing loss to his adopted brother.
He was indeed mad at the scenario, but not at Jonathan. The next hundred years under the sea had been a different form of torture. The ability to do nothing but sit and wait until he was eventually rescued from the midnight sea where he had been down for far, far too long. And when he emerged, everything was different. Society had changed drastically in these hundred years, and acclimating to it all was at first difficult, but the modern day had offered him a new chance. With all of its benefits, Dio had built a new life, a new empire. He had found friendship with a likeminded individual, and had plans that served a genuine benefit for all of humanity. For what is a god if not benevolent for those deserving?
But to fall here? Against a mutt like Alucard?! He would not allow himself to die such a pitiful death! Even as Dio could feel his sins creeping down his currently impaled back, as he felt the chilling hand of death on his shoulder, as the despair of everything he’d worked toward being dragged to an insignificant end was brought to an infuriating climax, Dio still raged against it all! The eternal, indescribable feeling that his life was about to be over was an overwhelming motivator, and with one last ounce of strength, Dio reached his hands up toward the carmine-tinted sky, opening his eyes as he stared through an ocean of blood, reaching for his future, his rule!
The hands of Alucard’s pathetic monsters clawed away at his skin, tearing it from his bones, but Dio could offer no screams of pain, for the hole in his chest had hurt more than anything they could hope to accomplish. The hand of death nearing ever closer, Dio could do only one thing. Opening the nails on his fingers, Dio let the tentacles hidden beneath out into the open, draining all of the blood they could. Working overtime in order to keep Dio alive, the blood-sucking vessels drank from the ocean like a man dying of thirst, draining everything they could as vitality slowly returned to Dio. The wounds on his chest healed, though the spears were still stuck inside of him, and with the rapidly increasing amounts of blood, Dio’s torso began to close its most grievous wound.
Eyes flickering with newfound life, Dio felt the steady beat of his pulse return, putting a hand to his chest as his lost vital organ had been made anew within his body. With all of the blood available, Dio had regenerated even a new heart. But there was still more than enough blood to satiate Dio’s thirst. And as he drank the blood as if water down a drain, Dio could feel the scar on his neck begin to fade away. Dio had taken the blood of hundreds during his lifetime, but here, he had the blood of millions! It all coursed through his veins, strengthening the immortal vampire beyond belief. From the brink of death, Dio could feel newfound strength greater than anything he ever had before. It was the greatest high!
Not even one hundred years ago, when he had first obtained his vampirism, had he felt a sensation such as this! Grasping at his neck, Dio felt around for the scar, but his fingers grazed over nothing but pristine flesh. His body… had finally adapted to him! Withdrawing the tentacles back into his fingers, Dio drank the last remnants of the ocean of blood, his entire body stained with the metallic-tasting liquid, but he didn’t care. Nor did he care about the familiars clawing at him, idly waving a hand in their direction as The World obliterated them within an instant, even faster and stronger than before! Ripping the spears out of his chest, Dio felt the wounds close instantly, and with no pain whatsoever. This was amazing! Now all that was left was him… Alucard!
Leaping from the enclosed square, Dio bounded toward where he could smell the Count, soaring through the air before he came crashing down behind Alucard in the span of a mere second. Cratering the roof as the entire building shook, Dio’s bloodied form stared Alucard down with crazed murderous intent in his eyes, the Impaler turning to face his revived adversary. “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?” Alucard chided angrily, absolutely pissed and utterly confounded with Dio’s survival. Glancing past the shirtless vampire, Alucard peered down at the square, seeing the once full ocean of blood reduced back to the state it was in beforehand.
One glance at Dio told Alucard everything he needed to know. Somehow, that bastard had been able to drain all of that blood in mere moments, despite never having used his fangs during the entire time they’d been in combat. And he’d been able to survive long enough without a heart to regenerate a completely new one, as he evidently didn’t rely on the same method of healing as he had. A most curious vampire, he was. But… was he even a vampire? He didn’t appear to share many of the traits that he himself did. He’d been fine with blessed objects, and destruction of his heart hadn’t been enough to put him down. Was he perhaps a different type of monster entirely, knowingly or otherwise?
Either way, Alucard couldn’t afford to dwell on it for too long. He shared enough similarities to make a sufficient conclusion that he was indeed vampiric, in his own way. But vampires like this were nothing Alucard had faced before. “Well, well, well… Looks like we’ve finally made it… to the final round…” Dio spoke chillingly, clapping his hands slowly and condescendingly. “I truly must thank you, Alucard…” Dio admitted, heaving a contented sigh. “Had you not tried to drown me, I very well may have died… But with the blood coursing through my veins, I’m more powerful than ever. I daresay that with this power, I’m invincible!”
“But I told you before, Alucard. I’ll never quit until I claim supremacy. Until I reach Heaven! So you can try to resist all you want, but I shall give you the same gift I promised earlier, and the end that all who defy me meet…” Dio responded superciliously, disappearing from sight. Alucard felt a chill run down his spine as a bloody hand rested on his shoulder. “…death.” With his intentions declared, Dio smashed Alucard in the back with a mighty haymaker, sending Hellsing’s enforcer rocketing toward the enclosed square where they’d fought only a few moments prior.
(Cue Ready To Die & Party Party Party – Andrew W.K.)
Crashing into the cold ground, Alucard’s impact tore up the cement as he tried to stop himself, eventually coming to a halt in his newly formed crater, a bloody trail left in his wake. Sitting up, Alucard saw Dio soaring at him, the crazed vampire dead set on returning Alucard’s vicious attack from earlier. Holding his hand outward, Alucard concentrated all of his energy on stopping Dio dead in his tracks with telekinesis, it taking more energy than he’d expected to move the vampire around. Slamming Dio down with the wave of his hand, Alucard immediately threw him toward the building at the opposite end of the square, crashing through the glass and stone, leaving a plume of dust in his wake.
A localised cloud of darkness obscuring Alucard, when it dissipated, the King of Vampires was held in the air by several jet-black arms emerging from his back, walking forward as if on all fours. Dio burst from the wreckage of the building, intent on slaying Alucard once and for all, but as he emerged into the crimson moonlight, Dio spotted the carmine-cloaked hunter surrounded by wave after wave of familiars. From Dio’s estimate, he guessed there were about a million in total; the only ones Alucard had left after he’d slaughtered all the rest. Smirking madly, Dio leapt toward the horde, The World in front of his body in order to protect him from the bullets Alucard had begun to shoot at him during his descent.
Crashing into the ground, Dio threw his fist toward the earth itself, creating a massive crater in the ground as several rocks flew up from the impact. Smashing each rock with The World, the large stones became deadly projectiles as they were kicked, punched and otherwise thrown through the ranks of Alucard’s army. Each one deadlier than a bullet, several fell to Dio’s rocky rain of stones, but not enough to make a dent in the number he faced. So if Dio was to thin their numbers, he needed time. “THE WORLD!” Dio bellowed, revelling in the instantaneous stop of everything in existence but himself. Walking forward toward the mindless forces Alucard employed, Dio simply continued to walk as The World got ready to smash in the skulls of the monsters in its master’s way.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Waltzing through the army as The World cleared a bloody path through the centre of their forces, Dio felt the strength his body possessed now more than ever. Whilst his body could handle the strain of the time stop just fine, now, it felt like little more than light pressure. In fact, it had already been past the normal amount of time his time stop lasted for. Mentally, Dio counted at least 11 seconds of elapsed frozen time. Had his limit increased this much, and he could barely even tell?! This newfound power was incredible!
