Gyalzen POV

Following our escape from D'Arby's room, we were left to wander the mansion searching for the others. Quite soon it became apparent that the room we'd been in was the product of a Stand, one the others must have dealt with as the whole labyrinth-type layout vanished.

Speaking of the others, it also became apparent they'd run into conflict of their own. We arrived in a room that was in utter chaos. There were perfectly formed circular holes dotted around the surfaces. As if something had cut through them.

Avdol, Polnareff, Iggy, Raymond, they'd certainly found something within this mansion. Were they alright? What had happened? As we pressed on, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were once again being watched.

Racing up a staircase, Kakyoin abruptly stopped us, warning. "Stop! There's something ahead and to the right!" I nodded, saying "Yes, I can sense it too." Our attention turned to a door up ahead, out of which, a woman emerged.

She seemed frightened, eyeing us warily and panting heavily. I would have fallen for it, had I not looked down and noticed her hands. They were backwards, straight away, I suspected a trick. Though for a moment, I remained silent.

Straight away, the woman cried out. "P-please, have mercy! Please don't suck my blood! I'll do anything you want, just don't kill me, please!"

We approached the crying woman, Joseph consoling "H-hey just wait a second, calm down. We aren't DIO's minions and we're not Vampires. We're the good guys, we'll help you but you need to calm down."

At this, the woman calmed down, asking "Good guys? You're really going to help me?" Jotaro stepped forward, a glint in his eye as he spoke "Yeah, we're good..." The woman smiled.

Only for Star Platinum to punch her right in the FACE!

As she was flung back through the door, he finished "Good at defending justice." Joseph added "Sure we'll help you. Help you go straight to Hell!" I said "I'm glad I wasn't the only one who noticed. Sorry I didn't say anything, I just wanted to be certain." Jotaro reassured "No worries, how could we not notice."

The woman knelt up, revealing a man's face on the back of her head. Or rather, the front. This man was the real identity who barked out. "This is impossible! How did you do it?! My power is impossible to crack!"

I said "Really? I've seen many powers in my time and this had to be the worst." Kakyoin retorted "Is your power having the face of a woman on the back of your head?" 

Joseph finally stated the obvious "If you're gonna flip your head, you should make sure your hands match." Jotaro approached "Alright loser, tell us, where's DIO's room?" Kakyoin warned that we'd need him to take us to DIO as well.

The man lunged forward screeching "Lord DIO's blood flow's through my veins, I'm immortal." With Star Platinum, Jotaro effortlessly stopped the attack only to punch him several times, launching him back.

Picking him up, he stated "Vampire or not, we can still tear you into a million little pieces. Come on, take us to DIO. The sun's about to set."

I placed one arm behind my back and held the other up, as I said "Jotaro, let me explain this. Look here." As the Vampire turned to me, I took a deep breath and allowed Hamon to flow through my arm. 

I explained "See this young man? This is Hamon, to spare you the science of it, I'll just say one punch of this would be like a punch from the sun itself. A Vampire like you would be reduced to ash. I don't like violence, but when it comes to Vampires, I don't hold back."

As the Vampire eyed me with fear. I spoke "If you take us to DIO, I shall spare you. How does that sound?" As Hamon coursed through my hand, the Vampire gulped. It seems we'd found our unwilling guide.

Now it was a matter of finding the others...

Raymond (Gladius) POV

Following Vanilla Ice's defeat, me and Polnareff pressed on deeper within the mansion. We wanted to mourn Avdol and Iggy, but in this situation, it would have to wait. They'd died so we could proceed.

Once we'd bandaged our wounds, I asked, "How are you holding up?" Polnareff answered "It still hurts, but now is not the time to fret. What about you?" I shrugged, "Head still hurts, being slammed into a stone floor will do that. But it's nothing to worry about."

Before we could say another word, footsteps could be heard at the top of the stairs behind us before they came to a stop. We turned to face the source and upon seeing the figure at the top of the stairs, my eyes widened in shock.

DIO stood, looking down on us! For the first time since we'd met, he wasn't cast in shadow. I actually got a good look at him!

Image of DIO:

The chill, the same one I always felt in his presence, returned. I honestly expected to kill us both then and there. However he didn't. Instead he looked down at us both with a grin. 

Polnareff spat "At last you show yourself, DIO!" DIO simply responded with a slow, condescending clap as he responded.

"Bravo Polnareff, you've managed to avenge your sister while travelling all the way from the far east." Turning to me, he added "And you Gladius, or should I also call you Raymond? You got the answers you sought and once again come before me."

Polnareff declared "To celebrate, we shall gladly take your life." I agreed, "Indeed, you had us running around fighting your minions. Least you can do is face us yourself now."

DIO chuckled before saying "I'll give you both one chance. Each of you descend two steps and live, I'll let you both be my servants again. If you choose death, rise forth to me."

At this, my eye twitched as I snapped "You expect me to serve you after what you did to my family all those years ago? Not to mention you had the audacity to turn me into one of your puppets. I choose the third option, a knife between your EYES!"

My Stand appeared, wasting no time summoning a knife which I proceeded to throw. It flew through the air, seemingly about to hit its mark, a critical shot between DIO's eyes. Then IT happened.

It was like he was a ghost, the knife appeared to go from in front of him, to behind him. Where it flew and stabbed into the wall at the top of the stairs! DIO raised an eyebrow at me and spoke. "I don't believe that was one of the options I gave Raymond."

Polnareff however, spoke. "At our first encounter, fear overcame me like a curse. I let myself submit to your evil. It was the beginning of a futile existence, a life consumed by the sole desire to do your bidding. I'm sure Raymond agrees."

I couldn't help but nod, still trying to calm my breathing down. Polnareff spoke confidently "The fear is gone now. The only thing that consumes me is the burning will to fight. I'll never be scared of you again!"

I had to commend Polnareff on his bravery, despite everything, I was still terrified of DIO's presence. Even so, I wasn't about to let my fear get the best of me. Pointing at DIO, I said "Indeed. That's why we're here. To close the book on this chapter of our lives."

DIO licked his lips creepily before saying "Very well. Climb these stairs."

With a snarl, we did exactly that, determined to reach our mark. Upon doing so though, DIO spoke arrogantly. Folding his arms, he said. "Interesting you two. You've both descended the stairs. So, you do want to serve me after all."

For a moment, I was confused, however looking down, my blood ran cold when I noticed we were both stood at the bottom of the stairs once again. But how had this happened?! 

We'd clearly taken a step up the stairs, and yet we'd ended up going down to the bottom! Polnareff reassured me "Forget it Raymond, come on." I replied "Right." And went to follow him, however it happened again! We found ourselves back at the bottom.

Was this the result of DIO's Stand? There was only one way to find out. I snapped "Enough games DIO!" And threw a handful of knives. Though it was just like before, each one missed their mark, even if they were originally heading straight for him!

One even seemed to turn ninety degrees to lodge in the wall next to DIO. He looked at it for a moment, grinning before looking at us. 

"What's the matter? You both appear shaken. Could it be that you're afraid? In your minds, you thought you'd stepped up, or that you'd thrown daggers at me. But perhaps your descent and lacklustre accuracy are a case of fear overriding consciousness."

Polnareff exclaimed "Impossible, I know I just climbed the stairs." Turning to me, he asked "Raymond, what the hell is happening?!" I was also confused and shaken as I replied "I don't know, it makes no sense, my Stand's precision is unmatched at this range. And yet everything I've thrown has missed."

DIO took this moment to ask. "Polnareff, Raymond, ever wonder what the human soul desires most? It's human nature to overcome anxiety and fear." He pulled up a throne-like chair and sat down, continuing to watch us from atop the stairs.