“And time flows again…” Dio uttered, sitting back to watch as a vast slash through Alucard’s forces emerged like the splitting of the Red Sea, dividing his remaining troops into two groups. Disappearing once more into the realm of frozen time, Alucard could only watch as Dio tore through his ranks with brutal efficiency, all while haunting laughter began to echo around the battlefield. It was slow and light at first, but with each flicker of Dio’s body, the tone and pitch began to deepen, becoming a more guttural, visceral cackle, but only increasing in volume. It was frighteningly similar to his own, Alucard noted.
It was then that the chime of a clock tower rang throughout the city of Cairo. Once… Twice… Thrice… The deep and booming sound of the clock sounding out the signal for three o’clock in the morning alerted Alucard to just how long they’d been fighting for. By now, it had been hours of combat. Truly, Dio was a horrifyingly effective combatant if he’d managed to keep up with him for this much time. But then, Alucard immediately went cold. His mind raced a million miles a minute. The metaphorical gears in his head began to spin. And a frightening realisation dawned upon the enforcer of Hellsing. Time… It all made sense! The strange power Dio possessed that he could not understand. He could control time!
Alucard’s heart beat so fast he thought it might break right out of his chest as he realised the full, terrifying ramifications of this. No matter what monster he’d fought, none of them ever held power close to what Dio commanded. A control over time?! How could Dio attain such a power!? More than that, how would he get past this? He’d indubitably been using this throughout the fight for purposes that Alucard wasn’t even aware of, nor did the Nightwalker know if such an ability had any sort of limit. Trying to strike Dio would be almost impossible, given that ‘Stand’ he always had with him. But the impossible is what Alucard did best, so he had to at least try.
Dio’s eerie, omnipresent laughter only increased in intensity upon seeing the look on Alucard’s face. The vampire hunter hid his emotions well, but not perfectly. Dio could sense the fear, the dread permeating from him, and it only furthered his arrogance. Despite this, Alucard wasn’t going to back down. If anything, he needed to play to Dio’s arrogance, and he knew it. “Your ‘Stand’, Dio…” Alucard said, testing the waters “I know what it does. What power it gives you.”
“Oho?” Dio replied, intrigued at his bold statement. “You claim to know my Stand’s power, yes? But what do you plan to do about it?” Truthfully, Alucard hadn’t figured out a perfect strategy yet, but he needed Dio to slip up one way or another. Scoffing, Dio crossed his arms as he continued. “Alright. You want to see my Stand? Then witness the unmatched power of THE WORLD!” Dio screamed out, time freezing at his command.
Flying over to the burnt and charred steam roller he’d used to demolish Alucard’s tower of monsters, Dio lifted up the entire vehicle with both hands, finding a far easier time of it with the boost to his strength. Rearing his arms back, Dio chucked the entire road roller directly at Alucard has time unfroze, giving Hellsing’s ultimate weapon no time to react to anything but the inevitable collision with the gargantuan vehicle flying directly at his face. His entire body caught by the steam roller, Alucard braced his arms against it, holding on as they both flew harshly into the side of a building, another explosion manifesting itself from the flaming remains of his road roller.
A wave of heat rolling over Dio and Alucard’s army alike, it didn’t deter the golden vampire as he simply remained standing, enjoying the heat that assaulted his skin. It wasn’t nearly enough to hurt him. Dio couldn’t say the same for the familiars, though, as many had caught aflame and were slowly burning to a fiery death. Emerging from the flames, Dio could see the yellow tint of the steam roller peak out from the fire, thoroughly dented and otherwise inoperable, but the wheels were missing. Not surprising, given the beating Dio had put it through, but what was shocking were that balls of hellfire replaced them, spinning forward as the flames parted to reveal Alucard standing atop the ruined steam roller, dark energies streaming out of his legs and around the body of the vehicle.
“Now this is what I’m talking about!” Dio taunted, holding his hands out in a ‘bring it on’ motion, readying himself for the blazing steam roller to come flying at him. Rolling forward far faster than any steam roller could ever move, Alucard commanded the vehicle to slam into Dio, the flaming tyres burning with the intensity of his hatred as Dio held his hands out to push against the juggernaut of a machine. The World appearing to pummel the front, Dio’s legs dug into the concrete as he was pushed backward, scraping through the ground as the two monsters vied for dominance. Each sported a wild grin, each eager to spill the blood of their opponent for the last time.
Barrelling down the street, the duelling vampires ploughed through many of Alucard’s monsters, crushing them under the weight of the transformed vehicle as the fire on its wheels only seemed to burn brighter. Digging its hands underneath the road roller as it pushed against its master, The World began to lift, slowly elevating the vehicle off of the ground. Shoving its hands upward with one final push, The World flipped the machine in its entirety, trapping Alucard underneath once more. They gave Alucard no reprieve and no chance to escape, jumping onto the underside and smashing in this side of the machine with their fists, slamming down like machine gun fire.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
The pair cried out one final punch, flattening with steam roller to the ground once more, seeing a small shadowy mass slink away from the wreckage. Flipping a knife out of the air and toward said shadow, Dio drew from it a cry of pain as Alucard quickly dislodged the blade with his telekinesis. Throwing it back at Dio, the vampire caught it with ease, slotting it back into his belt. Given that the knife seemed to be rather ineffective, Dio pointed his finger at the dark mass, issuing a non-verbal command which the Stand quickly followed. Slamming its fist down onto Alucard’s liquid form, The World felt nothing but stone as the murky mass dispersed around his hand, jumping back as it reformed into Alucard’s red-cloaked human-like state once more.
But this time Alucard’s back featured yet more of the black arms, four to keep him upright and for travel, two for each of his handguns, and one for his claymore, totalling seven all up. Whether Dio was supposed to be intimidated by such a display or not didn’t matter to the manic vampire, simply reaching out with The World to a nearby stop sign, ripping it from the ground to act as his own weapons, now that he’d lost the claymore. Holding it casually within his right hand, Dio glanced Alucard once over before rushing toward him, swinging the pole upward as the metal sign tore off the forearm of Alucard’s arm holding the Jackal. In response, Alucard simply reformed the arm from what was left, picking up his iron gun once more as both pistols took aim at Dio.
Moving like a blur, Dio met Alucard’s hands with a single swing of the sign. All seven acted at once, yet they were only just matching Dio’s movements with just the one. A twirl of the shaft blocked the Casull’s rounds, while he twisted his body to avoid the Jackal’s. An upward slash clashed with the Scottish blade, but before Alucard could push back against Dio, he’d already moved on to parrying the strikes of his supporting hands. Dashing back and forth, Dio’s movements were far faster than Alucard could keep up with, and even though he had a numbers advantage, he could see this would go nowhere, fast. So instead, Alucard held both of his gloved hands out toward Dio, grabbing him with his telekinesis as he flung the vampire out toward the vaster city.
Flying at speeds which would put sound to shame, Dio crashed through the tops of several buildings, eventually feeling Alucard’s hold on him lessening. Seeing his moment of opportunity, Dio thrust his hand out to the side, embedding the butt of the stop sign into the side of a building, and lifting himself up to stand on the narrow ledge. Watching over the city from his perch, Dio spotted the detestable vampire in question chasing him down, but he cared not for what approach Alucard took, his destination would be the same regardless. A one-way ticket to hell. And as God did to Lucifer, Dio was personally going to send him there.