"People want fame, they control others, they acquire fame. All for a sense of security. Marriage and friendship is merely a means of securing peace of mind. Humans say they want to help others, for the sake of love or justice. But this is only to settle their own minds. The true motive of the human psyche is to achieve a sense of secure serenity."

He paused for a moment before asking "Why then, would either of you possibly hesitate in serving me? If you both do my bidding, all I speak of will be yours. Are you both not afraid to challenge me? You know your death will be certain. You are both talented Stand users, it would be a shame to kill either of you. Betray Joestar and become my everlasting assistants."

In the past, I'd have taken this offer without hesitation. However, my initially reluctant alliance with the Joestars had become much less reluctant. The only reason I was alive now was because of Avdol's sacrifice, Iggy died saving Polnareff, and Polnareff himself had become a reliable friend.

My answer was clear. And it seemed Polnareff agreed. 

"Cut the crap DIO!" He yelled "I've already died once. If I die trying to figure out your Stand's abilities, so be it! Come on Raymond!" I nodded saying "Exactly, and I've seen how you view your pawns up to this point. Do you even care about Vanilla Ice's death? He was deathly loyal to you but I doubt you even care."

DIO simply said "His death was an unfortunate set-back." That gave me all the answers I needed. I followed Polnareff in leaping up some of the steps, both of us called out our Stands. 

Silver Chariot and Ace of Swords dashed forward, side-by-side, I summoned a matching rapier. DIO however narrowed his eyes and said "Then you leave me no choice." He stood up as a figure began to emerge behind him.

Its appearance could best be compared to Jotaro's Star Platinum. It was a humanoid bulked figure, gold in colour. I knew exactly what this was. DIO's Stand had finally shown itself. 

THE WORLD!

Image of The World:

Power: A

Speed: A

Range: C

Precision: A

Stamina: B

Development Potential: B

Polnareff exclaimed "Is that The World? Bring it!" I snapped "Time to end this!" Our Stands continued to rush forward towards DIO's. The World did the same, rushing to engage both our Stands at once.

Before they could clash though, the wall behind us was blown in. As sunlight flooded the room, DIO recalled his Stand and shielded himself. Me and Polnareff both turned to the source, surprised to be met with Joseph, Jotaro, Kakyoin and Gyalzen. All four simultaneously pointing directly at us.

Joseph spoke "Don't worry you two." Our attention shifted to DIO just in time to see him gliding around the corner, out of view. Joseph exclaimed "That was DIO wasn't it?! Come on, before he gets away!"

The others ran up the stairs however I called out "Wait!" Polnareff added "We have something we have to tell you first." As the others turned to face us, he continued. "We saw him use his Stand, only for a moment though."

We explained what had happened as best we could. Not that we could understand it ourselves. We told them about how we tried climbing the stairs only to find ourselves at the bottom, about how my knives that should have hit him, all missed their mark, some even passing through him.

Jotaro then asked "Where are Avdol and Iggy?" At this, we both faltered. I tried saying "They..." Before trailing off. Polnareff explained "T-they didn't make it. They died saving us both. Raymond nearly died trying to save Iggy as well, but it was for nothing."

For a moment, we were all silent, before Joseph muttered "I see..." Gyalzen added "I'm sorry Joseph." Kakyoin was quick to usher us along though, saying "Mr Joestar, the sun is setting. We need to hurry." Joseph sombrely said "You're right."

Kakyoin threw a bag down, asking "Hey loser, what's upstairs?" The bag thrashed about, opening to reveal the same pathetic Vampire I'd met when I first encountered DIO. He stammered out "T-the towers. It's Lord DIO's dwelling during the day."

I stepped closer, saying "Well well, it's you. I'd honestly forgotten you were still lurking around here." The Vampire saw me and instantly shrieked in terror, trying to hide in the bag. Jotaro asked "Why's he so scared of you?"

I answered curtly "When I first met DIO, he had me demonstrate my Stand by slicing this guy's throat. Guess I left an impact, didn't know you'd made him our guide though." I leered at the bag.

"You remember what happened last time don't you? If you don't guide us to DIO's chambers right now, we'll have to repeat that won't we?" The Vampire shrieked again before peering out and saying "Y-yes Gladius sir!" 

Timeskip...

Following the pathetic Vampire's directions lead us to a room atop one of the mansion's towers. Jotaro managed to punch one of the windows to let some of the setting light in. Which not only scared the Vampire, but also allowed us to see our surroundings within the chamber.

All that was present in the room was a lone coffin marked with the letter 'D'. It was obvious where he was. We all took a moment to stare at it. 

Joseph spoke "So, that's him. We've never met, but I've known about him and his brother my entire life." Gyalzen added "I remember your grandma Erina telling me about him when we met fifty years ago. I never thought I'd actually witness him myself though."

Faced with the coffin now, my mind wandered. Knowing that DIO had tried to kill my ancestor when he was a baby, perhaps it was fate that I would be a Stand user. Perhaps from the moment I was born, I was destined to cross paths with the Joestar family. Perhaps it was destiny that had me stood here now.

Gyalzen POV

It had been Joseph's grandma Erina who first told me the whole story of DIO all those years ago. I'd heard pieces from my old master Straizo, along with Lisa Lisa and even Joseph himself. But she told me everything about him, his brother Damian and their conflict with Jonathan Joestar a century ago. 

Back then, I'd believed it all in the past. I'd never anticipated that I'd have to face DIO himself one day. When Joseph had first got in touch regarding needing my help, I didn't know what to think.

But, I was quick to push my fear aside, for Joseph, for Holy and for Jotaro. With Hamon and my Stand at my side, along with my allies. I wouldn't falter...

Raymond POV

"We attack when he steps out of the coffin. Understand? Be ready." Joseph spoke. 

I nodded in understanding as he turned to the Vampire, Nukesaku and snapped "Loser, open the coffin!" This caused the Vampire to begin sweating as he rambled.

"L-Lord DIO, I promise I haven't betrayed you! I led them here because I know you can dispose of them! I'm certain of it!" Joseph yelled "Shut up and open the coffin!" 

Nukesaku chuckled nervously before ranting "Please, oh please, kill these bastards! Lord DIO!" He began pushing the coffin aside for us, we maintained eye contact. Which made what happened next even more terrifying.

The coffin lid opened, not revealing DIO though, but rather a now DEAD AND MUTILATED NUKESAKU!

His last words were those of confusion as he stammered "I-I'm in the coffin?!"

Joseph exclaimed "But how?! I was watching the whole time!" Gyalzen added "So was I. What happened? He opened the coffin, and yet was inside it..." Joseph asked "Did any of you see the loser get in?"

I shook my head, "No... It's just like before, on the stairs..." Polnareff said "I was watching the whole time and suddenly he was inside!" Kakyoin agreed "Polnareff's right. This isn't a mind trick and it's not super speed." Gyalzen spoke "There's something wrong here."

As these words were spoken, I felt a wave of murderous intent. Pure utter evil, it nearly left me petrified in fear. However I was snapped back to reality as Joseph called out. "RUN FOR IT!"

We all did exactly that, Polnareff was left frozen but Joseph's Hermit Purple pulled him along with us. We all leapt from the hole in the window we'd made earlier. All this effort to find the mansion, and we were just leaving.

But the situation on the stairs ran through my mind, as did what had just happened with the coffin. DIO had planned to get the drop on us in that room, that much was clear. Even though there were six of us now, I have a hunch DIO could have killed us all in that moment, we'd escaped just in time.

All this lead to a single question. 

How could we fight DIO, if we didn't know his ability?

Author's Note: And that's it for this chapter. Now this is truly the beginning of the end now, the first chapter of the final arc. This one is hopefully going to be the best one yet. I really hope you enjoy and as always, thank you for reading.