Rapidly approaching Dio, Alucard took to the air, leaping toward Dio with his several arms outstretched, aiming to grab, shoot, stab, or slash at whatever part of Dio he could. Unfortunately for Hellsing’s ultimate vampire, Dio simply vanished from his perch on the embedded sign, appearing behind Alucard right before he could make contact and smashing his and The World’s fists into his back, launching him skyward. This, of course, was met with a swift and decisive axe kick as Dio appeared above Alucard’s head, rocketing the King of Wallachia down to the hard rooftop. Once more, Dio appeared directly in front of Alucard, but instead of attacking, he simply held a single finger upward, grinning smugly all the while.
Slashing at Dio with the claymore, Alucard’s swing passed right through him as he vanished right before it could make contact. Bringing the sword back to a defensive position, Alucard felt the light around him fade slightly, growing slightly darker. There was no reason as to why this would be, other than the night growing darker before morning’s first light, but Alucard looked up anyway, seeing that the shadow cast over him was not that of natural darkness, but obscured light. By a massive oil tanker held in Dio’s hands. “An oil tanker for you!” he taunted, dropping the vehicle on top of Alucard once more as Hellsing’s enforcer hurried to raise more hands to catch the falling machine.
An additional six hands rising from the ground to intercept the oil tanker, Alucard carefully caught the dangerous vehicle, getting ready to throw it over the edge of the building to ensure he wouldn’t be caught in any potential blast. Dio had thought ahead though, and locked his gaze with the vehicle’s tank, his pupils widening and enlarging as they split open, letting forth a burning beam of hot fluid that flew from Dio’s eyes in an instant, going right through the tanker and directly onto Alucard. Not that striking him was the point, as a moment later, the entire vehicle exploded in a brilliant ball of flame, Alucard caught directly in the epicentre.
The flames danced around the entire building, slowly creeping down the sides as the rooftop was alight in oil and fire. But from the flames rose a single dark figure, twisting the fire away from his charred and burnt body, all as if a single ball of condensed fire. Dio knew Alucard was trying to redirect the flames back at him, and so he let the vampire hunter continue in his endeavour, gathering all the flames that had been created from the now desecrated oil tanker, and launching the sphere directly at the airborne Dio. The vampire merely chuckled as the ball was about to make contact, flashing out of existence as Alucard found himself now in Dio’s position, while the invader stood carelessly on the rooftop, now fire-free.
Watching with twisted delight as Alucard suffered the direct impact of the flaming sphere colliding with his flesh directly, the tortured screams he heard ripped from Alucard’s throat gave him satisfaction like no other. It was only a shame that he’d been able to dissipate the flames after only a few agony-filled seconds of his shrieks. Bursting from the ball of flame, Alucard descended upon Dio, but knowing how powerful he was now, Alucard made no move to attack him directly, instead, he grabbed him with his telekinesis, a trick which Dio certainly felt was getting old. Holding a hand out as if to choke Dio, Alucard focused the brunt of his telekinetic powers on Dio’s head, or more specifically, his brain.
Internally, Dio could feel the growing pressure inside of his skull. Growing from a ache to a violently pounding throb, Dio felt like his head was about to burst. Truthfully, he wasn’t too far off the mark. But Alucard had made the fatal mistake of getting close, as even though Dio felt like a jackhammer was taken to his skull, The World had no such limitations, and stuck Alucard in the chest with a resounding haymaker, forcing the Ultimate Vampire back several meters. Grunting, Alucard regretfully ruled out another option to put Dio down for good, and returned to his original plan beforehand.
(Cue Hell Above – Pierce The Veil)
Shoving his hand outward, Dio’s body flew back, eventually smashing against the front wall of Cairo’s clock tower near the base of the structure. As Alucard began his chase, Dio flew up the building’s face, hooking his hand into a part of the structure’s outer wall, turning to observe what Alucard had sent after him. And as Dio stared down at the blood-red abyss out for his blood, that abyss stared back. A wave of blood and zombies flowing through Cairo’s streets, all lead by Alucard himself, the Impaler scaled the walls of a smaller house with his demon hands, leaping toward Dio with his hands outstretched. The World was right there to defend its master however, and it socked the closest hand right in the palm, dispersing the energy as it fell down to the streets and intermingled with the demonic hordes that began to scale the building.
Making the hands pass Alucard’s dual handguns back to him, the Son of the Dragon cocked the hammer of his pistols before sending rapid-fire shots up the length of the tower. Quickly avoiding the devastating rounds as he was forced to scale the rest of the building in order to find adequate cover, Dio heard the waves of blood crash against the tower before he saw the monsters caught in that wave ride it to gain height. Jumping onto the glass of the clock’s face, Dio ripped off one of its large iron hands, swatting away Alucard as he attempted to close the distance between them while Dio had been observing the familiars. Flying back down to earth, the Original Vampire held out his hands, forcibly tearing off the other clock hand that Dio had not grabbed and aiming it directly at the blond vampire.
Shooting it down at Dio, the vampire in question held his own clock hand tightly, bracing himself against it as he parried the strike from Alucard’s telekinetically controlled hand. Batting a second attack away with a mighty two-handed swing, Dio knocked the iron hand backward, his grip on the makeshift weapon in his hands tight as could be. Seeing the opposing hand prepare to stab right into him, Dio jumped right before it could make contact, embedding itself into the reinforced glass of Cairo’s clock tower. Running up the length of Alucard’s clock hand, Dio held his own as he neared the end of its strip, shifting his hold on the metal hand as he angled it toward Alucard and threw it ferociously toward the Wallachian Voivode.
Dio’s aim was true, and the clock hand soared through the air, striking its target dead-on, impaling Alucard through the chest as the Lord of Shadow coughed up a spray of blood. Knocking Alucard through the house he’d previous grappled onto, the heavy hand pinned him down, stuck within the wreckage of a once-quaint family home. Telekinetically ripping the iron weight from his chest, Alucard tossed it to the side as his chest wound closed up and healed moments after. Dio was more preoccupied with the fact that the familiars had managed to scale the length of the clock tower, and thus Alucard had a clear path to the ambitious vampire.
Glancing back and forth between the familiars and Alucard himself, Dio knew what his path was. He was to face this demon head-on! Leaping from the embedded clock hand, Dio caught a hold of the flying Alucard, grappling around with him as they were slowly dragged back to the ground. The two twisted and turned, each vying for domination, but with Alucard’s extra arms, he was able restrict Dio’s hand, giving him the prime position on top of their falling bodies. Signalling for one of the hands to run Dio through the chest, that’s exactly what it did, thrusting the claymore straight through Dio’s ribcage as the shattered bones broke off from Dio’s body, falling to the ground in tandem with the malicious vampires.
Dio felt the lengthy blade pierce through his right pectoral muscle, and emerge the other side, but he couldn’t afford to pay mind to wounds that weren’t immediately fatal, given Alucard’s close range. One of Alucard’s hands snapped Dio’s left leg in two as they fell, exposing the bone of his upper leg to the bloody night air, and another stripped the flesh from his right hand, tearing everything but bone and muscle away up to the forearm. One hand kept clawing at his left eye and the upper part of his skull, drawing copious amounts of blood as a vein burst and both combatants were treated to a shower of blood. Bullets pierced Dio’s left bicep and torso as Alucard tore into him in this malevolent melee.
Yet through it all, all Dio could do was laugh dementedly. Even as his body was being torn to shreds, Dio’s unnerving howling persisted, driving Alucard further up the wall. Taking the Jackal and Casull, Alucard shoved them into Dio’s opened mouth, fingers on the trigger and ready to blow. “You want blood, you disgusting monster!?” Alucard screamed at Dio, who merely responded by chomping down on the barrels of the guns, cracking the muzzles. “Choke on your own.” Alucard delivered hatefully, letting loose as hellstorm of rounds that tore through the back of Dio’s head. Yet the British vampire still held on, the wounds on his head healing as they were dealt and his bloody, broken hands grasping desperately at Alucard’s arms.
Removing the moisture from his arms, Dio immediately lowered their temperature to freezing levels, grabbing tight hold of Alucard’s arms that held the Jackal and Casull. With a sound like cracking, ice began to overtake Alucard’s arms, freezing them solid and rendering them, along with his guns, useless. Cutting his losses, Alucard ripped his arms from his body by pulling back with his torso, letting the frozen appendages stay with Dio as he reformed the bloody stumps of his arms into twin scythes, laughing maniacally as his eyes glowed a demonic red, only accentuating his crazed appearance with his tussled, wild hair. They stared hatefully into Dio’s own at Alucard brought them down, but Dio’s eyes displayed not just hate and rage, but confidence, and above all else, a blazing, fiery determination.
“I want… TO RULE… THE WORLD!” Dio roared at Alucard, his head thrown back and fangs bared at his opponent as he smirked like a true demon. The World appeared behind its master, hands thrown out to the side as it froze time once more, leaving Dio in his world of stopped time. Rage brimming, Dio leaned forward, sinking his sharpened fangs deep into Alucard’s neck with a scream of his own, growling and snarling as he drank blood with his fangs for the first time, draining Alucard of the blood coursing through his body. Dio’s own wounds began to close up and heal, ejecting the claymore from his body and returning him to perfect condition, while Alucard resembled more of a husk than a vampire, withered from his blood being drained.
Breaking himself free from Alucard, Dio flew back, readying himself as he took in a deep breath and began to roar once more. Facing toward the back end of Alucard’s army, Dio let loose an incredibly thick and fast beam of energy from his eyes, making sure the Space Ripper Stingy Eyes left no monster untouched. Eyes following the path of Alucard’s familiars, Dio ripped and tore through the army in a single blast, incinerating every last creature down to ashes. Raising his gaze back to Alucard, Dio swung his head upward as he cleaved straight through Integra’s servant, the beams of energy passing through and splitting even the clouds above with their insane might!
And as time resumed, and Dio’s vehement roar slowly faded, so did the Space Ripper Stingy Eyes, his pupils closing up as the energy blast petered out. Dio felt his eyes ache and head ring, but he was victorious. Everything had been decimated. The familiars were little more than a seeping pool of blood and ferocious fires raged across the entire area. All of Alucard’s forces had been completely and entirely annihilated. None of that stopped Dio’s descent to earth though, falling at accelerating speeds toward the harsh ground as Alucard’s decimated body struggled to pull itself back together, only just reforming from his heart alone.
About to crash into the ground, Dio put his trust in The World as it faced down the looming ground growing ever closer. Digging its fists into the ground, The World pushed off against the ground, kicking its feet into the air, which Dio used to springboard off of, rocketing him back up into the air and toward the reforming Alucard. “Face me, Vampire King!” Dio screamed into the heavens “BOW TO YOUR NEW GOD!”
Alucard spread his arms out wide, a pair of black wings sprouting from his back, adorned with eyes that all stared down at Dio hatefully. “LET US EMBRACE OBLIVION, DIO! ONLY HELL AWAITS!” Alucard roared back, lifting his claymore into the air as the power of Hell itself surrounded him. As Alucard prepared to swing at the immortal monster who flew toward him, Dio equally prepared himself, throwing his fist back, aided by The World as both wanted to put an end to everything, once and for all.
Two sets of glowing eyes met each other with the power of hate and determination flowing through their very beings as Dio and Alucard decided it all in one final blow. Calling upon all of the powers he had available, Vlad Ţepeş swung first, blade slicing at Dio’s neck in a bid to put an end to Dio’s immortal life once and for all. Right as it was to make contact, the blade sped up, tearing through the air as it sought Dio’s neck for one final blow. Yet, as Alucard made the slash, he cut through nothing but air.
Dio had disappeared.
Breath hitching in his chest, Alucard looked over his shoulder to see the menacing figure of a man in the image of the divine, a hand held out in front of him as his body faced away from Alucard, but his head was turned just enough to keep an eye on Hellsing’s enforcer.
“Useless, useless, useless..” Dio uttered darkly, golden hair blowing in the wind as he clenched his hand tightly. Suddenly, Alucard’s eyes widened in shock, and he turned his head... only to see The World, pulling back its fist. “MUDA!” Dio yelled, snapping Alucard’s neck and head forward with a single, solid punch to the face. Blood spurt from Alucard’s torn throat as Dio smirked at the sickening crack it produced. Dropping his blade, Alucard put a hand to his throat, but that only gave Dio time to crack his knuckles, watching Alucard’s neck heal, his face contorted into one of pure rage. Dio smiled, lashing out his arms and screaming into the night, letting his voice echo throughout the destroyed and empty city.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Dio and The World threw their fists into Alucard, over and over again pummelling the vampire as his body continued to resist Dio’s supremacy, daring to heal itself and reform from his blows.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
So the Stand and master continued to beat their fists into Alucard until their knuckles were slick with his blood, caving in his chest from their repeated strikes. With each punch, Dio could feel them outpacing Alucard’s regeneration, and it began to slow, but that didn’t mean they could let up.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Blood burst from Alucard’s chest with each strike, The World’s fists beating into Alucard from all angles, ensuring he couldn’t get away. After all, Dio wanted Alucard to be alive to feel all of this pain.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Light itself failed to keep up with the Stand and master mirroring each other’s moves, sending forth a torrent of blows into Alucard’s defenceless body. Each punch was already more than Alucard could handle, and thus his bones and clothes could not stand up to the invader’s assault.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Alucard’s bones began to shake and shiver within his body, suffering the force of each blow as if there was no flesh to protect it at all. With prolonged exposure, any brittle substance can ground into dust, and Alucard’s bones were no exception.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
Striking Alucard’s skull with a particularly potent haymaker, Dio watched as it split open and blood rushed forth from the open wound, quick to close itself and attempt repair. The rest of his body simply wasn’t able to follow the same method, most of it being crushed beyond regeneration.
“MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!”
And just then, Dio and The World, in the briefest of moments, halted their assault, before bringing their arms back, and swinging them from overhead and down towards Alucard’s torso! With all the strength they could muster, the two slammed their fists directly into Alucard with a final scream to announce his supremacy. “This is the end!”
“MUDA!!!”
With their combined might, Alucard’s body cracked open, the last remnants of his blood gushing free from him as he was sent flying downwards with a bloodcurdling scream, his body striking the ground with enough force to shatter the concrete and form a giant crater, his impact causing all of Cairo to shake violently! His body spent, Dio slowly descended to the ground as well, touching down gracefully upon the bloody earth as he made his way toward the crater in which Alucard lay. But what Dio saw was less a figure, and more a head and torso, all of Alucard’s limbs save his right arm were obliterated in the brutal Stand Rush.
“What’s the matter? Answer me, king… Mad king!” Dio mocked, standing over Alucard’s body which attempted to heal itself, but couldn’t muster the power to do so. Thus, Dio was content with just lazily kicking at his sides. “They’re all dead… Every last soul, dead. In service to you, and your promises. For your prayers, for your paradise, for your God! All were sacrificed!” Each sentence punctuated with a kick, Alucard barely reacted to the savage beating he was being forced to ensure.
Alucard’s lifeless eyes flashed back to a blood-red sunset and execution block, awaiting the end of his suffering as the piles of corpses, both those he’d lead and those he’d slain, lay scattered around the area. A grim reminder for him to remember in the final few moments of his life. “Enemies and allies, the people you swore to protect, the country you would rule! Men, women, old and young! Even… yourself…” Dio looked down contemptuously at the defeated Lord of Wallachia, whose eyes were still lost in the mistakes of his past.
“Irredeemable… You are truly a monster beyond all salvation, Count…” Dio scorned. For a while, an unbreakable silence reigned, but was soon broken by the faint murmur of a defeated king.
"Have... Have I lost?" Alucard asked, his voice barely above a whisper. There was another silence. Dio simply stared at Alucard, his expression worn out and muscles aching.
"Yes." Dio replied, just loud enough for Alucard to hear him. “No matter how much you thrash and fight it, you cannot escape the truth, Alucard... I stood before an army of three million, four hundred and twenty four thousand, eight hundred and sixty seven soldiers, and the notorious Impaler himself, and emerged victorious. Before you stands I, DIO, and the end of your eternal life.”
“Now, before I slaughter you here tonight, have you any last words? Any last begs for mercy? Tell me, before I rip you to pieces here and now. And let me assure you, I truly shall enjoy hearing you scream one final time…” Dio raised his voice, seeking one last response from Alucard before he could truly enjoy the satisfaction of ending his life. “What say you, Alucard? As I, DIO, stand here, your forces annihilated, what say you!? Do you dare stand in the path of the righteous ruler of this world? Of God?! With all that I wield, you surely must recognize the futility in such a struggle, as you yourself reject the powers which grant me supremacy such as this! SO WHAT SAY YOU NOW!?”
Smirking, Dio turned Alucard’s previous questions against him. An ironic twist of fate, and one certainly most enjoyable. Watching Alucard squirm as the last dregs of life ebbed away from him, Dio saw the Vampire King move his lips for one last statement. After all, he did say Alucard may respond to him. The final words of a dead man.
“I… have but one thing to say, Dio…” Alucard sputtered out, voice hoarse and gravelly. Letting Alucard continue on, Dio did not interfere. “How many people lived in Cairo?” Raising an eyebrow, Dio was confused by Alucard’s words. Where could he possibly be going with this?
“Or rather… died?”
(Cue Party Party Party (Fauxchestral) – TeamFourStar)
It was then that Dio noticed the shining red glow of Alucard’s remaining glove, blood spreading out from the insignia in the centre. Looking around him, Dio saw hundreds of large arrows made of blood, all headed toward Alucard. “Let’s take a census!” Alucard exclaimed, as all throughout Cairo, the blood of its citizens and residents began to gravitate toward him. Like a bolt of lightning, it struck Dio. This was why he’d seen all of Cairo’s population massacred. They were the backup plan! Obviously not all of them had died by choice, but with an average population of roughly nine million, Alucard had nearly three times the amount of blood, and thereby, souls to take for his own.
“LET ME GET SOME SIIIP!” Alucard yelled, and before Dio could even realise it, Alucard had begun to absorb the blood of Cairo’s citizens into his body. Tidal waves of blood far greater than even that of the first three million came crashing through the streets, flooding everything in sight within a world of red. Turning back to face Alucard, Dio saw the demonic figure surrounded by tides of blood all pumping directly into his body, cackling manically into the night. Alucard had been fully healed, his limbs returning as he stood upright, eyes gleaming like the pits of Hell itself.
“Look at me, Dio! You couldn’t even kill me when I had one life, much less three million!” Alucard exclaimed, covered in the rushing blood of Cairo’s inhabitants. “So in celebration of your wasted attempts, I’m going to give you the little death you deserve.” Oceans of blood drained away toward Alucard, all rushing in streams to meet the Original Vampire as Dio could only stand in shock at the entire scene. “So tell me, Dio! When faced with impossible odds such as this, what could a mere monster like yourself possibly hope to achieve?!” Alucard demanded an answer, body twisting into a cruel imitation of the poses Dio’s bloodline adversaries took.
“After all of this, you still refuse to lay back AND DIE!” Dio screamed in a fit of rage. “SO JUST STAND THERE AND GO TO HELL!” Smashing his fist forward in a violent thrust, Dio ripped his hand though Alucard’s chest, exposing it out through the other side as he crushed the Impaler’s heart in his hands, pulling his hand back as he surveyed Alucard’s face for any hint of worry.
“Oh, Dio! You’ve stolen my heart~…” Alucard mocked, holding a hand to the gaping and profusely bleeding hole in his chest, entirely unphased as the wound began to close. “Now do it another nine million times, why don’cha!?” Dio declared darkly, his voice deepening and taking on a devilish tone, like the voice of Satan himself.
Dio took a step back. They were right back at the beginning. After everything that had occurred tonight, this bastard brings it all right back to the start! To kill him nine million more times would take far longer than he could afford to spend out in the open, as the sun would rise in a few hours’ time. And he wouldn’t pull another full release, now that he’d seen its failure to kill him. If Alucard intended to stall him out for time, then… he might actually be able to escape with his millions of lives intact… An infuriating thought that burned Dio to his core.
Well, apart from one tiny detail…
“Do you honestly think that you’ve won, Alucard? Do you really believe that I, DIO, wasn’t pulling your strings like the puppet that you are!?” Dio exclaimed, suddenly shifting from a worried demeanour to one of complete confidence and bravado! “For all of your foresight, you made one glaring mistake!”
“Oho? And what’s that?!” Alucard replied, hysterically chuckling as the almost impossibly large amount of blood entered his system all at once. Slowly, the tides of blood began to ebb away, the millions of souls entering Alucard’s body finally reaching a final conclusion as the streets were now completely free of any and all blood, yet still reeked of death.
“You picked a fight… with the GOD… WHO RULES… THE WORLD!” Dio roared, glaring down the devil who dared to oppose him as he slowly walking toward Alucard. Upon command, Dio’s stand threw its arms out wide, stopping time for one final time! Stopping directly in front of Alucard, Dio bared his claws and fangs in a furious rage, sinking his hands deep into Alucard’s chest, and his fangs into the veins on his neck. And like a madman, Dio began to drink. Within Alucard’s body was stored nine million extra lives, and Dio could barely begin to think about how much blood that would be. All of the power! But putting that aside, all he could do was continue to drain Alucard of every single drop of blood he had left inside of him.
Within Dio’s world of stopped time, he had no limitations but the limit for which he could hold that control. And with each drop of blood, that gradually increased. As Dio drank, he could feel the strain, albeit extremely light, begin to slowly lift. Seconds within the time stop turned to minutes as Dio’s strength was bolstered by every single vessel of blood he consumed. Minutes spent draining Alucard of his blood turned to sets of ten, and eventually a whole half hour, entirely within the stopped time. And he continued to drink, absorbing everything Alucard could give. Dio could feel time itself acquiesce under his control, bowing entirely before him.
Eventually an entire hour passed, spent doing nothing but taking the blood of Cairo’s citizens for himself, and as that hour ticked by, Dio could feel Alucard finally, finally begin to dry up. With one final pull, Alucard drew the rest of Alucard’s stolen blood into himself, now having only Alucard’s… no, Dracula’s blood to partake of. Finer than the finest wines, Vlad Ţepeş’ blood was exquisite. There was truly nothing else like it. Releasing the Impaler from his grasp, Dio let go of Dracula, relishing in his unparalleled and incontestable reign over time itself.
“And time flows again…” Dio uttered for the final time, manically staring Alucard deep in his flaming, soulless eyes. Time’s flow returning to normal, Alucard chocked out a final laugh as it suddenly died in his throat. His chest and neck ached indescribably, and his body… it felt… weak. Dry, shrivelled up and withering away, Alucard could feel almost no blood in his body. Everything that he’d taken from the residents of Cairo was gone… Missing. Vanished into thin air. That is, until he looked over at Dio, who physically exuded an aura of power. He was glowing a bright, golden light that all but blinded Alucard, as if he stared at the face of God.
And in Dio’s hands was held a large, silver cross, far too big to be practical, but large enough to cause harm. Likely taken from a cathedral or church, Dio held the display crucifix in his hands as if it were weightless, and thrust it forward violently, stabbing through Alucard as blood sprayed from his chest and mouth, coughing up the remains of his own fluids. Pinning Alucard to the ground with the cross, Dio crouched down, smugly staring down the vampire writhing in agony.
"No... it's not possible. I... cannot lose! Not to a monster like you!" Alucard weakly sputtered out. "How... could I be bested... By... B-by..." Alucard’s voice began to tremble, and his body shuddered. Dio continued to look on at the vampire. "...A monster...?" As he managed to present his question, bloody tears slowly leaked down from his eyes.
"I told you numerous times before, Alucard.” Dio said sternly. At this, Alucard looked up slowly, his eyes still crying those bloody tears, his dream, the one thing he hoped for in this eternal misery of a life, ripped from him. His one true desire, torn apart and stomped on by this... vampire. "You have not been killed by a man. Nor have you been killed by a monster."
"...What...?" Alucard mumbled softly, tilting his head slightly as he watched Dio. The holy crucifix inside his chest burned him with every movement, and it only brought Dio further satisfaction.
"You were slain by God. Now rest, Impaler. Rest now, and never return!" Dio then brought back his fist and held it in place above Alucard’s weakened chest, giving him just a moment to properly see what he was doing. He wanted Alucard to know of the despair of his inevitable doom at his hands, and his hands alone.
Sinking his hand slowly and agonisingly into Alucard’s chest, Dio pushed through his flesh, veins and tendons with complete and utter ease, his hand breaking through Alucard’s ribcage as it entered the chamber of the heart. Dio’s hand curled around Alucard’s still beating heart, but he could feel it begin to slow down, each beat becoming farther and farther between. Ripping Alucard’s heart out of his chest, blood sprayed weakly from the open wound, his body already beginning to fail him. Holding the organ up to Alucard’s eyes, Dio made sure that Alucard… Dracula… Vlad… could see it. See the slowing pumps, the oozing blood and the ceasing drip of life.
But all Alucard could see was the beautiful sunset. The slow descent of the sun below the horizon, painting the landscape in a gorgeous set of red, orange and yellow hues. In a flash, Alucard saw his entire life. Every agonising moment of it. He felt the weight of the stocks on his head and hands as he stared into the ephemeral sunset one final time, the bright star slowly dipping beyond view as his crimson eyes widened, and everything went dark.
"Now... pray to God that your sins may be forgiven... But I must warn you..."
Clenching his fight tightly, Dio crushed Vlad’s heart within his grasp, feeling the blood slowly drip from his fingers as he let go of the bloody remains of Alucard’s heart.
"I won't be listening."
Throwing his head back, Dio laughed victoriously into the night sky. The dark clouds parted to reveal a full blood moon, shining down both eerily and brilliantly upon Dio.
This night, and time itself, belonged to Dio. And soon enough, so would the entire world.
K.O.!
Conclusion[]
(Cue Holy Diver – Dio)
Boomstick: Holy hell, Wiz, I’m gonna need a minute here, that was insane! You know, I even thought Alucard might be the winner for a second there, but it was him, Dio!
Wiz: This was undoubtedly a tricky match to figure out, and a fight like this could reasonably go on for hours, but in the end, Dio had everything he needed to kill Alucard for good.
Boomstick: Alucard usually goes into fights guns blazing, soaking up any damage his opponent does to him and waiting for them to get tired before taking advantage of an opening. But he couldn’t do that here because Dio didn’t really have any openings, nor could our favourite fuckmothering vampire reliably create one.
Wiz: Alucard surviving the 50 ton Blackbird explosion and catching Rip’s Mach 38 bullets is certainly nothing to scoff at, but compared to Dio scaling above Stone Free’s 441 Kiloton meteor punch and Silver Chariot’s light speed interception of the Hanged Man means that he was around 9,000 times stronger, and 23,000 times faster than Alucard. A gap Alucard could never really close.
Boomstick: Al couldn’t see or hurt The World in the first place since he’s not a Stand User, and while his Third Eye can see through illusions, it does not allow him to see invisible spirits like The World. Alucard has also never interacted with ghosts or the like, and would be unable to hurt a Stand. And since Stone Mask vampires aren’t weak to holy weapons like Hellsing vampires are, Al’s guns were pretty much dead weight, especially considering the massive gap in durability and the fact that Dio can destroy them without any issue.
Popup: While Alucard has far more combat experience, especially against other vampires and supernatural creatures, he’s never fought a vampire like Dio before, and would be out of his depth, especially considering The World’s abilities.
Wiz: While the Jackal nullified Anderson’s healing factor by doing more damage than he could heal from, Dio’s durability and regeneration are far better, and would heal easily from the Jackal. Additionally, Star Platinum at the beginning of Stardust Crusaders was able to catch a bullet at point-blank range, so The World would be more than capable of catching any of Alucard’s shots.
Boomstick: And though Dio’s healing factor is overall inferior to Alucard’s, it’s still potent enough to heal from any of Alucard’s attacks, especially with Alucard’s blood always available to drink. Plus, with Alucard regenerating constantly, Dio would never be strapped for blood. The more Dio takes, the stronger he comes, and the more accustomed Jonathan’s body becomes to him, which allows him to use The World’s abilities to even greater extents.
Wiz: Which brings us to the fact that Alucard really had no way to get past the time stop. A period of time in which Dio could use to heal, attack, strategize, or whatever he pleased. Not only is he capable of spamming it with no drawbacks thanks to his vampiric body not feeling the strain, but the duration increases each time he uses it. With a body containing over three million lives worth of blood, Dio could potentially increase the duration of his time stop to absurd limits.
Boomstick: But even if Alucard could somehow bypass the time stop or breach the massive speed gap, Dio could freeze him on contact, negating any attempts at physical attacks. And since Dio has taken punches from Star Platinum, even surviving having half of his skull caved in, it’s unlikely that Alucard would even be able to damage Dio, assuming he ever got the chance in the first place.
Popup: Alucard’s guns and telekinesis provide more consistent long-range options, but the Space Ripper Stingy Eyes deal more damage than his telekinesis and both of his firearms, along with the fact that Alucard’s guns can be destroyed. Dio can also teleport, while Alucard cannot, allowing him to get as close or far away as he wants at will.
Wiz: With Dio’s far greater strength and speed advantage, he could realistically kill Alucard three million times over. Without any viable options for attack or openings to exploit, Alucard’s soul-based regeneration meant he would run out of lives eventually, and Level Zero only sped up that process. Yes, it summons every soul Alucard has at his disposal to fight all at once, but against someone like Dio, his trump card ends up being the nail in his coffin, so to speak.
Boomstick: All of Alucard’s familiars are far weaker and slower than he is, so it’s not like any of them would be able to hurt or touch Dio, and even surrounding him wouldn’t work, as Dio can just stop time and deal with them all at his leisure. The World’s blinding speed and strength meant that even if surrounded, Dio would be no worse off for wear. He dealt with Kakyoin, who surrounded him in the 20-Meter Emerald Splash, and was perfectly fine, so a slow wave of far weaker and slower fodder enemies is practically nothing.
Wiz: It should be noted that sending an army made of blood against a guy who uses blood to heal and grow more powerful is a terrible idea, especially considering the fact that while all of Alucard’s souls are released, he doesn’t have his broken regeneration to fall back on. He can still heal, yes, but opposed to every other instance, he’s vulnerable. And Dio’s more than capable of just ignoring Alucard’s army and heading straight for him, if he wished.
Boomstick: Sure, Dio won’t necessarily know to strike directly at Alucard’s head or heart to ensure he remained dead, but Dio’s no idiot. He’d come to understand, or learn to deal with Alucard’s regeneration one way or another. While Dio is quite arrogant, he hasn’t underestimated an enemy since losing to Jonathan in the house fire. In fact, despite his very high self-perception, he has become surprisingly thoroughly cautious in combat.
Popup: Alucard himself utilises a very arrogant battle strategy, and while he is intelligent, he never approaches battle with the level of thought and care Dio does. It’s unlikely Alucard would even want to fight defensively considering his desire to revel in battle with a truly worthy foe and his excitement at the prospect of fully unleashing himself. Dio would bring him more challenge and excitement than anyone he’s ever faced, and would likely make him fight all out, which only works to Dio’s advantage.
Wiz: During his fight with Jotaro, he completely stopped his attack to reassess the situation when he saw Jotaro twitch in stopped time. To test the limits of Jotaro’s ability to move in stopped time, he threw knives at him from a safe distance. When they hit Jotaro and he fell onto the street, Dio didn’t assume the JoJo was dead. He instead: shot Jotaro with a police officer's gun, listened for his breath, put an ear to the ground searching for a heartbeat, and only then did he approach to decapitate Jotaro with a stop sign.
Boomstick: These are not the actions of an arrogant man underestimating an opponent; they are the overly cautious ones of a seasoned vampire watching every enemy move for even a hint of posing a genuine threat. Furthermore, Dio reached a point where he could openly acknowledge Jonathan as his equal for besting him in combat, and refused to let one of his underlings disrespect his former foster brother.
Wiz: Regardless, Dio wouldn’t even need to aim at Alucard’s heart, as he’d be more then capable of obliterating his entire body with a few punches. And it’s worth noting that Alucard himself is more cocky and reckless than Dio is. Given his main strategy when fighting tends to be to fall back on his healing factor, tank any damage inflicted on him, and wear his opponent out. Which, to Al’s credit, is a valid strategy against most of his foes, but against Dio, he doesn’t have a means of wearing him down.
Boomstick: Dio could tear apart Alucard’s entire Level Zero army or go straight for him, but both options end in a decisive win for Dio, it just alters the time spent needed to do so. Dio’s obviously going to get up close, and while Alucard could use an illusion against Dio to trick him, Al has only used his illusions once in a near-death scenario, and they fade after physical contact is made. The World is also fast enough to protect Dio automatically, so Alucard couldn’t get the jump on him in a significant way in spite of this.
Popup: Alucard’s transformations into Dracula, Girlycard, Baskerville, bats, mist, or anything else doesn’t help him, as The World is more than capable of killing his other tangible forms, and he could suck up Alucard in mist form like Star Platinum did to Justice. Additionally, fighting a JoJo villain with a dog is never a good idea.
Wiz: Alucard’s intangibility is another move he’s only used a single time, and never in a combat scenario, but it doesn’t matter, since Stands can harm intangible opponents. Silver Chariot was able to harm the Stand Sethan, which is made of shadows, Star Platinum can reach into Jotaro and Joseph’s chests, Stone Free was able to attach a string to the Stand Whitesnake while it was phasing through some prison bars, and Heaven’s Door was able to affect the ghost Reimi Sugimoto, despite the fact that she is intangible: In fact, Rohan himself was even able to interact with her body, implying that Heaven’s Door interaction with her is what made her tangible.
Boomstick: There’s no reason to suggest that The World couldn’t harm Alucard like this, especially considering that it has to be consciously activated, and the fact that Alucard never chooses to use it in a fight. And if Alucard is intangible, all his attacks will phase through Dio, while Dio is more than capable of harming him, so it’s not a viable strategy overall. Dio’s flight also outdoes Alucard’s levitation, and Alucard’s control over weather has only shown to extend to fog, not other elements like lightning.
Wiz: Both have hypnotism, but Alucard’s takes slightly longer to set in opposed to Dio’s, which is instantaneous. While neither should be able to resist it, Dio’s greater speed ensures that he’d be able to avoid any attempt Alucard makes at using it. Also the fact that Alucard has never used it in combat and likely wouldn’t think to resort to such a tactic, as even when given numerous opportunities in all of his fights, he chooses to let himself be hit.
Boomstick: Alucard’s telekinesis is helpful, but he’s ultimately too slow for it to be useful. Dio can evade anything thrown his way with either his natural speed, The World, or stopping time, and given that Al’s maximum telekinetic output shouldn’t eclipse his own physical strength, he wouldn’t be able to deal effective damage to Dio, even if he caught him. Alucard’s control over blood also only extends to blood outside the body, so he couldn’t rip out Dio’s blood or anything like that.
Popup: If taking into account additional material like the 2001 Hellsing anime, Alucard’s fight with Incognito would give him a questionable lightning timing feat by avoiding Set, but this is still far slower than Dio’s light speed reactions. This would also allow the use of Eyes of Heaven or Jorge Joestar, both of which give Dio abilities which allow him to warp reality and manipulate the plot, both of which Alucard cannot deal with, and allow Dio an easy victory.
Wiz: Alucard’s weakness to holy weapons is something Dio likely couldn’t exploit, but he would never need to, as The World’s strength is more then capable of dealing fatal damage with just its punches. Conversely, Alucard would have no reason to try and stall the fight out until sunrise considering Hellsing vampires aren’t weak to sunlight and he wouldn’t think to try it. Even if he did, why would Dio stay out in the sun? He’d take the fight inside a building, punch up cover, or dig a tunnel like Star Platinum did against The Sun and Wheel of Fortune Stands, respectively.
Boomstick: Alucard couldn’t read Dio’s mind since he only gains access to a person’s memories when he absorbs their soul by drinking their blood. He’d have to drink Dio’s blood in order to read his mind, and by that point he’d have already won. Dio does have a method of controlling Alucard, though. His Flesh Buds allow for control over the victim, and despite Alucard’s supernatural nature, he still very clearly has organs, blood, and a brain when assuming his normal form. As evident in the many times we see those organs and blood whenever he gets hurt.
Wiz: Thus, there’s no reason to believe they wouldn’t work. Since they’re created from Dio’s hair follicles, he’d always be able to access them, and time stopping would provide the perfect opportunity to him to implant them. Remember, Alucard has no counter to either mind manipulation or Dio’s time stop, so he’d be at Dio’s mercy. It’s also possible Dio would ask Alucard how his powers work and force him to eject all his souls, leaving him vulnerable for Dio to kill.
Boomstick: Now, what about Schrödinger? With his powers, Alucard can’t die unless he chooses to, right? Well, kind of, yes, but Alucard can’t even access these powers in the first place. It was the big payoff of The Major’s plan that Alucard would be forced into non-existence by absorbing Schrödinger, and with all of the souls within him, Schrödinger wouldn’t be able to recognise himself and they’d become nothing more than imaginary numbers. It’s literally part of the story of Hellsing that Alucard can’t have his wide array of abilities granted to him by his extra souls while also having Schrödinger’s abilities, or he’ll no longer exist.
Popup: Alucard’s city-wide sigil upon releasing Level 1 in the original Hellsing anime is not congruent with the manga or Hellsing Ultimate, as Release Level 1 functions differently, but even including it, the potential energy required to sustain it for the few seconds it was active is still less than William Zeppeli’s cloud-dispersing handshake from the Phantom Blood OVA.
Wiz: He can’t have both at the same time, and unless The Major somehow learnt of Alucard’s fight with Dio, sent Schrödinger there, and let him be absorbed by Alucard, that would come down to outside help, and that’s not allowed. Even then, it took Alucard 30 years to kill all of his other souls, so he’d need to be either in Level Zero or have very few souls left for it to be effective. And Alucard only got Schrödinger’s power at the end of the series when all was said and done. He has no experience with it, nor has he ever fought with it.
Boomstick: And Schrödinger’s powers don’t actually help Alucard kill Dio at all. He could stalemate Dio for a while, but it only delays the inevitable. Dio is still strong enough to all but vaporize his body with The World, and even if that didn’t kill him, Dio’s Flesh Buds or hypnotism would allow him to mind control Alucard into helping him understand how his powers work and how he could get around them by expelling his souls. One he’s gotten rid of Schrödinger like the rest of his souls, he’s vulnerable, and it’s just a simple matter of Dio needing to kill him one last time.
Wiz: To summarize, both Dio and Alucard are very resilient vampires who would have trouble killing the other, but only Dio is able to reliably do so. Dio has to fight through millions of familiars, either as an army or as Alucard’s extra lives, in order to hit Alucard fatally, but Alucard has to try and magically land a fatal hit on an opponent who is vastly faster than him, can spam a time stop that keeps getting longer to avoid anything that gets too close for comfort, is protected by an invisible and equally fast spirit, and can regenerate from all of his attacks without issue.
Boomstick: For Alucard to win, it would require a lot of luck and catching Dio unaware, while Dio only needs to work through a finite pool of familiars who all provide blood to heal from and strengthen him. It would be in character for Alucard to release Level Zero against a foe as beautifully competent as Dio, which would help him greatly by making Alucard far more vulnerable. An army of three million is massive, but a blitzing speed gap and spammable time stop make reaching Alucard a much more plausible task.
Popup: Alucard’s statement of “It takes a man to kill a monster” is not an indication of an inability to be killed by anything less than a human. It is a philosophy he believes in, and he is more than capable of being killed by a “monster” as he is a human. And, ironically enough, Dio is technically more human than Alucard is.
Wiz: Alucard’s other abilities are perfectly countered or surpassed by Dio, and those which he has no innate resistance to, he can easily work around with his far greater speeds and time stop, which he has a habit of using any time there’s even a potential chance of danger. Hell, even after being blown up, he was still alive, and despite being briefly knocked unconscious by Silver Chariot’s blade through his brain, Dio was still able to stop time and escape.
Boomstick: Dio has a multi-layered defence that’s simply too tough for Alucard to break through. If he gets hit, he stops time and heals, with the option of using Alucard’s blood to do so, which will always be available to him. As badass and awesome as the CrimsonFuckr is, he just doesn’t have any reliable options to harm Dio, much less actually kill him for good, and nothing that can compensate for this.
Wiz: Surprising though it may be, Dio just has everything he needs to clip the Bird of Hermes’ wings. With an overwhelming offence, impenetrable defence, perfect counters for anything Alucard could try, genius intellect and a wide array of devastating abilities, Dio is perfectly set to end the life of the No-Life King for good.
Boomstick: In a beautifully brutal fight that would be sure to make all of Hell sing, only Dio can Stand on top of The World, and Alucard simply ran out of time.
Wiz: The winner is Dio Brando.
Original Track[]
The track for this fight is called "Hell Over Heaven".
The title refers to Alucard's home series, Hellsing, and the Hellsing Organization, as well as a form of Dio's Stand, The World Over Heaven and the name of his diary in Stone Ocean. Additionally, it references Dio's Heaven plan, as outlined in his diary. It also refers to the opposing nature of the two combatants.
Trivia[]
- The connections between Dio and Alucard are that both are popular anime vampires who are sadistic, egotistical, have a healing factor which makes them extremely difficult to kill, and hold opposing viewpoints on humanity (Dio gladly discarded his humanity in exchange for power he constantly seeks and sees humans as inferior, whereas Alucard regrets his immortality and wishes to be slain by a worthy human while seeing beauty in the mortality of humans). Both plagued England in the 19th century before being sealed away for long periods of time due to the actions of vampire slayers, gaining respect for the humans who defeated them (Jonathan Joestar and Abraham Van Helsing, respectively), though the two reacted oppositely to their defeat (Dio sought to destroy the Joestars as he viewed them as a threat, whereas Alucard became the Hellsing family's loyal servant) and were later reawakened and released in the late 20th century. After their defeat, both had their names changed (Dio Brando to DIO and Vlad Dracula to Alucard). Both were abused as children and became vampires after trading in their humanity to escape a dire situation (Dio put on the Stone Mask to avoid getting arrested, and Alucard drank blood to save himself from being executed). Both can summon allies to their sides in battle (Dio's Stand, The World, and Alucard's Familiars), and at the height of their power control a part of reality (Dio can stop time and Alucard became omnipresent). Additionally, both command a loyal vampiric follower (Vanilla Ice and Seras Victoria, respectively) whose masters caused them a fatal wound, but then also revived them by turning them into a vampire. Furthermore, both are also known for having a strong relationship with a priest, though in opposite ways (Enrico Pucci and Alexander Anderson, respectively).
- Coincidentally, one of Alucard's earliest opponents in his home series, Luke Valentine, holds many similarities to Dio, being a flamboyant, blond vampire who favoured using daggers and happened to share both his English and Japanese voice actors (Patrick Seitz and Takehito Koyasu, respectively) with Dio.
- This is the most wanted episode of SoMaShadow and Gogeta46power.